Best LPN Programs in Greensboro, NC (2026 Rankings)

Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and admissions requirements for accredited Greensboro-area practical nursing programs.

By Maria Delgado, RNReviewed by TopNursing.org TeamUpdated August 16, 202612 min read
Best LPN Programs in Greensboro, NC (2026 Rankings)

Points of interest…

  • Seven accredited LPN programs within commuting distance of Greensboro are ranked by value and flexibility.
  • The Greensboro-High Point metro area median LPN salary is $61,570 per year, per BLS.
  • Net price figures reflect institution-wide averages after federal aid, not program-specific LPN costs.
  • NCLEX-PN pass rates above the North Carolina benchmark indicate stronger exam preparation.

Licensed practical nurses in the Greensboro-High Point metro area earn a median annual salary of $61,570, reflecting persistent healthcare demand across the region. A practical nursing diploma or certificate can be completed in as little as 12 months, making it one of the fastest pathways into patient care.

Seven accredited LPN programs serve the Greensboro area, but weighing NCLEX-PN pass rates, tuition, and schedule flexibility reveals which offer reliable value. Programs that consistently exceed the state pass rate signal strong clinical preparation, and evening or hybrid tracks make enrollment possible for working adults. In a region adding hospital beds and skilled nursing facilities, those practical factors directly affect a new graduate's job prospects and debt burden after licensing.

Best LPN Programs in Greensboro, NC

Our ranking of the best LPN programs near Greensboro, NC, highlights accredited practical nursing options from community colleges within commuting distance. For a wider selection of schools across North Carolina, visit our LPN programs in NC page.

What we weighed
  • NCLEX-PN pass rates and outcomes
  • Affordability and net price
  • Program flexibility and admission criteria
  • Institution-wide graduation rates
  • Clinical training opportunities
Underlying data
RankSchoolLocationNet priceBest for
#1
Davidson-Davie Community College
Thomasville, NC$5,000 – $10,000/yrLPN students seeking strong exam outcomes

Davidson-Davie Community College offers a one-year Practical Nurse Education diploma with a strong record of NCLEX-PN success. The program is held at the Davie Campus and emphasizes safety, quality improvement, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Graduates are prepared for roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care.

  • $3,572 total program tuition
  • One-year program, 47 credit hours
  • Fall start only
  • 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate
  • Competitive entry program
  • Offered at Davie Campus

Forsyth Technical Community College provides a flexible Practical Nursing diploma with day, evening, and weekend classes to accommodate working students. The one-year program integrates evidence-based practice and collaborative skills, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-PN and employment across healthcare settings.

  • One-year program, full-time and part-time options
  • Day, evening, and weekend classes available
  • Apply by March 13, 2026
  • Emphasizes evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration

Alamance Community College's three-semester Practical Nursing diploma starts each spring and follows a selective, points-based admissions process. The day program emphasizes holistic, patient-centered care and prepares students for NCLEX-PN licensure.

  • Three-semester day program, spring start
  • Requires ATI TEAS exam
  • Selective admission with points chart
  • Pre-nursing advising available
  • Criminal background check required

Rockingham Community College's Practical Nursing Diploma requires 48 credits and includes hands-on clinical experiences. Admission is selective, requiring TEAS scores, prerequisite coursework, and North Carolina CNA certification, leading to eligibility for the NCLEX-PN.

  • 48 total credit hours
  • TEAS exam with 55% minimum score
  • 2.5 GPA minimum required
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • CNA certification in NC required
  • Mandatory nursing information session

Guilford Technical Community College enrolls a small cohort of 30 students each fall into its Practical Nursing program. The three-semester diploma combines classroom instruction with clinical rotations in local hospitals, with an estimated total cost of around $8,000.

