Licensed Practical Nurse in District of Columbia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DC. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, District of Columbia.
Jobs (DC)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a licensed practical nurse in District of Columbia
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the District of Columbia, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The licensing body is the District of Columbia Board of Nursing. A criminal background check is required for initial licensure and at every two-year renewal. The District of Columbia does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, but offers licensure by endorsement for LPNs licensed in other states.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for District of Columbia. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist District of Columbia requirements
| Licensing body | District of Columbia Board of Nursing |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application fee | $237 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 18.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | DC does not participate in NLC; LPNs licensed in other states may apply for licensure by endorsement.Reciprocal states: The District of Columbia does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact. LPNs licensed in other states may apply for licensure by endorsement. Verification of licensure is required from the original state of licensure and any current state of licensure. If the state participates in Nursys, verification should be completed through Nursys. If not, direct verification from the state board is required. |
| Notes | A criminal background check is required for initial licensure and at every two-year renewal. CE must include 2 hours on LGBTQ topics or cultural awareness, and 3 hours in public health topics as specified by D.C. Health. First-time renewals are exempt from CE requirements. The District of Columbia is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state. |
Source: District of Columbia Board of Nursing
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to District of Columbia? See whether District of Columbia recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Licensed Practical Nurse license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleDistrict of Columbia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
Compare Licensed Practical Nurse head-to-head
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