We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Education

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Become an LVN?

Lainie Petersen
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,177
Share

If you are interested in becoming a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), also known as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you must complete the requirements to become an LVN in the jurisdiction in which you want to receive licensure. This typically requires the completion of a training program, passing a licensing exam, and the approval of your application to your jurisdiction's nursing board. After you become an LVN, you may need to regularly complete continuing education courses in order to renew your license and keep it in good standing.

The process to become an LVN varies by jurisdiction, and in the United States, each state sets its own requirements for obtaining an LVN license. In many cases, you will be expected to complete an approved training program, which in the United States can typically take around a year to finish, provided that you are enrolled in full-time study. LVN training programs are typically approved by a jurisdiction's nursing board. LVN educational programs are typically offered through community colleges, hospitals, and vocational schools. Although it is possible to complete LVN education through any of these institutions, some people find that attending a community college program can provide greater opportunity and flexibility, as community college coursework may be easier to transfer to other schools if you decide to continue your education.

After successfully completing your education to become an LVN, you will then typically need to pass a licensing examination. In the United States, the national licensing examination for LVNs is the NCLEX-PN. You will need to register for the NCLEX-PN and take the test on your assigned date. Once it is verified that you have passed the examination, you may have to wait several weeks for your score before you can proceed with the processing of your LVN license application. In some areas, you may be required to take additional exams in addition to the NCLEX-PN.

The board of nursing will review your exam results, your educational credentials, as well as the other information that you provide with your license application. In some cases, you may be required to consent to a background check. A previous criminal history may prevent you from becoming an LVN, but some licensing boards may give you a hearing so that you can explain your circumstances and the progress you have made since your criminal conviction. In some cases, you may not be able to become an LVN until a prescribed length of time has passed since your conviction.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Lainie Petersen
By Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen, a talented writer, copywriter, and content creator, brings her diverse skill set to her role as an editor. With a unique educational background, she crafts engaging content and hosts podcasts and radio shows, showcasing her versatility as a media and communication professional. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a valuable asset to any media organization.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon190573 — On Jun 26, 2011

A very nice piece. I'm looking forward to becoming an LVN myself.

Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen, a talented writer, copywriter, and content creator, brings her diverse skill set to her role as an...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-become-an-lvn.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.