[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re looking for a fast, affordable path into nursing, becoming a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/lpn-lvn/lpn-programs-online/”]licensed practical nurse (LPN)[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are significant differences between LPNs, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/best-rn-programs-by-state/”]registered nurses (RNs)[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/cna/”]certified nursing assistants (CNAs)[/hen-ui-link]. 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Using a data-driven approach, we’ve ranked the top LPN programs nationwide based on affordability, academic quality, reputation, and student-focused offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading to learn more about LPN programs, or go straight to our list of the best LPN programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do LPN Programs Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/lpn-lvn/”]LPN programs prepare you[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]NCLEX-PN[/hen-ui-link] exam by graduation, so you can earn your license and begin practicing right away.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN bridge[/hen-ui-link] programs, which expand your career opportunities and salary potential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn More About the Best LPN Schools and Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list was created prior to 2025.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to an LPN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Materials:[/hen-ui-text] Requirements vary but typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, prerequisite courses in biology, math, or anatomy, a criminal background check, a drug screening, immunization records, CPR certification, a health exam, and an admissions interview or essay.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]GPA Requirement:[/hen-ui-text] Competitive programs may require a 2.0 or higher high school GPA, and some schools may have separate GPA requirements for prerequisite math and science courses.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Other Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] Some programs require students to have earned a CNA credential, taken a prerequisite medical terminology course, and passed an entrance exam.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why is LPN Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]Nursing school accreditation[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About LPN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What does LPN mean in nursing?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPN stands for licensed practical nurse. An LPN provides basic medical care under the supervision of physicians or registered nurses. Duties often include dispensing medication, taking patients’ vitals, and assisting with daily patient needs. LPNs typically complete a state-approved educational program and must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to receive their license.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the fastest you can become an LPN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The fastest way to become an LPN is through an accelerated program, which can take as few as 12 months to finish. These intensive programs include classroom instruction and clinical training. After graduation, you must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed and begin working as a practical nurse.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long is schooling for the LPN degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPN schooling usually takes 12-18 months to complete, depending on the depth of the program. Courses for LPNs combine classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience. Graduates earn a diploma, certificate, or associate degree and must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to receive state licensure.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What’s the difference between an LPN and an RN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An LPN provides basic patient care under supervision, while an RN offers more advanced care and coordinates treatment plans. RNs complete a longer educational program, typically an associate or bachelor’s degree, while LPNs usually pursue a certificate or diploma. RNs also have greater responsibilities and higher earning potential than LPNs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]