2026 Best LPN Programs in Virginia – Accredited Online LPN Programs

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Choosing an online LPN program in Virginia is really a decision about flexibility, licensure, clinical training, cost, and whether the program will qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-PN. Virginia does not offer a practical nursing path that can be completed entirely online because LPN students must complete supervised hands-on clinical training. However, several schools use a hybrid format, allowing students to complete selected coursework online while attending labs, simulations, and clinical rotations in person.

This guide is for students who want to become Licensed Practical Nurses in Virginia and need a practical way to compare programs, costs, timelines, admissions requirements, and career outcomes. You will learn which programs offer online or hybrid components, how licensure works, what questions to ask before enrolling, and how to avoid common mistakes that can delay your nursing career.

Quick Answer: Can You Become an LPN Online in Virginia?

You can complete part of an LPN program online in Virginia, but you cannot complete the entire LPN credential online. State-approved practical nursing programs require in-person labs and clinical experiences because students must demonstrate direct patient care skills before becoming eligible for licensure. The best option for most working adults is a hybrid LPN program that combines online coursework with scheduled campus and clinical requirements.

Why hybrid LPN programs in Virginia can be a smart choice

• Hybrid programs can make nursing school more manageable for students balancing work, caregiving, transportation, or family responsibilities.
• LPNs in Virginia earn as much as $52,790 each year, with earnings varying by setting, location, shift, experience, and specialty.
• Online coursework can reduce commuting time, but students should still plan for in-person labs, exams, simulations, and clinical rotations.

What should I expect from an online LPN program in Virginia?

An online LPN program in Virginia is best understood as a hybrid practical nursing program. Students may take some lecture-based courses online, but clinical skills must be practiced and evaluated in person. Expect a structured program with nursing theory, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child content, mental health concepts, skills labs, simulation, and supervised clinical care.

The goal of these programs is not only to help students pass the NCLEX-PN. A strong program should also prepare graduates to work safely under the supervision of registered nurses, physicians, dentists, or other authorized healthcare professionals. Students learn to monitor patient conditions, administer medications within the LPN scope of practice, document care, communicate with families, and respond to changes in patient status.

Where can I work after completing an online LPN program in Virginia?

Graduates of Virginia LPN programs can pursue practical nursing roles in a wide range of healthcare settings. Many LPNs work in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, assisted living communities, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician offices, schools, correctional facilities, and home healthcare agencies.

Long-term care and home health are especially important employment areas because Virginia has 8.7 million residents, and people aged 65 and over make up 18% of the state population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024). That population pattern affects staffing needs in facilities that serve older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and patients who need ongoing support outside acute hospital settings.

How much can I make with an online LPN degree in Virginia?

According to reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in the United States earn an average of $55,860, while LPNs in Virginia earn $52,790 (BLS, 2023a; 2023b). Virginia DHP data also shows that around 11% to 21% of professionals earn $30,000 to $49,000 yearly (Virginia DHP, 2023a).

Salary should be evaluated carefully. The published average does not guarantee what a new graduate will earn. Pay can differ by region, employer type, shift differentials, overtime availability, specialty training, years of experience, and whether the role is in long-term care, home health, outpatient care, or a hospital setting.

Virginia DHP survey data shows that some LPNs earn more: 16% of the workforce earns as much as $60,000 to $69,999, around 9% makes $70,000 to $79,999, and others report incomes above $80,000. For students considering return on investment, these figures make it important to compare tuition, debt, job placement support, local employer demand, and advancement options before enrolling.

1. Best online and hybrid LPN programs in Virginia for 2026
2. Steps to become an LPN in Virginia
3. How long Virginia LPN programs take
4. Online versus campus LPN programs in Virginia
5. Average cost of LPN programs in Virginia
6. Financial aid options for Virginia LPN students
7. Common admissions requirements for LPN programs
8. How to choose the right Virginia LPN program
9. Career paths for LPN graduates in Virginia
10. Specialized training and advancement options for LPNs
11. Certifications that can strengthen an LPN career
12. How to verify the credibility of an online LPN program
13. Virginia job market for LPN graduates
14. Virginia LPN demand compared with national trends
15. Virginia nursing license requirements for LPNs
16. Benefits of LPN-to-RN programs in Virginia
17. How to move from LPN to nurse practitioner in Virginia
18. Challenges of online LPN programs in Virginia
19. Nurse midwifery as a future pathway
20. Trends shaping LPN education and practice
21. Advanced nursing degree options for Virginia LPNs
22. Allied health specialties that may complement LPN practice
23. Fast-track online LPN options
24. Professional associations and networking resources
25. The role of LPNs in Virginia healthcare

Best Online and Hybrid LPN Programs in Virginia for 2026

How Research.com evaluates schools

Choosing an LPN program affects your eligibility for licensure, your clinical training quality, your debt level, and your early career options. Research.com uses a structured methodology designed to help students compare programs using transparent education data and practical decision factors.

