Is An LPN Worth It? – (Pros VS. Cons)
Written By:
Darby Faubion
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »» RN, BSN, MBA
Are you interested in a nursing career and considering becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse? Have you researched the different types of nursing degrees and wondered, is an LPN degree program worth it? As someone who started my nursing career as a nursing assistant and then moved to an LPN degree before pursuing my RN degree, I understand where you are coming from! Because I have been where you are now, I want to share my opinion of 15 reasons why an LPN degree program is worth it and 5 reasons why it may not be the right degree for you. In this article, you will learn some facts, like how long it takes to earn an LPN degree, what the programs cost, how much money you can make when you graduate and, of course, weigh the reasons you may or may not want to pursue this type of degree.
How Long Does an LPN Degree Take?
It typically takes between 11 and 20 months to earn an LPN degree, depending on the school. For example, at
Copper Mountain College in California, the practical nursing program takes three semesters or one and a half years to complete.
Lake Region State College of North Dakota and Florida’s
Cape Coral Technical College offer LPN programs that can be completed in as few as 11 and 13 months, respectively.
How Much Does an LPN Degree Cost?
The cost of earning an LPN degree varies. Some programs cost as little as $12,000, while others cost up to $50,000. For instance, the LPN program offered at
Alaska Pacific University costs approximately $18,185. At
Kirkwood Community College, you can earn your LPN degree for around $20,562.10.
Some schools charge tuition based on where you live instead of a flat rate for all students. For example, Colorado Mesa University charges tuition on a per-credit basis, and rates vary for resident and non-resident students. In-state students pay $422.85 per credit hour, and non-resident students pay $816.50 per credit. The program requires you to complete 58 credits, which means you will pay
between $24,525.30 and $47,357.24, depending on your residency status.
Why is an LPN Degree Program Worth It? – the Pros
(The following are the 15 main reasons why an LPN degree program is worth it.)
REASON #1: You Can Earn Your Degree in a Short Time
One of the top reasons why an LPN degree program is worth it is that you can earn your degree faster than other nursing programs. On average, LPN programs take between 11 and 20 months to complete. So, if you want to become a nurse but you also need to get out of school and go to work rather quickly, an LPN degree program is an excellent option to consider.
REASON #2: You Will Earn a Good Salary
An important factor to consider when deciding whether to become a Licensed Practical Nurse is what your
LPN salary will be once you earn your degree. Licensed Practical Nurses earn an average of $55,860 annually, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Although your earning potential may be greater with a higher degree, this pay is still much higher than most other jobs that BLS reports about. Additionally, with continued experience and, depending on where you work, your earning potential will increase. Another thing to think about is that LPNs often work in places that offer benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation, paid sick leave, and other perks, which may be valued at tens of thousands of dollars.
REASON #3: Lots of Schedules to Choose From
Depending on where you work, you could have your pick from several work schedules. For example, LPNs who work in hospitals typically work eight- or twelve-hour shifts. In a nursing home, you may work an eight-hour shift. Hospitals, nursing homes, and urgent care clinics employ LPNs to work round the clock, so you may work days, evenings, or nights. In a physician's office, you will work typical office hours, usually Monday through Friday, from 8 to 5.
The many options for work schedules was something I appreciated, as when I was an LPN, my first child was in early elementary school. For me, the night shift was a perfect option. I worked from 11 pm until 7 am. I was able to cook my son breakfast and take him to school each day. I would get home just before 8 am and sleep during the day while he was at school. I would then wake up in time to pick him up from school at 3 pm and spend the whole afternoon and evening with him until he went to bed. Of course, your daily routine or personal obligations may require you to work a different shift. The fact that there are so many options for places and shifts to work is what makes being an LPN worth it.
REASON #4: You Can Work in Diverse Settings
Licensed Practical Nurses work in various settings. As an LPN, you can choose to work in a setting that interests you, caring for the type of patients you prefer to serve. For example, if you like working with children, you may find a job working in a pediatrician’s office or on a pediatric floor of a hospital. If the idea of taking care of patients of all ages with various types of illnesses interests you, a job as a medical-surgical nurse could be a good fit.
For several years, when I was an LPN, I worked at a university hospital. It was one of the best experiences I had to learn and grow professionally! On one hospital campus, I was able to work in pediatric, ophthalmology, orthopedic, and rheumatology clinics. I also worked on the Med-Surg floor, obstetrics, and telemetry. It was there that I learned to appreciate a learning atmosphere, which is part of what prompted me to go back to school and later become a healthcare educator.
REASON #5: You Will Learn to Be an Advocate
One of the things I truly love about nursing is that no matter what level of nursing degree you have, you can advocate for others. In an LPN program, you will learn about patient rights and discover ways that you can help protect and promote those rights. Whether you promote measures to improve safety in the healthcare facility or speak up on a patient’s behalf, the knowledge you gain from an LPN program can prepare you to be a strong advocate for the people in your care. The ability to be an advocate for your patients is one of the biggest reasons why an LPN degree program is worth it.
