[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs work in varied healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and schools.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Common duties include monitoring vitals, administering meds, and supporting RNs and physicians.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Flexible options like home health, travel nursing, and remote work offer diverse career paths and work-life balance.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/lpn-lvn/”]Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)[/hen-ui-link] are healthcare professionals who provide basic nursing care to patients in various settings. Typically supervised by [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]registered nurses (RNs)[/hen-ui-link] or physicians, LPNs provide key services to patients, including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Monitoring patients and vital signs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Administering medications[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bedside skills like bathing and feeding[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Changing bandages[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Patient education[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore 10 different healthcare workplaces that employ LPNs and their responsibilities in each setting.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is an LPN?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs — known in Texas and California as [hen-ui-link href=”/state/california/lvn-programs/”]licensed vocational nurses (LVNs)[/hen-ui-link] — provide basic medical care to patients of all ages with various medical conditions. Because of their limited scope of practice compared to RNs, LPNs require supervision from an RN, [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)[/hen-ui-link], or physician.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most LPN training programs take 12-18 months to complete. Graduates must pass the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Examination for Licensed Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)[/hen-ui-link] to practice as an LPN, after which they may seek specialty certification (e.g., IV therapy) or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-online-lpn-to-bsn-programs/”]complete a bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-link] to obtain an RN license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual LPN salary was $62,340 in 2024. LPN jobs are also projected to grow by 3% from 2024-2034, which is on par with the national average job growth.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10 Healthcare Settings for LPNs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPN jobs are available in clinical environments and community settings. The following overviews detail the most popular workplaces for LPNs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nursing Homes, Residential Care, and Rehabilitation Centers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most LPNs work in nursing homes and residential care facilities. They assist residents with their daily care and medical needs and report findings to the RN or other supervisor. LPNs may delegate some tasks to [hen-ui-link href=”/cna/”]certified nursing assistants (CNAs)[/hen-ui-link], such as checking vital signs and assisting with baths and feeding.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Hospitals[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Similar to nursing homes, hospital LPNs also work under close supervision, delegate tasks to CNAs, and assist patients with their daily care and medical needs. But because hospital care is so complex, LPNs in this setting are more limited in their skillset. For example, LPNs can assess patients, but only an RN can perform the initial assessment; also, LPNs cannot administer certain IV medications without special certification.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Home Healthcare[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For LPNs working in [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/home-healthcare-nurse/”]home health nursing[/hen-ui-link], patient education is essential. This is because patients and their families must manage their own care when the nurse is away. If an LPN has IV certification, they may administer some IV medications in the home. LPNs in this setting are paid based on the number of patients they see, as opposed to hours worked.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Physician’s Offices[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs in this setting work under the supervision of the office’s primary RN and physician. While specific responsibilities vary by practice, some tasks include gathering medical histories, checking vital signs, administering vaccinations, and performing administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments. Working in a doctor’s office provides a slower-paced environment compared to that of a hospital or clinic.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Government[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs employed by the government may work in correctional facilities, Veterans Administration (VA) departments, and military bases, so responsibilities can vary. For example, an LPN working in a jail or prison may pass medications and administer vaccinations, while an LPN at a VA department may solely perform administrative duties. Government facilities provide a variety of LPN career options and offer good benefits, such as [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/financial-aid/paying-for-your-nursing-degree/”]financial aid for nursing education[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Schools[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Under the supervision of a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/school-nurse/how-to-become/”]school nurse[/hen-ui-link], LPNs treat minor medical issues (e.g., allergic reactions, cuts and bruises), perform hearing and sight tests, ensure vaccination records are up-to-date, and determine if students need additional care or treatment outside of school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most schools do not allow them to fill the role of primary school nurse because they do not hold an RN license. LPNs can work in primary, secondary, and postsecondary schools.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Ambulatory Clinics[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Similar to nurses in physician offices, LPNs working in [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/ambulatory-care-nurse/”]ambulatory care nursing[/hen-ui-link] check vital signs, pass medication, administer vaccinations, and schedule appointments. But responsibilities can vary based on clinic type and specialty. For example, an LPN working at a fertility clinic may educate a couple about family planning, while an LPN at a surgical clinic may gather a medical history from a patient who has a planned surgery.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Hospice and Palliative Care[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs working in [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/hospice-nurse/”]hospice nursing[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/palliative-care-nurse/”]palliative care nursing[/hen-ui-link] work in clinical facilities, nursing homes, and residential homes, providing care to patients who have incurable medical conditions or are terminally ill. Responsibilities include performing day-to-day bedside care, passing medications, teaching patients and families, and ensuring patients are comfortable and pain-free. This job calls for compassion, communication, and other [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/soft-skills-for-successful-nurses/”]”soft skills” for nurses[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Remote Work[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While most LPNs work in direct patient care environments, some work remotely in [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/non-bedside-jobs-for-nurses/”]roles away from the bedside[/hen-ui-link]. These may include virtual coaching, nurse advice lines, remote patient monitoring, and medical record review, among other [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/telehealth-nurse/”]telehealth nursing roles[/hen-ui-link]. Because remote jobs require work with a variety of software programs, LPNs in this setting must be comfortable with technology.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Travel Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A growing number of LPNs are becoming [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/travel-nurse/”]travel nurses[/hen-ui-link], and their responsibilities depend on the specialty and setting in which they work. For example, an LPN can work as a travel home health nurse, performing home care as any other home care nurse. The primary difference is the traveling aspect of the job and the higher salary. As of September 2025, the top-earning travel LPNs make about $91,000 annually, according to ZipRecruiter.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is an LPN the same as an LVN?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. The LPN and LVN are equivalent titles and roles, with LVN being the preferred title in Texas and California.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the highest-paid LPN job?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Travel nursing is one of the highest-paying LPN jobs. Travel LPNs earn an average of $91,000 annually compared to $62,140 for staff LPNs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What exactly do LPNs do?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs provide basic medical care to patients of all ages with various medical conditions. They monitor vital signs, pass medications, change bandages, assist with bathing and feeding, and teach patients. Responsibilities can vary based on the work setting.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”In which setting are LPNs most employed?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most LPNs are employed in nursing homes and residential care facilities, which equates to 37% of the LPN workforce, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]