Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Overview

Career outlook

Employers hire licensed practical nurses to provide basic patient care such as monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with daily needs under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians.

Getting in

What City College of San Francisco asks for, taken from its own admissions page.

Full-time three-semester (18-month, 51.5 units) certificate program. Attendance at one mandatory Zoom orientation (Sept 16, Oct 14 or Nov 12, 2026) is required before applying; Spring 2027 application period September 16 to November 12, 2026, with selection by lottery (results November 16, acceptance emails November 18). Fall 2027 application period begins February 2027. Detailed admission requirements and tuition are in collapsed sections of the admission page that could not be read; NCLEX-PN pass rates are published via the BVNPT.

Checked Oct 2026 on the school's site. Requirements change each cycle, so confirm before you apply.

Paths

Routes into LPN. The first step is where you enroll today.

Medication Aide to LPN

CMA LPN

Your medication administration experience counts. Bridge from certified medication aide into practical nursing and full LPN licensure.

Timeline

1 year

State

All states

Support available to Spanish learners

Southwestern College

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CNA to LPN

CNA LPN

Step up from nursing assistant to licensed practical nurse. The fastest license upgrade in nursing, and the standard bridge toward RN.

Timeline

1 year

State

All states

Support available to Spanish learners

East Arkansas Community College

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