More than 20 accredited LPN and RN programs approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing currently operate across the state, with in-state tuition commonly landing between $4,979 and $5,102 per year at community colleges. That affordability, paired with LPN median wages in stronger metro markets now approaching the mid-$50,000s, explains why search interest in Virginia LPN schools has climbed.
Program formats vary widely. Rural campuses like Wytheville and Patrick & Henry run traditional day schedules, while schools such as Piedmont Virginia and Southside Virginia offer hybrid delivery for students juggling work. LPN/LVN degree completion timelines range from three semesters to a full year depending on prerequisite loads and cohort start dates.
Virginia's participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact adds a practical advantage: graduates can work across 40-plus member states without additional applications, a detail that matters in the D.C. corridor and border regions.
Best LPN Programs in Virginia, 2027 Rankings
Virginia's LPN programs concentrate in the community college system, where in-state tuition commonly sits near $5,000 a year and average net prices after aid can run lower still. The ten schools below range from true one-year certificates to four- and five-semester tracks, with several offering hybrid coursework or dual-credit entry. Unless a card says otherwise, figures such as graduation rate and net price describe the whole college rather than the practical nursing certificate alone.
How we ranked these
- Median graduate debt loads
- Net price after financial aid
- Graduate earnings where reported
- Institutional completion rates
- Program format and accessibility
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent editorial research
Wytheville Community College
Wytheville Community College's practical nursing certificate runs five semesters, including a summer term, at the Crossroads Institute in Galax. Students attend two days a week at first, then four as clinicals expand, and area high schoolers can start through dual credit. In-district tuition is about $5,007 a year, and program-level earnings for the certificate are not yet published.
- 5-semester certificate, including a summer term
- Starts each fall
- 88% licensure pass rate reported
- Prerequisite courses required, including biology and algebra
- Classes held at the Crossroads Institute in Galax
- Two days a week for the first two semesters, four days after
- Dual-credit option for area high school seniors
- Criminal background check and drug screening required
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Rappahannock Community College
Rappahannock Community College offers a three-semester practical nursing certificate at its Glenns and Warsaw campuses, with traditional and ADN-to-PN tracks and a January start. The certificate is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and reports a 100% licensure pass rate and full job placement, and it is pursuing national accreditation candidacy. In-state tuition is about $5,102 a year, and G3 assistance can defray costs for qualifying Virginia residents.
- 3-semester certificate with three concentration options
- Traditional and ADN-to-PN tracks available
- 100% licensure pass rate and 100% job placement reported
- Entrance exam required prior to admission
- January start; applications due the first Monday in October
- Classes at the Glenns and Warsaw campuses
- G3 tuition assistance for qualifying Virginia residents
Practical Nursing Certificate — On-Campus
Patrick & Henry Community College
Patrick & Henry Community College in Martinsville runs a three-semester, cohort-based practical nursing certificate with a summer start each year. The program reports a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate over the past four years and holds Virginia Board of Nursing approval, though it is not nationally accredited. In-state tuition is about $5,002 a year, and the college publishes detailed barrier-crimes guidance for applicants with a criminal record.
- 3-semester cohort-based certificate
- 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate reported over four years
- TEAS entrance exam required
- Starts in summer; applications accepted in February
- Mandatory information session within six months
- Approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing; not nationally accredited
- Barrier crimes guide available for applicants with a record
- Covers patient assessment, medication administration, basic life support
Practical Nursing Certificate — On-Campus
Paul D Camp Community College
Paul D. Camp Community College in Franklin offers a three-semester practical nursing certificate with selective admissions and a direct NCLEX-PN focus. Coursework covers legal and ethical principles, clinical skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration, and graduates move into hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. The Hampton Roads region is projected to add 266 LPN jobs a year, and the college's average net price after aid sits near $4,126.
- 3-semester certificate for full-time students
- Selective admissions process
- Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN
- 266 new LPN jobs projected annually in Hampton Roads
- Careers in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics
- Covers legal and ethical principles and interdisciplinary collaboration
Certificate in Practical Nursing — On-Campus
Southside Virginia Community College
Southside Virginia Community College teaches the same 49-credit practical nursing certificate at its Alberta and South Boston campuses, rotating cohorts rather than running both at once. The Alberta cohort starts in August 2026, with South Boston following in January 2027, and the hybrid format mixes online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals. In-state tuition is about $5,007 a year, and financial aid is available.
