LPN Training Requirements by State [2025]
LPN training requirements vary significantly by state. While all states require NCLEX-PN exam passage for licensure, the minimum training hours range from 900-1,500 hours depending on your location. Here's your complete state-by-state guide.
National LPN Training Standards
- Total Hours Required: 900-1,500 hours (varies by state)
- Clinical Hours: 320-720 hours hands-on training
- Classroom Hours: 500-800 hours theory instruction
- Program Length: 10-18 months (full-time) or 18-24 months (part-time)
- Licensing Exam: NCLEX-PN (all states)
- Accreditation: ACEN or state board-approved
LPN Training Hours by State (Quick Reference)
| State | Total Hours | Clinical Hours | Typical Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 1,080 | 432 | 12 months |
| Alaska | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Arizona | 1,260 | 504 | 12 months |
| Arkansas | 1,100 | 440 | 11 months |
| California (LVN) | 1,530 | 720 | 15-18 months |
| Colorado | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Connecticut | 1,320 | 528 | 12 months |
| Delaware | 1,260 | 504 | 12 months |
| Florida | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Georgia | 1,350 | 540 | 12-15 months |
| Hawaii | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Idaho | 1,080 | 432 | 11 months |
| Illinois | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Indiana | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Iowa | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Kansas | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Kentucky | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Louisiana | 1,260 | 504 | 12 months |
| Maine | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Maryland | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Massachusetts | 1,260 | 504 | 12 months |
| Michigan | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Minnesota | 1,320 | 528 | 12 months |
| Mississippi | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Missouri | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Montana | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Nebraska | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Nevada | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| New Hampshire | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| New Jersey | 1,260 | 504 | 12 months |
| New Mexico | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| New York | 1,380 | 552 | 12-15 months |
| North Carolina | 1,440 | 576 | 12-15 months |
| North Dakota | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Ohio | 1,260 | 504 | 12 months |
| Oklahoma | 1,000 | 400 | 10-12 months |
| Oregon | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Pennsylvania | 1,440 | 576 | 12-15 months |
| Rhode Island | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| South Carolina | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| South Dakota | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Tennessee | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Texas (LVN) | 900 | 320 | 10 months |
| Utah | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Vermont | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Virginia | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Washington | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| West Virginia | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Wisconsin | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
| Wyoming | 1,200 | 480 | 12 months |
Key Insights from State Requirements
- 🏆 Shortest Programs: Texas (900 hours), Oklahoma (1,000 hours), Arkansas (1,100 hours)
- 📚 Longest Programs: California (1,530 hours), Pennsylvania (1,440 hours), North Carolina (1,440 hours)
- 🇺🇸 Most Common: 1,200 hours total (35 states use this standard)
- 🏥 Clinical Hours: Range from 320 hours (Texas) to 720 hours (California)
- ⏱️ Program Length: 10-18 months depending on state and full-time vs. part-time enrollment
Universal LPN Training Requirements (All States)
Every state requires these prerequisites:
✅ 1. High School Diploma or GED
No college degree required. Official transcripts must be submitted with application.
✅ 2. Minimum Age Requirement
Must be 18 years old by program completion (some states allow 17 with parental consent to start).
✅ 3. Criminal Background Check
Clean record required. Some states allow enrollment with minor offenses but may deny licensure later.
✅ 4. Drug Screening
10-panel drug test before clinical rotations. Positive results = dismissal from program.
✅ 5. Health Requirements
Current immunizations (Hepatitis B, MMR, Tdap, Flu), TB test, physical exam.
✅ 6. CPR Certification
BLS (Basic Life Support) for Healthcare Providers from AHA or Red Cross.
✅ 7. Entrance Exam
TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI. Minimum scores vary by program (typically 50-60%).
✅ 8. NCLEX-PN Exam
National licensing exam required by all states. $200 exam fee + state application fee ($100-$200).
State-Specific Highlights (Top 10 States)
🌴 California (LVN - Licensed Vocational Nurse)
Total Hours: 1,530 (highest in nation)
Clinical Hours: 720 (most hands-on training)
Unique Requirements:
- Must pass both written and skills competency exams before NCLEX-PN
- Live Scan fingerprinting ($49)
- Programs must be approved by California Board of Vocational Nursing (BVNPT)
- Average program length: 15-18 months
- LVN title (not LPN) used exclusively in California
Why It's Longer: California requires extensive geriatric and pediatric clinical hours not mandated elsewhere.
🤠 Texas (LVN - Licensed Vocational Nurse)
Total Hours: 900 (shortest in nation)
Clinical Hours: 320
Unique Requirements:
- Programs must be approved by Texas Board of Nursing (BON)
- Can complete in as little as 10 months full-time
- LVN title (not LPN) used exclusively in Texas
- Criminal history declaration required (DWI may disqualify)
- No prerequisite college courses required
Why It's Shorter: Texas emphasizes on-the-job training over classroom hours.
