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Reviewed by Malcolm Peralty
The field of nursing is vast and varied as online LPN programs make it extremely convenient. One of the most common entry-level nursing programs is the LPN or Licensed Practical Nurse. While it sounds similar to a registered nurse profession, the educational path and responsibilities of an LPN are quite different.
“Embark on a rewarding healthcare journey with the best online LPN degrees, offering a blend of flexibility, affordability, and practical skills for a thriving career,” says Malcolm Peralty, Premium Schools’ chief editor.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Degree programs allow individuals to become licensed nursing professionals who provide primary care to patients. These programs provide knowledge and skills related to patient assessment, patient safety, medication administration, monitoring patients, as well as keeping and maintaining records.
Also, LPNs see to the patient’s comfort, usually working under doctors and registered nurses in various settings such as hospitals, physician’s offices, extended care facilities, nursing homes, and even private homes.
An online LPN degree program will prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the healthcare industry.
Audio summary:
Unlike registered nurses, the educational requirements for online LPN programs are not as rigorous. A certificate or diploma program is enough to get them through entry-level positions. However, they are required to be licensed. The license process and requirements may vary from state to state. According to BLS, licensed practical nurses’ median annual salary is $54,620 or $26.26 per hour.
Quick Summarization
- LPNs provide basic medical and nursing care to patients. Because practical nurses provide patient care, they perform various duties in different work settings like hospitals, clinics, therapy centers, surgical centers, and doctor’s offices. When you finish your education at one of the top online LPN programs, you will instantly find a job!
- Registered nurses supervise LPNs. An accredited higher education program is required to become a licensed practical nurse. Online LPN programs usually take as short as nine months and can extend up to 18 months. The courses cover physiology, anatomy, medical terminology, and mental health.
Methodology
Let us help you find the best Online Licensed Practical Nursing Programs that fit your requirements! Our researchers at PremiumSchools.org utilize these indicators of excellent academic standards to include each of the Online LPN Programs:
- 100% online LPN program or hybrid practical nursing programs for flexible or convenient attendance without compromising hands-on training,
- Rigorous yet engaging and up-to-date Online Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) coursework that takes into account the readiness of students to take the next step in their nursing career,
- Outstanding faculty consisting of practitioners and experts in the field of Licensed Practical Nursing,
- Practical nursing programs that display excellence among academic agencies, industry organizations, and journalistic resources,
- Stellar reviews and feedback from Online LPN alumni and students,
- Practical nursing programs offer a wide range of scholarships, grants, and other financial support programs for eligible students.
Best Schools for ONLINE LPN Programs
Chancellor Institute
Distance or Hybrid LPN Program
Chancellor Institute is an accredited post-secondary school that offers 100% state board passing and placement rates for nurses and allied health care professionals including LPNs. Students can take both in-person and online LPN hybrid classes.
Chancellor Institute’s Practical Nursing diploma program focuses on industry-specific subjects such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, human growth and development, nursing pharmacology, and other core courses. The clinical skills you will learn are head-to-toe assessments, nursing processes, care planning, medication administration, and IV fluid administration.
Types of Aid: scholarships, state tuition assistance programs, cash payment program agreements
Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- English proficiency
- ID
- Application form
- Essay
- SmarterMeasure Readiness Assessment
Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
Find more information on Chancellor Institute’s online LPN programs.
Northland Community and Technical College
Online LPN Programs
Students who want to have an easy entry into the world of nursing can consider earning the online Licensed Practical Nurse program offered by the Northland Community and Technical College. Here, the practical nursing program will teach skills and knowledge needed in a licensed practical nurse’s role, whether working in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, home care centers, or clinics.
Students will also acquire supervised experience through various practical courses, apart from theoretical knowledge and history. They will be taught essential critical thinking and technical skills that they can use in assisting patients.
Some of the areas they will focus on are administering medications, performing treatments, and using medical equipment, including syringes, cardiac monitors, and diagnostic testing devices. They are expected to complete 44 credits, including Medical Terminology, Nursing Foundations, Intro Practical Nursing, Psychosocial, Transition to Practice, and Math Applications Nurses.
Graduates of this program qualify to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses.
