10 Fastest Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Programs in 2024

The demand in the healthcare industry has increased over the past several years. This includes licensed practical nurses (LPNs), vital members of healthcare teams, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a continued increase by 5% by 2032.

For those seeking to kickstart their careers as LPNs and benefit from this growth, we've compiled the 10 fastest programs available and information on the job role, responsibilities, and salary expectations.

What Is an LPN?

LPNs are also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), a term used in a few states such as California and Texas. One of the LPN's role and responsibilities includes providing patient care duties, such as taking vital signs, changing wound dressings, and assisting patients with their activities of daily living (ADLs). Some ADLs can include bathing, dressing, eating, or toileting. They can also administer medications under the direction of a registered nurse (RN), unlike a certified nursing assistant.

LPNs can work in a variety of settings. Common healthcare facilities include hospitals, mental health facilities, retirement homes, and community care centers. 

The demand for LPNs has been increasing across various healthcare settings, making it a very rewarding and promising career.

LPN Program Prerequisites and Requirements

Students must meet the school's admission requirements prior to applying for an LPN program, and some require application to the LPN program separately after acceptance for general admission.

LPN requirements and prerequisite courses can vary but typically include:

• A high school diploma or a general education development (GED) certificate
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification
• Background, exposure, or experience in the medical field
• Optimal score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

Additional items include a background check, drug screening, up-to-date immunizations, and a current physical examination by a healthcare provider.

Many programs also require the completion of prerequisite classes. However, this requirement varies depending on the school. If the program requires previous coursework, you usually must also meet a minimum grade point average (GPA) in these courses. Generally, LPN programs only require the completion of three prerequisite courses in areas such as:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Medical Terminology
• Algebra/Statistics
• Intro to Psychology
• Human Growth and Development
• Nutrition
• Intro to Pharmacology

It's important to thoroughly research the admission requirements for each program to ensure you meet the specific prerequisites and GPA standards, as these criteria can vary from one school to another,

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Related: 10 Best Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Programs

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LPN Coursework & Licensure

Coursework is essential for building LPN competencies and skill sets. While different programs may have specific requirements for admission and slight variations in course offerings, all programs focus on integrating theoretical knowledge and clinical skills. 

The curriculum usually covers the following subjects:

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

Steps for LPN Licensure

Make sure to look for schools accredited by the ACEN or the NLN CNEA, as it ensures the state board accepts them for licensure. 

In addition to completing core nursing coursework, LPN students will also complete clinical rotations, shadow licensed LPNs at different facilities to learn valuable critical thinking and hands-on nursing skills.

After graduating from an LPN program, students will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN exam). Before sitting for the exam, students must also meet state requirements, such as a background check and fingerprinting. Students who pass the NCLEX-PN are officially LPNs.

Advancing Your Degree and Nursing Career

Many students and LPNs choose to advance their careers before or after graduating from LPN school. This choice is due to various reasons, such as increased salary potential, learning new skills, or advancing nursing practice. Fortunately, there are many options, depending on the end goal. Some of them are:

• LPN to an Associate Degree of Science in Nursing (ASN) programs
• LPN to a Bachelor Degree of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs
• LPN to RN programs

Fastest 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. Lake Area Technical College

Located in South Dakota, Lake Area Technical College has four program options: full and part-time and online or campus. It is accredited by ACEN and is a prestigious school since it has received the 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence that marks excellent progress as a community college in the U.S. Their high standards of nursing education will help you pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

• Duration: 11-18 month program
• Tuition: $124 per credit hour; $8,110 estimated tuition
• Accrediting body: ACEN 

2. Holmes Community College

Located in Mississippi, this school offers many program options. You can choose from a full-time, hybrid, or evening and weekend track. There are also several available start dates throughout the year. Various flexible learning methods enable students to complete their LPN degree at their own pace and schedule.

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

3. Florida Gateway College

Located near Lake City, Florida, they offer a hybrid program. You must complete the TEAS for admission, and the program begins each Spring term. This school's nursing program boasts a remarkable 100% state licensure rate, a testament to the exceptional education and preparation it provides to its graduates.

• Duration: 12-month program
• Tuition: 45 Vocational hours at $84.89 per credit hour; $3,820.05
• Certifying body: Florida Board of Nursing

4. Carl Sandburg College

Carl Sandburg College is in Illinois and has a hybrid program with several satellite campuses. It requires students to complete many prerequisite classes within seven years of admission. It also offers an LPN to RN bridge program, as well as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. The LPN program at Carl Sandburg College is accredited by the ACEN. 

