Best Online LPN Programs for Aspiring Practical Nurses of 2024
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Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are an essential part of healthcare delivery and patient care. If you’re interested in entering the nursing field, discover the top online LPN programs and how you can choose the best accredited and affordable program for you.
The Top Online LPN Programs and Schools in 2024
Blinn College
Brenham, TX- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Blinn College's vocational nursing certificate (LVN) is a one-year program approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. Students take online courses in basic nursing skills, gerontology, and medical-surgical nursing. They complete lab work, clinical hours, tests, and quizzes in person.
The program prepares graduates to get their LVN license in Texas or any nursing license compact state and boasts an NCLEX-PN pass rate six percentage points higher than Texas’s pass rate. Students may not qualify for licensure in every state because the program is not accredited.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $63
- Program Length: One year
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 39
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.33%
- Program Accreditation: Approved by the Texas Board of Nursing
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- In-State$3,510
- Out-of-state$8,280
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled17,420
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Montana State University Billings
- Billings, MT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The City College at MSU Billings offers an online certificate of applied science in practical nursing. The program is approved by the Montana Board of Nursing. Students take gerontology, pharmacology, and basic nursing skills courses after earning a C or better in all prerequisites in the first term. Graduates can become practical nurses after passing the NCLEX-PN.
Applicants provide an application, unofficial transcripts, one reference, and documentation for applicable work experience.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $298-$368 (in-state), $542-$835 (out-of-state)
- Program Length: One year
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 40
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.44%
- Program Accreditation: Approved by the Montana Board of Nursing
- School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- In-State$4,485
- Out-of-state$17,678
- In-State$5,878
- Out-of-state$19,542
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled4,114
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
Why Accreditation Matters for Online LPN Programs
Always look for online LPN programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Graduating from an online LPN program accredited by ACEN allows you to sit for the NCLEX-PN and qualify for LPN licensure.
Accredited online LPN programs meet high standards for academic quality and follow the best practices for training LPNs. Attending an accredited online program can qualify you for federal financial aid, licensure, and practical nursing jobs.
You can verify a program’s accreditation status using the U.S. Department of Education’s online database.
How Much Do LPN Online Programs Cost?
Online LPN programs can cost anywhere from $9,000 to $20,000. An important factor that may affect the cost includes whether the school you choose is a public institution or a private non-profit school. In-state community colleges generally offer the most affordable tuition rates.
Keep in mind the additional costs of your education, including textbooks, computers, distance learning fees, high-speed internet, scrubs and other supplies for your in-person clinical experiences.
Some online schools offer benefits like free laptops and other tech-related discounts that can take some of the financial bite out of successfully completing your LPN training, and you may find certain resources helpful for making school more affordable.
| Institution Type | Online | On-Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Public | $9,410 | $8,520 |
| Private, For-Profit | $20,990 | $20,620 |
| Total | $13,400 | $14,660 |
*The median annual cost of LPN programs includes tuition, fees, supplies, and books students need for their LPN program. The sample size was too small to compare cost data for private, non-profit LPN programs.
How Much Money Can You Make as an LPN?
Salary and Career Outlook for LPNs by State
| State⇅ | Hourly Median Wage (May 2023)⇅ | Projected Annual Openings (2022-2032)⇅ | % Change in Employment (2022-2032)⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $23.23 | 900 | 2.3% |
| Alaska | $36.35 | 30 | 12.5% |
| Arizona | $31.49 | 730 | 25.5% |
| Arkansas | $23.46 | 930 | 6.7% |
| California | $36.35 | 7,830 | 17.8% |
| Colorado | $31.11 | 460 | 12.5% |
| Connecticut | $31.57 | 740 | 4.2% |
| Delaware | $30.38 | 210 | 16.8% |
| District of Columbia | $32.55 | 110 | 9.1% |
| Florida | $27.28 | 3,520 | 12.7% |
Source: BLS, Projections Central
How to Become an LPN Online
Becoming an LPN involves first taking prerequisite classes and the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills). Once you’re accepted into an LPN program, you can finish within 12-24 months, take the NCLEX-PN exam, and find your first job.
1 | Research Accredited Online LPN Programs
Comparing online LPN programs can help you make an informed decision.
All top LPN online programs are ACEN accredited. You can search for accredited online LPN programs in the ACEN’s directory.
Don’t forget to submit the FAFSA to see whether you qualify for federal financial aid.
2 | Complete Your LPN Program
An LPN certificate takes about one year to complete. In contrast, an associate degree takes two years due to the addition of general education coursework.
With an associate degree in practical nursing, you may qualify for a higher salary or career advancement sooner than those with only a certificate or diploma.
3 | Pass the NCLEX-PN
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing administers the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN. Once you complete your LPN certificate or degree program, you must pass the NCLEX-PN.
The NCLEX-PN uses a computer-adaptive format and covers critical content areas such as health promotion, coordinated care, and risk reduction. The time limit for the test is five hours.
When you take the NCLEX-PN, you’ll answer 70-135 questions. The number of questions does not determine if you’ve passed or not. You’ll receive a passing score as long as you demonstrate overall competency as an LPN in all major areas covered by the exam.
U.S. test-takers must pay $200 to register for the NCLEX-PN. Additional fees vary depending on the state where you live.
4 | Apply for Licensure
The final step to becoming an LPN is to get licensed. Your LPN license allows you to legally work as an LPN in your state.
LPN licensure requirements vary by state. To qualify for licensure, you must typically:
- Complete an accredited practical nursing program.
- Pass a background check.
- Submit a license application and application fee.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN and a state-administered licensure exam if your state requires one.
5 | Get Additional Certifications if Desired
New LPNs may need certifications to stand out in a competitive job market. Certifications can qualify you for promotions and other professional benefits.
You’ll usually need to take additional classes and pass an exam to get certified. Some LPN certifications, like certified hemodialysis nurse, require you to gain experience in that nursing specialty before you apply.
Explore popular certifications you can get in practical nursing.
Popular Practical Nursing Certifications
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- Basic Life Support
- Certified Hemodialysis Nurse
- Developmental Disabilities
- Gerontology
- IV Therapy
- Long-Term Care
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Pharmacology
- Transplant Coordinator
- Urology
- Wound Care
Q&A With a Real Licensed Practical Nurse
Nicole Hart worked as a licensed practical nurse for five years. She decided to pursue a career in nursing as a single mom of twins. After the birth of her youngest child in 2019, she transitioned to working from home. She has since found her passion as an online fitness and nutrition coach, helping fellow moms prioritize themselves and their health.
Nicole has helped dozens of women lose weight, gain confidence, and remember something that many moms tend to forget: They are more than just moms.
