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 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.