2024 - Best LPN Programs in Virginia

Last Updated/Verified: Oct 7, 2023

The Commonwealth of Virginia offers many practical nursing programs in community colleges, vocational schools and private colleges across the state. With so many options to choose from, there is sure to be the right program for every aspiring licensed practical nurse (LPN). With so many options for LPN training programs across the state, aspiring nurses in Virginia are sure to find the program that fits their schedule, budget and needs. LPNs in Virginia earn approximately $25.38 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $52,790. This is roughly $3,070 per year less than the national average.

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Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Virginia? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Virginia are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 55 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 20 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Virginia click here.

Details on Virginia LPN Schools & Classes

With nearly 50 practical nursing programs around the state to choose from, nursing students in Virginia will have several options in their geographic area of the state to consider.  Most practical nursing programs are designed to be completed in one to two years depending on whether the student attends classes on a full- or part-time basis. A typical course load for an LPN program in Virginia includes classroom and clinical learning experiences. Course titles may include the following:

  • Body Structure and Function
  • Nursing Fundamentals
  • Drug Dosage Calculations / Pharmacology
  • Care of Maternal, Newborn and Pediatric Patients
  • Principles of Psychology
  • Child Psychology
  • Medical Surgical Nursing
  • Trends in Practical Nursing

Accreditation

The Virginia Board of Nursing approves nursing education programs to operate in the Commonwealth of Virginia. A full list of Virginia Board of Nursing approved LPN programs can be found on the Board of Nursing website. In addition, aspiring practical nurses should also inquire as to a school’s program accreditation. Nursing program accreditation is a volunteer and peer-review process by which a school’s education program is evaluated according to specific standards. This means that a student can be assured that a properly accredited program will provide a high-quality nursing education and will prepare him or her for the important NCLEX-PN exam following graduation.

Admission Requirements

Before applying to any LPN program, it is critical to make sure you meet or exceed all the entrance requirements. While specific entrance requirements may vary slightly from school to school, they often include the following:

  • Completion of high school or GED program (including transcripts)
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all relevant coursework including prerequisite courses
  • Completion of all prerequisite courses, such as college-level Math, English I and Basic Physiology & Human Anatomy
  • Standardized test scores, if necessary, such as the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam
  • Background check, drug screen, and proof of required immunizations
  • Submission of completed application and associated fees

Tuition and Costs

Deciding how you will pay for your practical nursing education is an important consideration for aspiring LPNs. All schools will have their own unique set of fees, so make sure you understand the full range of costs associated with your program before you apply. In general, costs for a practical nursing program include tuition, mandatory school and course fees and supplies (including textbooks, etc.). In addition, students should factor in the costs of housing and/or commuting to classes into the total price tag. Financial aid, loans, and scholarships are options to consider for those who need assistance covering the costs of their LPN program. To provide an example of program costs, the estimated cost for the practical nursing program at Virginia Beach Technical & Career Education Center is about $6,000.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Virginia LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

Virginia LPN Licensing Requirements

To become an LPN in Virginia, individuals must complete a state-approved nursing program, which includes a minimum of 400 hours of direct client care across the lifespan. Once that is complete, he or she must sit and pass the NCLEX-PN exam—the required state-test to show proficiency. In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit an application to the Virginia Board of Nursing, including:

  • Official transcript from state-approved nursing program
  • Proof of passing score of the NCLEX exam
  • Complete fingerprint-based criminal background check
  • Application fee of $170

Virginia LPN licenses must be renewed every two years.

NCLEX Exam Information

Before a practical nursing program graduate can receive licensure, they must first sit for and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. Your LPN program coursework should adequately prepare you for this important exam. To read more about the NCLEX-PN exam, please visit our overview page here. In addition, our NCLEX-PN practice test is available to help students prepare and study.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

Virginia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to work in multiple states that are in the compact area without additional licensing. LPNs can apply for licensure by endorsement in Virginia by submitting proof of current licensure and having passed the NCLEX. In addition, applicants must also submit:

  • Fingerprint-based criminal background check
  • Clinical Hours Form completed by a nursing employer if the applicant graduated from a nursing education program with fewer than 400 clinical nursing hours.

