Maria Delgado, RN
June 24, 2025
Healthcare relies more on LPNs and LVNs due to an aging population and longer and higher instances of chronic care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an estimated 54,000 LPNs/LVNs will be required to take over the jobs left by those who exit the labor force in the immediate future due to workforce leave. Students in self-paced programs immediately on-board earning money and gaining hands-on experience while other programs are still in session. The fast track LPN/LVN programs do not attract only students who want a career change, but those who work in the medical sector and want to advance quickly in a career and registered nurses want a quick way to go from LPN pathway to nursing. The programs offer quick penetration of the nursing role and meet actual workforce needs while laying a strong foundation for career advancement in the future.
Bronx, NY - Private 4-year - monroecollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Monroe College's Practical Nurse Certificate Program offers a fast-track to a nursing career, designed to be completed in just three semesters. This full-time, on-campus program combines basic nursing skills with liberal arts education, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. With a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN in 2017, the program boasts a supportive learning environment and includes clinical and simulation lab experiences for hands-on learning. Admission requires a high school transcript or GED, a GPA of 2.75 or higher, and a proficient score on the ATI TEAS exam. Ideal for those seeking a quick entry into the nursing field.
Perkinston, MS - Public 2-Year - mgccc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College prepares students to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) through a comprehensive curriculum. This program requires one semester of prerequisites and two semesters of ADN/PN coursework, followed by a final semester of PN coursework. Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure from the Mississippi Board of Nursing and take the NCLEX-PN® exam. The program is state and nationally accredited, ensuring a high-quality education. Costs include tuition, program fees, and additional expenses for exams, uniforms, and supplies. Admission requires passing the TEAS entrance exam and a criminal background check.
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Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's Practical Nursing (PN) program provides a comprehensive pathway to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in just three semesters. Students can enter through a pre-nursing track or as part of an Associate Degree in Nursing, with flexible options to complete the program. The curriculum focuses on client-centered care, emphasizing safety, evidence-based practice, and professional skills. Total program costs range from $2,000-$3,000, including fees, exams, and supplies. Graduates achieve a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate and are prepared for diverse healthcare settings.
Palatine, IL - Public 2-Year - harpercollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Harper College's Practical Nursing Certificate offers a fast-track pathway to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in just one year. Ranked #1 in Illinois, this comprehensive 38-credit program prepares students for diverse healthcare settings like hospitals, medical offices, and long-term care facilities. Students gain hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab and benefit from expert faculty. With a median annual salary of $48,820, graduates can take the NCLEX-PN exam and pursue immediate career opportunities. Affordable tuition and flexible scheduling make this program attractive for career changers and healthcare enthusiasts.
Pittsburg, CA - Public 2-Year - losmedanos.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Vocational Nursing Program at Los Medanos College prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing through a comprehensive curriculum that blends theory with clinical experience. Designed to meet state guidelines, this program spans three semesters, focusing on developing the skills needed to care for clients across all ages in various healthcare settings. Students will gain progressive mastery of nursing knowledge and abilities, preparing them to work under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians. The program supports the educational philosophy of the college, emphasizing practical skills and ethical practice. For those interested, reviewing the LVN Applicant Handbook is recommended for detailed prerequisites and application insights.
Dallas, TX - Public 4-Year - dallascollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Dallas College's Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) program provides a comprehensive pathway to entering the healthcare profession. Completed in two 16-week academic semesters and two five-week summer sessions, the program combines classroom learning, laboratory work, and clinical experiences at respected healthcare facilities. Students gain hands-on skills and are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN licensing examination. Admission is competitive, based on prerequisite course GPA, with a focus on students committed to intensive healthcare training.
Miami, FL - Public 4-Year - mdc.edu
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Miami Dade College in Florida offers a Licensed Practical Nursing Career Technical Certificate program, designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam. This one-year program focuses on fundamentals of nursing, anatomy, pharmacology, and more, under the supervision of healthcare professionals. Graduates can work in hospitals, assisted living, and other healthcare settings. The program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and is a candidate for ACEN accreditation. Admission requires pre-admission testing and prerequisite courses. With high earning potential and a completion rate of 34.86%, it's a solid step into the nursing field.
