10 Cheapest Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Programs in 2024

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs offer aspiring nursing professionals a streamlined and rewarding pathway to kickstart their careers in the healthcare sector.

These programs are especially appealing due to their relatively quick completion time, coupled with promising job prospects. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for LPNs is anticipated to rise by 5% from 2022 to 2032, underscoring the growing importance of these healthcare professionals in the medical landscape.

For individuals keen on capitalizing on this projected growth and establishing themselves in the nursing field, we've meticulously gathered comprehensive information on the subject. Moreover, to assist in making an informed decision that aligns with financial considerations, we've also curated a list spotlighting the 10 most affordable LPN programs available.

What Is an LPN Program?

Most of the fastest LPN programs offered at vocational schools and community colleges commonly take 12 to 18 months to complete, leading to either a Certificate or Diploma in Practical Nursing.

Comprehensive programs include classroom experience and hands-on clinical learning, incorporating the following skills:

• Using evidence-based nursing research
• Implementing care plans
• Understanding medical terminology, procedures, and tests
• Taking part in simulation labs
• Becoming proficient and tested on technical skills
• Clinical rotations
• Quizzes, tests, and writing papers
• Building communication skills and empathy

LPN programs prepare students to deliver competent quality healthcare as entry-level practical nurses, providing patent care such as taking vital signs, changing wound dressings, and assisting patients with daily activities.

Most commonly, LPNs work in healthcare facilities like hospitals, mental health facilities, retirement homes, and community care centers.

LPN Program Prerequisites and Requirements

To enter an LPN program, you must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or a GED, and provide transcripts.

The eligibility requirements vary between programs; for example, some schools may require a GPA of 2.5, whereas others may require a GPA of 2.75 or 3.0 and ask you to submit letters of recommendation.

Criminal background checks, physicals, immunization records, and urine drug screens are standard requests as schools want to ensure patient and student safety.

Many LPN programs also require you to complete a Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification that includes training for CPR and life saving techniques. Adhering to this requirement shows your readiness into the practical aspect of your nursing foundation.

When admission is competitive, schools may need placement tests to assess proficiency in core high school courses.

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Related: 10 Best Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Programs

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LPN Coursework & Licensure

Coursework provides the theoretical background to develop your competencies and skill sets. Different programs have distinct entry requirements and can offer slight course variations, but integrating theory and clinical skills is central to all programs. 

Generally, you will have content in the following subjects:

• Math and Pharmacology
• Chemistry
• Anatomy
• Psychology and Sociology
• Human Health and Disease
• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Child Development
• Maternal/Infant Nursing
• Nutrition

LPN Clinical Courses

In addition to fulfilling core nursing coursework requirements, LPN students will engage in clinical rotations. These rotations involve shadowing licensed LPNs at various facilities, providing invaluable experience in critical thinking and hands-on nursing skills.

LPN Licensure

Upon completion of an LPN program, graduates become eligible to undertake the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN exam).

Each state has a board of nursing responsible for regulating professional registered nurses (RNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and LPNs. To sit for the exam, students must fulfill state requirements, which may include a background check and fingerprinting. Successfully passing the NCLEX-PN designates students as official Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

10 Cheapest LPN Programs in 2024

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most while selecting schools with the addition of NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

1. Coastal Pines Technical College

Coastal Pines Technical College offers a Practical Nurse diploma program at six locations in Georgia. The program focuses on providing knowledge and skills by integrating coursework with clinical experience, and upon successful completion, you will be eligible to write the NCLEX-PN.

• Cost: $456 tuition and fees with program fee (in-state); $556 (out-of-state)
• Mode: Hybrid
• Duration: 12 months
• Approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing

2. Ozarka College

Located in Arkansas, Ozarka College has three campuses. They offer a full-time, in-person 18-month program covering three semesters at their Melbourne location. At Ash Flat and Mountain View campuses, an 11-month night and weekend program will require Summer class attendance. 

Ozark College focuses on a forward-thinking philosophy, not only preparing you with clinical experiences and theory; they believe in preparing nurses to meet the challenges of the ever-changing healthcare system through flexibility and lifelong learning.

• Cost: $10,500 (in-state excluding other fees) for 66 credit hours
• Mode: Hybrid
• Duration: 18 months 
• Approved by the Arkansas Board of Nursing

3. Florida Gateway College

Located in Lake City, Florida, Florida Gateway College offers a 12-month Practical Nursing program with an Occupational Certificate. Classes run on a Monday to Thursday schedule from 8:30 am -4:00 pm, and clinical placements may be on weekdays, evenings, and weekends.

Although the program satisfies Florida's educational criteria for a PN program, you may run into issues if you plan to write your NCLEX exams in another state. If you are considering attending this school from out of state, you should contact your state's board of nursing to verify this course meets the educational criteria.