Virginia allows foreign applicants with LPN equivalent background to apply for licensure in the state, but he or she must first submit approval from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) following a completed course-by-course transcript review and English proficiency testing results. The applicant must also sit for and pass the NCLEX exam if he or she hasn’t already.

2024 VA NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics

  • Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 55
  • Total Number of Test Takers in 2022: 1,241
  • 2022 Average Statewide Virginia NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 81.3%

Top Ranked Virginia LPN Programs

1

Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center

2925 North Landing Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 - (757) 648-5889 - Visit Homepage

Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center, located right in Virginia Beach, hosts an 18-month practical nursing program, utilizing state-of-the-art labs and on-site hospital experiences. The school offers over 40 years of experience producing quality nurses, utilizing small class sizes and hands-on instruction to ensure student success.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

Medical Learning Center

1840 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 101, Arlington, VA 22201 - (703) 527-0055 - Visit Homepage

Arlington's Medical Learning Center prepares the next generation of entry-level nurses by offering a comprehensive practical nursing program. This on-campus program can be completed in 3 academic terms consisting of 1,000 classroom and lab hours as well as 400 clinical contact hours.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

Ridgeview Practical Nursing Program

335 Vocational Dr, Clinchco, VA 24226 - (276) 835-8049 - Visit Homepage

Ridgeview High School offers a practical nursing program as part of Dickenson County Public Schools' Career and Technical Education division. This program meets the community's need for industry-certified technical workers, such as LPNs. Graduates of the PN program are well-trained to provide care for patients in a variety of medical settings.

Overall Score: 98.11 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
4

Bryant & Stratton College - Richmond

8141 Hull Street Rd, North Chesterfield, VA 23235 - (804) 745-2444 - Visit Homepage

Bryant & Stratton College's Richmond campus is home to a practical nursing diploma program. Enrolled students are trained to be compassionate caregivers through both classroom and clinical instruction. The 41 total-credit curriculum includes coursework such as Anatomy & Physiology, Pharmacology for LPNs, and much more.

Overall Score: 97.94 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
5

Valley Career and Technical Center

49 Hornet Rd, Fishersville, VA 22939 - (540) 245-5002 - Visit Homepage

Valley Career and Technical Center is located in Fishersville, Virginia. VCTC prepares students through career development, workforce readiness, and industry-specific job skills through individualized coursework and hands-on training by industry-experienced faculty, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to ensure student success.

Overall Score: 97.73 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
6

Danville Community College

1008 S Main St, Danville, VA 24541 - (434) 797-2222 - Visit Homepage

Danville Community College offers a Practical Nursing curriculum that is designed to prepare beginning practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to care for patients of all age groups. In Virginia, a state license is required for this profession. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).

Overall Score: 95.20 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
7

ECPI University - Virginia Beach

5555 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 - (757) 671-7171 - Visit Homepage

The Virginia Beach campus of ECPI University offers a Practical Nursing program that prepares students to provide nursing care to patients under the supervision of a doctor or RN. The curriculum supports safe, ethical entry-level nursing practice.

Overall Score: 92.82 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
8

ECPI University - Northern Virginia

10021 Balls Ford Rd. #100, Manassas, VA 20109 - (703) 348-4062 - Visit Homepage

ECPI's Northern Virginia campus, located in Manassas, offers a year-round Practical Nursing program that can be completed in as little as 15 months. The program trains students to become valuable members of the healthcare team by providing them with nursing skills as well as communication, collaboration, and clinical reasoning skills.

Overall Score: 92.73 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
9

Southside Virginia Community College - South Boston

820 Bruce St, South Boston, VA 24592 - (434) 572-5451 - Visit Homepage

The Practical Nursing program at Southside Virginia Community College prepares students to care for patients throughout the lifespan who are sick, injured, or disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. Students are trained to measure and record clients' vital signs, prepare and give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, and dress wounds. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN.

