Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes for Roanoke-area practical nursing schools
Roanoke's healthcare sector relies heavily on licensed practical nurses, with the region’s median annual wage for LPNs reaching $46,640 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That figure reflects consistent demand across hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies throughout the Roanoke Valley.
Aspiring LPNs in the area can choose from seven accredited practical nursing programs within a commutable distance, though admission requirements and costs vary considerably. Some programs cover full tuition through state grants, while others require entrance exams or prerequisites.
Given the variability in program length, clinical hours, and NCLEX-PN preparation, comparing outcomes such as pass rates and job placement can make the difference between a smooth licensure process and costly delays.
Our rankings highlight accredited practical nursing programs within commuting distance of Roanoke. We evaluated each school on affordability, program outcomes, and the flexibility of its LPN pathway. The list below features four public community colleges that prepare students for NCLEX-PN licensure and entry-level nursing roles.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Virginia Western Community College | Roanoke, VA | $5,000 – $12,000/yr | Roanoke locals seeking a proven NCLEX pass rate | |
Virginia Western Community College, located right in Roanoke, offers a practical nursing diploma program that stands out for its strong outcomes. The program reports a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate among recent graduates, a testament to its rigorous training. With small cohort sizes and personalized attention, students gain hands-on experience in local healthcare facilities. The college also participates in Virginia's G3 funding initiative, making this an affordable pathway into nursing.
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| #2 | New River Community College | Dublin, VA | ~$6,000/yr (est.) | One-year students wanting diverse clinical placements | |
New River Community College in Dublin, VA, offers a one-year practical nursing certificate with a strong emphasis on diverse clinical experiences. Students rotate through acute care, outpatient, home care, and private practice settings under individualized mentoring. The program will transition to a concept-based curriculum in fall 2027, emphasizing clinical judgment. Its public community college tuition keeps costs low.
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| #3 | Mountain Gateway Community College | Clifton Forge, VA | $5,000 – $11,000/yr | Summer starters pursuing a full-time 12-month program | |
Mountain Gateway Community College in Clifton Forge provides a 12-month, full-time practical nursing certificate. The 44-credit curriculum combines classroom instruction with clinical rotations in geriatrics, surgery, pediatrics, and mental health. The program begins each summer and offers a clear LPN-to-RN transition pathway for those looking to advance later. Admission requires pre-admission testing and CPR certification.
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| #4 | Patrick & Henry Community College | Martinsville, VA | $4,000/yr (net price) | ||
Patrick & Henry Community College in Martinsville delivers a three-semester practical nursing certificate with an impressive track record: 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate over the past four years. The program is fully approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and emphasizes clinical practice through mandatory information sessions and ATI TEAS testing. Though not nationally accredited, its strong outcomes and state approval make it a reliable choice for LPN preparation.
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The total cost of an LPN program includes more than just tuition. When you factor in books, supplies, clinical fees, and licensure exams, the full sticker price can be significant. However, financial aid and net price often reduce the actual out-of-pocket expense.
With the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) now fully implemented, pass rates have become a more telling indicator of program quality. For aspiring LPNs in Roanoke, comparing local outcomes against state and national benchmarks is a practical first step.
Only one program in the immediate Roanoke area publicly reports its NCLEX-PN pass rates. In 2024, Virginia Western Community College's practical nursing graduates achieved a perfect 100% pass rate on the licensure exam. Data for other nearby schools, such as those offered by ECPI University or programs within a 75-mile radius, is either not disclosed or reflects cohorts too small to yield statistically meaningful pass rates. When comparing programs, verify the most recent Board of Nursing reports and look for consistent multi-year trends, which are more reliable than a single year's results.
Virginia's overall NCLEX-PN pass rate for all approved programs typically falls between 87% and 88%. Nationally, first-time pass rates for US-educated practical nursing candidates have hovered between 84% and 87% in recent years. Virginia Western's 100% result significantly exceeds both the state and national averages, signaling a strong level of preparation among its graduates. Without comparable data for other local schools, these benchmarks offer a useful yardstick for evaluating any program whose numbers become available.
Pass rates directly reflect how well a program teaches the content and critical thinking skills tested by the NCLEX-PN. Employers in the Roanoke Valley often consider a program's pass rate when evaluating new graduates, and some hospitals and long-term care facilities prefer candidates from schools with consistently high performance. While pass rates are just one factor, they provide an objective, outcomes-based view of educational quality that can help you avoid programs with chronic low performance.
Virginia Western's practical nursing program does not require a TEAS or HESI exam for 2025 applicants, though other regional schools may still ask for entrance test scores.
Virginia Western admits practical nursing students each Spring and Fall semester. A separate program application, handwritten essay, and official transcripts are required; the deadline for Spring 2026 entry was September 1, 2025. This makes the process competitive and time-sensitive. ECPI University's Roanoke campus typically offers a faster, year-round enrollment with multiple start dates and a more open, rolling admissions model.
Virginia Western's full-time certificate spans 24 months with no summer classes, while ECPI's diploma is completed in 60 weeks of intensive study. Most programs run during daytime hours; evening options are limited in the Roanoke area. Cohort sizes tend to be small, though exact numbers vary each admission cycle.
LPN students in the Roanoke Valley gain hands-on experience through clinical placements at major regional employers, including Carilion Clinic, LewisGale Medical Center, and the Salem VA Medical Center. These rotations are built into the curriculum and provide direct patient care experience in medical-surgical, geriatric, and acute care settings.
Licensed Practical Nurses in the Roanoke metropolitan area earned a median annual wage of $46,640 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That places local pay roughly 22% below the national median of $59,730 and moderately under Virginia's statewide median of about $54,170 (2023 data). These figures reflect the region's lower cost of living while still offering competitive wages for new graduates.
The middle 50% of Roanoke LPNs (25th to 75th percentile) earned between $43,670 and $47,670 last year. The top 10% of earners took home more than $58,200. This fairly narrow interquartile range signals consistent pay scales across many local employers, with only the most experienced or specialized nurses approaching the highest brackets.
Nationally, the BLS projects LPN employment to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. In the Roanoke region, demand remains steady thanks to a concentration of major healthcare providers. Top LPN employers include Carilion Clinic, LewisGale Medical Center, the Salem VA Medical Center, and a network of home health agencies that serve the area's aging population. These institutions routinely hire new program completers, often offering sign-on incentives or flexible shift options.
Program-level earnings data for Roanoke-area LPN programs is not yet available from federal sources like College Scorecard. However, national data indicates that newly licensed LPNs typically earn between $40,000 and $50,000 in their first year of work. As local graduates gain experience, they can expect to move closer to the 75th percentile and beyond, particularly if they pursue specialty certifications or transition to higher-acuity settings.
The path to becoming a licensed practical nurse in Virginia involves several key steps, from completing an approved program to passing the NCLEX-PN and applying for a compact license. The process typically takes 12 to 18 months from enrollment to licensure, with opportunities for career advancement through LPN-to-RN bridge programs in the Roanoke area.
Here are answers to common questions about LPN programs in Roanoke, covering cost, NCLEX pass rates, duration, bridge options, and local salary expectations. Whether you are just starting your nursing career or looking to advance, these FAQs provide quick, data-backed insights to help you choose the right path.
