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While practical nurses (LPN) and medical assistants often perform similar tasks, there are a few key differences to be aware of, including:

• Educational requirements
• Average salary
• Scope of practice
• Ongoing career opportunities
• Future outlook for jobs

Learn more about the difference between practical nursing and medical assisting and how to go from MA to LPN.

You may find some programs offering 6 month or 9 month paths to a PN diploma to become an LPN. Be mindful that accelerated diploma/degree programs aren’t for everyone and such a fast track can be overwhelming. If you’re considering a few months’ difference in time as a tipping point in your decision, remember the quality of your education is most important!

51������’s 1-year PN diploma program gets you an excellent hands-on education in a short amount of time. You’ll learn the foundational concepts and skills in nursing needed to excel in your new career as an LPN.

According to the , licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earn an average salary of $64,150 per year ($30.84 per hour).* Discover the average salary for a licensed practical nurse broken down by state.

Because many hospitals are upping their educational requirements for nurses in general, the demand for LPNs in hospitals is falling relative to registered nurses with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

However, any claim they are being “phased out” isn’t accurate. LPNs remain in demand in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care and many other environments. The predicts job opportunities for LPNs will rise approximately 3% from 2024-2034.*

The landscape is changing, but LPNs remain a vital contributor in the nursing community.

Considering a career as an LPN?

Your first step is to get a hands-on education to learn the fundamentals of nursing in a career-focused program. 51������'s practical nursing program combines classwork with clinical experiences to help you earn your diploma and prepare you to become an LPN in as few as 12 months. Our program is available at several of our ground campuses:

• Akron, Ohio
• Birmingham, Alabama
• Kenosha, Wisconsin
• Brookfield, Wisconsin
• Madison, Wisconsin
• Orlando, Florida
• Tampa, Florida

While Registered Nurses (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) often work together in collaboration in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, their roles and responsibilities are very different. Learn more about the biggest differences between practical nurses (LPN/LVN) and registered nurses (RN).

PN program coursework is meant to be challenging, but not impossible.  As a Herzing student you’ll find support every step of the way, from faculty, staff, instructors and other students enrolled in the program. You’re never alone—and never be afraid to ask for help when you need it!

Learn more about how hard nursing school is at 51������, and read some testimonials from former students describing their experience.

Although the majority of LPNs work in nursing homes, retirement communities or assisted living facilities, many LPNs work in:

• Physician's offices
• Hospitals
• Colleges
• Insurance carriers
• Home care
• Community food and housing

You can see a full industry profile for Licensed Practical Nurses from the .

Quite simply, yes! A PN diploma and a job as a LPN is a great way to quickly get involved in the nursing profession and get a better feel for what it means to be a nurse. Earning your diploma helps get you into a career with above average pay, and can springboard you into the next level of nursing education should you choose to continue advancing your education and career.

We can help you come to a better determination. Send us a request for more information and we can answer any questions you have about the PN program, and discuss how beneficial it can be for you to become a LPN.

Potential employers may prefer a candidate with experience as a CNA, but it’s not necessarily a requirement for getting a job as an LPN (same goes for going from CNA to RN).

You aren't required to go from CNA to LPN and there is no prerequisite to be a CNA before enrolling in the 51������ PN program.

No, there are no accredited PN programs that are 100% online. LPN programs describing themselves as “online” will offer a hybrid option where you can take some classes online to supplement your primary classroom coursework.

Students enrolled in the Herzing PN program may complete general education courses online—but the bulk of the coursework must be completed on campus.

Ultimately there is no replacement for real hands-on clinical experience, practice in simulation labs and direct in-person support from nursing instructors with real healthcare experience. Learning the skills required to become an LPN requires the live educational experience to become an excellent Licensed Practical Nurse.