Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required. Nurses with more credentials (ADN, RN, BSN, MSN) are higher paid and in higher demand, but LPNs provide essential day to day care to patients in need.

Make a Difference

A Typical Day

  • Administer prescribed medications or start intravenous fluids, noting times and amounts on patients' charts.
  • Observe patients, charting and reporting changes in patients' conditions, such as adverse reactions to medication or treatment, and taking any necessary action.
  • Answer patients' calls and determine how to assist them.
  • Measure and record patients' vital signs, such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration.
 

Recommended Credentials

Nondegree certification (1 year) and state licensing exam (NCLEX-PN)

Education & Training

Regional employers often hire graduates of these programs.

 

Northwest Lower Michigan

 

Practical Nursing Certificate
— Northwestern Michigan College
LPN to RN Transition Program (AAS)
— North Central Michigan College

Elsewhere in Michigan

 

Muskegon Community College, Nursing Program 

Western Michigan University, Bronson School of Nursing 

Explore This Career

Try it before you buy it!

Tour Northwest Education Services (formerly TBAISD) Career Tech Center - Health Sciences Program.

The Local Advantage Learning Pathway

Pathway 1

Take AP math and sciences courses at your local high school.

Attend Northwest Ed's Health Sciences Program. 

Look into the TBA Early College Allied Health Program. Here is a list of suggested courses.

Pathway 2

Start an ADN to LPN Nursing - Practical completion program at Northwestern Michigan College.

Pathway 3

Pursue a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health to advance your degree. Look into classes at the GVSU Traverse City Regional Center!

 

Sample Employers in Our Region

Click the logos below to learn more.

TIP

Contact one of these companies and ask for an informational interview, to see if you can job shadow, or to find out if they hire interns.

 

Sample Job Titles...

  • Charge Nurse
  • Clinic Licensed Practical Nurse (CLINIC LPN)
  • Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
  • Office Nurse
  • Pediatric Licensed Practical Nurse (PEDIATRIC LPN)
  • Home Health Licensed Practical Nurse (Home Health LPN)
  • Private Duty Nurse
  • Radiation Oncology Nurse
  • Triage LPN (Triage Licensed Practical Nurse)
 

Hear It From The Pros

10-Year Job Growth Projections

6.5%
10-County Region
16%
Michigan
52%
U.S.

Employed Regionally

300
In 2021 (10-County Region)

Wage Range & Median 10-County Region

$45,350
$46,950 
$58,930

Annual Hires Regionally

40
In 2021

Sample Career Pathways

Click to download a PDF of this diagram.

Diagram of Paths To and From Other Careers for Licensed Practical Nurse

Real World Career Pathways

It doesn't have to be a straight shot! Hear from people who have taken unique pathways.