The Best Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Programs and Schools in the USA
LPN programs provide an excellent entry point into the healthcare field. LPNs are in high demand and can pursue further education to become Registered Nurses (RNs).
Considering a career in healthcare but concerned about the time and cost of an associate degree in nursing? Becoming an LPN might be the right choice. LPN programs typically last just one year, and the demand for LPNs is strong.
While there are distinctions between LPNs, RNs, and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), LPNs earn more than CNAs but less than RNs. Many RNs started their careers as LPNs, offering opportunities for career and salary advancement.
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When exploring LPN programs, you may come across Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs. Other than the title, there’s no difference between LPN and LVN programs.
To make your search for the best LPN programs easier, we employ a data-driven methodology based on metrics that matter most to students, such as academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Top 8 Challenges for an LPN
How Do LPN Programs Work?
LPN programs usually take 1-2 years to complete, commonly offered at community colleges and some hospitals. The coursework covers a wide range of topics, including taking vital signs, updating medical records, administering medication, drawing blood, and using medical equipment. LPN programs also teach essential skills like patient safety, nursing ethics, and effective communication in healthcare settings.
During your LPN program, you’ll engage in clinical experiences within healthcare settings. Initially, you’ll observe, gradually taking on more responsibilities under the supervision of licensed nurses or other healthcare professionals. Clinical practice allows you to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world context. After completing your program, you can take the National Council Licensure Examination for LPNs (NCLEX-PN).
#1 Top LPN Programs and Schools in the Country
South Georgia Technical College
- Americus, GA
- 2 years
- Campus
The practical nursing diploma program at South Georgia Technical College readies graduates for the NCLEX-PN. Coursework and clinical experiences emphasize competent caregiving with the goal of landing entry-level licensed practical nursing positions.
Courses include maternity nursing, medical-surgical nursing, nursing fundamentals, and structure and function of the human body.
- Program(s): Diploma in practical nursing
- Campus: Americus, GA
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Practical Nursing
- Tuition: $100 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; age 18; college placement test or ACT/SAT scores; criminal background check.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 5 terms
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
#2 Top LPN Programs and Schools in the Country
Ozarka College
- Melbourne, AR
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
Ozarka College offers a technical certificate in licensed practical nursing that prepares learners for industry certification. Courses cover topics in basic human nutrition, body structure and function, and nursing process. The curriculum includes clinical rotations in the campus’ four-county area and Missouri. Students are responsible for travel costs.
- Program(s): Technical certificate in practical nursing
- Campus: Melbourne, AR
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Arkansas State Board of Nursing
- Tuition: $121 per credit hour for in-state residents; $219 per credit hour for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: High school of GED transcripts; placement test scores; additional criteria specified by admissions office
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
#3 Top LPN Programs and Schools in the Country
Florida Gateway College
- Lake City, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Offering a top LPN program in the country, Florida Gateway College awards an occupational certificate in practical nursing that qualifies graduates for the NCLEX-PN and Florida licensing. Students begin the program in the spring and learn basic nursing, human development across the lifespan, medical-surgical lifespan, and transition into practice.
- Program(s): Occupational certificate in practical nursing
- Campus: Lake City, FL
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $6,522 total
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; age 18; Test of Adult Basic Education score of 11; TEAS exam scores; background check
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
#4 Top LPN Programs and Schools in the Country
Ogeechee Technical College
- Statesboro, GA
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
The practical nursing diploma program at Ogeechee Technical College prepares learners to provide competent nursing care with a curriculum that integrates theory and practice. Graduates gain eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN and can pursue entry-level nursing positions.
The program arranges clinical assignments at local healthcare facilities, but students pay travel costs.
- Program(s): Diploma in practical nursing
- Campus: Statesboro, GA
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Georgia Board of Nursing
- Tuition: $6,070 total
- Admission Requirements: High school or GED transcripts: age 18 at start of program; placement test scores; background check
- Minimum Time Commitment: 5 terms
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
#5 Top LPN Programs and Schools in the Country
Southern Crescent Technical College
- Griffin, GA
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
Southern Crescent Technical College‘s practical nursing diploma track prepares students for NCLEX-PN and entry-level nursing practice. Cohorts begin in the fall or spring. The program integrates coursework and clinical experiences in nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, nurse leadership, and maternity nursing.
SCTC places students into its healthcare assistant certificate program while they work on PN program admission requirements.
- Program(s): Diploma in practical nursing
- Campus: Griffin, GA
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $100 per credit hour for in-state residents; $200 per credit hour for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: High school or GED transcripts; prerequisites; 3.0 GPA in core courses; background check
- Minimum Time Commitment: 5 terms
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
#6 Top LPN Programs and Schools in the Country
Palm Beach State College
- Lake Worth, FL
- 4 years
- Campus
The practical nursing career certificate program at Palm Beach State College includes theoretical classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience in geriatric and long-term care nursing, medical-surgical nursing, obstetrical and pediatric nursing, and pharmacology and medication administration.
The curriculum prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN. Students can apply 11 LPN credits toward an associate degree in nursing.
