10 Fastest Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Programs in 2023

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 6% by 2031.

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.

Table of Contents

What Is an LPN?
Prerequisites & Requirements
Fastest LPN Programs
Salary Expectations
FAQ

What Is an LPN?

LPNs or LVNs, depending on where you reside in the United States, provide 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.

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 best to research individual admission requirements per program.

Steps for LPN Licensure

Make sure to look for schools accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) as it ensures the state board accepts them for licensure.

During a student's time at LPN school, they must complete anatomy, pharmacology, and other nursing courses. LPN students will also complete clinical rotations, shadowing licensed LPNs at different facilities, learning 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 2023

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.

Duration: 11-month program
Tuition: $5,828.00

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.

Duration: 12-month program
Tuition: $3,110.00

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.

Duration: 12-month program
Tuition: $3,820.05

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.

Duration: 12-month program
Tuition: $6,375.00

5. Palm Beach State College

Near Palm Beach, Florida, this hybrid program has many other nursing program options if you're looking to advance your nursing practice in the future.

Duration: 12-month program
Tuition: $4,638.00

6. Ashland Community and Technical College

This community college is in Kentucky and offers a hybrid program that encourages practice in real-world settings.

Duration: 12-month program
Tuition: $8,550.00-$10,070.00

7. East Arkansas Community College

Located near Forrest City, Arkansas, this LPN program is hybrid. You'll earn 39 credit hours upon graduating.

Duration: 12-month program
Tuition: $3,849.00

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.

Duration: 12-month program
Tuition: $5,700.00

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.

Duration: 12-month program
Tuition: $2,719.00

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.

Duration: 4-term program, usually around 12 months to completion
Tuition: $20,650.00

Salary Expectations of LPNs in 2023

As per the BLS, the career outlook and job growth for LPNs are increasing. The median salary for LPNs in 2021 was around $48,000 annually.

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.

As your experience level increases, so can your earning potential. LPNs are also likely to increase their earning potential by advancing their careers with a BSN.

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.

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. ASN programs usually last upwards of two years and have more program requirements. Traditional BSN programs are four years.

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