REASON #6: You Will Make a Difference in Patients’ Lives
Something I think makes the nursing profession amazing is that you can make a true difference in your patients’ lives. Whether you spend extra time sitting with a patient who has no family or friends to visit, offer sympathy to a worried loved one, or wait for a patient who is having a test or procedure done, your willingness to be there and be supportive can truly impact the lives of those you care for. In LPN school, you will learn to identify patient needs and find ways to address them, which is one more reason why an LPN degree program is worth it.
REASON #7: Long-Term Job Stability
In a world where everything seems to change at a rapid pace, having some stability means a lot. One thing about becoming an LPN is that you can enjoy the benefit of long-term job stability. In fact, data published by the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that employment of LPN/LVNs is projected to increase by at least five percent between 2022 and 2032. This growth rate is faster than the average for all other occupations.
REASON #8: You May Consider Becoming an LPN Travel Nurse
If you like the idea of traveling but feel like work has you tied down, you may be happy to know that you can work and earn a good living while still enjoying traveling! In fact, one of the top reasons an LPN degree program is worth it is that it will prepare you with the knowledge and skills you need to become an LPN travel nurse.
LPN travel nurses work temporary nursing positions in various hospitals and healthcare settings. My friend, Dee, worked as a travel LPN while studying to become an RN. She said she loved travel nursing because she had options of when to accept or decline an assignment, which made it easy to schedule work around the days she was required to be on campus or in clinicals for her RN program.
Of course, there are
pros and cons to every type of nursing job, so I recommend considering all your options before committing to an LPN travel nurse role. Still, the benefit of having the option to work and travel makes becoming an LPN worth it!
REASON #9: You Can Work in Diverse Settings
Another reason you may find an LPN degree program worth it is that you can work in many types of settings. Many Licensed Practical Nurses work in hospitals, physicians' offices, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes. You may choose to work in an after-hours clinic or assisted living facility. Other options include surgery centers, operating rooms, home health, and hospice.
REASON #10: You Will Develop Important Skills for Work and Life
Not only will you learn about important skills to apply to your professional role in LPN school, but many of the skills you develop can positively impact your personal life, as well. When you study to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, you will learn essential skills, including
critical thinking and
therapeutic communication.
REASON #11: You Will Grow Your Professional Network
Another of the biggest reasons why an LPN degree program is worth it is you will meet lots of people in the healthcare industry. From faculty and staff to clinical preceptors, physicians, and employees at clinical sites, you will have opportunities to work with and get to know people who share your passion for caring for others. What’s great about this is that you are doing more than simply meeting people. You are growing your professional network. These people may be people who offer you a job in the future or who give you a tip on a place that is looking for an LPN to work. As a nurse and healthcare educator, I cannot encourage you enough to realize how important it is to seize every opportunity to meet new people and try new things while you are in school. You never know when you will meet the one person who changes the trajectory of your career path!
REASON #12: You Will Build Lifelong Relationships
While LPN school can be time-consuming and challenging, there really are some perks of the programs. One of the main things I loved about nursing school (both as a student and an instructor) was seeing how students develop friendships that last for years. I went to nursing school with a girl named Cathy in 1996 (Yes, I know, I'm showing my age!). After graduation, we went our separate ways. Years later, we ended up working at a university hospital together. Although our paths have led to different nursing roles, we remain friends. There will be some people in nursing school that you become acquainted with and may never see after graduating. However, there will also be people who come into your life, make an impact, and remain your friend for years to come!
REASON #13: There Is Always Room for Professional Growth
I know I mention a lot of things I love about nursing, but it is true. To me, nursing is an awesome career with so many options. One of my favorite things about nursing is that there is always room to grow professionally. Whether you become an LPN and try your hand working in different settings or with different types of patient populations, or if you go back to school to become a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or other healthcare professional, there are so many options! If you are looking for a degree program with potential for growth, then that is one of the top reasons why an LPN degree program is worth it.
REASON#14: You Will Learn About and Care for People from Different Backgrounds
Licensed Practical Nurses not only work in diverse settings, but the patient population for whom you provide care can be quite diverse, as well. One of my first jobs as an LPN was at a nursing home that had a large client population. Not only did we have lots of residents, but they were also from various backgrounds, including cultural, religious, educational, and social. What I learned about patient differences at that job was helpful to me when I returned to RN school and began other studies.
REASON #15: You Can Go Back to School and Become an RN in Less Time
Another excellent reason to consider that an LPN degree program is worth it is that you can go back to school to become an RN and earn your degree in less time than a traditional registered nursing program. There are
accelerated LPN-to-RN programs that can take as little as one year to complete. Also, you may find LPN-to-BSN programs that you can complete in an accelerated timeframe. No matter which option you choose, getting your RN after becoming an LPN will definitely save you time (and money)!