  • $76 per credit hour in-state tuition
  • Estimated total program cost around $8,000
  • Small cohort capped at 30 students per year
  • Fall start only
  • Clinical experiences in area hospitals
  • Mandatory orientation and health screening

LPN Program Costs in the Greensboro Area

The table below compares in-state and out-of-state tuition alongside the average net price after financial aid at seven practical nursing programs in the Greensboro area. The net price shown is the institution-wide average for all students receiving federal aid, not a guaranteed quote for every student; Pell Grant recipients may pay significantly less. Vance-Granville Community College is the most affordable option with a net price of $3,286, while costs range up to $13,832 at Montgomery Community College.

SchoolIn-State TuitionOut-of-State TuitionAverage Net Price (After Aid)
Vance-Granville Community College$1,944$6,552$3,286
Richmond Community College$1,956$6,564$5,071
Stanly Community College$2,672$8,816$5,721
Mayland Community College$2,626$8,770$5,861
Brunswick Community College$2,553$8,697$9,009
Southeastern Community College$2,600$8,744$9,148
Montgomery Community College$2,538$8,682$13,832

NCLEX-PN Pass Rates for Greensboro LPN Schools

Comparing NCLEX-PN pass rates side by side reveals more than a single number: a program that consistently exceeds the state benchmark tells a different story than one that barely meets it. For aspiring LPNs in Greensboro, understanding those numbers is a critical step before committing to a program.

What Makes a Strong NCLEX-PN Pass Rate?

National data offers a useful baseline. In 2025, the first-time pass rate for U.S.-educated candidates reached 86.6 percent, while the overall pass rate (including repeat test-takers) stood at 77.3 percent. North Carolina sets its program performance benchmark at 90 percent of the national first-time average, roughly 78 percent. Programs that deliver pass rates in the high 80s or 90s are generally considered strong, giving graduates confidence that their preparation aligns with the exam's demands.

Greensboro-Area Programs and Where to Find Their Rates

Three LPN programs in the Greensboro area report annual NCLEX-PN outcomes to the North Carolina Board of Nursing:

  • ECPI University – Greensboro (Practical Nursing)
  • Guilford Technical Community College (Practical Nursing)
  • Forsyth Technical Community College (Practical Nursing)

Each school's first-time pass rate for the most recent testing cycle is published in the Board's annual program report. Because these figures are updated yearly, prospective students should consult the North Carolina Board of Nursing website directly for the latest statistics. At the time of writing, the statewide average for 2025 was not yet aggregated, but typical pass rates for approved programs in the state fall in the mid-80s to low-90s range.

Why Pass Rates Matter When Choosing a Program

A program's NCLEX-PN pass rate is a leading indicator of how well it prepares students for licensure. Consistently low pass rates can signal gaps in curriculum, clinical training, or student support, and repeated exam failures add both time and expense to a graduate's career launch. North Carolina requires programs to meet the 90 percent-of-national-average benchmark; those that fall short may face corrective action or loss of approval. Checking pass rates before you enroll helps you avoid programs that could delay your entry into the workforce.

Tips for Interpreting Pass Rates

  • Look beyond a single year: A program may have an unusually high or low cohort in any given testing period. Reviewing two or three consecutive years gives a clearer picture of stability.
  • Consider cohort size: A very small graduating class can produce dramatic percentage swings, so a single year's pass rate from a tiny program may be less predictive of your own experience.
  • Compare first-time rates: First-time pass rates reflect the program's direct preparation, while overall rates include students who retake the exam, sometimes after additional remediation outside the original program.

By weighing these factors alongside the Board's published data, you can find a Greensboro LPN program that pairs solid training with the licensure outcomes you need to start your nursing career.

Admissions Requirements and Prerequisites

What are the admissions requirements for LPN programs in Greensboro, and how can you prepare a strong application? While each practical nursing program sets its own criteria, many share a core set of prerequisites. Understanding these common LPN prerequisites, along with school-specific details and current application windows, helps you plan your admissions timeline effectively.

