Can You Really Make a Living as an LPN?
Posted On August 11,2025
You want a career that makes a difference – one where you get to help people and go home every day feeling satisfied with your work. However, in today’s world, you also want a career that offers job stability, opportunities for advancement, and a good living. You don’t want to be bored sitting at a desk – you want to be inspired by interacting with patients. You don’t want to have to put in 60+ hours just to feel like you can pay your bills – you want to have a work/life balance that allows you to spend time with your family and friends. Finding a career where you can earn a good living, have a balanced life, and make a real difference isn’t unattainable. As a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), you can choose a career that matters, allows you to earn a good living, and gives you the work/life balance you need.
Will a Vocational School Allow Me to Be Successful?
Sometimes, a four-year university seems like the only measure of success for high school graduates. People have been saying for years that to be successful, one must go to college. But college isn’t for everyone, nor does it need to be! You don’t need to be an RN or an MD to have a promising career in healthcare.
Vocational programs and career academies are designed for adults who want to pursue a career and get started quickly. Instead of requiring a lot of general education classes you don’t like or need, they focus on preparing you for a job and helping you dive into the workplace quickly. For many high school graduates, vocational school not only enables them to be successful but also propels them into a successful career.
Why Are LPNs in Demand?
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) works with registered nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals as part of the comprehensive healthcare team. As the healthcare system continues to grow and the demand for services increases, LPNs are a critical part of the care team. LPNs work directly with patients, providing them with their essential day-to-day care. In some healthcare facilities, this may involve taking and monitoring vital signs, caring for wounds, administering medication, and collecting samples for the laboratory. In other facilities, like rehabilitation centers, LPNs may assist patients with bathing and dressing. LPNs handle a significant amount of patient care, which allows the system to function smoothly.
What Do LPNs Make?
They make a difference!
You will make a difference, and you will also earn a competitive salary as an LPN. There are several variables to consider, including the facility you work at, the state or area you work in, and your level of experience. However, the average salary for an LPN in Ohio is approximately $58,000 per year, with more experienced LPNs earning over $75,000. Nearly all LPNs have an initial hourly rate of over $20, with $25 well within their reach after you gain some experience, and rates of $30 – or even more – are possible if you have experience and make the right moves to advance in your career. LPNs are also eligible for overtime, holiday pay, and bonuses in certain workplaces, which can further increase their yearly salary. As an LPN, you can make a good living and support yourself and your family.
Compare the Investment to the Payout
Are there careers that have higher salaries? Sure. But when considering the financial investment in your education and comparing it to the payoff, becoming an LPN is a wise financial decision. One year of vocational school is a significantly lower financial investment than four years in a traditional university setting. Not only that, but that year in vocational school will give you practical training that you can immediately apply to your new career. Instead of spending four years accruing debt, you will have one year of affordable tuition, with financial assistance available, and thanks to the flexibility of career academy classes, you can even work while you train. Becoming an LPN won’t only allow you to earn a living, but because you won’t be racking up debt over years of school, it won’t put you into a precarious financial place to do it.
Benefits of Working as an LPN Go Beyond Your Take-Home Pay
The fulfillment is important. The salary is essential. But the benefits of becoming an LPN are more than that. As an LPN, you will have access to excellent healthcare coverage and other benefits with your job, the potential for tuition reimbursement you can use to advance in your career, steady hours you can rely on, and most importantly, job security. In today’s economy, many employees who once felt secure in their careers are now wondering what they’ll do if they face unemployment. But for those who choose to work in healthcare, the opportunities are plentiful. Instead of grabbing for any job you can, with only a few years of experience, you’ll be able to choose where you want to work, and once you are there, you can trust that if you are doing a good job, your career is safe.
Vocational Programs Allow You to Start Working Quickly
When you’ve made a decision about your career, you want to start that new role now, while your motivation is high and you can picture the opportunities. If you choose to work as an LPN, you can go from making that decision to working with patients in as little as a year. Vocational programs and career academies want you to have a good education that will set you up for success, but because they have focused and practical career training, they get you out of the classroom and into the workplace quickly. You can support yourself and your family while having a good work/life balance.
Can You Really Make a Living as an LPN? Absolutely.
Choosing a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse is more than a smart financial decision—it’s a fulfilling path that gives you the chance to care for others while building a stable future for yourself. With a solid salary, benefits, job security, and advancement opportunities, becoming an LPN is a rewarding way to create a life you’re proud of—without spending four years (or more) in school.
At Athena Career Academy, we’re here to help you take that first step. Our Practical Nurse (PN) program is designed to fit your life, so you can get the hands-on training you need in as little as 12 months. You’ll learn from experienced instructors, gain real-world clinical experience, and graduate ready to start making a difference—professionally and personally.
Ready to turn your passion into a career? Apply today or contact Athena Career Academy to learn more about our flexible PN program options and financial aid opportunities. Your future in healthcare is closer than you think—and we’re here to help you get there.