Best LPN Programs in Virginia Beach 2026

Explore Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Virginia Beach, Virginia with details on schools, classes, tuition, and clinical training. Learn about licensing requirements and nursing career opportunities in the Virginia Beach area.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.
Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.
Edit Template
Virginia Beach Virginia LPN programs providing practical nursing education and hands-on clinical experience for entry-level nursing roles

2027 Best LPN Programs in Virginia Beach, VA

Searching for the best LPN programs in Virginia Beach, VA? We at practicalnursing.org have done the research to bring you this ranked list. We evaluate each program on key measures like NCLEX pass rates, curriculum quality, clinical rotation opportunities, instructor credentials, and tuition costs. Our goal is to highlight schools that truly prepare students for both the licensing exam and a successful career in practical nursing. The programs in Virginia Beach featured here offer strong hands-on training, flexible schedules for working adults, and good student support services. This guide gives you a head-to-head look at what each school offers. Curious about how we put these rankings together? Take a look at our full rankings methodology at https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/.
#1

ECPI University

Virginia Beach, VA - Private 4-year - ecpi.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

ECPI University’s Practical Nursing diploma provides an accelerated, campus-based pathway to LPN licensure in just 15 months. The curriculum concentrates on core nursing competencies, critical thinking, and interprofessional communication, with hands-on simulation labs and clinical rotations that prepare students for entry-level patient care alongside physicians and registered nurses. NCLEX-PN preparation is embedded throughout the program. Applicants must successfully complete the TEAS entrance exam, though no additional prerequisites are required. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN. Designed for motivated individuals, this program offers a direct route into nursing practice.

  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • 15-Month program
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN
  • Foundational nursing skills for LPN
  • Work alongside doctors and RNs
  • NCLEX-PN exam preparation
  • Hands-on labs and clinical training
#2

Fortis College-Norfolk

Norfolk, VA - Private 2-year - fortis.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Fortis College-Norfolk offers a hybrid Practical Nursing program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam and careers as Licensed Practical Nurses. The curriculum blends nursing theory, laboratory practice, and clinical experiences in hospitals and healthcare agencies, covering patient care across all age groups. A unique feature is the transfer credit option for CNAs with recent clinical experience, allowing them to accelerate their progress. Financial aid is available, and dedicated Career Services staff assist graduates with job placement. Military-friendly policies make the program accessible to service members and veterans. This pathway supports both new students and current nursing assistants seeking to advance their careers in practical nursing.

  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN
  • Financial aid available
  • Theory, lab, and clinical experiences
  • CNA transfer credit available
  • Career Services assistance
  • Financial aid offices on campus
#3

Tidewater Community College

Norfolk, VA - Public 2-Year - tcc.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Education Certificate Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Tidewater Community College's Practical Nursing Education Certificate at the Virginia Beach Campus is a three-semester, 45-credit pathway starting each spring. Through the Beazley School of Nursing, students gain clinical experience in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care, mastering patient care, medication administration, and health assessment. The program, approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing, prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN and immediate LPN employment. Admission requires a mandatory advising session, official transcripts, and ATI TEAS scores, with applications due September 30. This structured cohort model offers an efficient route to a nursing career.

  • Virginia Board of Nursing accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • 3-Semester program
  • Complete in only three semesters of study
  • 45 total credit hours
  • Starts spring
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN
  • Offered at Virginia Beach Campus
  • Mandatory advising session required
#4

Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, VA - Private 4-year - bryantstratton.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Diploma

Campus Based - Visit Website

Bryant & Stratton College–Virginia Beach offers an on-campus Practical Nursing Diploma that can be completed in just 12 months (41 credit hours). The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, IV therapy, maternal/child health, and leadership, with hands-on clinical experiences throughout. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN and pursue LPN licensure. The program is ACEN accredited and approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing. Students benefit from full-time study, internship opportunities, a $0 application fee, and military-friendly policies. Credits may transfer into the college’s associate degree RN program, making it a flexible pathway for career advancement in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings. A supportive learning environment makes this an accessible first step into nursing.

  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
  • 12-Month program
  • 41 total credit hours
  • $0 application fee
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN
  • Hands-on clinical experiences
  • Transfer credits to RN program
  • On-campus program in Virginia Beach
  • Career in hospitals and clinics
  • Internship opportunities available
*Credit: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2025.

Virginia Beach LPN Program Overview

Licensed Practical Nurses are essential to Virginia Beach’s healthcare services, delivering hands-on bedside care, administering medications under supervision, and supporting care coordination across hospitals, long-term care, home health, and outpatient clinics. Local employers that commonly hire LPNs include major hospitals such as Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, as well as skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, physician practices, and public health clinics.