Overall Score: 92.43 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
10

Medical Learning Center US29110500

, , VA -

Overall Score: 91.65 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
11

Rappahannock Community College

12745 College Drive, Glenns, VA 23149 - (804) 758-6700 - Visit Homepage

Rappahannock Community College's practical nursing program allows students to join the ranks of employed healthcare professionals quickly and efficiently. Upon completion of the program, grads are ready to take the NCLEX-PN and find gainful employment as licensed practical nurses.

Overall Score: 89.81 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
12

Massanutten Technical Center

325 Pleasant Valley Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 - (540) 434-5961 - Visit Homepage

Massanutten Technical Center (MTC) is located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. MTC plays a role in the community directly benefitting both students and area businesses, creating high-quality practical nurses and allowing men and women to acquire new skills and enhance their career prospects.

Overall Score: 89.74 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
13

Virginia Western Community College

3094 Colonial Ave, Roanoke, VA 24015 - (540) 857-8922 - Visit Homepage

Virginia Western Community College's 2-year practical nursing program teaches students the various nursing processes necessary to maintain employment in a variety of healthcare facilities. Graduates of the program are prepared to take on the NCLEX-PN examination with the ultimate goal of attaining a successful career caring for patients of all ages.

Overall Score: 88.72 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
14

Piedmont Virginia Community College

501 College Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22902 - (434) 977-3900 - Visit Homepage

Get all the program details by visiting the .

Overall Score: 88.71 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
15

New River Community College

5251 State Road 373, Dublin, VA 24084 - (540) 674-3600 - Visit Homepage

New River Community College (NRCC) is a comprehensive community college located in Dublin, Virginia. NRCC prepares students for the future with a variety of occupational programs and college transfer courses, as well as workforce development programs and adult education to meet student goals and ensure success.

Overall Score: 86.78 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
16

Centra College of Nursing

1920 Atherholt Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501 - (434) 200-3070 - Visit Homepage

The Practical Nursing program at Centra College of Nursing is committed to providing excellent care to individuals, families, and patients in the community. Graduates will be prepared to engage in best practices through critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and building community relationships.

Overall Score: 86.35 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
17

Fortis College - Richmond

2000 Westmoreland Street, Suite A, Richmond, VA 23230 - (804) 323-1020 - Visit Homepage

Fortis College offers a comprehensive LPN program at its Richmond, VA campus. The curriculum includes nursing theory, laboratory skills, and clinical experiences to develop the knowledge and skills that students will need to enter the world of practical nursing.

Overall Score: 85.90 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
18

ECPI University - Newport News

1001 Omni Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23606 - (757) 838-9191 - Visit Homepage

Get all the program details by visiting the .

Overall Score: 85.34 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
19

Henrico Adult Education

3751-C Nine Mile Road, Henrico, VA 23223 - (804) 781-1814 - Visit Homepage

Henrico Adult Education's school of Practical Nursing is located in Henrico, Virginia, with an additional location in Highland Springs. The Practical Nursing program is designed for student success with a combination of academic coursework and hands-on clinical training to ensure the student is adequately equipped to work as an LPN.

Overall Score: 85.33 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
20

Chesapeake Career Center

1617 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322 - (757) 547-0134 - Visit Homepage

The Practical Nursing program at Chesapeake Career Center is an 18-month program designed for enthusiastic high school seniors and adults who wish to work closely with doctors and other health care professionals to serve as advocates for patients and families. Upon successful completion of this program, students may earn a certificate of completion and are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure examination.

