Starting a professional career as a licensed practical nursing or LPN requires that a prospective LPN initially enroll and complete an LPN course program offered by a school accredited by the National League of Nursing Accreditation Commission or NLNAC. Enrolling in an LPN program not accredited by the NLNAC does not qualify for a licensure examination, thus, it is recommended to check on the accreditation status of the LPN school before deciding to register with them. All states in the country require that practical nurses obtain a license to practice before they are employed in any health care facility, and so, choosing the right LPN school and program is one of the most important decisions to make in order to have a successful career in this field.

Each LPN school has its specific prerequisites before students are accepted in their LPN program. In addition to a high school diploma or its equivalent, some general education requirements are necessary before starting an LPN course program. To obtain a license in practical nursing, the applicant must first complete a 12 to 18-month LPN course accredited by the state. Education and training in practical nursing is offered by vocational and technical LPN schools, community colleges, hospitals, and medical centers. LPN programs consist of lecture classes and clinical trainings supervised by LPNs. Courses in anatomy and physiology, psychiatric and mental health nursing, obstetrics, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, medication calculation and administration, nutrition and dietetics, family health, community health and fundamentals in nursing techniques are included in the curriculum. Clinical rotations are done in various health care facilities to teach, develop and assess the technical and clinical skills of the students.

Once these requirements are completed, practical nursing students are eligible to apply to their local boards of nursing for an eligibility to sit in the National Council Licensure Examination – Practical Nurse or NCLEX-PN. NCLEX-PN is a 5-hour computer-adaptive test that covers four major categories: physiological integrity, psychosocial integrity, health promotion and maintenance and safe and effective care environment. Topics included are the basics of practical nursing, maternal and newborn nursing, pediatrics, gerontology, medical-surgical nursing, mental health and pharmacology. This examination is developed and administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nurses or NCSBN. Though the examinees made their applications in different states, the NCLEX-PN is a standardized examination, ensuring that the quality of health care is maintained.

Each state has its own licensure requirements for LPN but all states generally require that the education standards are met and that the applicant has successfully passed the licensure examinations. After obtaining a license in practical nursing, LPNs can be appointed as charge nurses after accumulating sufficient nursing experience and advanced trainings and LPN courses. LPNs who want attain better employment opportunities and career advancements can enter a program that helps in the transition toward a career in registered nursing. This transition is made with minimum amount of time and course content.