Types of Aid: Private Loans, Scholarships, Grants, Military and Veterans Benefits
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts
- Accuplacer assessment
- Complete immunization form
Accreditations: The Higher Learning Commission
Find more information on Northland Community and Technical College’s online nursing programs.
Lake Area Technical College
LPN Distance Learning Program
The Lake Area Technical College provides three options for potential students who want to complete a Licensed Practical Nurse program. It includes the full-time on-campus option, full-time online option, and hybrid option. Nursing professionals seeking the convenience of distance learning can consider earning this online program.
The program focuses on practical nursing care, including obstetrical, medical, pediatric, psychiatric, geriatric, and surgical. Students should complete 47 units, spanning two semesters and one summer session. They can earn the program in as few as 11 months.
Some of the courses they are expected to navigate include Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, Foundations in Nursing, Nutrition, Anatomy, Pharmacology, Nursing Care of Children, and Medical Terminology.
This Practical Nursing program provides students with the necessary preparation and qualification for the LPN license. They also can proceed to a Registered Nursing program in the same college.
Types of Aid: Private Loans, Scholarships, Grants
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application and $75 fee
- Completed ATI-TEAS entrance exam
- Official high school and college transcripts
Accreditations:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Higher Learning Commission
Find more information on the Lake Area Technical College’s online LPN program.
Rasmussen University
Distance Learning LPN Program
Rasmussen University offers an online Licensed Practical Nursing program taught by compassionate experts. They emphasize compassionate patient care, healthcare industry insights, and critical thinking and confidence.
Composed of 56 credit hours, the program offers comprehensive courses integral to practical nursing, including:
- Practical Nursing Skills,
- Principles of Gerontological Nursing,
- Principles of Mental Health Nursing,
- Client-Centered Care,
- and Principles of Pharmacology, among many others.
The program may be completed in 12 months.
The program prepares students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN) exam. Graduates pursue careers in various settings, including care facilities, rehabilitation centers, clinics, hospitals, and private homes.
Types of Aid: Private Loans, Scholarships, Grants, Employer Benefits, Military Benefits
Admission Requirements:
- An acceptable score on the School of Nursing entrance exam
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Find more information on Rasmussen University’s online LPN program.
Saint Paul College
Online LPN Program
Saint Paul College is one of the many higher-learning institutions offering a Licensed Practical Nurse program. They are among the few allowing an online delivery method which is a huge help for working professionals wishing to pursue a practical nursing career.
Students are taught to use observation, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills in this program. These qualities are integral in providing quality patient care in the real work setting. They will learn how to provide basic therapeutic and preventive nursing care.
They will also gain medication knowledge and learn proper pharmaceutical interaction. Students in this program are prepared to embody the qualities expected from a professional licensed practical nurse, including patience, flexibility, good communication skills, and professional work ethics.
Some of the required courses for the program completion include Communications in Healthcare, Composition, Human Body Systems, Psychology, and many more. Graduates can also sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination.
Types of Aid: Private Loans, Scholarships, Grants, Work-Study Programs, Veterans Benefits
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Completed ACCUPLACER assessment
- Prerequisite courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Test of Essential Academic Skills with a score of 50 or higher
- Official transcripts
Accreditations:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Higher Learning Commission
Find more information on Saint Paul College’s online LPN programs.
Herzing University
LPN Programs Online
At Herzing University, the LPN program offers a solid foundational education for those who want to develop essential knowledge and skills for a rewarding nursing career in as few as 12 months.
This program provides academic, theoretical, and clinical instruction spanning different nursing types to bridge patient lifespan. This includes gaining surgical, obstetric, pediatric, geriatric, and mental health care skills. Students will learn the fundamentals of nursing. It also includes a comprehensive study of adult health, health, and illness through the lifespan and psychology.
This program’s graduates are expected to develop good nursing foundation skills, an understanding of ethical and legal issues, and communication skills integral in a professional healthcare setting. They can also apply for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
Types of Aid: Private Loans, Scholarships, Grants, VA and Military Benefits, Employer Reimbursement
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Minimum composite score from the Test of Essential Academic Skills
- ACT minimum score of 19
- Entrance test with a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher
- Completed application
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Find more information on Herzing University’s online LPN programs.