- 49-credit certificate; apply by May 1, 2026
- Two start dates per year, fall and spring
- Cohort-based structure
- Alberta campus cohort starts August 2026
- South Boston cohort starts January 2027
- Hybrid delivery mixing online and in-person coursework
- Emphasis on nursing process, assessment, and family communication
- Financial aid available
Certificate in Practical Nursing (PN) — Hybrid
Southwest Virginia Community College
Southwest Virginia Community College in Cedar Bluff awards a four-semester, 56-credit practical nursing certificate approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing. Admission is competitive, requiring a 2.5 GPA, prerequisite courses, and a HESI or TEAS entrance exam, with clinical rotations through hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. In-state tuition is about $5,075 a year, and the college's reported graduation rate covers all programs, not nursing alone.
- 4-semester, 56-credit certificate
- Entrance exam required (HESI or TEAS)
- Minimum 2.5 GPA and prerequisite courses
- Fall start only; competitive admission based on GPA and test scores
- Approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing
- Clinical rotations at hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes
- Background check, drug screen, CPR, and health insurance required
Practical Nursing (Certificate) — On-Campus
Virginia Highlands Community College
Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon charges $172 per credit for in-state students, with rolling admissions, no application fee, and G3 scholarship eligibility. The practical nursing certificate operates under conditional approval with terms from the Virginia Board of Nursing following a 2024 NCLEX site visit, which applicants should understand before enrolling. A 17-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio and free academic mentoring support students through the program.
- $172 per credit for in-state students
- Rolling admissions; no application fee
- TEAS required at the 40th percentile
- 17:1 student-to-instructor ratio
- Free academic mentoring available
- G3 scholarship funding for eligible Virginia residents
- Conditional approval with terms from the Virginia Board of Nursing
- No SAT or ACT required
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
New River Community College
New River Community College in Dublin runs a one-year practical nursing certificate that blends classroom work with clinical placements in acute care, outpatient clinics, home care agencies, and private practice. Faculty provide individualized clinical mentoring, and the program shifts to a concept-based curriculum in fall 2027. In-state tuition is about $4,979 a year, and college-wide median earnings ten years after entry are roughly $40,000.
- 1-year certificate program
- Individualized clinical mentoring by faculty
- Clinical placements in acute care, outpatient, home care, and private practice
- Aligned with Virginia Board of Nursing requirements
- Moving to a concept-based curriculum in fall 2027
- Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Mountain Empire Community College
Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap offers a 51-credit practical nursing certificate that the college prices at roughly $12,000 in total program tuition, one of the more transparent all-in estimates in Virginia. Cohorts start in fall and spring with a 2.0 GPA minimum, TEAS testing, and clinical rotations in med-surg, geriatrics, pediatrics, and mental health. Residents of designated local counties receive admission priority, and the college's average net price after aid runs highest in this group.
- 51-credit certificate; about $12,000 total program tuition
- Two start dates per year, fall and spring
- Cohort-based with a 2.0 GPA minimum
- TEAS entrance exam required
- Clinical rotations in med-surg, geriatrics, pediatrics, and mental health
- Local residency preference for admission
- ATI proctored exams and an exit exam required
- Annual immunizations and physical exam required
Practical Nursing Leading to LPN, C, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville delivers a 37-credit practical nursing certificate in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with classes at the main campus and the Eugene Giuseppe Center in Stanardsville. Students complete 402 supervised clinical hours, above the state's 400-hour minimum, at sites within 50 miles of campus, and the program reports a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate. Many students qualify for free tuition, fees, and books through G3.
- 37-credit certificate with hybrid delivery
- 402 supervised clinical hours, above the 400-hour state minimum
- 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate reported
- Clinical sites within 50 miles of the Charlottesville campus
- Classes at the main campus and the Eugene Giuseppe Center in Stanardsville
- Free tuition, fees, and books for many students through G3
- TEAS exam and prerequisite courses required for admission
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — Hybrid
Most Affordable LPN Programs in Virginia, 2027 Rankings
Virginia's community colleges consistently offer some of the most budget-friendly practical nursing certificates in the state. The five programs below, drawn from the same ranked pool used in our overall rankings, all charge under $5,200 in tuition for in-state students. Tuition figures reflect published in-state rates from U.S. Department of Education data (2024).
| Rank | School | City | In-State Tuition | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Patrick & Henry Community College | Martinsville | $5,002 | Campus |
| 2 | Wytheville Community College | Wytheville | $5,007 | Campus |
| 3 | Paul D. Camp Community College | Franklin | $5,012 | Campus |
| 4 | Eastern Shore Community College | Melfa | $5,082 | Campus |
| 5 | Rappahannock Community College | Glenns | $5,102 | Campus |
Explore other Virginia related topics
LPN Programs by City
Fastest LPN Programs in Virginia, 2027 Rankings
Several Virginia community colleges and career-focused institutions offer practical nursing programs that can be completed in roughly 12 months of full-time study. The schools below represent the fastest options from our ranked pool, sorted by overall score. Tuition figures reflect the most recently published in-state rates.