🌞 Florida
Total Hours: 1,200
Clinical Hours: 480
Unique Requirements:
- Level 2 background screening ($75-$100)
- HIV/AIDS education (4-hour course)
- Domestic violence education (2-hour course)
- Florida Laws and Rules exam (separate from NCLEX-PN)
- Must complete program at Florida Board-approved school
🗽 New York
Total Hours: 1,380
Clinical Hours: 552
Unique Requirements:
- Child abuse recognition training (2 hours)
- Infection control training (4 hours)
- Barrier precautions certification
- Office of Professions (OP) application fee ($143)
- Programs typically 12-15 months (longer than most states)
🔔 Pennsylvania
Total Hours: 1,440
Clinical Hours: 576 (among highest)
Unique Requirements:
- Pennsylvania State Police criminal background check
- FBI fingerprint clearance ($27)
- Child abuse clearance ($10)
- Mandatory reporter training (3 hours)
- Programs typically 12-15 months
🏈 Ohio
Total Hours: 1,260
Clinical Hours: 504
Unique Requirements:
- BCI&I (Bureau of Criminal Investigation) background check
- Jurisprudence exam (Ohio nursing law)
- One-time $75 licensure fee
- Must complete program at Ohio Board-approved school
- 12-month standard program length
🌆 Illinois
Total Hours: 1,200
Clinical Hours: 480
Unique Requirements:
- Illinois State Police background check
- Sexual harassment prevention training (1 hour)
- Implicit bias training (1 hour)
- $50 initial license fee
- Biennial license renewal ($40)
🍑 Georgia
Total Hours: 1,350
Clinical Hours: 540
Unique Requirements:
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) fingerprints ($75)
- Domestic violence education (2 hours)
- $100 initial license fee
- Must renew license every 2 years
- Programs typically 12-15 months
⛰️ North Carolina
Total Hours: 1,440
Clinical Hours: 576 (high clinical focus)
Unique Requirements:
- North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) criminal background check
- Mandatory 6 hours continuing education per year for license renewal
- $100 temporary license fee (valid 90 days)
- $150 permanent license fee after NCLEX-PN
- Programs typically 12-15 months
🚗 Michigan
Total Hours: 1,200
Clinical Hours: 480
Unique Requirements:
- Michigan State Police background check
- Pain and symptom management training (1 hour)
- $109 initial license fee
- License renewal every 3 years ($52)
- 25 hours continuing education per renewal cycle
LPN vs. LVN: What's the Difference?
Short Answer: They're the same profession with different titles.
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)
Used in 48 states and all U.S. territories
Training, NCLEX-PN exam, scope of practice, and salary are identical to LVN
LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse)
Used ONLY in California and Texas
Training, NCLEX-PN exam, scope of practice, and salary are identical to LPN
Why the Different Title? Historical reasons. California and Texas adopted "Vocational Nurse" terminology in the 1940s and never changed it. The job, training, and license are functionally identical.
Moving to Another State After Graduation?
License Transfer Process (Endorsement)
If you become licensed in one state and move, you apply for license by endorsement:
- 1. Check Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Status: 40 states are NLC members. If both your original state and new state are NLC, your license is automatically valid in both (no endorsement needed).
- 2. For Non-NLC States: Submit endorsement application to new state board ($100-$300 fee)
- 3. Verification of Licensure: Original state sends license verification to new state ($50 fee)
- 4. Background Check: New state requires fresh criminal background check
- 5. Processing Time: 4-8 weeks to receive new license
⚠️ Important: Your NCLEX-PN results transfer nationwide. You never retake the exam. Only state-specific requirements (background checks, fees, state law exams) differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete LPN training faster in states with lower hour requirements?
Yes. Texas (900 hours) and Oklahoma (1,000 hours) have the shortest requirements. However, moving to another state after graduation is still possible through license endorsement.
Do some states have tougher NCLEX-PN passing standards?
No. The NCLEX-PN exam is nationally standardized with the same passing standard in all states. However, first-time pass rates vary by program quality (70-95% depending on school).
Which state has the easiest LPN training requirements?
Texas has the lowest hour requirement (900 hours), but "easiest" is subjective. All states require passing the same NCLEX-PN exam, which is the true measure of competency.
Can I take online LPN training?
Not fully online. All states require hands-on clinical hours that cannot be completed remotely. Some programs offer hybrid formats (online theory + in-person labs/clinicals).
What happens if I fail the NCLEX-PN?
You can retake the exam after 45 days. Pay the $200 exam fee again. Most states allow unlimited retakes. National first-time pass rate is 82-88%.
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