Portage Lakes Career Center
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) takes only nine months or 960 hours of full-time study at Portage Lakes Career Center’s W. Howard Nicol School of Practical Nursing.
Experienced registered nurses teach the practical nursing program at PLLC’s Uniontown facility in a modern facility that uses the latest technology. Also, a variety of healthcare facilities throughout the Akron-Canton region offer clinical experiences to students.
Part-time students can also enroll in PLCC’s Licensed Practical Nurse program with a 16-month course of study. Those who complete the LPN program receive a completion certificate as well as the academic and clinical practice hours necessary to take the NCLEX-PN exam.
Types of Aid: Scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- CPR Certification
- Health Records
- High School Diploma or GED
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Find more information on Portage Lakes Career Center’s online LPN programs.
Columbus State Community College
Distance Learning LPN
Designed for those who want to navigate the field of practical nursing, Columbus State Community College’s online LPN programs prepare students to provide quality care for patients. Students are equipped with valuable skills expected from entry-level patient care providers, including good communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They acquire such skills in lectures, laboratory, clinical, seminar, and practicum experiences.
They are expected to apply practical nursing concepts in promoting, maintaining, and restoring patient health. They are also trained to collaborate with other health team members in various healthcare settings.
Students must complete 28 semester hours of nursing courses and 11 semester hours of arts and sciences courses. The program graduates can apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
Types of Aid: Private Loans, Scholarships, Grants
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Make an appointment with an academic advisor
- Official high school transcripts or GED equivalent
- GPA of 2.6 or higher
- HESI exam with a score of 75% or higher
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Find more information on Columbus State Community College’s online LPN programs.
Ashland Community and Technical College
Online Diploma in Practical Nursing
Under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician, candidates for the Practical Nursing Diploma Program are prepared to practice within the legal scope of practical nursing. In practical nursing, emphasis is placed on utilizing the nursing process to maintain health and prevent illness, observing and caring for individuals experiencing changes in their health processes, and evaluating patients’ health practices. Ashland Community and Technical College also offers a bridge program for LPNs who want to pursue and continue their education to become an RN.
Types of Aid: Scholarships, loans, grants, work-study, and payment plans
Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Official transcripts from all schools you previously attended
- Accomplished prerequisite courses
Accreditation:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Find more information on Ashland Community and Technical College’s online LPN programs.
Montana State University-Billings
Online LPN Certificate of Applied Science
An LPN Certificate of Applied Science (CAS) is offered online by Montana State University-Billings through its City College. Almost all coursework can be completed online, and clinicals can be completed at a facility close to the student’s home, on campus, or partially online.
RNs can earn their LPN certificate in three semesters after completing 40 credit hours. You will be required to take basic human biology, nursing principles, pharmacology, gerontology, community nursing, and women’s and children’s health nursing courses. Students will take the NCLEX-PN exam upon completing the program to obtain certification. The State Board of Nursing of Montana fully accredits City College’s practical nursing program.
Types of Aid: grants, loans, scholarships, tuition waivers, work-study, and veteran’s benefits
Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma or a GED/HiSET
- Passed the MSUB Readiness Exam offered through the university
Accreditations:
- Montana State Board of Nursing
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Find more information on Montana State University Billing’s online LPN programs.
North Central Texas College
North Central Texas College offers an online LVN designed to prepare entry-level nurses and physicians to provide direct care to patients. An emphasis is placed on making sound judgments using scientific principles and technical skills in various situations.
These LVN programs can be taken at different Bowie, Corinth, Gainesville, and Graham campuses. But this can also be taken online. There is a 12-month duration to the program. If you pass the Practical Nurse Exam (NCLEX-PN), you will receive a certificate of completion.
Patient-centered care is your role on a health care team and advocating for patient safety.
Types of Aid: Loans, Scholarships, Grants, Work Study, Veterans Services
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- TEAS Entrance Exam
- Official Transcripts
Accreditations: The Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
Find more information on North Central Texas College’s online LVN programs.
Delta College
The Delta College community college is located in the Bay County community of University Center, north of Saginaw, Michigan. Typically, Delta’s Practical Nurse Advanced Certificate program can be completed in one year without taking prerequisite courses. This program is a hybrid program where you can take courses online and, at the same time, visit the facilities installed on their campus.