Waco, TX - Public 2-Year - mclennan.edu
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McLennan Community College in Waco, TX, offers a Vocational Nursing program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in healthcare. This one-year, campus-based program emphasizes safe practice, honesty, and integrity, equipping students with the skills needed for direct patient care. Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and are eligible to apply for vocational nurse licensure. The program is accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing, ensuring high-quality education. With a focus on workforce skills like punctuality and competence, students gain hands-on experience through classroom learning, labs, and clinical rotations. This program is ideal for those seeking a fast track to a fulfilling nursing career.
Santa Rosa, CA - Public 2-Year - santarosa.edu
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Santa Rosa Junior College in California offers a comprehensive Vocational Nursing program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in healthcare. This program requires 69 units for completion, blending rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical experience. Students gain essential skills in patient care, medication administration, and treatment procedures, preparing them for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. The program emphasizes professional development, ethical practice, and effective communication within healthcare teams. With a strong focus on practical experience, students train at local healthcare facilities, ensuring readiness for diverse healthcare settings. Graduates are well-equipped for roles in hospitals, clinics, and beyond, with pathways to further nursing education.
Long Island City, NY - Public 2-Year - lagcc.cuny.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing Certificate at CUNY LaGuardia Community College prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing. This campus-based program focuses on hands-on learning and real-world experience, ensuring graduates are ready to meet the demands of the healthcare industry. With a curriculum designed to cover essential nursing skills, students gain the knowledge needed to excel in various healthcare settings. Admissions requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, and the program is structured to be completed in a timely manner, making it an excellent choice for those looking to quickly enter the nursing field. Costs are competitive, offering an affordable pathway to a nursing career.
Santa Barbara, CA - Public 2-Year - sbcc.edu
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Santa Barbara City College's Vocational Nursing Program offers a comprehensive pathway to becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). This full-time, 3-semester program includes a summer break, with new cohorts starting every 18 months. Graduates earn a Certificate of Achievement in Vocational Nursing and can pursue an Associate of Science Degree. The program boasts a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN exam, preparing students for diverse healthcare settings. Focused on professional and ethical standards, it emphasizes cultural sensitivity and effective communication. Financial aid and counseling support are available, making this program accessible to aspiring nurses at various life stages.
The duration of Accelerated LPN/LVN programs ranges from 6 months to 12 months based on program intensity and structure. The shortest duration for full-time day programs is one year but part-time or hybrid formats extend the completion time for working students. The accelerated programs pack traditional program content into shorter periods which leads to dense weekly class schedules and clinical practice. Students need to be ready for the challenging schedule which demands complete weekday dedication and continuous year-round study without any prolonged breaks.
| Normal | Accelerated | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | 12-18 Months | 9-12 Months |
| Part Time | 18-24 Months | 12-18 Months |
Education quality is not sacrificed in accelerated nursing programs when they maintain high academic standards, meet accreditation requirements and students demonstrate proficiency on licensure exams. Length of training is less important to employers than quality of training and hands-on skills/experience which tend to be more important to hiring organizations. Good candidates from respected fast track programs are often seen favorably because they have demonstrated that they can handle a heavy load and adjust to working life sooner rather than later. Therefore, choosing an established and successful accelerated program can mean both fast and good-quality preparation for nursing practice.
Looking for the fastest LPN program? Ensure it also delivers on these essential quality points.
The selection of a fast-track LPN/LVN program enables you to start your nursing career quickly which leads to earning a competitive salary and obtaining valuable clinical experience and providing meaningful patient care before traditional programs finish. The fast-paced nature of these programs presents difficulties yet most students find the quick career progression and financial security and professional fulfillment to be more valuable than the initial challenges. Students who demonstrate commitment and motivation toward intensive learning can use accelerated programs to build a rewarding nursing career.