Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), referred to as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in some states, are the second-largest health care occupation that requires postsecondary education. More LPNs work in long-term care (LTC) than in any other sector. Demand for LPNs among long-term care providers is expected to increase substantially over the next several decades. Thus, there is a need to better understand recent trends in the LPN workforce and their implications for the future supply of LPNs available to provide long-term care.

This report updates previous studies of the licensed practical nurse (LPN) workforce by presenting the latest national data available on LPN employment patterns with emphasis on employment in long-term care. The report also describes trends in the demographic characteristics and educational attainment of LPNs.