Top LPN Programs and Schools in the Country

If you’re looking for a fast, affordable path into nursing, becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) may be the right choice. Also called licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in some states, LPNs provide essential patient care in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

There are significant differences between LPNs, registered nurses (RNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). LPNs earn higher salaries than CNAs but lower salaries than RNs. However, most LPN programs take 12-18 months to complete, significantly faster than the typical RN program. This shorter timeline offers a key advantage for nursing students looking to start a career faster.

Using a data-driven approach, we’ve ranked the top LPN programs nationwide based on affordability, academic quality, reputation, and student-focused offerings.

Keep reading to learn more about LPN programs, or go straight to our list of the best LPN programs.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

LPN programs prepare you for entry-level nursing roles under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. LPNs provide basic medical care: They can monitor vital signs, administer medications, and assist with basic patient hygiene procedures.

These nursing duties are reflected in the hands-on curriculum most LPN programs offer. Full-time students can finish these programs in as few as 12 months, as classroom instruction blends with supervised clinical training.

Common courses include anatomy, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, and patient care. The fast-paced structure introduces you to the demands of real-world practice, emphasizing efficiency and critical thinking. Clinical rotations reinforce classroom lessons, so you have direct experience with patient care. These programs prepare you to take the NCLEX-PN exam by graduation, so you can earn your license and begin practicing right away.

LPN programs play a crucial pathway for nurses to quickly enter the healthcare field and meet the growing demand for skilled medical professionals. They can also serve as the educational foundation for RN programs and RN-to-BSN bridge programs, which expand your career opportunities and salary potential.

You can obtain an LPN license by first completing a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. These programs have varying course requirements, completion timelines, and costs. You should research your available options and compare them to your career goals.

LPN certificate and diploma programs are shorter than degrees and focus on practical nursing skills, while associate degree programs offer more in-depth coursework and general education requirements. Both prepare students for the NCLEX-PN but differ in duration and academic depth.

Nursing school accreditation ensures that an LPN program meets rigorous academic and professional standards from widely recognized accrediting bodies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The process of accreditation includes independent groups of nursing professionals and academics rigorously assessing a program.

Accreditation evaluates curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes. Attending an accredited LPN program is crucial because it qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. All states require licensure for LPNs to practice, which requires passing the NCLEX-PN.

Accredited programs ensure consistent training and patient care standards. Additionally, federal financial aid is often only available to students attending accredited schools. All LPN programs featured in our ranking are fully accredited, giving you confidence in their quality and credibility.