LVN vs. LPN: What’s the Difference?

If you’re thinking of becoming a nurse, you’ve likely noticed many abbreviations during your research. With multiple nursing licenses available to pursue, it can be difficult for a prospective student to differentiate between them, especially in the case of Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

What’s the difference between LVNs and LPNs?

The biggest difference is the name. Both LVNs and LPNs are licensed nurses responsible for basic nursing care such as monitoring and documenting patients’ progress, caring for the patients’ comfort, changing bandages, and taking vitals.

There are no significant differences in educational preparation, licensure, role, or skill sets between the LVN and the LPN designation. In other words, they are two titles for the same type of nurse. The California and Texas boards of nursing refer to basic nurses as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), while the boards in the remaining 48 states use the title of licensed practical nurse (LPN).

Are LVN and LPN licenses interchangeable?

Both licensed professions are interchangeable. If a nurse in California is licensed as an LVN and then moves to a different state that uses the LPN designation, the eligibility to work as a nurse transfers over. An updated license reflecting the current state of residence must be obtained.

LVN vs. LPN License Renewal

In Texas, LVNs are required to complete 20 contact hours every two years, and two hours of contact in Continuing Education for LVNs who are working in Emergency Rooms and Forensic Evidence Collection. California requires 30 contact hours of Continuing Education every two years for license renewal. Some states like New York, also require the completion of three contact hours for infection control every four years; and others, such as Florida, require additional study in Prevention of Medical Errors, HIV/AIDS and Domestic Violence, to retain the LPN title.

To learn more about licensed vocational nurses, please visit: https://www.bls.gov and the http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov.

Learn more about Stanbridge University’s Vocational Nursing program and apply to train to become a VN today.