Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurses (LPNs and LVNs) are the second-largest health care occupation that requires postsecondary education, with about 611,710 people employed in the US. LPNs play a vital role in the delivery of long-term care services. The largest share of LPNs is employed in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, with more than one-third of LPNs working in that setting. Many LPNs also provide long-term care services in home health care, continuing care retirement communities, and assisted living facilities.

This study examined changes in LPN supply, educational attainment, demographics, geographic distribution, and employment settings over the past decade. Characteristics of LPNs employed in long-term care settings were compared with characteristics of LPNs working in other health care settings.