For this guide, program information was reviewed using trusted sources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), Peterson’s database and its Distance Learning Licensed Data Set, College Scorecard, and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Students should still confirm current tuition, approval status, clinical placement rules, and NCLEX-PN outcomes directly with each school before applying.

1. Fortis College Norfolk

Fortis College Norfolk offers a practical nursing program that blends nursing theory, lab-based learning, and clinical experiences in affiliated healthcare settings. Students study care across age groups, cultural backgrounds, and levels of health and illness. The program uses a hybrid model, with most instruction delivered on campus and some coursework available online. Course topics include community-based nursing, human nutrition, leadership and collaboration, and human growth and development.

• Program Length: 60 weeks
• Track: Practical Nursing
• Estimated Cost: $26,998
• Required Credits to Graduate: 82
• Accreditation: VA Board of Nursing (conditional), Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

2. Germanna Community College

Germanna Community College offers a Practical Nursing Certificate that prepares students for entry-level practical nursing practice. The curriculum includes core LPN coursework such as human anatomy and physiology, trends in practical nursing, and applied pharmacology for practical nurses. Some courses are available online, which can help students manage scheduling demands. The program may also serve as a stepping stone for students who later want to pursue an associate degree in nursing.

• Program Length: One year
• Track: Practical Nursing
• Estimated Cost: $6,700
• Required Credits to Graduate: 40
• Accreditation: VA Board of Nursing (conditional)

3. Piedmont Virginia Community College

Piedmont Virginia Community College offers a Practical Nursing Certificate designed to prepare students to provide therapeutic, rehabilitative, and preventive care under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed physicians or dentists. The program reported a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN, which is an important outcome for applicants to review. Required coursework includes foundational nursing concepts, pharmacology, and nutrition.

• Program Length: One year
• Track: Practical Nursing
• Cost per Credit: $159.61 (in-state), $336.21 (out-of-state)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 37
• Accreditation: VA Board of Nursing (active)

4. Standard Healthcare Services, Inc., College of Nursing

Standard Healthcare Services, Inc., College of Nursing offers a hybrid practical nursing program focused on preparing students for generalist LPN roles. Instruction includes practical training, online exercises, and access to digital learning resources. Students should review the program’s schedule carefully because hybrid delivery still includes in-person requirements.

• Program Length: 14 to 18 months
• Track: Practical Nursing
• Estimated Cost: $23,111.72
• Required Credits to Graduate: 1,350 total clock hours
• Accreditation: VA Board of Nursing, ABHES

5. ECPI University Virginia Beach

ECPI University at the Virginia Beach campus offers a Diploma in Practical Nursing. The program is organized across four semesters and includes coursework in dosage calculations, medical-surgical nursing, life spans, and psychology. Students also complete hands-on activities that support clinical readiness.

• Program Length: 60 to 90 weeks
• Track: Practical Nursing
• Estimated Cost: $9,720/semester
• Required Credits to Graduate: 48.5
• Accreditation: VA Board of Nursing

What graduates say about hybrid LPN programs in Virginia

Key findings for Virginia LPN students

• Most public two-year institutions in VA charge $5,409 for tuition and fees.
• Aspiring LPNs can complete their credentials within 12 to 18 months of full-time study.
• LPNs in Virginia are looking at a projected growth of 3% from 2024 to 2034.
• Among surveyed LPNs in Virginia, 56% of them have health insurance programs, and 64% of them claim that they are very satisfied with their work.
• Around 94% of LPNs in the state possess an LPN diploma or certificate as their highest professional credential.

How do you become an LPN in Virginia?

Virginia has 29,377 LPNs (Virginia DHP, 2023a). To join this workforce, students must complete a state-approved pathway that includes education, examination, licensure, and renewal requirements.