• Duration: 12-month program
• Tuition: $175 per credit hour (in-district and online); $262 (out-of-district); $292 (out-of-state)
• Accrediting body: ACEN

5. Palm Beach State College

Located near Palm Beach, Florida, this on-campus, full-time day program is at the Lake Worth Campus. It has many other nursing degrees, such as an LPN to RN bridge program if you're looking to advance your nursing practice in the future.

• Duration: 12-month program
• Tuition: $4,638 (in-state); $16,875 (out-of-state)
• Certifying body: Florida Board of Nursing 

6. Green River College

Located in Auburn, Washington, this hybrid and on-campus college features modern facilities and impressive statistics, including an 89% NCLEX pass rate and an 87% program completion rate. It has flour flexible pathways: full-time in-person, part-time hybrid, full-time MA to LPN, and part-time MA to LPN.

• Duration: 12 months
• Tuition: $4,896.90 (in-state)
• Accrediting body: NLN CNEA

7. East Arkansas Community College

Located near Forrest City, Arkansas, this LPN program is hybrid. You'll earn 39 credit hours upon graduating. East Arkansas Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized regional accreditor.

• Duration: 12-month program
• Tuition: $3,849.00
• Certifying body: Arkansas State Board of Nursing 

8. Coastal Pines Technical College

This college has several campuses in Southeast Georgia and is hybrid. The Georgia Board of LPNs has approved the program. According to Niche.com, it's a small institution with a 100% acceptance rate. 

• Duration: 12-month program
• Tuition: $456 tuition and fees with program fee (in-state); $556 (out-of-state)
• Certifying body: Georgia Board of Examiners of LPNs

9. Northland Community and Technical College

This local college is in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, and the program is hybrid. You'll earn 42 credit hours when completing this program. To gain admission to the PN program, students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and meet the college's standard for cumulative completion percentage.

• Duration: 12-month program
• Tuition: $226.16 per credit hour (in-state); $6,261.90 (tuition is based on 15 credits per term for two terms)
• Accrediting body: NLN CNEA

10. Jersey College

The original campuses are in New Jersey. However, the school has many campuses in different states, some of which include New Jersey, Tennessee, and Arizona. It's considered as one of the top 100 colleges in USA and boasts of a 94% NCLEX-PN pass rate. Upon completion of the program, students have the option to apply for the LPN-RN bridge program. Note that there is no online options for any of the programs offered. 

• Duration: 12 to 18 months to completion
• Tuition: $21,500, excluding other fees
• Accrediting bodyL Council on Occupational Education

Salary Expectations of LPNs in 2024

As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the career outlook and job growth for LPNs is increasing faster than average at a rate of 5%. As of 2022 the median salary for LPNs was around $54,620 annually and an hourly rate of $26.26.

As a new graduate LPN, you'll likely start with less than the median salary. However, starting salaries for LPNs depends on geography and the type of facility you are working at.

The top five paying states worth looking into are as follows:

1. Washington ($69,950)
2. California ($69,930)
3. Massachusetts ($68,170)
4. Rhode Island ($66,770)
5. Alaska ($66,710)

Most employers of LPNs can be found at nursing and residential care facilities at 35%, followed by hospitals (15%), home healthcare services (13%), physician's offices(12%), and government(6%).

LPNs are also likely to increase their earning potential through a BSN career advancement. Thus, if you plan on having a higher pay, consider acquiring certifications such as IV therapy and BLS. Gain more experience as you advance in your career, and remember to negotiate your pay according to your educational level and achievements.

LPN Program Costs 

The expenses tied to enrolling in a licensed practical nurse (LPN) program can vary significantly, influenced by a range of factors. Let's break down the specifics:

• Tuition: The cost of an LPN program varies depending on the type of institution (public or private) and residency status. Private institutions and out-of-state residents typically face higher fees.
• Books and Supplies: This includes expenditures for textbooks, medical supplies, and other educational materials, with costs varying from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
• Technology Fees: Hybrid programs might incur additional technology, software, or online resources charges.
• Lab Fees: Certain courses may require fees for materials or equipment usage.
• Miscellaneous Fees: This category encompasses application fees, graduation fees, and other administrative costs.
• Living Expenses: This refers to day-to-day living costs such as food, utilities, and personal expenses, especially impactful for individuals not working or needing to relocate for their LPN program.

Are the Fastest LPN Programs Worth It?

Deciding whether the fastest LPN programs are worth it requires considering their various advantages and disadvantages. 