Overall Score: 85.30 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in Virginia

RankedProgramScore
#21 Patrick Henry Community College
645 Patriots Ave, Martinsville, VA 24112
(276) 638-8777
84.96
#22 Smyth Career & Technology Center
121 Bagley Circle, Suite 300, Marion, VA 24354
(276) 783-8865
84.80
#23 Page County Technical Center
40 Eagle Way, Luray, VA 22835
(540) 778-7282
84.68
#24 Eastern Shore Community College
29300 Lankford Hwy, Melfa, VA 23410
(757) 789-1789
84.38
#25 Prince William County Schools
14715 Bristow Rd, Manassas, VA 20112
(703) 791-7200
83.93
#26 Bedford Science and Technology Center
310 South Bridge Street, Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 586-1045
83.38
#27 Wytheville Community College
1000 E Main St, Wytheville, VA 24382
(276) 223-4700
83.04
#28 Global Health Institute
30 South Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 212-7410
82.90
#29 Riverside College of Health Careers
316 Main Street, Newport News, VA 23601
(757) 240-2200
81.44
#30 Ultimate Health School
7839 Ashton Ave, Manassas, VA 20109
(703) 933-9430
81.36
#31 Lord Fairfax Community College
173 Skirmisher Ln, Middletown, VA 22645
(540) 868-7000
80.02
#32 Eastern Virginia Career College
10304 Spotsylvania Ave, Suite 400, Fredericksburg, VA 22408
(540) 373-2200
79.89
#33 Mountain Empire Community College
3441 Mountain Empire Rd, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
(276) 523-2400
78.99
#34 ECPI University - Roanoke
5234 Airport Rd NW Suite 200, Roanoke, VA 24012
(540) 563-8000
78.93
#35 Standard Healthcare Services, Inc. - College of Nursing
1073 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046
(703) 891-1787
78.87
#36 Academies of Loudoun
21000 Education Court, Ashburn, VA 20148
(571) 252-1000
78.16
#37 Giles County Technology Center
1827 Wenonah Avenue, Pearisburg, VA 24134
(540) 921-1166
75.08
#38 Dabney S. Lancaster Community College
35 Vista Links Drive, Buena Vista, VA 24416
(540) 261-1211
72.51
#39 Virginia Highlands Community College
100 VHCC Drive, Abingdon, VA 24210
(276) 739-2400
72.35
#40 Fortis College - Norfolk
6300 Center Dr #100, Norfolk, VA 23502
(757) 499-5447
70.19
#41 Fairfax County Public Schools
8115 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church, VA 22042
(571) 423-3000
70.19
#42 Germanna Community College
10000 Germanna Point Dr., Fredericksburg, VA 22408
(540) 891-3000
69.88
#43 American School of Nursing & Allied Health
14910 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge, VA 22191
(703) 490-8402
66.10
#44 Reynolds Community College
1851 Dickinson Rd, Goochland, VA 23063
(804) 371-3000
63.30
#45 Russell County Career & Technology Center
1 Vocational School Rd, Lebanon, VA 24266
(276) 889-6550
62.94
#46 Petersburg Public Schools
100 Pleasants Ln, Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 732-0510
55.83
#47 Medical Solutions Academy US28110700
, , VA
49.10
#48 Washington County Career & Technical Education Center
255 Stanley Street, Abingdon, VA 24210
(276) 739-3100
40.74
#49 Chesterfield County Public Schools
10101 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832
(804) 748-1405
35.12

Programs Not Included In Rankings

Program
Camp Community College - Franklin
100 North College Drive, Franklin, VA 23851
(757) 569-6700
Camp Community College - Suffolk
271 Kenyon Road, Suffolk, VA 23434
(757) 925-6312
Centura College - Norfolk
7020 N. Military Highway, Norfolk, VA 23518
(757) 853-2121
Centura College - Richmond
7914 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, VA 23235
(804) 330-0111
Healing Hands Health School
17323 Jefferson Davis Hwy #201, Dumfries, VA 22026
(703) 221-4404
Southside Virginia Community College - Chase City
316 N. Main St., Chase City, VA 23924
(434) 372-0194

Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.

Additional VA Nursing Resources

LPN Salary in Virginia

The table below lists career information retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Virginia. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News3,860$24.37$50,680
Richmond3,260$25.75$53,560
Roanoke1,210$23.99$49,900
Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford570$23.33$48,530
Charlottesville540$26.02$54,130
Lynchburg500$23.69$49,280
Harrisonburg350$24.13$50,180
Staunton, Waynesboro320$23.72$49,340
Winchester290$24.47$50,890

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)