1. Meet basic eligibility rules. Applicants generally must be at least 18 years old. Individual schools may also require prerequisite courses, a minimum GPA, entrance testing, health records, and background checks.
2. Graduate from a state-approved practical nursing program. Virginia LPN programs are commonly offered by community colleges, career colleges, and technical schools. Students complete nursing coursework, labs, and clinical training. They must also obtain a minimum of 400 direct client care hours across lifespans.
3. Pass the NCLEX-PN. The NCLEX-PN measures whether candidates have the practical nursing knowledge and judgment needed for safe entry-level practice. Students register after completing their approved program.
4. Apply to the state for licensure. Candidates submit an application to the Virginia Board of Nursing, pay required fees, complete a background check, and provide proof of graduation and a passing NCLEX-PN score.

After approval, the candidate receives authorization to practice as an LPN in Virginia. To keep the license active, LPNs must pay the renewal fee and complete at least one accepted continuing competency option, such as a minimum of three credit hours of post-licensure academic education, a specialty certification, a refresher course in nursing, a set number of teaching hours, or 15 contact hours of workshops and 640 hours of active practice.

How long does an online LPN program in Virginia take?

Most LPN programs in Virginia take about 12 to 18 months of full-time study. Part-time schedules may be available, but they can extend the graduation timeline. Program length depends on credit load, clinical scheduling, prerequisite completion, academic breaks, and whether the student must repeat a course or clinical component.

After graduation, candidates may sit for the NCLEX-PN. First-time test takers often wait a minimum of 30 days after requesting an exam schedule. Repeat test takers may need to wait up to 45 days from the date of the previous exam before scheduling another attempt.

Once a candidate passes the NCLEX-PN and the Virginia Board of Nursing approves the license application, the LPN license is mailed within 10 days.

How do online LPN programs compare with on-campus LPN programs in Virginia?

Online and campus-based practical nursing programs should prepare students for the same licensure exam and the same entry-level scope of practice. The difference is usually delivery format, not the licensing goal. A hybrid online LPN program may let students complete selected assignments, lectures, or review modules remotely, while an on-campus program requires more scheduled attendance in classrooms and labs.

What is the average cost of an online LPN program in Virginia?

Public community colleges often offer the lowest-cost LPN options in Virginia. Most public two-year institutions in the state charged $5,409 for tuition and fees (Ma & Pender, n.d.). However, the total price of an LPN program can vary widely because tuition is only one part of the full cost.

For example, Virginia Western Community College (VWCC) lists an estimated total cost of $12,165.60 for in-state students, or about $175.20 per credit hour. That estimate includes nursing school costs beyond tuition, such as books, learning system fees, lab supplies, background checks, NCLEX-PN exam fees, and uniforms. Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC), also a public institution and one of the top-ranked LPN schools in Virginia, charges around $21,533 in tuition fees for its LPN program.

Private colleges and technical schools usually cost more, though pricing depends on the institution. Bryant & Stratton College lists a base price of $9,975 for nursing programs or $665 per credit hour, which can be compared with affordable online nursing programs in other states.

What financial aid options are available for online LPN students in Virginia?

Cost planning matters because 45% of LPNs in Virginia carry educational debt, with the average amount ranging from $20,000 to $30,000. Among LPNs under age 40, 62% have debt, and around 12% carry less than $10,000 (Virginia DHP, 2023a).

Virginia LPN students may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans, work-study, employer assistance, or school-based aid. One state option is the Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship Program, which awards $2,000 to LPN students with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. Another is the Long-Term Care Facility Scholarship Program, which provides $2,000 to qualified LPN students in exchange for one year of full-time nursing practice in a long-term care facility in Virginia.

Students should complete financial aid applications early, compare net cost rather than sticker price, and ask schools whether aid applies to certificate or diploma programs. Not every short-term or career program qualifies for the same aid options, so it is important to verify eligibility before committing.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online LPN program in Virginia?

Admissions requirements differ by school, but most Virginia LPN programs ask applicants to submit academic records and show readiness for a rigorous nursing curriculum. Competitive programs may also rank applicants based on grades, test scores, prerequisite completion, or healthcare experience.

