According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth of 3% between 2024 and 2034, with approximately 54,400 yearly job openings is anticipated.  It is expected that there will be an increased need for healthcare services in long-term care facilities and in home healthcare.  Because of an increase in chronic diseases such as diabetes, there will be a growing need for LPNs to care for patients with these chronic conditions.

LPNs are employed in variety of healthcare settings and specialty areas.  The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 37% of LPNs are employed in long-term care facilities, which is the highest percentage.  The second highest employer are state, local, and private hospitals (16%), and home healthcare and physician offices are tied at 12%.  The smallest employer of LPNs is the government (6%), which includes state and local education and hospitals.

Our program is 1 year long, that prepares students well for the work force, and to pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam.  Our first time pass rate for this exam is excellent, and all our graduates obtain jobs as an LPN.  You can have a career in a year!

The cost of a practical nursing education is a fraction of a traditional college.  A new LPN can expect to make around $54,000 in South Central Pennsylvania.  The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the mean salary for an LPN in 2024 was $62,340.  Many health care facilities will provide tuition to employees, which may assist students pay for their practical nursing education or if they choose to continue to become a Registered Nurse.

Being an LPN is a rewarding career, but those that choose it can be a launching pad to further their career.  Many LPNs advance to an RN role through bridge programs (LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-ADN).  This increases responsibility, earning potential while building on hands-on experience. Advancement to obtaining a master’s degree in nursing, becoming a Nurse Mid-wife, Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Educator are also obtainable.

One of the best reasons to become an LPN is the sense of purpose that comes when caring for others.  Patients and families often express deep gratitude for the support and compassion LPNs provide.  The human connection along with the ability to make a difference in people's lives is a reward that goes beyond a paycheck.

For the Nursing Education Community
Facilitate discussions among faculty, students, practice partners, and other stakeholders across the nursing education and health profession communities to model a culture of inclusivity, mutual respect, and collaboration.

Create seamless cost effective career pathways (LPN/LVN to BSN, LPN/LVN to MSN) by aligning with RN and post-licensure programs creating dual enrollment opportunities and using the NLN Education Competencies Model (2010) to promote academic progression.

Refocus the LPN/LVN curriculum to concentrate on gerontology; supervisory concepts in skilled care and community-based settings (independent, assisted, and skilled care); and enhanced assessment skills, particularly related to commonly occurring hospital readmission rates from skilled care and home care.

Create opportunities for interprofessional and intraprofessional educational opportunities.

Create strategies to increase diversity in practical nursing schools’ enrollment; mentor this group to continue on the career pathway to RN.

For Practice Partners
Begin a dialogue with LPN/LVN regional faculty to initiate access to clinical sites, including specialty sites such as maternal and child health and psychiatry, and community-based health care settings.

Create and engage in professional development and educational progression opportunities inclusive of all levels of nursing education, when applicable.

Help to establish work environments that are conducive to positive collegial relationships among all nurses and interdisciplinary staff.

For the National League for Nursing, Engage in nursing research, inclusive of LPN/LVN-related issues, specifically to advance the science of nursing education to increase retention of LPN/LVN students and promote academic progression.

Provide opportunities for educators from all types of nursing education programs to work collaboratively on projects aimed at transforming nursing education. Promote the development and validation of new educational approaches, emphasizing critical decision-making in response to the LPN/LVN’s emerging role in sub-acute, skilled care and home care.

Promote research and development on the intraprofessional and interprofessional education of nurses and projects that evaluate the impact of skill mix and the impact on quality care.

Explore with the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) the option of including LPN/LVN students in their organization) Colleagues, these are our thoughts at this point, please join us in this dialogue and of course, the reflection…

How can faculty across the nursing education academic spectrum create a culture of inclusivity and respect within our profession that includes the LPN/LVN as a vital member of the nursing community, serving as a model for others in health care?

In what ways can the nursing education community develop seamless career pathways for LPNs/LVNs to move to professional practice models?

What will it take to build more collaborative bridges among all types of nursing education programs for the purpose of advancing the nation’s health?

A related news release can be found here

Take the Step Towards a Better Future!
Become a licensed LPN from the Franklin County Career and Technology Center Practical Nursing Program.