Why Getting Your LPN/LVN Degree Can Be a Smart Strategic Move

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.

Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.

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In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, aspiring nursing professionals have numerous educational pathways to consider. While many focus immediately on Registered Nursing (RN) programs, the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) path offers distinct advantages that make it a strategic choice for many students. This shorter-term credential can provide a solid foundation for your healthcare career while offering flexibility, faster entry into the workforce, and potential stepping stones to advanced nursing roles.

Faster Entry into the Healthcare Workforce

One of the most compelling reasons to pursue an LPN/LVN degree is the significantly shorter time commitment compared to other nursing credentials. Most LPN/LVN programs can be completed in 12-18 months, allowing graduates to enter the workforce much faster than their counterparts pursuing associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in nursing.

This accelerated timeline means:

Earning a professional salary sooner
Gaining hands-on clinical experience earlier in your career
Reducing the time spent out of the workforce when transitioning careers
Accumulating less student debt compared to longer programs

For students who need to start generating income quickly or who want to test their compatibility with nursing before committing to a longer program, the LPN/LVN path offers a practical solution.

Lower Educational Investment with Strong Return

The financial considerations of nursing education can be significant. LPN/LVN programs typically cost substantially less than RN programs, making them accessible to students with limited financial resources. According to recent data, the average LPN/LVN program costs between $10,000 and $15,000, while an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) may cost $20,000-$40,000, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can exceed $80,000 at some institutions.

Despite this lower investment, LPN/LVNs can expect:

Starting salaries averaging $48,000-$54,000 nationally
Comprehensive benefits packages in most healthcare settings
Opportunities for overtime and shift differentials
Potential employer tuition assistance for further education

This favorable cost-to-earnings ratio makes the LPN/LVN credential an economically sound decision for many students.

Learn more about LPN/LVN program costs and tuition.

Abundant Employment Opportunities

The demand for LPN/LVNs remains strong across numerous healthcare settings. While hospital employment has shifted somewhat toward BSN-prepared nurses, LPN/LVNs are finding expanding opportunities in:

Long-term care facilities
Rehabilitation centers
Home healthcare services
Outpatient clinics
Physicians’ offices
Assisted living communities
Schools and educational settings

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth in LPN/LVN positions through 2030, with particular demand in geriatric care settings as the population ages. This job security provides peace of mind for graduates entering the field.

Foundation for Career Advancement

Many healthcare professionals view the LPN/LVN credential not as a terminal degree but as a strategic first step in a longer career journey. This approach, sometimes called the “ladder” or “stepping stone” method, allows individuals to:

Confirm their aptitude and passion for nursing before investing in advanced degrees
Gain valuable clinical experience that enhances applications to competitive RN programs
Work in the field while pursuing further education
Potentially access employer tuition assistance programs
Apply credits earned toward advanced nursing degrees

LPN to RN bridge programs, such as the LPN to ADN and LPN to BSN, are widely available to help practical nurses transition to registered nursing roles. These programs are often designed with working professionals in mind, offering evening, weekend, and online options to accommodate clinical schedules – meaning most students can continue working while they advance their nursing education.

Work-Life Balance Considerations

The nature of LPN/LVN work can provide scheduling advantages for students with family responsibilities or other commitments. While hospitals typically require rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays, many settings that employ LPN/LVNs offer more predictable schedules:

Physicians’ offices with standard business hours
School nursing positions that follow academic calendars
Outpatient clinics with regular weekday schedules
Home health agencies with flexible scheduling options

This scheduling flexibility can be particularly valuable for students who are parents, caregivers, or maintaining part-time employment while studying.

Practical, Hands-On Clinical Focus

LPN/LVN programs emphasize practical skills and direct patient care, with a significant portion of training occurring in clinical settings. This hands-on approach benefits students who:

Learn better through practical application than theoretical study
Want to develop confidence in clinical skills quickly
Prefer direct patient interaction to administrative responsibilities
Thrive in active learning environments

This practical focus prepares graduates to provide immediate value to employers upon entering the workforce, often making them more comfortable with patient care than recent graduates of more theoretically focused programs.

Testing the Waters Before Deeper Commitment

Healthcare is a demanding field that isn’t right for everyone. The shorter LPN/LVN pathway allows students to:

Experience the realities of nursing before committing to lengthy advanced degree programs
Confirm their aptitude for clinical skills and patient care
Identify potential nursing specialties that match their interests
Build professional relationships that can guide future career decisions

This “try before you buy” approach to nursing education has helped many students either confirm their passion for healthcare or redirect their career paths before investing in more extensive training.

A Strategic First Step

For many students, the LPN/LVN credential represents not just a quicker path to employment but a strategic first step in a thoughtfully planned nursing career. The combination of lower educational costs, faster completion time, strong employment prospects, and potential for advancement makes this an attractive option worth serious consideration.

Whether you’re a recent high school graduate seeking efficient entry into healthcare, a career-changer looking for a practical transition path, or someone testing your compatibility with nursing before deeper commitment, the LPN/LVN route offers distinct advantages that align with diverse educational and career goals.