- Nursing
- Degrees and programs
- LPN/LVN Certificate
LPN/LVN Certificate
If you want a career in nursing, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) program is the quickest way to get started.
LPN/LVN certificate programs in brief
- Course length: 9–12 months
- Average annual salary: $29k–$50k
What are the benefits of an LPN/LVN certificate program?
Varied experience
Exposure to different fields and environments can help you find out what you love to do.
Learning
Advanced qualifications and more expertise bring a bigger salary.
What you’ll learn with an LPN/LVN certificate program
Your studies will include the following classes, exams and practical training.
Core classes
Anatomy, physiology and general education are some of the subjects you’ll study.
Hands-on experience
As part of your curriculum, you’ll work in a lab and practice in a clinic or other healthcare facility.
Take the NCLEX-PN
Before you can practice, you need to pass this standardized exam set by the Board of Nursing in every state. It’s designed to make sure you’re ready to work as an entry-level nurse.
What you can do with an LPN/LVN certificate
You’ll work with doctors and Registered Nurses in healthcare facilities, across a wide range of disciplines.
Your duties will include monitoring patients, administering medication, collecting data and performing other hands-on tasks.
Your duties will include monitoring patients, administering medication, collecting data and performing other hands-on tasks.
Did you know?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) are basically the same role — just different names used in different states (LVN is used in California and Texas).
Where you’ll work after getting your LPN/LVN certificate
- Hospitals
- Doctor’s offices
- Outpatient care centers
- Nursing homes
How to get ahead with your LPN/LVN certificate
One of the best things about being a nurse? You’ll never stop learning. You’ll have opportunities to grow from the day you start your career.
Continue your education
Most of the places you’ll work will offer courses that keep your skills sharp and your knowledge up to date.
Get an ADN/ASN
An Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is the next step up the nursing career ladder.
Get a BSN
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) will earn you more responsibilities and more opportunities.
Featured specialties
Emergency nurse
An emergency nurse takes care of patients in a wide range of situations, from fevers, to minor injuries and major trauma.
Radiology nurse
A radiology nurse takes care of patients who are undergoing ultrasounds, MRIs, X-rays and radiation treatments.
Independent nurse contractor
An independent nurse contractor is their own boss, working on a contractual basis instead of being employed directly by a healthcare facility.
Take the next step on your nursing journey.
Are you considering a nursing career but unsure of where to start? Take our quiz to get your personalized guide of the steps you’ll need to take, whether you have prior nursing experience or are looking to enter the profession for the first time!