The college’s Health Professions Building is home to nursing theory classes and labs. A state-of-the-art lab in the building allows students to develop their hands-on practice skills in a simulated hospital environment.
Clinical practice hours are also conducted at healthcare facilities affiliated with the program in and around the University Center. A few prerequisite courses are available online, such as Human Anatomy and Physiology and College Composition I.
Fall semesters begin the clinical program, followed by the winter and spring semesters. To advance to the program’s clinical portion, students must complete prerequisite courses and receive a “Semester and Year of Validation.” The LPN clinical program does not admit students until they have completed prerequisite coursework. But it usually only takes two to three semesters to get a spot.
Types of Aid: Student Loans, Scholarships, and Work Study
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Self-Placement Survey
- Online Orientation
- High School Diploma or GED
Accreditations: The Higher Learning Commission
Find more information on Delta College’s online LPN programs.
Western Wyoming Community College
Online LPN Program
The three-semester online LPN program from the Western Wyoming Community College is a great starting point for those who aspire to be an LPN. This program is one of the top online LPN programs available that aims to prepare practical nurses as competent parts of the workforce, helping them prepare for their roles and responsibilities in the art and science of nursing.
The program imparts six important goals for potential students. This includes competent communication, seeing issues from different perspectives, life skill development, problem-solving, information retrieval, and therapeutic nursing interventions.
The whole curriculum is organized around these six goals, which allows them to manage their expanding body of knowledge. They will also acquire clinical opportunities that better grasp the theoretical knowledge and its practical applications.
Graduates of this Western Wyoming Community College program can sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN).
Types of Aid: Private Loans, Scholarships, Grants, Special Awards, and Funds
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application form
- GPA 2.5
- Complete prerequisite courses with a C or better
- Evidence of a nurse assistant course
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Gateway Community College
At Gateway Community College, students may enroll in the two-semester Fast Track Practical Nursing Programs. Offered as part of the college’s Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree, the Certificate of Completion for both Nurse Assisting and Practical Nursing programs provides cost-efficient education for graduates, qualifying them to sit for the practical nurse licensing examination.
The program of study includes lectures, role plays, online case studies, and simulations as teaching methods.
The Fast Track Practical Nursing Programs prepare future practical nurse professionals for acute, extended, and intermediate care settings. Students learn nursing theory and clinical skills in hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare agencies.
Types of Aid: Grants, Loans, Scholarships, and Federal Work Study
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Official Transcripts
- High School Diploma or GED
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Find more information on Gateway Community College’s online LPN programs.
Blinn College
The purpose of Blinn College’s Vocational Nursing Program is to provide students with the education and training they need to become highly skilled, licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) who can work in various medical settings. This hybrid program allows students to attend classes on-site and online.
In order to enroll in Vocational Nursing courses, you must be accepted into the program and to the college. A traditional program runs from the fall to the spring semester, while an online blended program runs from the fall to the spring semester.
Classes, laboratories, and clinical experiences are all part of the program. Clinical rotations are conducted throughout the Brenham and LaGrange areas in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
A vocational nursing certificate is issued as soon as the student fulfills all the certificate program requirements.
Following their graduation, students are eligible to take the Nursing Jurisprudence Examination (NJE) and the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-PN). Successfully passing the examination will qualify the graduate as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).
Types of Aid: Texas Tuition Promise Fund, Grants, Loans, Work Study, Scholarships, and Veteran Benefits
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- TEAS Exam
- High School Diploma or GED
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
Find more information on Blinn College’s online LPN programs.
Skills of a Licensed Practical Nurse
Highlight your strongest skills as an LPN to get the job! An employer wants LPNs who effectively communicate with patients, understand basic nursing practices, and make decisions under pressure. Check out these attributes expected of an LPN:
1. Basic Nursing Skills
LPNs are often adept at handling various medical scenarios. You will need to be equipped with basic nursing skills. Perform routine assessments and procedures, know how to care for the patient, change bandages, and assist doctors with check-ups and emergencies.
2. Empathy
To build trust with patients, LPNs need to have empathy. When patients feel understood, listened to, and cared for, they are more likely to trust their provider. An LPN also comforts patients’ families and builds healthy relationships with coworkers.
