Top LPN Programs and Schools in the Country
Credit: SDI Productions | E+ | Getty ImagesIf you’re looking for a fast, affordable path into nursing, becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) may be the right choice. Also called licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in some states, LPNs provide essential patient care in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
There are significant differences between LPNs, registered nurses (RNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). LPNs earn higher salaries than CNAs but lower salaries than RNs. However, most LPN programs take 12-18 months to complete, significantly faster than the typical RN program. This shorter timeline offers a key advantage for nursing students looking to start a career faster.
Using a data-driven approach, we’ve ranked the top LPN programs nationwide based on affordability, academic quality, reputation, and student-focused offerings.
Keep reading to learn more about LPN programs, or go straight to our list of the best LPN programs.
How Do LPN Programs Work?
LPN programs prepare you for entry-level nursing roles under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. LPNs provide basic medical care: They can monitor vital signs, administer medications, and assist with basic patient hygiene procedures.
These nursing duties are reflected in the hands-on curriculum most LPN programs offer. Full-time students can finish these programs in as few as 12 months, as classroom instruction blends with supervised clinical training.
Common courses include anatomy, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, and patient care. The fast-paced structure introduces you to the demands of real-world practice, emphasizing efficiency and critical thinking. Clinical rotations reinforce classroom lessons, so you have direct experience with patient care. These programs prepare you to take the NCLEX-PN exam by graduation, so you can earn your license and begin practicing right away.
LPN programs play a crucial pathway for nurses to quickly enter the healthcare field and meet the growing demand for skilled medical professionals. They can also serve as the educational foundation for RN programs and RN-to-BSN bridge programs, which expand your career opportunities and salary potential.
Learn More About the Best LPN Schools and Programs
South Georgia Technical College
Americus, GA- 2 year
- 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
- In-State$3,000
- Out-of-state$6,000
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,814
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Ozarka College
- Melbourne, AR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$2,160
- Out-of-state$4,512
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,033
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Florida Gateway College
- Lake City, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$2,369
- Out-of-state$9,473
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,018
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
Ogeechee Technical College
- Statesboro, GA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$2,400
- Out-of-state$4,800
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,153
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
Southern Crescent Technical College
- Griffin, GA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$2,400
- Out-of-state$4,800
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,232
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment75%
- AccreditationYes
Palm Beach State College
- Lake Worth, FL
- 4 year
- 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
- In-State$2,424
- Out-of-state$8,712
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled26,666
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
East Arkansas Community College
- Forrest City, AR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$2,880
- Out-of-state$3,450
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled934
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
Carl Sandburg College
- Galesburg, IL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$7,140
- Out-of-state$7,952
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,755
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
Southside Virginia Community College
- Alberta, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$4,620
- Out-of-state$9,918
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,123
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Coastal Pines Technical College
- Waycross, GA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$2,147
- Out-of-state$4,294
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,606
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list was created prior to 2025.
Applying to an LPN Program
You can obtain an LPN license by first completing a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. These programs have varying course requirements, completion timelines, and costs. You should research your available options and compare them to your career goals.
LPN certificate and diploma programs are shorter than degrees and focus on practical nursing skills, while associate degree programs offer more in-depth coursework and general education requirements. Both prepare students for the NCLEX-PN but differ in duration and academic depth.
- Admission Materials: Requirements vary but typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, prerequisite courses in biology, math, or anatomy, a criminal background check, a drug screening, immunization records, CPR certification, a health exam, and an admissions interview or essay.
- GPA Requirement: Competitive programs may require a 2.0 or higher high school GPA, and some schools may have separate GPA requirements for prerequisite math and science courses.
- Other Requirements: Some programs require students to have earned a CNA credential, taken a prerequisite medical terminology course, and passed an entrance exam.
Why is LPN Program Accreditation Important?
Nursing school accreditation ensures that an LPN program meets rigorous academic and professional standards from widely recognized accrediting bodies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The process of accreditation includes independent groups of nursing professionals and academics rigorously assessing a program.
Accreditation evaluates curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes. Attending an accredited LPN program is crucial because it qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. All states require licensure for LPNs to practice, which requires passing the NCLEX-PN.
Accredited programs ensure consistent training and patient care standards. Additionally, federal financial aid is often only available to students attending accredited schools. All LPN programs featured in our ranking are fully accredited, giving you confidence in their quality and credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About LPN Programs
LPN stands for licensed practical nurse. An LPN provides basic medical care under the supervision of physicians or registered nurses. Duties often include dispensing medication, taking patients’ vitals, and assisting with daily patient needs. LPNs typically complete a state-approved educational program and must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to receive their license.
Explore Other LPN/LVN Programs
What Is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?
Find out what licensed practical nurses (LPN) do, where they work, how much they make, how you can become one, and why you’d want to.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) vs. Registered Nurses (RN)
LPNs and RNs share many tasks, but there are differences in their education requirements and scope of practice. Keep reading to learn about LPN vs. RN careers.
LPN Certificates vs. Nursing Associate Degrees: How Do They Differ?
Are you interested in becoming an LPN or getting your nursing associate degree? Then, read on to check out the differences between LPNs and RNs.