Pros of the Fastest LPN Programs

1. Quick Entry into the Workforce: One of the most significant advantages of the fastest LPN programs is the ability to enter the nursing field quickly, often in less than a year. This is ideal for those eager to start their careers or who need to begin earning a salary as soon as possible.
2. Cost-Effective: Compared to pursuing an RN or BSN degree, LPN programs are generally more affordable. This lower cost can make nursing more accessible to a broader range of people.
3. High Demand: LPNs are in high demand in various healthcare settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, and private practices. This demand can lead to job security and opportunities for overtime.
4. Stepping Stone: For many, becoming an LPN is a stepping stone to further nursing education and career advancement. Experience gained as an LPN can be invaluable when pursuing RN or BSN degrees.
5. Hands-On Patient Care: LPN programs prepare students for a career that is focused on direct patient care. For those passionate about making a tangible difference in patients' lives, this can be highly rewarding.

Cons of the Fastest LPN Programs

1. Limited Scope of Practice: LPNs have a more limited scope of practice compared to RNs. This limitation can affect job responsibilities, autonomy, and opportunities for advancement within the nursing field.
2. Lower Earning Potential: While LPNs can enter the workforce quickly, their earning potential is generally lower than that of RNs or those with higher nursing degrees.
3. Physically and Emotionally Demanding: Nursing is a demanding profession, both physically and emotionally. LPNs often work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, which can be challenging to balance with personal life.
4. Potential for Burnout: The combination of high stress, significant physical demands, and emotional challenges can lead to burnout among LPNs, affecting job satisfaction and longevity in the profession.
5. Limited Advancement Without Further Education: While LPN positions offer valuable experience, advancement opportunities within the nursing field are limited without further education. LPNs often need to pursue additional degrees to move into higher-paying roles with more responsibility.

LPN Program Accreditation

The importance of accreditation of LPN programs is paramount. Let's explore why it holds significant value:

• Educational Standards: Accredited LPN programs consistently uphold high standards in curriculum, faculty qualifications, resources, and clinical training, all validated through regular evaluations.
• NCLEX Preparation: Opting for an accredited nursing program significantly enhances your readiness for the NCLEX-PN exam.
• Licensing Prerequisite: In many states, obtaining a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse requires graduation from an accredited program.
• Career Opportunities: Employers favor LPN graduates from accredited programs, aligning their education with national standards and providing more career options. This is particularly beneficial for those considering relocation to states that mandate nursing school accreditation.
• Credit Transfer: Credits earned in an accredited LPN program are more likely to be recognized by other nursing institutions, facilitating smoother transitions for students pursuing advanced degrees like AND-RN, BSN-RN, MSN, or even DNP.
• Professional Credibility: Successful completion of an accredited LPN program enhances professional credibility, showcasing education and training aligned with national standards and contributing to the advancement of nursing practice.
• Access to Financial Aid: Accreditation is a prerequisite for federal financial aid eligibility, making it crucial for students seeking financial assistance while pursuing an LPN education.

Not all LPN programs hold national accreditation; many are solely approved by the State Board of Nursing. State-approved programs generally focus on preparing LPNs for practice within that state, potentially lacking full preparation for cross-state practice.

While not mandatory, it is crucial for aspiring nurses to confirm that their chosen nursing programs are accredited by respected organizations like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accrediation (NLN CNEA), the main accrediting body for LPN programs. This verification guarantees the educational quality and the validity of the degree obtained.

FAQ and Additional Readings

Q: Is an LPN degree worth it?

Many LPNs enjoy helping and caring for others and find working in the healthcare industry rewarding. Many LPNs think their degree is worth it, especially if they want to get started in the healthcare field or advance their nursing career.

Q: What is the most challenging class in LPN school?

There is not one particular class in LPN school that is harder than others. Also, this will vary depending on the nursing student. However, some courses that students find difficult are pharmacology or anatomy and physiology.

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Related: 10 Fastest Registered Nurse (RN) Programs

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Q: How demanding is LPN coursework?

The coursework demand will depend on whether you choose a full-time, fast-track, or part-time program. Many full-time or fast-track nursing students find it difficult or impossible to have a job and apply for financial aid to help pay for tuition and expenses.

Q: How does an LPN degree compare to an ASN or BSN program?

Becoming an entry-level licensed nursing individual is the fastest way to become an LPN. Associate Science in Nursing (ASN) programs usually last upwards of two years and have more program requirements. Traditional BSN programs are four years.