3. Communication Skills
LPNs often relay patient information to doctors. The efficient and accurate transfer of this important information requires clear, concise communication. LPNs regularly also communicate with patients, their families, and the rest of the medical team about patient progress and status.
4. Work Ethics
LPNs observe the same strict patient confidentiality standards as any medical professional. They adhere to exceptional ethical standards that prioritize their patients’ well-being, follow the legal regulations on patient care, and understand best care practices.
Differences Between A Licensed Practical Nurse And A Registered Nurse
LPNs and RNs differ in a few ways. The level of responsibility given to practical nurses is different from that of registered nurses. Practical nurses do not typically perform diagnostic testing and medication administration.
A registered nurse must have at least a two-year degree or a three-year diploma, while a practical nurse can start in the field after a year of education. Obtaining your RN credentials while working as an LPN can be a great way to gain valuable experience in the healthcare industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete an LPN degree?
Generally, earning your Licensed Practical Nursing diploma or certificate program can take two years. Many online LPN programs can be completed in one year.
Where can I earn an LPN diploma?
LPN programs are often offered at vocational schools, community colleges, or hospitals.
Should I earn an LPN diploma or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)?
While some LPN programs only last a year, an ADN program will take two years to complete. In addition, most students who earn an ADN also intend on becoming RNs. ADN holders can earn considerably more than an LPN.
What can I do with an online Licensed Practical Nurse program?
Online LPN programs equip one with valuable skills needed for that field in a shorter time. It is ideal for those entering the workforce for the first time and those planning on exploring a new career field.
LPN graduates can find fulfilling work in nursing care facilities, physician offices, private hospitals, and private homes.
What are the limitations of an LPN?
The limitations of an LPN are that they cannot provide the full range of services that a registered nurse (RN) or doctor would be able to provide. They cannot prescribe medication, diagnose complex medical conditions, perform invasive procedures, or make life-or-death decisions outside of the scope of their practice.
LPNs may also be supervised by an RN or physician and must refer patients with complex conditions to a higher level of care.
What’s the fastest way to a Licensed Practical Nurse career?
The career path of an LPN is not as complex as that of a registered nurse. The typical method is to earn an accredited Licensed Practical Nurse program that can take about a year or two to complete. Next, take the licensure exam, ace it, and possibly start working in a matter of months.
The short duration from schooling to working has a lot to do with the LPN kind of program. Diplomas in LPN programs are often condensed. The training focuses on practical applications, away with elective courses not relevant to the job. As a result, aspiring LPN graduates do not have to spend a lot of time and money as needed in other nursing programs.
What can I learn in an online Licensed Practical Nurse program?
Since online LPN programs are usually reduced to a year or two of learning and training, potential students are often only taught the necessary skills that can help them navigate this field. They will get a firm grasp of the nursing theory. They will touch on anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of nursing care, and evidence-based practice, among many others.
LPN programs are primarily devoted to learning practical skills. These include dressing wounds, taking doctor’s orders, pharmacology and medication administration, hygiene and mobility assistance to patients, and communicating with families.
What is the hardest thing about being an LPN?
The hardest thing about being an LPN is the demanding and physically demanding job. It can also be difficult to learn and adapt to the changing policies and regulations of each healthcare facility.
Additionally, the long hours and shift changes can be difficult to manage.
Key Takeaways
To be on the Licensed Practical Nurse career track, you must complete a practical nursing program at an accredited school. Earning an LPN degree gets a foot in the door without going through a more complex educational path and training.
Most educational institutions offering practical nursing programs are technical and community colleges, but some LPN programs are also offered in hospitals. An LPN program can be completed in about a year, allowing graduates to start a career fast. Nowadays, LPN programs are not only confined to traditional learning where physical presence is required.
Working professionals can earn the program online, juggling their personal or work responsibilities and educational pursuits. Top online LPN programs provide flexibility and convenience not easily found in brick-and-mortar LPN programs.
However, a 100% online Practical Nursing diploma program isn’t very common. Many online LPN programs are delivered in a hybrid format because they require students to attend on-ground simulations. Ultimately, online courses can neither substitute nor become as valuable as hands-on clinical experience.
Become an LPN:
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