Are you interested in becoming a licensed practical nurse? A licensed practical nurse (LPN) enjoys a career in the medical field with good job prospects. A licensed practical nurse, sometimes called a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) experiences the gratification of helping people. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual earnings of licensed practical nurses were $36,550 in 2006. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos102.htm

A licensed practical nurse can generally complete his or her training within a year, which enables them to begin working much sooner than if they had pursued a RN. If after working in the field they decide they would like to become a registered nurse, their licensed practical nursing training and experience will help them become accepted to nursing school. Read on to learn how to become a licensed practical nurse.

LPNs provide direct care to patients, which includes:

1. Taking vital signs
2. Gathering patient health information
3. Preparing and administering injections
4. Collecting lab samples
5. Supervising nursing assistants and aides
6. Instructing patients and their families about home health care

Community colleges, vocational schools, and hospitals may offer training programs preparing you to be licensed as an LPN. The programs generally run for 12 months, and usually require a high school degree or a GED. Programs run by a vocational school may issue the LPN degree in conjunction with a high school diploma.

Although licensse are issued by individual states, all LPN candidates must successfully pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam, which is admiinistered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The exam covers safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.

Each state board of nursing can set their own requirements for licensing, which may include a background check and payment of a fee, as well as completing a training program and passing the licensing exam.