| School | City | Program Length | In-State Tuition | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New River Community College | Dublin | 1 year | $4,979 | On campus |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Middletown | 1 year | $5,072 | On campus |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Clifton Forge | 12 months | $5,022 | On campus |
| Bryant & Stratton College, Virginia Beach | Virginia Beach | 12 months | $18,752 | On campus |
NCLEX-PN Pass Rates at Virginia Nursing Schools
The table below shows the most recent first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates reported by Virginia Board of Nursing approved practical nursing programs. For context, the national average first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate has hovered near 85 percent in recent testing cycles. Programs that fall below that threshold deserve extra scrutiny: a lower pass rate does not necessarily mean poor instruction, but it should prompt you to ask about remediation support, class size, and attrition before enrolling. Where the number of first-time test takers is not publicly listed, that column is marked N/A.
| Program Name | Reporting Year | First-Time Test Takers | Pass Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New River Community College Practical Nursing Program | 2024 | N/A | 100 |
| Petersburg City Public Schools Practical Nursing Program | 2024 | N/A | 100 |
| Patrick & Henry Community College Practical Nursing Program | 2024 | N/A | 100 |
| Virginia Beach School of Practical Nursing | 2023 | N/A | 100 |
| Valley Career & Technical Center Practical Nursing Program | 2024 | N/A | 95.7 |
| Southwest Virginia Community College Practical Nursing Program | 2024 | 21 | 90.48 |
| Practical Nursing Certificate Program (Virginia Ranking #8) | 2024 | N/A | 91.9 |
| Practical Nursing Certificate Program (Virginia Ranking #9) | 2024 | N/A | 90.7 |
| Practical Nursing Certificate Program (Virginia Ranking #10) | 2024 | N/A | 90.1 |
| Practical Nursing Certificate Program (Virginia Ranking #11) | 2024 | N/A | 89.8 |
| Practical Nursing Certificate Program (Virginia Ranking #16) | 2024 | N/A | 87.2 |
| Practical Nursing Certificate Program (Virginia Ranking #18) | 2024 | N/A | 85.2 |
| Practical Nursing Certificate Program (Virginia Ranking #26) | 2024 | N/A | 76.9 |
Related Articles
Fastest LPN Programs in Virginia
How fast can you realistically finish LPN school in Virginia? Most accelerated tracks land at 12 months, with a handful of programs claiming as few as 11 months or 45 weeks, though the specific schools behind those shortest timelines aren't always named. Across the state's fastest LPN/LVN programs of 2026, the trade-off is consistent: less calendar time means more hours packed into each week.
Shortest programs on record
Seven programs consistently show up at or near the 12-month mark: Bryant & Stratton College in Virginia Beach (on-campus), a pick on the best LPN programs in Virginia Beach 2026 list; Mountain Gateway Community College's certificate track (a 12-month accelerated pathway that starts in summer and runs three semesters), plus Tidewater, Northern Virginia, J. Sargeant Reynolds, Piedmont, and Southside Community Colleges, all clocking in around 12 months full-time. ECPI runs a 15-month accelerated, campus-based option, and Fortis Richmond falls somewhere in the 12 to 15 month range.
The clinical hours reality
A shorter calendar doesn't mean fewer clinical hours. The Virginia Board of Nursing mandates a fixed number of supervised clinical hours regardless of how a program schedules its terms. Compressed 11 to 12 month tracks get there by loading heavier weekly course hours and running through summer instead of pausing for a traditional break, not by cutting clinical time.
Can you do it online?
Some didactic coursework, anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing theory, can be delivered online or hybrid, as seen with Standard Healthcare's hybrid format and WVJC's online/hybrid track. But clinical rotations always require in-person, hands-on hours at an approved clinical site. There's no fully online path to LPN licensure in Virginia.
LPN Programs in Virginia That Don't Require Prerequisites
A "no prerequisites" LPN program is one that admits students without requiring prior college coursework, a CNA credential, or an entrance exam like the TEAS. In Virginia, based on 2025-2026 admission materials, no practical nursing program cleanly checks all three of those boxes. Every Board-approved program we reviewed requires at least one of them for LPN/LVN program admissions.
What Each Program Actually Waives
- Riverside School of Health Careers: No CNA required and no college prerequisite courses, but the ATI TEAS is required (suggested score around 58.4%).