• Cost: $84.89 total net tuition per semester hour (in-residents); $157.88 credit hour (non-residents) for online classes
• Mode: Hybrid
• Duration: 12 months
• Approved by the Florida Board of Nursing 

4. Ogeechee Technical College

Ogeechee Technical College, located in Statesboro, Georgia, offers a diploma in practical nursing. Students may begin the program in either the Fall or Spring semesters. Scheduling of clinical experience is during day, evening, night, and weekend shifts and may be outside of Bulloch County. After completing the PN program, students must also comply with mandatory attendance to an NCLEX review program. 

• Cost: $100 per credit hour; $1,200 for 12 credits (full-time) for tuition
• Mode: Hybrid
• Duration: 5 semesters
• Approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing

5. Southern Crescent Technical College

Located near Atlanta, Georgia, Southern Crescent Technical College has two campuses offering a practical nursing diploma program. Entrance is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Additionally, they require HESI A2 scores, and students must complete tests within one year or less at the time of application. Programs start in the Fall or Spring.

• Cost: $4,764 (tuition and fees for in-state residents)
• Mode: Hybrid
• Duration: 5 terms
• ACEN accredited

6. Palm Beach State College

Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth, Florida, offers a Practical Nursing Career Certificate Program (CPP). To apply, you must complete a full application, a HESI, and a TABE exam, unless exempt. They offer full-time courses, Monday to Thursday.

• Cost: $4,638 (in-state); $16,875 (out-of-state)
• Mode: On-campus
• Duration: 12 months
• Approved by the Florida Board of Nursing 

7. Holmes Community College

Located in Central Mississippi, Holmes Community College offers potential nursing students three different tracks to obtaining a Career Certificate in Practical Nursing. The hybrid program combines online lectures with an in-person clinical portion lasting five semesters. Students can complete a full-time day track option in three semesters, while another evening and weekend in-person option is five semesters. 

Of the LPN programs included on this list, Holmes Community College has excellent flexibility. Clinical portions of the hybrid course occur in person, on campus, or at local healthcare facilities.

• Cost: $150 per credit hour; $1,350 (full-time, out-of-state residents)
• Mode: Hybrid
• Duration: 12 months
• Accrediting body: Mississippi Community College Board 

8. East Arkansas Community College

East Arkansas Community College, located in Forrest City, Arkansas, provides students with a Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing. Before applying, you must write a nursing entrance exam. According to Niche, this college's acceptance rate is 100% and is on the top 9 of the best community college in Arkansas.

• Cost: $3,849 (approximate cost for in-county residents)
• Mode: Hybrid
• Duration: 12 months
• Approved by the Arkansas Board of Nursing 

9. South Georgia Technical College

South Georgia Technical College offers a Diploma program in Practical Nursing at the Americus and Cordele campuses. They focus on providing occupational courses and clinical experiences to facilitate competent nursing care. It has an affordable tuition rate and a small class size, ensuring that all the students' resources are met.

• Cost: $100 per credit hour, up to a maximum of 15 credits
• Mode: Hybrid
• Duration: 5 terms
• Approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing

10. Southside Virginia Community College

Southside Virginia Technical College prepares students with a Certificate in Practical Nursing. The Practical Nursing Certificate program is designed to teach new caregivers how to care for clients of all ages. Programs begin every 1.5 years, alternating Fall and Winter start dates between the Alberta and South Boston campuses. This school requires pre-admission testing for the application.

• Cost: $158.61 per credit hour (in-state residents); $335.21 (out-of-state residents)
• Mode: Hybrid
• Duration: 3 terms
• Approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing

Salary Expectations of LPNs in 2024

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the average annual LPN salary was $54,620, with an hourly rate of $26.26 per hour. However, pay rates vary from state to state.

The highest-paying state for LPNs are:

• Washington ($69,950)
• California ($69,930)
• Massachusetts ($68,170)
• Rhode Island ($66,770)
• Alaska ($66,710)

The majority of LPNs are hired by the top three employers, namely:

1. Nursing and residential care
2. Hospitals in and out of state, both local and private
3. Home healthcare

Travel nursing companies recruit experienced LPNs to fill staffing gaps in facilities across the U.S. They are usually paid by the hour, which can go higher due to the nursing shortage or higher cost of living. Travel companies typically offer housing or housing subsidies and other benefits with contracts.

LPNs can increase earnings by working overtime, night shifts, and holidays. Obtaining specialty certifications(IV therapy, wound care, BLS) helps advance career and pay rates. Remember that considering and pursuing an advanced education such an LPN to RN bridge program is vital to become an RN for a higher pay. Build your network, negotiate your salary, and consider working in locations that pay more competitive wages. Give importance to gaining more experience, as an LPN with at least one year of experience can earn anywhere from $1,000- $2,000 weekly. 

