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How do licensing requirements differ for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses?

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A pediatrician in a white coat listens to a young boy's chest with a stethoscope during a health exam; the boy is smiling and pulling aside his shirt. — health law Physicians must provide proper and skillful care to their patients.

In the context of health law, licensing requirements for nursing professionals are designed to ensure standardized and safe care, with specific educational pathways mandated for different roles.12

Licensing Requirements

The primary distinction between Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) lies in their required educational preparation:

Registered Nurses (RNs): Candidates must graduate from a preparatory nursing program. This can include a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree, or a diploma from a hospital-based program. Additionally, they must pass a standardized examination.1
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): Candidates generally must complete a one-year vocational program following their graduation from high school.1

In the United States, these licenses are granted by individual states through administrative agencies known as state licensing boards. While licenses are typically valid only in the state of issuance, many states offer reciprocity for professionals in good standing from other jurisdictions. Unlike the lifetime licenses historically granted to some other medical professionals, nursing licenses are often time-limited and require periodic renewal, which may involve certifying continued competence.12