Employment demand for LPNs in Virginia Beach is sustained by the region’s large and diverse population, strong military and retiree presence, and ongoing needs in geriatric and chronic disease care. National labor data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates continued demand for LPNs through the next decade, with especially consistent hiring in long-term care, rehabilitation, and home health settings.

LPN programs available to Virginia Beach students typically offer multiple timelines: an accelerated full-time option that can be completed in about 12 months and part-time or evening schedules that may extend to roughly 18 to 24 months. Curricula commonly include coursework in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, mental health, and maternal-child health, paired with supervised clinical rotations at local hospitals, nursing homes, and community-based sites to build real-world skills.

All Virginia LPN programs prepare graduates for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses, the NCLEX-PN. Licensure and program approval are overseen by the Virginia Board of Nursing, which sets education standards, manages licensure by examination or endorsement, and outlines ongoing competency requirements for renewal in the Commonwealth.

Employment Opportunities for LPNs in Virginia Beach

The healthcare employment landscape for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is active and diverse, offering numerous opportunities across various settings. Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% growth in LPN jobs over the next decade. This sustained demand is driven by factors such as an aging population and an increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions.

As of June 2024, the average hourly pay for an LPN in Virginia Beach is approximately $28.53, with an annual average salary around $59,342. When adjusted for the cost of living, which is approximately 1.4% higher than the national average, Virginia Beach LPNs effectively earn about $58,523 per year. Salary ranges typically fall between $25.84 and $31.53 per hour, with top earners potentially reaching higher based on experience and specialization.

Facilities Commonly Hiring LPNs

LPNs in Virginia Beach provide essential medical care under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) or physicians. They are employed in a wide array of facilities, including:

  • Hospitals:Roles are available in general medical and surgical units, oncology, acute rehabilitation, and urgent care settings.
  • Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers:Facilities providing skilled nursing and long-term care frequently seek LPNs for direct patient care and to supervise Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).
  • Home Health Agencies:Many opportunities exist in home health, where LPNs deliver one-on-one care, monitor patient health, administer treatments, and manage medications in patients’ homes.
  • Senior Living Facilities:LPNs work in assisted living and memory care units, providing nursing care and oversight for residents.
  • Private Practices and Medical Groups:Opportunities are found in specialized clinics covering areas such as cardiology, urology, OB/GYN, and family medicine.
  • Behavioral Health Facilities:LPNs contribute to patient care in psychiatric centers.
  • Developmental Services:The City of Virginia Beach Department of Human Services Developmental Services division hires LPNs for programs supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) and Group Homes.

Major Healthcare Employers in Virginia Beach

Several prominent healthcare systems and organizations in Virginia Beach are significant employers for LPNs:

  • Sentara Health:As a large integrated healthcare provider, Sentara frequently hires LPNs for facilities such as Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, Sentara Medical Group, and Sentara Home Care Services.
  • Medical Facilities of America:This organization operates rehabilitation and skilled nursing centers, including Bayside Health & Rehabilitation Center and Virginia Beach Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, which actively recruit LPNs.
  • Universal Health Services (UHS):UHS operates the Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center, which employs LPNs in its hospital setting.
  • Various Home Health Providers:Companies such as Heart Home Care, Maxim Healthcare Services, and Aveanna Healthcare consistently seek LPNs for home-based care.

Other Local Facilities and Networks

In addition to major systems, smaller facilities and specialized practices also offer employment opportunities for LPNs:

  • Bayview Physicians Group, including their cardiology specialty.
  • Urology of Virginia PLLC.
  • Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, including urgent care locations.
  • Senior living and memory care facilities such as Brookdale Senior Living, Atria Senior Living, Retirement Unlimited – Bay Lake, and Arden Courts Virginia Beach.
  • Rehabilitation centers like Colonial Health & Rehab Center and Waterview Health & Rehab.

List of LPN Programs in Virginia Beach, VA

We have put together a list of LPN programs in Virginia Beach, VA. Below, find a table with each school's city and state, program highlights, and a link to the program page. Use this information to compare options and find the right fit for your nursing career. Explore the schools and start your journey as a licensed practical nurse.

Virginia Beach, VA

Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach

  • Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Diploma

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • 12-Month program
    • 41 total credit hours
    • $0 application fee
    • Prepares for NCLEX-PN
    • Hands-on clinical experiences
    • Transfer credits to RN program
    • On-campus program in Virginia Beach

ECPI University

  • Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 15-Month program
    • Prepares for NCLEX-PN
    • Foundational nursing skills for LPN
    • Work alongside doctors and RNs
    • NCLEX-PN exam preparation
    • Hands-on labs and clinical training
*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2025 collection, National Center for Education Statistics.