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.
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Virginia Beach Virginia LPN programs providing practical nursing education and hands-on clinical experience for entry-level nursing roles

2026 Best LPN Programs in Virginia Beach, VA

If you're looking to start your nursing career in Virginia Beach, finding the right LPN program is important. At practicalnursing.org, we've carefully reviewed and ranked the best LPN programs in the area to help you make a good choice. Our rankings look at factors like program quality, student support, and graduate success. We want to give you clear, reliable information so you can find a program that fits your goals. Check out our full list to see which schools stand out. Learn more about how we create these rankings 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 campus-based Practical Nursing diploma program equips students with essential clinical skills and medical knowledge to become Licensed Practical Nurses. Through hands-on training, learners develop proficiency in patient care techniques, clinical reasoning, and effective communication within healthcare teams. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam, enabling them to work in diverse settings such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. This accelerated program emphasizes collaboration under professional supervision and is military-friendly, with multiple Virginia campus locations available.

  • Campus-based practical nursing diploma
  • NCLEX-PN exam preparation
  • Hands-on clinical skills training
  • Works under medical professional supervision
  • Multiple campus locations in VA
#2

Fortis College-Norfolk

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

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Fortis College-Norfolk's hybrid Practical Nursing program blends online coursework with in-person clinical training, offering flexibility for aspiring nurses. Students develop essential skills through hands-on experience, preparing them for the NCLEX-PN exam. Financial aid is available for eligible candidates, and the program supports career advancement for CNAs, with potential transfer credits for prior nursing education. This military-friendly institution focuses on practical training without a specific concentration, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for entry-level nursing roles in Virginia Beach.

  • Hybrid program format.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
  • Hands-on clinical experience.
  • Financial aid available.
  • Transfer credits for CNAs.
#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 Program offers a fast-track, three-semester pathway to LPN licensure at its Virginia Beach Campus. This state-approved curriculum requires 45 credits and includes comprehensive clinical training to prepare students for the NCLEX-LPN exam. Prospective students must complete prerequisite steps, including passing the ATI TEAS entrance exam and attending an advising session. With strong employment prospects, graduates are equipped to quickly enter rewarding healthcare careers through this focused, hands-on program.

  • Three-semester nursing program
  • 45 total program credits
  • NCLEX-LPN exam preparation
  • Virginia Beach campus location
  • State Board of Nursing approved
#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 a 12-month Practical Nursing Diploma program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and LPN licensure. This ACEN-accredited program includes 41 credit hours with hands-on clinical experience across various healthcare settings. The curriculum focuses on essential nursing skills, patient care, and clinical procedures, enabling graduates to work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home healthcare. As a state-approved program, it provides a fast-track pathway into nursing with multiple campus locations and career-focused training. No entrance exams are required for this diploma-level program, making it accessible for aspiring healthcare professionals.

  • 12-month diploma program
  • 41 total credit hours
  • Prepare for NCLEX-PN exam
  • State-approved nursing program
  • Multiple campus locations
  • Clinical experience included
  • Career-focused curriculum
  • ACEN accredited program
*Postsecondary data from: IPEDS 2023, NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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

If you are looking to start a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Virginia Beach, VA, you have several local options to consider. The table below lists schools in the area that offer LPN programs. It includes the city and state for each school, highlights of their programs, and direct links to learn more about each one. Explore these opportunities to find the right fit for your education and career goals.
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Virginia Beach, VA

Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach

  • Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Diploma

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12-month diploma program
    • 41 total credit hours
    • Prepare for NCLEX-PN exam
    • State-approved nursing program
    • Multiple campus locations
    • Clinical experience included
    • Career-focused curriculum
    • ACEN accredited program

ECPI University

  • Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based practical nursing diploma
    • NCLEX-PN exam preparation
    • Hands-on clinical skills training
    • Works under medical professional supervision
    • Multiple campus locations in VA
*National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). IPEDS data system. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/