What is an LPN?

Licensed Practical Nurses

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are regulated healthcare professionals who provide nursing care to clients in variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, personal care homes, and the community. 

The entry-level education program for LPNs in Manitoba is a two-year diploma program.  LPNs develop their nursing competence over the course of their careers through additional education, training and experience. 

Manitoba LPNs practise as members of interprofessional teams and autonomously. They make client care decisions that are within their professional scope of practice and individual competence. They are accountable for the care they provide and the decisions they make.

Manitoba’s LPNs are:

  • trained in the theory and practice of nursing
  • registered, following confirmation that they meet the CLPNM’s requirements for professional practice, including the requirement to possess the entry-level competencies of the profession in Manitoba
  • bound by standards of professional and ethical practice, and
  • accountable for maintaining and building their professional nursing competence throughout their career.

More information on LPN scope of practice is available here

If you have questions about the nursing competencies and role of Manitoba’s LPNs, please get in touch with the CLPNM Practice Department at  204-663-1212, 1-877-663-1212, or email us

If you are interested in taking education that will prepare you for a career as an LPN, please see here

If you were already trained as a nurse in another jurisdiction and are interested in becoming registered as an LPN in Manitoba, please visit the CLPNM home page and  select “For Applicants +” from the main menu. 

Did you know?

Manitoba has three nursing professions, each of which is regulated by a separate regulatory body. Manitoba’s three nursing regulatory bodies work in close collaboration, as do the three professions.  

If you are interested in learning more about Registered Nurses, including Registered Nurse (Nurse Practitioners), please visit the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba’s website.

If you are interested in learning more about Registered Psychiatric Nurses, please visit the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba’s website