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Create ResumeIf you're building a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) resume in the United States, you must list certifications that prove you are legally qualified, clinically ready, and role-specific. At minimum, employers expect an active LPN license, NCLEX-PN completion, and Basic Life Support (BLS). Strong candidates go further by adding certifications like CPR, IV therapy, wound care, and infection control training, depending on the job setting. The goal is simple: show you can step into the role safely and immediately.
This guide breaks down exactly which certifications to include, how to list them correctly, and which ones matter most based on your LPN specialty.
To pass screening and get interviews, your certifications must clearly show:
You meet state licensing requirements
You are clinically competent and safety-trained
You align with the specific care setting (clinic, LTC, hospital, etc.)
Every LPN resume in the U.S. must include:
Active LPN/LVN License (state-specific)
NCLEX-PN (passed)
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
Without these, your resume will be rejected immediately in most cases.
This is a comprehensive list of certifications and training commonly expected or recommended for LPN roles in the U.S.
Active LPN/LVN License
NCLEX-PN
Basic Life Support (BLS)
CPR Certification
First Aid Certification
IV Therapy Certification (state-dependent)
Adding specialized certifications significantly increases your chances of getting hired, especially if you lack experience.
Wound Care Certification or training
Phlebotomy Training
Chronic Disease Management Training
Dementia Care Certification
Alzheimer’s Care Training
Long-Term Care Nursing Training
Medication Administration Training
Infection Control Training
HIPAA Training
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Training
These are critical for compliance and patient safety. Many employers require proof during onboarding.
Hospice and Palliative Care Training
ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) for hospital roles where applicable
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) for pediatric settings
Immunization Training (for clinic roles)
Electronic Health Records (EHR) Training
Different employers prioritize different certifications. Tailor your resume based on the role.
Focus on:
BLS
Dementia care certification
Wound care training
Infection control
These roles demand strong geriatric care and chronic condition management skills.
Focus on:
BLS
Immunization training
Phlebotomy training
EHR training
Clinics value efficiency, patient flow management, and procedural support.
Focus on:
BLS
CPR certification
Wound care
Chronic disease education
Independence and patient education are critical here.
Focus on:
BLS (mandatory)
ACLS (if accepted in your facility)
IV therapy certification
Hospitals prioritize acute care readiness and technical skills.
Focus on:
BLS
PALS
Pediatric medication safety training
Specialized pediatric knowledge is essential.
Focus on:
BLS
Mental health awareness training
Safety and de-escalation training
Security and behavioral health awareness are key.
This is where many candidates lose opportunities. Your certifications must be:
Clearly labeled
Easy to scan
ATS-friendly
Certifications
Active LPN License – Texas, License #123456 (Expires 2026)
NCLEX-PN – Passed
Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association – Expires 2025
CPR Certification – Red Cross – Expires 2025
IV Therapy Certification – Completed 2024
Wound Care Training – Completed 2023
Placement depends on experience level.
Place certifications directly under your name or summary to immediately show qualification.
Place certifications in a dedicated section after experience.
If you’re a new graduate or have limited experience, certifications can compensate for lack of work history.
They signal:
You are ready to work safely
You understand clinical protocols
You require less training from the employer
Recruiter insight:
Many hiring managers shortlist entry-level LPNs based on certifications first, experience second.
Avoid these critical errors:
Employers check dates. Expired BLS or CPR = immediate rejection.
Always include:
State
License number (optional but recommended)
Expiration date
Do not include unrelated courses or general online certificates.
If certifications are buried or unclear, ATS may not pick them up.
From a hiring perspective, the strongest LPN resumes show:
Up-to-date certifications
Role-specific training
Proof of patient safety knowledge
Alignment with the job setting
Example:
A candidate applying to a nursing home with BLS + dementia care + wound care will outperform someone with only basic credentials.
Use this simple approach:
Example: Clinic, hospital, LTC, home health
Look at job descriptions and note repeated requirements
Choose certifications that:
Improve patient care capability
Reduce employer training needs
Match your specialty
Yes, significantly.
ATS scans for keywords like:
BLS
CPR
IV therapy
Wound care
HIPAA
If these are missing, your resume may never reach a human recruiter.
Make sure your certification section:
Includes all required credentials
Uses exact certification names
Shows expiration dates
Matches the job description
Is easy to read in under 5 seconds
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