Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses provide direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, and group homes, assisting with daily activities, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and helping with medical procedures for ill, injured, or disabled patients.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves patient hygiene and grooming, vital sign monitoring, catheter care, and wound dressing changes. Nurses document patient conditions, report changes to supervisors, assist with patient transfers, and help with meals and toileting. Tasks vary by setting—hospital nurses may work faster-paced shifts with acute patients, while nursing home nurses often develop longer-term relationships with residents. Evening and night shifts are common.
Who this work suits
Holland code SRC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely succeed in this role if you're practical and hands-on, comfortable with direct physical care tasks, and genuinely interested in helping people through illness or disability. You work well taking direction from supervisors while managing your own patient assignments independently.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Licensed Practical Nurse - Specialty Care (Medical Subspecialties Clinic) · Veterans Health Administration · Tucson, Arizona · $48766–$88753
- Licensed Practical Nurse - Specialty (Medicine) Outpatient Clinic · Veterans Health Administration · Lexington, Kentucky · $48902–$82157
- Licensed Practical Nurse ( Long Term Care-Dallas CLC A) - EDRP Authorized · Veterans Health Administration · Dallas, Texas · $52994–$83186
- Licensed Practical Nurse- Laboratory (Oconomowoc VA Clinic) · Veterans Health Administration · Oconomowoc, Wisconsin · $64193–$83453
- Licensed Practical Nurse (Long Term Care) - Education Debt Reduction Program Authorized · Veterans Health Administration · Amarillo, Texas · $49257–$78895
- Licensed Practical Nurse (Specialty Clinic) · Veterans Health Administration · Asheville, North Carolina · $63366–$82377
- Blind Rehabilitation Center Licensed Practical Nurse · Veterans Health Administration · West Palm Beach, Florida · $46076–$76252
- Licensed Practical Nurse - General Medicine Service · Veterans Health Administration · Multiple Locations · $55480–$86393
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $76,920 | $83,150 | $93,970 | 6,780 |
| Alaska | $70,490 | $80,800 | $87,380 | 290 |
| Oregon | $73,040 | $80,470 | $90,690 | 4,260 |
| Massachusetts | $72,610 | $80,220 | $84,570 | 13,210 |
| Rhode Island | $77,890 | $80,090 | $81,170 | 1,290 |
| California | $74,840 | $79,750 | $93,720 | 82,850 |
| New Hampshire | $67,650 | $77,110 | $82,760 | 2,220 |
| Arizona | $66,770 | $77,070 | $81,860 | 6,530 |
| Nevada | $65,930 | $76,160 | $79,570 | 3,350 |
| District of Columbia | $63,960 | $75,740 | $81,400 | 1,040 |
| New Jersey | $66,890 | $75,160 | $79,980 | 17,410 |
| Illinois | $63,580 | $75,000 | $79,560 | 17,440 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Dialysis - Licensed Practical Nurse (CD-LPN) — Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
- National Council Licensure Examination for Practical/Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN) — National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
- Certified Dialysis - Licensed Vocational Nurse (CD-LVN) — Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
- Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse (CHPLN) — Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association
- Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN) (CHN) — Board of Nephrology Examiners Technology Nursing
- Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse (CPDN) (CPDN) — Board of Nephrology Examiners Technology Nursing
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-2061.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.