- Piedmont Virginia Community College, Virginia Highlands, Tidewater, Eastern Shore, and New River: No CNA license required, but all require the TEAS, with cutoffs ranging from the 40th percentile (Virginia Highlands)1 to the 45th percentile (Tidewater).
- Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA): Requires an active, unrestricted Virginia CNA license and the TEAS Version 7 (58.7% per section, in-person only).
- Brightpoint Community College: Requires CNA eligibility by program start and a 60% TEAS composite, according to its Practical Nursing Student Handbook 2025-2026.
- Patrick & Henry Community College: Requires college-prep Biology and Algebra I/II plus a TEAS score around 60%.
- Virginia Western Community College: Requires Biology and Algebra I (or equivalents) within five years, a 2.0 GPA, and 12 college credits for GPA calculation.
"No Prerequisites" Still Means Requirements
Even the least restrictive programs expect a high school diploma or GED, a clean criminal background check, drug screening, current immunizations, CPR certification, and proof of health insurance. If avoiding the TEAS matters most, call private career schools and hospital-based programs directly; admission policies change, and not every Virginia program publishes full requirements online.
Your Path From Zero Experience to Licensed Practical Nurse in Virginia
Becoming a licensed practical nurse in Virginia follows a clear, sequential process. From your first day of research to holding a multistate license, most candidates complete the journey in about 12 to 18 months. Here is what each stage looks like.
Virginia LPN Licensure, NCLEX-PN, and the Nurse Licensure Compact
Once you graduate from an approved practical nursing program in Virginia, three steps stand between you and your first shift as an LPN: a Board of Nursing application, a fingerprint-based background check, and the NCLEX-PN exam.
Applying to the Virginia Board of Nursing
Virginia handles LPN licensure applications online. You will need transcripts verifying at least 400 hours of supervised direct patient care across the lifespan, plus standard identification documents. Application fees for licensure by examination currently fall in the range of $170 to $280; verify the exact amount on the Board's site, as fees were adjusted in late 2024. Every applicant must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check through Fieldprint VA before registering for the exam. Plan for several weeks of processing time, because the Board will not move your application forward until background results clear.
Passing the NCLEX-PN
You register for the NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE, which schedules you at a nearby testing center. The exam uses computerized adaptive testing, meaning the number of questions adjusts based on your performance. A passing result is determined by a standard set by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, not by a percentage score. If you do not pass on your first attempt, Virginia allows you to retest after a 45-day waiting period. Your program's first-time pass rate is one of the strongest predictors of your own success, so review school-level NCLEX data before you enroll.
Multi-State Practice Under the Nurse Licensure Compact
Virginia participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which means LPNs whose primary state of residence is Virginia and who meet all Uniform Licensure Requirements can hold a multi-state license. That privilege lets you practice in other compact states through LPN/LVN reciprocity without applying for separate licenses, a real advantage if you live near the D.C., Maryland, or North Carolina borders. LPNs who reside in a non-compact state receive a single-state Virginia license only.
Renewal and Continuing Education
Virginia LPN licenses renew every two years. To demonstrate continued competency, you can complete 30 hours of approved LPN Continuing Education Units, or combine 15 CE hours with 640 hours of nursing practice. Other pathways, such as national certification or academic coursework, also satisfy the requirement. The Board may mandate up to two hours on a designated topic each cycle, and bias-reduction training is required. Keep your documentation for at least two years; the Board can request proof within 30 days of a renewal audit.
LPN Earnings and Demand Across Virginia's Metro Areas
Virginia LPNs earned a median annual wage of approximately $51,000 to $65,000 depending on the data year and source, with more recent industry estimates placing the figure closer to the higher end of that range. Third-party analyses citing 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics data report a statewide median around $64,920 annually, roughly $31 per hour, which sits slightly above the national median for the occupation.1
Metro Area Wage Breakdown
Wages vary considerably across Virginia's regions:
- Richmond: The May 2023 BLS data shows a median hourly wage of $28.22, translating to approximately $58,700 annually, with about 2,810 LPNs employed in the metro area.
- Northern Virginia/DC Metro: Mean annual wages in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region hovered around $56,480 in recent years, though the Virginia-specific portion of this multi-state metro area is not broken out separately.
- Southwest Virginia: Nonmetropolitan areas in the southwest report median hourly wages near $24, with annual means around $51,870.
- Northeast Virginia: Rural areas in the northeast show similar figures, with median hourly wages around $24.24 and annual means near $52,000.
Wage data for Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News and Roanoke is not currently available in published BLS tables, though these metros employ substantial numbers of LPNs in hospital, skilled nursing, and outpatient settings.
Are LPNs in Demand in Virginia?
