Best institutions to study Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
A program that prepares individuals to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician or dentist.
985 U.S. institutions graduated 55,090 Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.3901, a specialization of Practical Nursing (CIP 51.39), and leads most directly to the Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses occupation (BLS SOC 29-2061).
About Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training programs
A program that prepares individuals to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician or dentist. Includes instruction in taking patient vital signs, applying sterile dressings, patient health education, and assistance with examinations and treatment.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training program prepares individuals to assist in providing essential nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses, physicians, or dentists. This program is ideal for those seeking a rewarding career in healthcare, focusing on patient care and support in various medical settings.
Learn more about Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training →
Students in this program will develop core skills in patient care, including taking vital signs, applying sterile dressings, and providing health education. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and the application of medical knowledge to ensure comprehensive patient support.
Credentials awarded
What Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years43,291 graduates / yr · 914 institutions79%
- Award of less than 12 weeks5,799 graduates / yr · 19 institutions11%
- Associate's degree2,688 graduates / yr · 70 institutions4.9%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year1,713 graduates / yr · 46 institutions3.1%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years1,566 graduates / yr · 26 institutions2.8%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate27 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.0%
- Bachelor's degree6 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.0%
Graduates over time
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 60,948 |
| 2013 | 57,466 |
| 2014 | 53,935 |
| 2015 | 49,933 |
| 2016 | 45,570 |
| 2017 | 43,951 |
| 2018 | 44,368 |
| 2019 | 45,607 |
| 2020 | 45,675 |
| 2021 | 44,944 |
| 2022 | 44,946 |
| 2023 | 46,113 |
| 2024 | 50,931 |
| 2025 | 55,090 |
Top 50 institutions for Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny, IAPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1,748 | 39% | — | $34,390 |
| 2 | Unitek College Fremont, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1,173 | 73% | $27,021 | $61,838 |
| 3 | Hondros College of Nursing Columbus, OHPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1,168 | 21% | $31,132 | $46,269 |
| 4 | Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts San Jose, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 1,139 | 64% | $31,949 | $54,359 |
| 5 | ECPI University Virginia Beach, VAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 871 | 42% | $21,909 | $51,209 |
| 6 | Bluegrass Community and Technical College Lexington, KYPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 810 | 43% | — | $36,053 |
| 7 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 704 | 40% | — | $50,081 |
| 8 | Elizabethtown Community and Technical College Elizabethtown, KYPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 445 | 59% | — | $25,545 |
| 9 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Guayama Guayama, PRPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 433 | 44% | $10,026 | — |
| 10 | Owensboro Community and Technical College Owensboro, KYPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 394 | 54% | — | — |
| 11 | Gateway Community and Technical College Florence, KYPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 390 | 59% | — | $32,936 |
| 12 | Somerset Community College Somerset, KYPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 389 | 43% | — | $28,953 |
| 13 | West Kentucky Community and Technical College Paducah, KYPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 380 | 50% | — | $31,020 |
| 14 | South College Knoxville, TNPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 361 | 42% | $20,346 | $39,238 |
| 15 | Stanbridge University Irvine, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 359 | 62% | $25,244 | $57,359 |
| 16 | Ashland Community and Technical College Ashland, KYPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 322 | 51% | — | $26,424 |
| 17 | American Career College - Ontario Ontario, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 321 | 66% | $31,076 | $52,792 |
| 18 | American Career College - Anaheim Anaheim, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 315 | 70% | $28,590 | $60,281 |
| 19 | Jefferson Community and Technical College Louisville, KYPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 312 | 35% | — | $33,594 |
| 20 | American Career College - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 295 | 75% | $28,906 | $60,281 |
| 21 | Rio Grande Valley College Pharr, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 282 | 72% | $22,742 | $46,825 |
| 22 | Galen College of Nursing - San Antonio San Antonio, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 250 | 81% | $31,019 | $46,830 |
| 23 | Madisonville Community College Madisonville, KYPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 249 | 49% | — | $26,318 |
| 24 | Valley College - Cleveland Cleveland, OHPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 247 | 57% | $30,304 | — |
| 25 | Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College Bowling Green, KYPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 244 | 58% | — | $30,338 |
| 26 | Cuyahoga Community College District Cleveland, OHPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 243 | 31% | — | $48,692 |
| 27 | Hazard Community and Technical College Hazard, KYPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 230 | 48% | — | — |
| 28 | California Career Institute Anaheim, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 229 | — | — | $51,989 |