• Minimum age of 18
• High school diploma or GED
• Official transcripts
• Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
• Standardized testing, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
• Prerequisite coursework in subjects such as biology, physiology, anatomy, English, or math
• Personal essay

Applicants who are certified nurse aides may need to provide a resume or CV, active license documentation, proof of work experience, or other certifications. Schools may also require immunization records, background checks, drug screening, CPR certification, or health clearance before clinical placement. In Virginia, 94% of LPNs hold an LPN diploma or certificate as their highest professional credential, while only 2% also hold a registered nurse license (Virginia DHP, 2023a).

How should you choose the best online LPN program in Virginia?

The best LPN program is not automatically the cheapest, fastest, or closest option. The right choice is the program that is approved for Virginia licensure, fits your schedule, offers reliable clinical placement, has transparent costs, and provides enough academic support to help you finish and pass the NCLEX-PN.

Common mistakes to avoid when comparing LPN programs

• Assuming “online” means fully remote. Virginia LPN students should expect in-person clinical and lab requirements.
• Choosing based only on tuition. Books, supplies, testing, background checks, travel, and lost work hours can change the true cost.
• Failing to check approval status. A program must meet state requirements for graduates to move toward licensure.
• Ignoring NCLEX-PN outcomes. Low or unclear pass-rate information should prompt more questions.
• Overlooking clinical logistics. A program can be academically strong but impractical if clinical sites are too far away or conflict with work.
• Relying only on rankings. Rankings can help narrow choices, but they should not replace direct verification with the school and the nursing board.

What career paths are available after graduating from an LPN program in Virginia?

Practical nursing is one level in the broader nursing career ladder. Students comparing nursing degrees and credential levels should understand that an LPN credential can lead directly to employment or serve as a foundation for later RN, BSN, or advanced practice study.

• Long-term care: LPNs in long-term care make up 15% of LPNs in Virginia (Virginia DHP, 2023a). They support residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and similar settings by monitoring health status, administering medications, helping with daily needs, and communicating changes to supervising clinicians.
• Pediatrics: LPNs in pediatric settings assist with care for infants, children, and adolescents. They may support routine care, acute visits, medication administration, and family education under appropriate supervision.
• Family healthcare: LPNs in family practice and primary care support patients across the lifespan through intake, basic assessments, preventive care support, documentation, and treatment assistance.
• Psychiatric care: LPNs in behavioral health settings support patients with mental health needs, help monitor symptoms, administer medications, and contribute to care plans as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Acute and critical care support: Some LPNs work in higher-acuity environments where their duties depend heavily on employer policies, state scope of practice, and supervision. They may support patient monitoring, medication administration, and care coordination.

How can LPNs in Virginia advance through specialized training and education?

LPNs who want more responsibility, broader clinical authority, or higher-level roles usually need additional education. The most common next step is an LPN-to-RN bridge program, which prepares practical nurses to become registered nurses. Students considering that path can review guidance on how to become a registered nurse in Virginia.

Other LPNs build expertise through focused training in areas such as wound care, pharmacology, gerontology, pediatrics, hospice, or long-term care. Specialized credentials may help nurses qualify for more focused roles, but students should verify whether a certification is recognized by employers and whether it changes duties under Virginia scope-of-practice rules.

Longer-term advancement may involve an associate degree in nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or graduate nursing pathway. These options require careful planning because admissions prerequisites, clinical hour requirements, tuition, and licensure rules differ by level.

What certifications can LPNs in Virginia pursue?

Certifications can help LPNs document focused skills and pursue roles aligned with specific patient populations or care settings. They do not replace licensure, and they do not automatically expand scope of practice, but they may strengthen a resume and support career mobility.

How can I verify the credibility of an online LPN degree?

Before enrolling, confirm that the program is approved for practical nursing education in Virginia and that its clinical training meets state requirements. Review the school’s accreditation, clinical partners, NCLEX-PN pass rates, completion rates, student support, and graduate outcomes. For broader context on evaluating virtual nursing education, see Research.com’s guide on whether an online nursing degree is credible.

Be cautious if a school claims that you can become an LPN in Virginia without in-person clinical training, avoids sharing approval information, pressures you to enroll quickly, or cannot explain how graduates qualify for the NCLEX-PN.

What is the job market for LPN graduates in Virginia?

Virginia’s LPN workforce is diverse, with a diversity index of 58%. A varied workforce can strengthen patient care by bringing different cultural perspectives and lived experiences into healthcare settings.