- Program(s): Practical nursing career certificate
- Campus: Lake Worth, FL
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Florida Board of Nursing
- Tuition: $101 per credit hour for in-state residents; $363 per credit hour for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: High school or GED transcripts; Test of Adult Basic Education scores; online info session completion; HESI score of 75
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
#7 Top LPN Programs and Schools in the Country
East Arkansas Community College
- Forrest City, AR
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
East Arkansas Community College offers a practical nursing certificate that trains LPNs to provide basic patient care and communication while practicing cultural sensitivity.
Course topics include basic fundamentals, mental health, and nursing of mothers and children. Courses include clinical components at assigned locations, such as long-term care facilities, pediatric physician offices, and emergency rooms.
- Program(s): Technical certificate in practical nursing
- Campus: Forrest City, AR
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $88 per credit hour for in-county residents; $98 per credit hour for in-state residents; $118 per credit hour for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Academic transcripts; nursing entrance exam; background check
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
#8 Top LPN Programs and Schools in the Country
Carl Sandburg College
- Galesburg, IL
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
The practical nursing program at Carl Sandburg College readies graduates for entry-level nursing positions working under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses. Students learn to administer injections and medications, collect testing samples, dress wounds, provide basic bedside care, and take vital signs.
Sandburg maintains cooperative transfer agreements with Illinois nursing schools.
- Program(s): Practical nursing certificate
- Campus: Galesburg, IL
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $175 per credit hour for in-district residents; $262 per credit hour for in-state residents; $292 per credit hour for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Meeting with academic advisor; high school transcript; TEAS or ACT/SAT scores
- Minimum Time Commitment: 1 year
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
#9 Top LPN Programs and Schools in the Country
Southside Virginia Community College
- Alberta, VA
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
Southside Virginia Community College offers a certificate in practical nursing geared toward beginning practitioners. Students prepare for the NCLEX-PN with classroom and clinical training that emphasizes collaboration, nursing judgment, patient-centered care, professional identity, and safe and effective care.
Courses include terminology and charting, drug dosage calculations, and developmental psychology.
- Program(s): Certificate in practical nursing
- Campus: Alberta, VA
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $157 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Information session attendance; high school transcripts or equivalent; transcript review to see if placement test required; TEAS exam scores: 55% overall, 53% math; 2.0 SVCC prerequisites GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 3 semesters
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
#10 Top LPN Programs and Schools in the Country
Coastal Pines Technical College
- Waycross, GA
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
As a top LPN school in the country, Coastal Pines Technical College‘s practical nursing diploma program focuses on passing the NCLEX-PN and providing competent patient care. Students gain hands-on experience through clinicals in nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, maternity nursing, and nurse leadership.
CPTC requires general education courses in English, mathematics, and basic psychology.
- Program(s): Diploma in practical nursing
- Campus: Waycross, GA
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Georgia Board of Nursing
- Tuition: $100 per credit hour for in-state residents; $200 per credit hour for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; age 16; transcripts; placement testing scores; healthcare assistant certificate; background check
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Applying to an LPN Program
If you’re considering applying to an LPN program, typical requirements include a high school diploma or GED certificate, a criminal background check, entrance exams, a minimum GPA of 2.5, and recommendation letters. Some programs may also require scores from the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or the American College Test (ACT).
The Importance of LPN Program Accreditation
Accreditation of LPN programs is vital, as it ensures that an independent group of academics and nursing professionals has reviewed the program’s curriculum, teaching methods, and overall quality to ensure graduates can practice safely. Most employers prefer to hire graduates of accredited programs, and accredited schools generally don’t accept transfer credits from unaccredited programs. This underscores the importance of choosing an accredited LPN program.
FAQs About LPN Programs
1. What is the shortest LPN program?
Some LPN programs offer an accelerated option for individuals with Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification, allowing them to complete the program in as little as six months. However, program duration can vary, so it’s essential to research your options.
2. What is the highest paying LPN job?
The highest-paying LPN jobs, according to Salary.com as of February 2022, can earn over $60,776 annually according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). LPNs typically earn a median salary of $48,820 per year, with geriatrics LPNs having the highest median salary at $47,000, as reported by the Journal of Nursing Regulation.
3. How long does it take to become an LPN?
Most LPN programs take 1-2 years to complete. The duration may vary based on the specific program, your schedule, and state requirements. After graduation, you can choose to take the NCLEX-PN exam immediately, or some students prefer to study for an additional period.
4. Where is the best place to work as an LPN?
The top-paying cities for LPNs are mainly in California (according to the BLS), with areas like San Jose, Santa Clara, and Santa Rosa offering some of the highest average salaries. Other high-paying locations include San Francisco, Oakland, and Anchorage, Alaska. It’s essential to consider factors like cost of living when evaluating potential job opportunities.
These LPN programs offer diverse opportunities to pursue a rewarding career in healthcare. It’s essential to select a program that aligns with your goals and fits your schedule. LPNs play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing care and support to patients in various settings.
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