| 29 | Career Care Institute Lancaster, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 225 | 71% | $46,886 | $42,296 |
| 30 | Maysville Community and Technical College Maysville, KYPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 219 | 56% | — | $31,865 |
| 31 | Coastal Alabama Community College Bay Minette, ALPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 211 | 31% | — | $63,125 |
| 32 | Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College Cumberland, KYPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 208 | 47% | — | $27,051 |
| 33 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Green Bay, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 186 | 51% | — | $42,721 |
| 34 | Unitek College Hayward, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 184 | 63% | $28,199 | $66,221 |
| 35 | George C Wallace State Community College - Hanceville Hanceville, ALPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 183 | 51% | — | — |
| 36 | Hopkinsville Community College Hopkinsville, KYPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 183 | 45% | — | $37,077 |
| 37 | South Texas College McAllen, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 183 | 27% | — | $33,171 |
| 38 | Bevill State Community College Jasper, ALPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 181 | 38% | — | — |
| 39 | John C Calhoun State Community College Tanner, ALPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 179 | 41% | — | — |
| 40 | Vermont State University Randolph, VTPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 178 | 47% | — | $51,608 |
| 41 | South Louisiana Community College Lafayette, LAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 177 | 30% | — | $40,153 |
| 42 | Eastern Suffolk BOCES Sayville, NYPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 175 | 77% | — | $53,547 |
| 43 | Veeb Nassau County School of Practical Nursing Hicksville, NYPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 174 | 48% | — | $56,142 |
| 44 | Central Louisiana Technical Community College Alexandria, LAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 173 | 70% | — | — |
| 45 | Lincoln Technical Institute - Lincoln Lincoln, RIPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 172 | 63% | $31,867 | $54,390 |
| 46 | Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 171 | 50% | — | $37,386 |
| 47 | Sumner College Portland, ORPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 167 | 83% | $28,896 | $52,391 |
| 48 | Hunter Business School Levittown, NYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 166 | 85% | $27,954 | $53,614 |
| 49 | Lincoln Technical Institute - Moorestown Moorestown, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 166 | 54% | $39,602 | $54,390 |
| 50 | Lincoln Technical Institute - New Britain New Britain, CTPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 164 | 65% | $31,256 | $52,233 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Practical Nursing field (CIP 51.39) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 53 states & territories
Where Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training graduates come from. Each state links to all Practical Nursing programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-2061, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training program often pursue careers as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 2.6% and approximately 54,400 annual openings, offering a median wage of $62,340.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.3901
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursesprimary SOC 29-2061 | $64,400 | +2.6% About as fast as average | ~54,400 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Observe patients, charting and reporting changes in patients' conditions, such as adverse reactions to medication or treatment, and taking any necessary action.
- Measure and record patients' vital signs, such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration.
- Administer prescribed medications or start intravenous fluids, noting times and amounts on patients' charts.
- Provide basic patient care or treatments, such as taking temperatures or blood pressures, dressing wounds, treating bedsores, giving enemas or douches, rubbing with alcohol, massaging, or performing catheterizations.
- Answer patients' calls and determine how to assist them.
- Supervise nurses' aides or assistants.
Tools and technology used
Other Practical Nursing specializations
The 2 other 6-digit CIP codes under Practical Nursing (CIP 51.39).
Common questions
What is the duration of the program?+
The program typically awards credentials ranging from less than 12 weeks to 2 academic years.
What skills will I learn?+
You will learn skills such as monitoring patient conditions, administering medications, and providing basic patient care.
What type of jobs can I get after graduation?+
You can work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in various healthcare settings.
Is there a demand for LPNs/LVNs?+
Yes, there are approximately 54,400 annual job openings for LPNs/LVNs, indicating a steady demand in the field.
What is the CIP code for Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training?+
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training is CIP 51.3901 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Practical Nursing (CIP 51.39). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician or dentist. Includes instruction in taking patient vital signs, applying sterile dressings, patient health education, and assistance with examinations and treatment.
How many institutions offer Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training programs?+
985 U.S. institutions reported Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 53 states & territories, awarding 55,090 credentials in the year. That is 50.0% of all Practical Nursing graduates.
How much do Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses occupation, which Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training most directly leads to, pays a median of $64,400 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Practical Nursing field report median earnings of $44,555 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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