Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Programs

Overview

What Is a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program?

A Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program is a non-degree training course that prepares students for entry-level nursing roles as Practical Nurses. These programs are typically completed in 12 to 18 months and focus on direct, hands-on patient care. Practical Nurses work under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and nursing homes.

Graduates of a LPN program earn a certificate or diploma in nursing and become eligible to take the NCLEX-PN, the national licensing exam for Practical Nurses. Most LPN programs are offered through community colleges, vocational schools, and technical institutes, although some may still be affiliated with hospitals or healthcare systems.

LPN training emphasizes clinical skills and bedside care, including tasks such as monitoring vital signs, administering medications, assisting with daily living activities, and communicating patient concerns. Many students pursue a LPN program as a stepping stone to more advanced nursing education, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

Admissions

What Are the Admission Requirements for a LPN Program?

The admission requirements for Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) programs vary by school and local demand for each program. Rural vocational schools, community colleges, and for-profit nursing schools generally have more relaxed admission requirements versus well-known city hospital and college extension programs.

Admission requirements for LPN programs typically include:

• Submit an application.
• Submit a written essay.
• Submit high school diploma or GED records.
• Interview with nursing program staff.
• Pass an entrance exam (TEAS).
• Provide documentation from a recent health exam.
• Provide current immunization documentation.
• Provide a tuberculosis test or chest x-ray documentation.
• Submit to a ten-panel drug screen test.
• Abuse registry clearance.
• Level 2 background check and fingerprinting.

Criminal background checks and drug screenings are typically required before students can begin clinical training. Some LPN programs partner with healthcare employers to offer tuition assistance, paid externships, or job guarantees after graduation. These employer-sponsored tracks are most commonly offered by long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies facing urgent staffing needs.

Curriculum

What Does the LPN Program Curriculum Include?

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) curriculum is a comprehensive training program that combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical experience. Most full-time programs follow a 12-month weekday schedule organized into four academic quarters, though some schools may use semesters or trimesters instead. Weekend, evening, and hybrid formats are also available and may take up to 18 months to complete. Coursework prepares students for hands-on patient care in long-term care centers, hospitals, rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. The outline below shows a sample full-time LPN curriculum organized by academic quarter:

^* Source: LPN training programs and practical nursing curricula from accredited schools.

Clinicals

What Are the Clinical Requirements for a LPN Program?

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs include in-person clinical training that allows students to apply nursing theory in real patient care environments. Clinical rotations usually begin after the first quarter and expand each term to include more advanced responsibilities under supervision. Full-time programs may offer 400 to 700 hours of clinical experience, while part-time or hybrid tracks may extend over 15 to 18 months.

Training sites often include long-term care facilities, hospitals, and community health centers. Each rotation is aligned with a major course in the program and focuses on one or more core competencies in patient care:

• Vital Signs. Students begin by learning to measure and record temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure. Practice typically starts in a lab setting with peer assessments before transitioning to real patient care.
• Infection Control. Emphasis is placed on standard precautions, PPE usage, handwashing techniques, and facility sanitation protocols to minimize infection risks.
• Medication Administration. Students learn proper drug preparation and delivery methods, including oral, topical, and injectable medications. Dosage calculations and safe handling practices are reinforced through direct supervision.
• Long-Term Care. Clinicals in skilled nursing settings help students deliver personal care, monitor chronic conditions, assist with mobility, and support residents' quality of life.
• IV Therapy. In some states, LPN may be allowed to start and manage intravenous (IV) lines after completing additional certification. Clinical instruction may introduce IV site selection, catheter insertion, fluid administration, and safety protocols under strict supervision.
• Hospital Rotation. Students participate in acute care settings, assisting with wound care, post-operative monitoring, charting, and interdisciplinary communication in fast-paced environments.
• Pediatric Clinicals. Exposure to child and adolescent care allows students to practice age-specific techniques in comfort, safety, and family communication while supporting developmentally appropriate needs.
• Capstone Clinicals. Final rotations simulate workplace expectations, with students managing multiple tasks, prioritizing care, and demonstrating autonomy under limited supervision.
• Competency Check-Offs. Before graduation, each student must pass a series of observed evaluations covering core procedures such as sterile dressing changes, injections, and patient education tasks.

Completion of all required clinical hours and skills is mandatory to graduate and become eligible for the NCLEX-PN exam. Clinicals cannot be done online and must be completed at approved healthcare facilities with instructor oversight.

Tuition Cost

How Much Does a LPN Program Cost?

Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) diploma programs are generally offered at vocational schools, healthcare training centers, and community colleges. This helps to keep the cost of tuition down compared to the longer duration associate degree and bachelor degree programs.

Nationwide, the cost of Practical Nursing programs ranges from $1,500 to $8,000. If you live in a city and wish to attend a well-known nursing school, your cost will be higher than average. If your state or a nearby employer subsidizes the training, your practical nursing program cost will be below the average.

Tuition cost for LPN programs at community colleges of select states:

• California $1,500
• Florida $2,500
• Georgia $3,000
• Texas $3,000
• Ohio $4,000
• Alabama $4,500
• New York $5,000
• Michigan $7,000
• Illinois $8,000
• Pennsylvania $8,000

As with most nursing programs, there will be additional costs to consider. Practical Nursing students are generally required to purchase their own stethoscope, uniforms, shoes, and related trade dress. Students may also need to purchase textbooks, a computer, and internet access. Parking and transportation are also costs to consider while comparing LPN programs.

Outcomes

What Jobs Can I Get With a LPN Diploma?

Completing a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program qualifies you for entry-level direct patient care roles under the supervision of Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and physicians. LPN provide basic nursing care, administer medications, and support treatment plans in a variety of healthcare settings. Many Practical Nurses begin their careers in long-term care or rehabilitation, with opportunities to transition into hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty practices.

Here are some of the jobs you can get with LPN certification:

• Practical Nurse
• Home Health Nurse
• Hospice Nurse
• Rehabilitation Nurse
• Assisted Living Nurse
• Outpatient Clinic Nurse
• Corrections Nurse
• School Nurse
• Public Health Nurse
• Pediatric Nurse
• Private Duty Nurse
• Physician Office Nurse
• Long-Term Care Nurse
• … and many more

Is a LPN in nursing worth it? Yes. LPN programs are shorter and more affordable than a full RN program, making it a popular option for those seeking a stable, hands-on healthcare career. It also provides a strong foundation for future advancement into associate or bachelor degree nursing programs. Learn more about Practical Nurse salary, duties, and skills.

Questions

LPN Program FAQ

How long does it take to complete a LPN program?

Most full-time LPN programs are completed in 12 months. Part-time, weekend, or hybrid formats may take up to 18 months, depending on the school's schedule and clinical availability.

Can you earn a Practical Nursing certificate online?

While some coursework may be offered online, all LPN programs require in-person clinical training at approved healthcare facilities. Fully online programs do not meet state board licensing requirements.

Do I need a high school diploma to enroll in a LPN program?

Yes. Most LPN programs require a high school diploma or GED for admission, along with passing a standardized entrance exam such as the TEAS and meeting additional health and background screening requirements.

Will my LPN license be valid in other states?

Many states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows Practical Nurses to work across member states with a single license. If your state is not part of the NLC, you may need to apply for licensure by endorsement.