LPN vs LVN
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) are both designations for nurses, but there is no significant difference between them. In the United States, LPNs and LVNs are given the opportunity to reach Registered Nurse (RN) status through a bridge program. LPN is the term used by all US states except California and Texas, where the term LVN is used.
What is LPN?
LPNs are basic nurses who assist doctors in health clinics and hospitals. Over 700,000 people in the United States work as LPNs. They are required to have a clean criminal record and must have completed a one-year training program in an accredited school or college. They often provide basic bedside care for sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled people. In some states, LPNs are permitted to administer prescribed medicines, start intravenous fluids, and provide care to ventilator-dependent patients.
What is LVN?
LVN is the term used for LPNs in the states of California and Texas. The requirements for becoming an LVN are the same as those for becoming an LPN, with the additional requirement in Texas that the student must complete a total of 20 contact hours in two years.
Key Takeaways
- LPN and LVN describe the same job, but the term LPN is used in most US states except California and Texas, where the term LVN is used.
- Both LPNs and LVNs must complete a one-year training program in an accredited school or college and have a clean criminal record.
- In Texas, LVNs must also complete 20 contact hours in two years.
 and an LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) lies primarily in the title, as they essentially refer to the same job role, with the former being used in most US states and the latter in Texas and California. Find out the difference here.){kind=link}