Although many Virginia LPNs earn below the national average, employment benefits can be an important part of total compensation. Virginia DHP data shows that 56% of LPNs in Virginia have access to health insurance (Virginia DHP, n.d.).

Job satisfaction is another factor to consider. Approximately 64% of Virginia LPNs report being “very satisfied” with their work situations (Virginia DHP, n.d.). Students should still evaluate local job postings, shift expectations, commute times, benefits, and advancement opportunities because the day-to-day experience can vary significantly by employer.

How does demand for LPNs in Virginia compare with national trends?

Demand for Virginia LPNs reflects many of the same forces shaping practical nursing nationwide: an aging population, chronic disease management, long-term care needs, home health growth, and ongoing staffing challenges in healthcare. According to the BLS (2025), LPNs across the nation are expected to see a job outlook of 5%, or around 34,900 openings yearly from 2022 to 2032.

Virginia’s projected growth for LPNs is 3% from 2024 to 2034. While that figure is more modest than the national projection cited above, the need for practical nurses remains tied to long-term care, community healthcare, rehabilitation, and home-based services.

LPNs who want broader career options may later pursue online BSN programs, bridge programs, specialty training, or employer-supported advancement. The strongest long-term strategy is to combine licensure with experience, reliable clinical skills, and ongoing education.

What are the Virginia nursing license requirements for LPNs?

Virginia LPN candidates must complete a state-approved practical nursing program, pass the NCLEX-PN, complete required background screening, and apply through the state board. Once licensed, LPNs must meet renewal and continuing competency requirements to maintain active practice authority. Students should review the current Virginia nursing license requirements before enrolling, especially if they completed education in another state or are considering a program with online components.

What are the benefits of LPN-to-RN programs in Virginia?

An LPN-to-RN program can be a strong next step for practical nurses who want broader clinical responsibilities, more employment settings, and a pathway toward advanced nursing education. The transition requires additional coursework and clinical preparation, but it can create more long-term flexibility.

• Higher earning potential: RN roles generally offer higher pay than LPN roles, although salary depends on employer, location, specialty, schedule, and experience.
• More career options: RNs can qualify for a wider range of hospital, specialty, leadership, and care coordination roles.
• Flexible education pathways: Some programs are designed for working nurses, and students researching future bachelor’s options may also compare RN to BSN no clinicals programs.

How can I move from LPN to nurse practitioner in Virginia?

Becoming a nurse practitioner is not a direct jump from LPN practice. It usually requires progressing from LPN to RN, completing advanced nursing education, meeting clinical experience requirements, and qualifying for advanced practice licensure. Students who want this long-term route should plan prerequisites early, maintain strong grades, and choose bridge programs that support future graduate study. For a detailed roadmap, review how to become a nurse practitioner in Virginia.

What challenges might I encounter in an online LPN program in Virginia?

Hybrid LPN programs can make education more accessible, but they are not easy. Students must manage online assignments, in-person clinical schedules, skills checkoffs, exam preparation, and often work or family responsibilities at the same time. Technology issues, limited clinical availability, and long commutes to clinical sites can add pressure.

Before enrolling, ask how the program supports students who struggle academically, how clinical placements are assigned, what technology is required, and whether tutoring or remediation is available. Students comparing nursing education options can also review the best nursing schools in Virginia to understand broader program standards.

Could nurse midwifery expand my nursing career options in Virginia?

Nurse midwifery is an advanced nursing pathway focused on maternal, reproductive, and primary care. It is not an entry-level LPN role, but it may be a long-term option for LPNs who later become RNs and pursue graduate-level nursing education. Students interested in this direction should review prerequisites, clinical requirements, and licensure expectations. For more detail, see the nurse midwife education requirements in Virginia.

What trends are affecting LPN education and practice in Virginia?

Virginia practical nursing programs are increasingly shaped by digital learning tools, simulation, telehealth exposure, and evolving competency assessment. These tools can improve access and help students practice decision-making, but they do not replace required hands-on clinical training.

Healthcare employers are also placing greater value on technology comfort, documentation accuracy, interdisciplinary communication, and readiness to care for older adults and patients with chronic conditions. Students exploring related vocational nursing pathways can also review information on how to become an LVN in Virginia.

What advanced nursing degree opportunities are available for LPNs in Virginia?

