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Medi-Smart > Nursing Schools > Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a doctor. Similar to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), but one step further along in the nursing journey, an LPN has the option to choose the setting in which he or she works--in a traditional hospital setting, in adult assisted living facilities, in private residences and more.

The training required to become an LPN is longer than that of a CNA, as one needs to complete a one-year vocational training program. Logically speaking, your salary will be higher than a CNA due to your increased level of education; as a result of this additional time spent in school, LPN jobs may be a great option for someone who is a bit more sure he or she wants to enter the world of nursing.

Think of an LPN as a sort of nursing apprenticeship--you're in the heat of the action as any RN would be, but you're also shadowing RNs who can teach you what they have learned through on-the-job nursing training. Many LPNS eventually enroll in specialized LPN-to-RN degree programs to accelerate their nursing career, as these online and on-campus nursing degree programs are a popular way to gradually work your way into a RN position. Check out the list of schools on Medi-Smart that offer LPN training programs to receive more free information. The first step is finding out what your options are as an LPN--then go for it!

Click here for more information on Licensed Practical Nurse Salary levels.