LPN Program Costs 

Costs associated with enrolling in a licensed practical nurse (LPN) program can vary significantly, influenced by several factors. Here's a breakdown of some of the specifics:

• Tuition: The cost of an LPN program varies based on the type of institution (public or private) and residency status, often with higher fees for private institutions and out-of-state residents.
• Books and Supplies: This category includes expenses for textbooks, medical supplies, and other educational materials, with costs varying from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
• Technology Fees: Hybrid and sometimes even traditional LPN programs entail additional technology, software, or online resources charges.
• Lab Fees: Certain courses within the program may require fees for materials or equipment usage.
• Miscellaneous Fees: This covers fees for the LPN program, including applications, graduation, and administrative costs.
• Living Expenses: Individuals who are not working or need to relocate for their LPN program can be significantly impacted by day-to-day living expenses such as food, utilities, and personal costs.

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Related: 10 Fastest RN Programs

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Is Becoming an LPN Worth It?

When starting your nursing journey, the array of program and pathway options can be overwhelming. Deciding whether to begin with an LPN adds another layer of complexity. Here are some key pros and cons to consider when choosing how to start your nursing career:

Pros:

• Cost-effective: LPN programs are often shorter and less expensive than ADN or BSN programs.
• Start working sooner: LPNs can start working in the healthcare field more quickly than those pursuing higher degrees.
• Potential for employers to pay for BSN: Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or assistance for LPNs to complete their BSN, reducing the financial burden of further education.
• Flexibility in education: LPN programs can be a stepping stone, allowing individuals to start working in healthcare while continuing their education to become an RN.
• Gain valuable experience: Working as an LPN can provide valuable clinical experience that can be beneficial when pursuing higher degrees in nursing.

Cons:

• Lower pay range: LPNs typically earn less than RNs with ADN or BSN degrees.
• Limited career advancement: LPNs may have fewer opportunities for career advancement compared to RNs with higher degrees.
• Scope of practice: LPNs have a more limited scope of practice compared to RNs, which may affect job responsibilities and opportunities for professional growth.
• Limited job opportunities: Some healthcare settings may prefer or require RNs, limiting job options for LPNs.
• Continuing education requirements: LPNs may need to fulfill additional requirements to maintain their license or advance their career, such as completing bridge programs to become an RN.

LPN Program Accreditation

The importance of accreditation in LPN programs cannot be emphasized enough, and it holds substantial value for various reasons:

• Educational Standards: Accredited LPN programs consistently uphold stringent standards in curriculum, faculty qualifications, resources, and clinical training, all validated through regular evaluations.
• NCLEX Preparation: Choosing an accredited nursing program significantly enhances preparedness for the NCLEX-PN exam.
• Licensing Requirement: In numerous states, completion of an accredited program is a prerequisite for obtaining a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse.
• Career Advancement: Employers show a preference for graduates from accredited LPN programs, providing a broader spectrum of career options and aligning education with national standards. This is particularly advantageous for those considering relocation to states mandating nursing school accreditation.
• Credit Transferability: Credits earned in an accredited LPN program are more likely to be recognized by other nursing institutions. This facilitates smoother transitions for students pursuing advanced degrees like ADN-RN, BSN-RN, MSN, or even DNP.
• Enhanced Professional Credibility: Successful completion of an accredited LPN program boosts professional credibility, showcasing education and training in alignment with national standards and contributing to the progression of nursing practice.
• Access to Financial Assistance: Accreditation is a prerequisite for federal financial aid eligibility, a critical consideration for students seeking financial support during their LPN education.

Not all LPN programs are accredited by national nursing regulating bodies, many are only approved through the State Board of Nursing. Programs approved by the state board primarily prepare LPNs to work in the state where they are located and may not fully prepare them to move and work in other states.

Prospective nurses should verify that the nursing programs they choose are accredited by reputable organizations such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education (NLN CNEA), which is the primary accrediting body for LPN programs. This verification ensures the quality of education and the legitimacy of the degree earned.

FAQs and Additional Readings

Q: Is an LPN diploma worth it?

A: An LPN license gives you job security and options, especially in light of the nationwide nursing shortage. You can commonly find LPNs staffing nursing homes, long-term care facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, private duty nursing, and doctor's offices.

Employers may offer sign-on and retention bonuses to persuade LPNs to work with them, even offering new graduates monetary enticements to join their teams.

Q: How demanding is LPN program coursework?

A: LPN programs are demanding but not as intense as RN programs. Nursing students can be successful when they develop productive study habits and engage in time management skills.

Many LPNs decide to pursue RN education later, and you can implement the same study skills and time management techniques in an LPN to RN bridge program.