Common prerequisites across Greensboro area programs

Most accredited LPN programs in the Greensboro area expect applicants to meet a baseline GPA, complete an entrance exam, and satisfy health and safety requirements. Typical elements include:

  • Minimum GPA: A cumulative high school or college GPA of 2.5 or higher is common, though some schools accept a 2.0 or consider grades in prerequisite courses more heavily.
  • Entrance exam: Many schools require a TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI A2 exam. Scores often serve as a competitive ranking factor when seats are limited.
  • CNA certification: A few programs require or strongly prefer applicants to hold an active Certified Nursing Assistant credential. This is not universal, so verify with each program.
  • Background check and drug screen: Because LPNs work with vulnerable populations, a criminal background check and drug screening are mandatory prior to clinical placements, as confirmed by Guilford Technical Community College's program requirements.1
  • Immunizations and health documentation: Expect to provide proof of immunizations (including hepatitis B series, MMR, varicella, and a recent TB test) and a physical exam. Some schools also require current CPR certification.
  • Prerequisite coursework: Completion of high school or college-level courses in biology, algebra, and English may be required, with a minimum grade of C or better.

Program-specific details and application windows for 2026

Application cycles for LPN programs can be narrow, so knowing each school's timeline is critical. Forsyth Technical Community College, which serves the broader region, has an application window of January 12, 2026 through March 13, 2026 for its practical nursing program.2 For Guilford Technical Community College, the most direct local option, admissions staff confirm that a background check is required.1, but as of this writing the 2026 application window has not been publicly posted. Prospective students should contact the GTCC nursing department directly or monitor the program's webpage for updated deadlines. Other area schools may have rolling admissions or different cycles: always verify current dates with the admissions office before applying.

Preparing a competitive application

Because many programs admit a limited cohort, meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee a seat. Strengthen your application by scoring above the cutoff on the TEAS or HESI, completing recommended general education courses before entry, and highlighting any healthcare experience, such as work as a CNA or medical assistant. If a program does not list a CNA requirement, earning the certification can still demonstrate commitment and readiness. Finally, submit all materials - transcripts, test scores, and health documents - well before the deadline to avoid processing delays.

LPN Earnings in Greensboro: What Graduates Actually Make

Program-level earnings data is not yet available for LPN programs in Greensboro, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports strong wages for licensed practical nurses in the Greensboro-High Point metropolitan area. Graduates here earn a median annual salary of $61,570, closely matching the North Carolina statewide median of $61,380.

LPN wages in Greensboro: 10th $49,460, median $61,570, 90th $76,190; NC median $61,380 (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions About LPN Programs in Greensboro

Considering a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Greensboro? Below are answers to common questions about program costs, pass rates, timelines, and admissions, helping you take the next step toward LPN licensure in North Carolina.

LPN program tuition in Greensboro ranges from about $3,000 to $15,000. Community colleges like Guilford Technical Community College generally offer the most affordable options. Additional expenses for textbooks, uniforms, and clinical fees are typical. Financial aid and scholarships can significantly lower out-of-pocket costs.

NCLEX-PN pass rates vary by year, and the top-performing school can change. Refer to the pass rate comparison above for the most recent data. Historically, Guilford Technical Community College has posted rates above the North Carolina average, reflecting solid preparation for the licensure exam.

A full-time practical nursing diploma typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete. Programs blend classroom instruction, lab skills practice, and clinical rotations. After earning your diploma, you must pass the NCLEX-PN to become licensed. Part-time tracks may extend the timeline but offer scheduling flexibility.

Entirely online LPN programs are uncommon because of hands-on clinical requirements. However, some area schools provide hybrid formats: theoretical coursework online, combined with in-person lab and clinical sessions. Always confirm that the clinical placement arrangements meet state licensure standards before enrolling.

GTCC generally requires a high school diploma or GED, completion of prerequisite courses in biology and math, and a minimum GPA. Applicants often take the TEAS test and must pass a background check, drug screening, and provide immunization records. Competitive admission weighs test scores and prior healthcare experience.

Application windows differ by school. Most programs, including GTCC, accept applicants once or twice yearly, with deadlines often in spring or fall. Contact each nursing department directly or visit their website for current availability and deadlines, as popular programs can fill fast.

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