A licensed practical nurse (LPN), working under the direction of registered nurses and doctors, cares for patients who are sick, injured, convalescing or disabled. To work as an LPN, sometimes called a licensed vocational nurse or LVN, one must complete a one-year formal training program. These programs are usually offered by vocational and technical schools or community colleges (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition).
If you are thinking about becoming a licensed practical nurse, you should learn more about it. Read Licensed Practical Nurse: Career Information to get some basic details about this occupation, including earnings, job outlook and advancement opportunities. If, after reading this, you are still interested in a future career as an LPN, you should gather even more information. Interview people who work as LPNs. Then take the Should You Become an LPN ? quiz. It can help you determine if this career choice is for you.