Best LPN Programs in Virginia
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
Licensed practical nurses (LPN) help care for people in many parts of Virginia. They are also benefitting from a strong professional tailwind, as LPNs are in demand across the commonwealth.
Virginia Workforce Connection reports more than 3,200 LPN job openings in the state as of July 2024.
LPN training programs in Virginia can help you advance in this in-demand healthcare field. Start on your LPN career path with our statewide rankings below, along with more information on how to get started and get your license. We’ve also included career and salary data for Virginia LPNs.
Top LPN Programs in Virginia
Southwest Virginia Community College
Cedar Bluff, VA- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,620
- Out-of-state$9,918
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,338
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
Mountain Gateway Community College
- Clifton Forge, VA
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$4,620
- Out-of-state$9,918
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled1,032
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
Mountain Empire Community College
- Big Stone Gap, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,620
- Out-of-state$9,918
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,313
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Laurel Ridge Community College
- Middletown, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,620
- Out-of-state$9,918
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled6,716
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Southside Virginia Community College
- Alberta, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,620
- Out-of-state$9,918
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled3,219
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern Shore Community College
- Melfa, VA
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$4,620
- Out-of-state$9,918
- Retention Rate51%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled620
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
Paul D. Camp Community College
- Franklin, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,620
- Out-of-state$9,918
- Retention Rate46%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled1,257
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Rappahannock Community College
- Glenns, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,620
- Out-of-state$9,918
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,909
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Danville Community College
- Danville, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,620
- Out-of-state$9,918
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,813
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
Patrick & Henry Community College
- Martinsville, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,620
- Out-of-state$9,918
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,238
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
Wytheville Community College
- Wytheville, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,620
- Out-of-state$9,918
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,450
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Piedmont Virginia Community College
- Charlottesville, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,650
- Out-of-state$9,948
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled5,312
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
New River Community College
- Dublin, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,620
- Out-of-state$9,918
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled4,332
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Virginia Western Community College
- Roanoke, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,680
- Out-of-state$9,978
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled6,303
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
- Richmond, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,743
- Out-of-state$10,041
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled8,711
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Licensure Requirements for Virginia LPNs
Each state has its own licensing requirements for LPNs, with the Virginia Board of Nursing issuing licenses to LPNs in the state.
To become an LPN in Virginia, you’ll need to meet the following requirements.
Basic Eligibility
- Graduated from an approved LPN program
- Are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam
Education and Training Requirements
Did you graduate? If so, it’s time to pursue your LPN license. In Virginia, there are two primary tracks to licensure.
First, if you graduated from LPN programs in Virginia, you’ll use what’s known as the licensure by examination method. Students on this track must graduate from a Virginia-based program approved by the state. After graduation, students must pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
Second, if you attended an approved LPN program from another state and hold an out-of-state license, you’ll use the licensure by endorsement method. To follow this track, LPN applicants must have a license in good standing as well as pass a criminal background check.
Either method requires applications to be submitted online only.
Additional Requirements for Licensure by Examination
- Complete online application
- Official transcript from your LPN program sent to the Virginia Board of Nursing
- Register and pass the NCLEX-PN
- Pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check
- Pay the required fees:
- $100 examination
- $110 reexamination
- $115 endorsement
- $170 application fee
- About $46 fingerprint processing fee
- $200 to take the NCLEX-PN
- Paying a $120 fee (if the fee is late, another $40 is added)
- Complete a renewal application
- Meet continued competency (continuing education) requirements, which require a licensee to complete at least one of the following:
- Current specialty certification by a national certifying organization
- At least three hours of post-licensure education related to nursing practice
- A refresher course in nursing
- Published works in the nursing field
- Completion of a nursing-related, evidence-based project or study
- Teaching or developing a nursing-related course (covering no less than three semester hours, specialty certification, or a 15-week course)
- Teaching continuing education courses for up to 30 hours
- 15 hours of workshops, seminars, conferences, or courses, in addition to 640 hours of active practice as a nurse
- 30 hours of workshops, seminars, conferences, or courses related to nursing
Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact State. This means Virginia LPNs can work in other states that are also part of the compact agreement, which currently covers 41 states and the District of Columbia. This multi-state license can be obtained through Virginia if the applicant’s primary residence is in Virginia.
Renewal
Virginia LPNs must renew their license every two years. The process consists of:
Salary for LPNs in Virginia
What salary can you expect as an LPN in Virginia? As of 2023, Virginia LPNs earned an annual median salary of $57,810, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is comparable to the national median LPN salary, which the BLS estimated at $59,730 as of 2023.
As in other fields, LPN salaries vary by location, experience, and training level, among other factors. As LPNs gain experience, their salaries will often increase.
| Wage Category | Virginia | National |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Wage (25th percentile) | $49,980 | $50,640 |
| Annual Wage (Median) | $57,810 | $59,730 |
| Annual Wage (75th percentile) | $63,360 | $67,140 |
| Location | Annual Wage (25th Percentile) | Annual Wage (Median) | Annual Wage (75th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville | $50,640 | $61,120 | $66,270 |
| Northwestern Virginia nonmetropolitan area | $52,540 | $60,270 | $65,790 |
| Northeastern Virginia nonmetropolitan area | $49,610 | $58,010 | $64,600 |
| Roanoke | $48,460 | $55,480 | $60,160 |
| Winchester VA-WV | $47,760 | $56,090 | $60,990 |
Employment Trends for LPNs in Virginia
Virginia currently employs 18,880 licensed practical nurses, according to Projections Central, with an additional 1,620 annual openings expected each year. That’s a projected annual increase of 7.2% from 2022-2032,
This could make it a good time to become an LPN in Virginia.
According to Virginia Workforce Connection, more than 3,200 job postings in the state include a request for an LPN certification.
| State Job Openings for LPNs | Average Wage for Posted Jobs (July 2024) | Locations with the Most LPN Job Openings |
|---|---|---|
| 3,272 | $63,346 | Fairfax, Roanoke, Richmond, Albemarle, Lynchburg, Virginia Beach, Norfolk |
Frequently Asked Questions About LPN Programs in Virginia
You can become an LPN in Virginia in as little as 15 months with an accelerated LPN program. These programs emphasize nursing skills and clinical knowledge while preparing graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam and licensure as an LPN.
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