LPNs who want to advance can pursue RN bridge programs, associate degrees in nursing, BSN programs, and eventually graduate nursing programs. Those interested in advanced practice roles can compare the best nurse practitioner programs in Virginia after mapping the required steps from LPN to RN and beyond.

The best path depends on your career goal. If you want bedside RN practice, an LPN-to-RN bridge may be the most direct move. If you want leadership, public health, informatics, or advanced practice, you may need a BSN or graduate degree later.

Can allied health specialties strengthen an LPN career in Virginia?

Allied health training can complement practical nursing when it supports patient education, chronic disease prevention, rehabilitation, or wellness. For example, nutrition knowledge may help LPNs reinforce care plans for patients managing diabetes, cardiovascular risk, or weight-related concerns. LPNs interested in this type of cross-training can explore how to become a nutritionist in Virginia.

Before investing in an allied health credential, confirm whether it is recognized by employers, whether it fits your scope of practice, and whether it supports the patient population you want to serve.

Are fast-track online LPN programs a good option in Virginia?

Fast-track LPN programs can appeal to students who want to enter the workforce quickly, but acceleration comes with trade-offs. A shorter program may require heavier weekly coursework, less schedule flexibility, and more intense clinical blocks. Students should confirm that any accelerated option still meets Virginia licensure requirements and includes sufficient supervised clinical training.

If speed is your priority, compare completion time, NCLEX-PN pass rates, clinical scheduling, total cost, and student support. You can also review broader fast-track LPN programs online to understand how accelerated formats are structured.

Which professional associations and networking resources can help Virginia LPNs?

Professional networking can help LPNs learn about job openings, continuing education, specialty training, regulatory changes, and career advancement. Local employer events, nursing associations, alumni networks, clinical preceptors, and online professional communities can all be useful.

New students should start building connections during clinical rotations by being reliable, prepared, and professional. For additional career-entry guidance, review Research.com’s guide on how to become a certified LPN in Virginia.

What is the role of LPNs in Virginia’s healthcare system?

LPNs are essential members of Virginia’s healthcare workforce. They provide direct care, support registered nurses and physicians, help patients manage daily needs, and contribute to continuity of care in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, correctional settings, schools, and homes.

• Direct patient care: LPNs monitor vital signs, administer medications within their scope, assist with wound care, document observations, and report changes in patient condition.
• Long-term care support: Many LPNs help care for older adults and patients with chronic conditions in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and similar environments.
• Team-based healthcare: LPNs coordinate with RNs, physicians, specialists, aides, and therapists to keep patient care organized and responsive.
• Access in underserved communities: In areas with fewer healthcare resources, LPNs may help extend basic care, follow-up support, and patient monitoring under appropriate supervision.

For students seeking an accessible starting point, comparing the easiest LPN programs may help identify practical entry routes. However, ease of admission should never be the only factor. Approval status, clinical quality, NCLEX-PN preparation, and total cost matter more for long-term success.

References:

• Ma, J., & Pender, M. (n.d.). Trends in college pricing. College Board. https://research.collegeboard.org/trends/college-pricing
• Virginia Department of Health Professions. (n.d.). Virginia’s licensed practical nurse workforce. Healthcare Workforce Data Center. https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/media/dhpweb/docs/hwdc/nurse/0002LPN2023.pdf
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Occupational employment and wages, May 2025 Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). May 2025 state occupational employment and wage estimates Virginia. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_va.htm
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses. Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm
• U.S. Census Bureau. (2025), Quick facts Virginia. Retrieved February 9, 2024, from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/VA

Key Insights

• Virginia does not have fully online LPN programs because practical nursing requires in-person labs and supervised clinical care.
• The strongest option for many working students is a hybrid LPN program that allows some online coursework while still meeting state clinical requirements.
• Program approval and licensure eligibility matter more than convenience. Always verify Virginia Board of Nursing status before enrolling.
• LPN programs in Virginia commonly take 12 to 18 months of full-time study, followed by NCLEX-PN testing and state licensure approval.
• Costs vary widely. Compare total program cost, not just tuition, and include supplies, fees, clinical travel, testing, and potential lost work hours.
• LPNs in Virginia earn $52,790 on average, while some earn more based on experience, setting, shifts, and specialty training.
• Students who want long-term advancement should consider whether the LPN program supports future LPN-to-RN, BSN, or advanced nursing pathways.