All States require L.P.N.'s to pass a licensing examination after completing a State-approved practical nursing program. A high school diploma is usually required for entry, but some programs accept people without a diploma. In 1997, approximately 1,100 State-approved programs provided practical nursing training. Almost 6 out of 10 students were enrolled in technical or vocational schools, while 3 out of 10 were in community and junior colleges. Others were in high schools, hospitals, and colleges and universities.
Clinical practice is usually in a hospital, but sometimes includes other settings.
Advancement for L.P.N.'s is usually tied to additional education and skills. Others worked for temporary help agencies, home health care services, or government agencies. Almost one-third worked part time. Employment of L.P.N.'s is expected to increase faster than the national average for all occupations through the year 2006 in response to the long-term care needs of a rapidly growing population of very old people and to the general growth of health care. However, L.P.N.'s seeking positions in hospitals may face competition, as the number of hospital jobs for L.P.N.'s declines.