Why an LPN Degree Program May Not Be Worth It for You? – the Cons
(Now that we have discussed the 15 reasons why an LPN degree program is worth it, I will share 5 main reasons why an LPN degree program may not be worth it for you.)
REASON #1: LPN Programs Are Fast... Sometimes Too Fast
While one of the benefits of an LPN program is that you can graduate in a short time, many people find the fast pace of these programs a disadvantage. If you learn at a slower pace or have a job or other responsibilities that require your time and attention, you could find an LPN degree program not worth it.
Before committing to an LPN program, I recommend that you talk with program advisors, students, and anyone else who has been through this type of program. Ask questions about the coursework, the hours you must commit to clinicals, and whether you will have time to work or handle other obligations. By getting your questions answered early on, you can decide whether this type of program is right for you.
REASON #2: You Must Learn A Lot of Content in a Short Time
If there is any drawback to an LPN program, it is that you learn a lot of content in a relatively short time. The large volume of material can literally make you feel like your head is spinning. You will learn everything from medical terminology, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, psychology, and obstetrics to medical-surgical content and more, all in 20 months or less, on average. Therefore, if lots of studying is something you do not think you can handle, you may find an LPN degree program is not worth it.
REASON #3: You May Feel Like You Have No Time for Yourself
Because your LPN program is so fast-paced and involves so much studying and clinical time, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you do not have time for anything else. As difficult as I know it can be to find some alone time, it is important to carve out some time in your schedule so you can rest and recharge. Simple things like taking a bubble bath to relax, reading a book (not nursing!), cooking a meal with your family, or going for a walk in the park can make a significant difference in your mental and emotional well-being, which can help improve your chance of academic success.
REASON #4: LPN Programs Are Physically Demanding
Forget the mental fatigue of studying long hours and keeping up with tons of coursework! LPN programs also require a lot of you physically. When you begin lab simulations and clinical practicums, you will pick up and move heavy patients and equipment and must stand on your feet, sometimes for eight hours or more per day. If you prefer a job sitting in front of a computer or where little physical activity is required, becoming an LPN may not be the best career choice!
REASON #5: You May Feel at the “Bottom of the Totem Pole”
If you aspire to be a nurse leader or have some type of management or administrative position, you may feel that an LPN degree program is not worth it. In the chain of command of nursing, LPNs are higher in rank only than Certified Nursing Assistants. Please understand, though, that I am not discouraging you from becoming an LPN. I actually started my nursing career as a nursing assistant, then went to LPN school before transitioning to an RN. We all have to start somewhere. Further, if your main goal as a nurse is to provide direct patient care and you have no desire to work in management, you could be quite satisfied with your role as a Licensed Practical Nurse!
What is the Average Salary for LPN Degree Holders?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Licensed Practical Nurses earn an average of $55,860 per year. This pay, which is equivalent to $26.86 per hour, $1,074 per week, or $4,660 per month, is almost four times the
federal minimum wage, which is $7.25 per hour.
Hourly | $26.86 |
Weekly | $1,074 |
Monthly | $4,660 |
Annual | $55,860 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Is The Cost of an LPN Degree Worth the Return on Investment (ROI)?
The cost of an LPN degree ranges between $12,000 and $50,000, with an average cost of $31,000. When you compare the cost to the average annual salary of an LPN, which is $55,860, the cost of the program is worth the Return on Investment.
My Final Thoughts
With so many options to choose from when it comes to earning a nursing degree, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. If you want to earn a degree in as little time as possible and begin working as a nurse, then becoming an LPN is usually the best option. If you are researching different programs, you probably wondered at some point, “Is an LPN degree program worth it?”
In this article, I shared 15 reasons why an LPN degree program is worth it and 5 reasons why it may not be the right degree for you to help you decide if this is the right career path to help you reach your goals. Having been a nurse for more than 25 years and working my way up from a nursing assistant to a registered nurse, I can tell you I have no regrets whatsoever that I earned my LPN degree before going to RN school. The healthcare field needs nurses of all types to help promote the profession and provide quality patient care. So, if you feel earning your LPN degree is something you wish to do, I encourage you to get started today!
List Of Sources Used For This Article
1. Alaska Pacific University (
Licensed-practical-nursing-frequently-asked-questions)
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Occupational Outlook Handbook (
bls.gov)
3. U.S. Department of Labor
https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/wages/minimumwage
The following are from
NursingProcess.org
4. “
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary- 2024"
5. “
10 Pros and Cons of Being an LPN Travel Urse + Steps to Become + Salary”
6. “
What is Critical Thinking in Nursing? (with Examples, Importance, & How to Improve)”
7. “
30 Top Therapeutic Communication Techniques in Nursing + How to Use Them”
8. “
25 Best Accelerated FAST-TRACK LPN-to-RN Programs (Online & Campus-Based)- 2024”
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.