LPN jobs: licensed practical nurses in home health and nursing homes

A licensed practical nurse (LPN), also called a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), provides basic medical care under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors. The path is a state-approved program that typically takes about a year, followed by a licensing exam.

BLS groups both titles together as licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses. This page says LPN for short.

What LPNs do

BLS says LPNs and LVNs provide basic medical care. Their duties include monitoring vital signs, providing basic patient care and documenting care. They typically work under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors.

Federal rules use the same shape. For Medicare-certified home health agencies, 42 CFR 484.115 defines the licensed practical (vocational) nurse as a person who has completed a practical (vocational) nursing program, is licensed in the state where practicing, and furnishes services under the supervision of a qualified registered nurse.

Federal rules also give LPNs a part in training aides. Under 42 CFR 483.152, the 16 hours of supervised practical training in a nurse aide program must be done under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse.

Where LPNs work

BLS lists these employers of LPNs and LVNs:

Employer type	Share of LPNs and LVNs
Nursing and residential care facilities	37%
Hospitals	16%
Home healthcare services	12%
Offices of physicians	11%
Government	6%

In nursing homes, 42 CFR 483.35 requires the facility to have sufficient licensed nurses and other nursing personnel on a 24-hour basis, and a licensed nurse to serve as charge nurse on each tour of duty. It also requires a registered nurse for at least 8 consecutive hours a day, 7 days a week. LPNs are mentioned by name in the rule's nurse staffing information requirements. See nursing homes and home health agencies for who operates near you.

Training and licensing

BLS says LPNs and LVNs must complete a state-approved educational program, which typically takes about 1 year. Certificate and diploma programs are commonly offered at community colleges and technical schools. After the program, they must pass an exam to become licensed and enter the occupation.

For hospices, 42 CFR 418.114 says professionals must be legally authorized (licensed, certified or registered) under applicable federal, state and local laws. It sets a fallback definition of an LPN, "a person who has completed a practical nursing program," that applies only when the state has no licensing, certification or registration requirement for the profession.

States add their own rules. Each state board of nursing sets licensing requirements, approves programs and decides what an LPN may do. Carevo does not summarize them. BLS refers readers to their state board of nursing and to CareerOneStop for licensing requirements.

LPN pay

BLS reports national wage estimates for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (SOC 29-2061) from its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, with a May 2025 reference period. Carevo does not repeat the figure here, so it cannot go out of date. See the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook page for the current median. These are wages paid to workers, not prices charged by employers, and they are national, so pay in your state and setting can be higher or lower.

How to find LPN jobs

Nursing homes, home health agencies, hospitals and physician offices hire LPNs. Browse nursing homes, home health agencies and private duty nursing providers in your state, then contact the ones near you. Ask whether the role is staff or per-visit, who supervises you and whether the agency is Medicare-certified. If you are a CNA considering the step up, see the CNA page. Registered nurses are covered in home health RN.

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