Nationally, LPN employment is projected to grow 2.6% between 2024 and 2034, with roughly 54,400 openings expected annually due to growth and replacement needs. Virginia-specific projections are not published in current state labor data, but a 2024 Virginia workforce report estimates that approximately 10% of the state's LPN workforce will retire every five years through 20343, creating steady openings for new graduates.
Program ROI Context
Program-level earnings data from federal sources is not yet published for most Virginia LPN programs, making direct comparisons to occupational medians difficult. However, given that most certificate programs cost between $5,000 and $30,000 and can be completed in 12 to 15 months, graduates who secure positions near the statewide median stand to recover their investment within one to two years of employment.
LPN Vs. CNA Vs. Medical Assistant Vs. Phlebotomist in Virginia
All four roles offer a fast route into healthcare, but they differ sharply in training investment, pay, clinical responsibility, and long-term mobility. The table below compares them side by side using Virginia-specific data so you can weigh the tradeoffs before committing to a program. In short, the LPN path demands the most classroom and clinical time yet rewards you with the highest median salary, the broadest scope of practice, and the clearest bridge into registered nursing.
| Category | CNA | Medical Assistant | Phlebotomist | LPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Training Length | 1 to 4 months | 9 to 12 months (certificate); up to 24 months (associate degree) | 4 to 8 months | About 12 months (full-time diploma) |
| Estimated Program Cost | $500 to $2,000 | $3,000 to $10,000 | $1,500 to $5,000 | $5,000 to $15,000 at community colleges |
| Virginia Median Salary | Approximately $34,670 to $39,520 per year | Approximately $44,740 per year | Approximately $46,340 per year | Mid $50,000s per year |
| Scope of Practice | Basic patient care: bathing, dressing, feeding, vital signs, assisting with daily activities under licensed nursing supervision | Administrative and clinical support in outpatient settings: vital signs, exam prep, basic lab tasks, front-office duties under physician supervision | Drawing blood, preparing specimens, and managing sample documentation in hospitals, clinics, and labs | Medication administration, wound care, patient monitoring, and supervising CNAs under RN or physician direction |
| Licensure or Certification Required | State certification after approved training and competency exam | Certification available but not always required; varies by employer | Certification available but not mandated in Virginia | State licensure required after passing the NCLEX-PN exam |
| Advancement Ceiling | Many CNAs move into LPN or RN programs, but no direct bridge pathway exists | Can advance to lead MA or office manager; transitioning into nursing requires starting a separate program | May move into lab technician roles; entering nursing requires a separate program | LPN to RN bridge programs (ADN or BSN) are widely available in Virginia, creating a direct pipeline into registered nursing and beyond |
LPN-To-RN Bridge Options at Virginia Schools
An LPN program with a built-in bridge agreement can shave a year or more off your path to RN licensure. Several Virginia schools have formalized LPN to RN bridge programs in Virginia rather than leaving it to chance.
Community College ADN Bridges
- Brightpoint Community College: AAS in Nursing, offered fully in-person or hybrid.
- J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, completed in as few as three semesters through an online, campus, or hybrid track.
- Piedmont Virginia Community College: AAS in Nursing delivered hybrid, combining web-based coursework with in-person labs and clinicals.
- Virginia Western Community College: AAS in Nursing through a dedicated advanced-placement bridge for licensed LPNs.
- Virginia Highlands Community College: AAS in Nursing via an LPN-to-RN Transition Day Program, available in person, hybrid, or online.
University BSN Bridges
- Riverside College: LPN-to-RN Advanced Placement leading to either an AAS (evening/weekend) or a BSN (day classes).
- Eastern Mennonite University: A four-semester LPN-to-BSN program built specifically for practicing LPNs.
How the Bridge Works
These LPN to RN bridge programs grant advanced placement rather than starting you at square one. Your LPN coursework and clinical hours count toward degree requirements, so you skip foundational nursing classes and enter the program partway through. That credit-for-experience model, paired with condensed semester timelines, is what makes finishing an ADN or BSN realistic in two years or less after LPN licensure.
More Virginia LPN Programs Worth Exploring
The schools below round out our Virginia directory beyond the programs ranked above. They are grouped by region and listed without ranking, so you can compare program length, delivery format, and the average net price reported for each college.
Hampton Roads
- Practical Nursing Education Certificate Program
- Practical Nursing
- Practical Nursing Diploma
- Practical Nursing
Northern Virginia
- Practical Nursing Program
- Practical Nursing Program
Greater Richmond
- Practical Nursing Certificate
Shenandoah Valley
- Practical Nursing
Southwest Virginia
- Practical Nursing Certificate
- Practical Nursing
Eastern Shore
- Certificate in Practical Nursing
