LPN/LVN Program Admissions: What Schools Are Really Looking For

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.

Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.

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Understanding the Competitive Landscape of LPN Admissions

Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) programs have become increasingly competitive in recent years, with many qualified applicants vying for limited spots. While published requirements may seem straightforward, admissions committees often consider factors beyond minimum GPA and prerequisite coursework. Understanding what schools are truly looking for can significantly improve your chances of acceptance into these in-demand healthcare training programs.

This comprehensive guide reveals the explicit and implicit requirements that LPN programs consider when evaluating applicants, along with expert strategies to strengthen your application and stand out from other candidates.

Learn more about How to Become an LPN.

Academic Requirements: Beyond the Minimum GPA

Most LPN programs publish minimum GPA requirements, typically ranging from 2.5 to 3.0. However, the reality is that accepted students often exceed these minimums by substantial margins. Here’s what programs are actually evaluating:

Course Performance Patterns

Admissions committees closely examine:

Science Course Grades: Performance in anatomy, physiology, and biology courses receives particular scrutiny as predictors of nursing program success.
Grade Trends: Upward trends carry weight—improving grades demonstrate growth and determination.
Recent Academic Performance: Recent coursework is weighted more heavily than high school grades from years ago.

Prerequisite Strength

While completing prerequisites is mandatory, how you complete them matters:

Programs favor prerequisites taken at accredited institutions over online options
Full-semester courses are viewed more favorably than accelerated sessions
Retaking courses may be noted, with preference for strong first-attempt performances

Considering LPN School? Check out our guide.

Entrance Exam Performance: Strategic Preparation

Most LPN programs require standardized entrance exams like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI (Health Education Systems, Inc.). Successful applicants typically:

Score Above Minimums: Competitive applicants score in the 70th percentile or higher
Show Balanced Performance: Strong results across all sections, not just overall score
Prepare Strategically: Dedicated study using official materials rather than last-minute cramming

Healthcare Experience: Quality Over Quantity

While not always required, healthcare experience significantly strengthens LPN applications:

Direct Patient Contact: Experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), medical assistant, or volunteer demonstrates familiarity with healthcare environments.
Relevant Work History: Even non-healthcare employment demonstrating reliability, teamwork, and communication skills is valuable.
Shadowing Experiences: Following nurses to understand the profession shows commitment and realistic expectations.

Personal Statements and Essays: Authenticity Matters

The personal statement offers a crucial opportunity to distinguish yourself. Effective statements typically:

Demonstrate Clear Motivation: Articulate specific reasons for pursuing nursing beyond general helping intentions
Show Self-Awareness: Reflect on personal strengths and areas for growth relevant to nursing
Connect Personal Experiences: Link life experiences to nursing values and competencies
Avoid Clichés: Move beyond generic statements about “helping people” to specific, authentic motivations

Letters of Recommendation: Strategic Selection

Recommendations provide external validation of your potential. Programs value:

Healthcare Professional References: Recommendations from nurses or other healthcare providers who have observed your interactions with patients
Academic References: Input from science instructors who can speak to your ability to handle challenging coursework
Character References: Evidence of reliability, integrity, and professionalism from employers or volunteer coordinators

Interview Performance: Preparation Is Key

Many competitive LPN programs include interviews in their selection process. Successful applicants:

Research the Program: Demonstrate specific knowledge about the school’s philosophy and curriculum
Prepare Thoughtful Questions: Ask insightful questions that show genuine interest
Communicate Professionally: Demonstrate clear communication skills essential to nursing practice
Show Emotional Intelligence: Display empathy, self-awareness, and interpersonal effectiveness

Creating a Stand-Out LPN Program Application

To maximize your chances of acceptance, consider these expert strategies:

1. Start Preparation Early

Begin prerequisite courses at least a year before applying
Schedule entrance exams with sufficient preparation time
Seek healthcare experience opportunities 6-12 months before application deadlines

2. Exceed Minimum Requirements

Aim for grades at least 0.5 points above stated GPA minimums
Target entrance exam scores in the top quartile of applicants
Complete recommended coursework beyond required prerequisites

3. Craft a Distinctive Personal Statement

Begin with a compelling hook related to your nursing motivation
Include specific examples demonstrating nursing-relevant qualities
Incorporate brief stories showcasing your potential as a nurse
Proofread meticulously—errors suggest inattention to detail

4. Build Meaningful Healthcare Connections

Volunteer in healthcare settings to develop patient interaction skills
Seek mentorship from practicing nurses who can provide guidance and recommendations

5. Demonstrate Program Fit

Research program values and highlight alignment in your application
Attend information sessions to demonstrate interest
Connect with program graduates if possible to understand culture

6. Address Weaknesses Proactively

Explain academic challenges honestly with emphasis on lessons learned
Take additional courses to demonstrate improvement in weak academic areas
Highlight growth and perseverance when discussing setbacks

Critical Qualities LPN Programs Seek

Beyond formal requirements, programs screen for essential nursing qualities:

Compassion and Empathy: Ability to connect with patients and understand their needs
Communication Skills: Clear verbal and written expression
Critical Thinking: Problem-solving ability in complex situations
Resilience: Capacity to handle stress and overcome challenges
Reliability: Consistent attendance and assignment completion
Teamwork Ability: Collaboration skills essential to healthcare settings
Ethical Judgment: Strong moral compass and professional boundaries

Frequently Asked Questions

How important is healthcare experience if my grades are excellent?

While strong academics are crucial, healthcare experience provides insights that classroom learning cannot. Even with excellent grades, obtaining some form of patient care experience significantly strengthens your application by demonstrating realistic understanding of the nursing role and confirming your comfort in healthcare environments.

Can I apply with prerequisites in progress?

Most programs allow applications with prerequisites in progress, but typically require completion before program start. However, having all prerequisites completed at application time demonstrates better preparation and planning. If applying with courses in progress, strong midterm grades and instructor recommendations become especially important.

Will a previous college withdrawal or poor grade disqualify me?

A single withdrawal or poor grade rarely disqualifies candidates, especially if followed by improvement. What matters is how you address these issues in your application—explain circumstances briefly without making excuses, emphasize lessons learned, and highlight subsequent academic success as evidence of growth.

How can I strengthen my application if I have no healthcare experience?

Without healthcare experience, focus on transferable skills from other experiences. Customer service roles demonstrate communication abilities, caregiving for family members shows compassion, volunteer work highlights commitment to others, and leadership positions showcase responsibility. Additionally, arrange healthcare shadowing experiences to demonstrate initiative and interest.

Is it better to retake a prerequisite course for a higher grade or move forward with a passing grade?

This depends on several factors. If your grade is significantly below the competitive average for admitted students (particularly in key science courses), retaking may be beneficial. However, multiple course retakes might raise concerns about academic readiness. Consult with program advisors about specific policies regarding course retakes and GPA calculations before deciding.

How do schools view online prerequisite courses?

Most nursing programs accept online prerequisites from accredited institutions, but some prefer traditional classroom experiences, especially for science courses with labs. Check specific program policies, as preferences vary. When possible, complete key science prerequisites in traditional settings to demonstrate laboratory skills and in-person learning capabilities.