Licensed Practical Nursing: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed to equip students with the foundational clinical and technical skills needed to deliver essential patient care, this program prepares individuals for entry-level roles in healthcare settings under the supervision of licensed professionals. Graduates are trained to support medical teams in delivering safe, compassionate, and effective nursing services across diverse environments.
- Vital Signs Assessment: Learning to accurately measure and interpret critical health indicators such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate to monitor patient conditions.
- Wound Care and Sterile Techniques: Mastering the application of sterile dressings, infection control protocols, and proper handling of medical supplies to promote healing and prevent complications.
- Patient Education and Communication: Developing the ability to convey health information clearly and empathetically to support patient understanding, adherence to care plans, and self-management of conditions.
- Clinical Support During Examinations and Procedures: Gaining hands-on experience in assisting with patient preparation, equipment setup, and procedural support during diagnostic evaluations and therapeutic treatments.
Licensed Practical Nursing Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Licensed Practical Nursing Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Licensed Practical Nursing degrees, including Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 632,430 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses 29-2061 | $62,340 | $47,960 - $80,510 | 632,430 | $29.97 |
Salary Comparison
Licensed Practical Nursing Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,850 in Mississippi to $79,700 in Washington—a 63% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, Rhode Island, and Alaska. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 632,430 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Licensed Practical Nursing by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Licensed Practical Nursing programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Licensed Practical Nursing is found at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) (1,637 graduates), Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (1,209 graduates), Hondros College of Nursing (HCON) (1,122 graduates), Unitek College (1,107 graduates), and Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts (869 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 24,086 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Licensed Practical Nursing programs
How much can I earn with a Licensed Practical Nursing degree?
Salaries for Licensed Practical Nursing graduates vary by role and location. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses earn a median of $62,340 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $79,700 compared to $48,850 in Mississippi. Approximately 632,430 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Licensed Practical Nursing programs?
Currently 954 accredited institutions offer Licensed Practical Nursing degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) (1,637 graduates), Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (1,209 graduates), and Hondros College of Nursing (HCON) (1,122 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Licensed Practical Nursing growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 60,312 in 2010 to 50,931 in 2023-24. This represents a 16% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Licensed Practical Nursing degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. Related occupations employ approximately 632,430 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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