Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurse
Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurse
Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurse workers provide basic nursing care and monitor patients under the direction allowed by state law.
What You Would Do
- Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurse workers provide basic nursing care and monitor patients under the direction allowed by state law
- Follow the standards
- Procedures and documentation required for the work
- Prepare for the patient
- Procedure
- Test or service
The exact work depends on the role, patient population, setting, legal scope, equipment and care team.
Types of Work You Could Explore
Vital signs — Explore vital signs. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Medications — Explore medications. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Wound care — Explore wound care. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Specimens — Explore specimens. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Mobility — Explore mobility. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Documentation — Explore documentation. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Patient education — Support safe, respectful care while observing, communicating and documenting accurately.
Team communication — Explore team communication. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
You do not have to choose a specialty before you begin. Job titles and specialty names vary among employers and training programs, and one job may include more than one type of work.
Who Might Like This Career
This career may appeal to you if you are interested in vital signs, medications, wound care. It can be a good fit for people who enjoy careful problem solving, accurate work, learning how science, technology and respectful care connect and seeing a clear result from their effort.
Where You Could Work
nursing facilities, hospitals, clinics, home health, residential care and physician offices.
Work Conditions and Safety
Some healthcare roles involve infection exposure, sharps, medicines, radiation, patient movement, emergencies or emotional stress. Training, infection control, teamwork and appropriate protective equipment help reduce risk.
Pay and Job Outlook
Median annual pay: $64,400 in May 2025 for licensed practical and vocational nurses.
These are national U.S. figures for the occupation or comparison group named above, not a promised starting salary. Pay can vary considerably by location, experience, specialty, overtime, union agreement, employer, role, credentials, schedule, location and local market. People starting the career commonly earn less than experienced workers; paid training programs may increase wages as skills grow.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics career and pay information
Skills You Can Start Building
- Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurse workers provide basic nursing care and monitor patients under the direction allowed by state law
- Follow the standards, procedures and documentation required for the work
- Communicate respectfully with patients, families and the care team
- Protect privacy and maintain accurate records
- Recognize changes or problems and respond within the role
- Use clinical equipment and infection-control practices correctly
- Provide reliable, compassionate service
How Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurse Work Is Changing
Digital health records, portable diagnostics, automated laboratories, advanced imaging and remote monitoring are changing how services are delivered.
AI may assist with documentation, imaging, scheduling and decision support. Healthcare workers remain responsible for verification, privacy, communication and care within their legal scope.
Electronic records, connected devices, robotics, telehealth and AI are changing healthcare. Workers still must protect privacy, verify information, communicate clearly and use professional judgment within their role.
Education and Training
Preparation may include approved healthcare education, clinical practice, certificates, apprenticeship, employer training or college. The exact path depends on the role; licensed occupations require approved education and state authorization.
Career Pathways and Apprenticeship Availability
Typical pathway: Employer training and related paid experience are common; apprenticeship availability varies.
LPN and LVN apprenticeships exist. Candidates must complete approved education and meet state licensing requirements.
A Registered Apprenticeship follows an approved training plan and combines paid work, supervised learning, related instruction and progressive skill development. Some employers use the word apprenticeship for paid programs that are not registered. Ask the sponsor which type it is and what credential, wage progression and job it provides.
Licenses and Certifications
Licensing and certification vary greatly. Nursing and many diagnostic or treatment roles require state licensure or recognized credentials; support roles may use employer-required certification. Verify your state board, accreditor and employer requirements.
Look up licenses in your state
Career Pathways to Learn Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurse and Gain Experience
Apprenticeship — Learn through real paid work with experienced workers who teach and guide you, supported by technical instruction and a structure for developing and measuring progress. Some apprenticeships are Registered Apprenticeships; others are not.
Entry-Level Jobs — Gain paid experience with tools, equipment, customer service, safety and workplace practices through beginning work in the field.
Youth Apprenticeship — Begin developing career skills through work while continuing high-school education where a suitable program is available.
Career and Technical Education CTE — Build applied skills through health science, nursing, emergency care, medical assisting, pharmacy, laboratory, imaging, health information or related programs.
Pre-Apprenticeship — Learn introductory skills, safety and workplace expectations while preparing for apprenticeship or employment. Verify that the program connects participants with real employers and does not charge tuition simply for possible access to an apprenticeship.
Co-op — Combine education with career-related work experience through a high school, CTE program, community college or other educational program.
Paid Work-Based Learning — Get paid to do real work for an employer while learning skills and gaining experience related to the career.
Clinical or Employer Training — Learn role-specific equipment, workflows, documentation and care procedures under qualified supervision. Training must match any legal scope and credential requirements.
From Learning to Experienced Work
Skills develop through practice and experience. People who are new to the work usually receive more instruction and supervision. As they demonstrate skill, judgment and reliability, they take on more difficult work, greater responsibility and more independent assignments.
A common progression: Learn → Practice → Gain Experience → Build Confidence → Take on More Responsibility → Work More Independently
Experienced workers may eventually supervise work or teach and guide newer workers, trainees and apprentices.
Where This Career Can Lead
With experience and any required education or credentials, you may specialize, take on more complex care or technical work, mentor others, coordinate a team or move into quality, education, management or advanced practice.
Questions to Ask Before You Apply
- Is this a paid job from the beginning?
- Is it a Registered Apprenticeship, an employer-run apprenticeship, another training program or a regular job with training?
- What equipment and work will I learn, and who will teach me on the job?
- How does pay increase as I gain skills?
- Who provides the classes, and can I earn college credit or an industry credential?
- What tools, transportation, physical requirements, licenses, background checks or costs should I expect?
Explore related careers
Consider these careers with overlapping tools, materials, systems or work settings:
Certified Nursing Assistant and Patient Care Technician
Medical Assistant
Surgical Technologist and Operating Room Specialist
Sterile Processing and Sterile Supply Technician
Diagnostic Medical Imaging Technologist
Cardiovascular Technologist
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician
Explore opportunities
Search apprenticeships and programs on Apprenticeship.com
Explore Apprenticeship.com state apprenticeship guides
Learn more from official career resources