Licensed practical or vocational nurse: 1-year program to license
A state-approved practical nursing program of about 1 year, the NCLEX-PN and a state license. With experience, an LPN-to-RN program leads to the RN license.
For: People who want to become a nurse in about a year, often while working, and may move up to RN later.
Route 1: Practical nursing program → NCLEX-PN About 1 year
Certificate and diploma programs at community colleges and technical schools, including some high schools.
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Start here
High school diploma or equivalent
GED or HiSETNYSED
License requirements for licensed practical nursesNew York State Education Department, Office of the Professions- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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About 1 year
State-approved practical nursing program
Nursing fundamentals, anatomy and physiology and pharmacology, with supervised clinical experience. Your state board of nursing lists approved programs.
BLS
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
NCLEX-PN
Apply to the state board first, then register with Pearson VUE.
NCLEX-PN exam pageNCSBN
NCSBN examinations: registering for the NCLEXNational Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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License
State LPN or LVN license
LPN license stepsBLS
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Licensed practical nurse
BLS
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: LPN → RN Move up
With experience, LPNs may advance to supervisory jobs or another healthcare occupation.
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Start here
Working LPN
BLS
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Bridge
LPN-to-RN education program
BLS
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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License
RN license
RN license stepsBLS
Registered Nurses — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Registered nurse
RN roadmapBLS
Registered Nurses — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
State licensing matrix
Each state board of nursing approves programs and issues the license. What four state boards publish: BLS
View source
| State or city | What you need |
|---|---|
| Texas Texas Board of Nursing |
Apply in the Texas Nurse Portal (NCLEX-PN application), register with Pearson VUE ($200), pass the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam and have the program submit an Affidavit of Graduation before an Authorization to Test is issued. The license is called LVN. Texas BONLicensure by examination (NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN)Texas Board of Nursing
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| California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians |
12th grade or equivalent, DOJ and FBI fingerprints, and the NCLEX-PN (a passing RN exam does not count). Besides an approved school, the board accepts 51 months of paid bedside nursing experience plus a 54-hour pharmacology course, or 12 months of military medical-corps bedside care. California BVNPTSummary of requirements for licensure as a vocational nurseCalifornia Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)
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| New York NYSED Office of the Professions |
At least 17, high school graduate, an acceptable nursing program, infection control coursework and the NCLEX-PN. The license is for life; registration is renewed every 3 years. Licensure and first registration fee $143. NYSEDLicense requirements for licensed practical nursesNew York State Education Department, Office of the Professions
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| Florida Florida Board of Nursing |
Apply for licensure by examination, then sit the NCLEX. Electronic fingerprinting is required under House Bill 975 (2024). Florida joined the Nurse Licensure Compact on 19 January 2018 and offers a multistate upgrade. Florida BONNursing (RN & LPN): licensure by examinationFlorida Board of Nursing
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Dates and rules to re-check
These change by season or by law. Checked 20 Oct 2026.
- From 1 February 2027 the NCLEX registration fee is $350 in the United States.
NCSBN fees
NCLEX fees and paymentNational Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.