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.
The Roanoke area offers several pathways to practical nursing licensure, with programs ranging from accelerated diplomas to comprehensive certificates. While many schools sit within a commutable radius, ECPI University’s Roanoke campus provides a convenient, in-city option for students seeking an on-site experience. This ranking highlights programs that balance quality, affordability, and strong licensure outcomes to help you find the right fit.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
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| #1 | ECPI University | Virginia Beach, VA | $23,000/yr (net price) | Roanoke-based accelerated diploma seekers | |
ECPI University offers a Practical Nursing diploma that can be completed in just 15 months on campus, with a Roanoke campus among its locations. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical skills and NCLEX-PN preparation in a supportive, accelerated format. With a student-faculty ratio of 13:1 and a median graduate debt of $20,000, ECPI balances focused instruction with manageable cost. The institution-wide graduation rate is 42%, and long-term median earnings for graduates reach $42,837.
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| #2 | Standard Healthcare Services-College of Nursing | Falls Church, VA | $36,000/yr | Hybrid learners prioritizing graduation success | |
Standard Healthcare Services-College of Nursing provides a hybrid Practical Nursing program that blends online learning with in-person labs and clinicals. The program takes 14 months full-time or 18 months part-time, covering core areas like anatomy, pharmacology, and diverse patient care. Its institution-wide graduation rate of 66% and retention rate of 83% signal strong student support, though the net price of $35,726 is among the highest on this list. The college reports a median graduate debt of $14,750 and a 72% Pell recipient rate, reflecting its commitment to access.
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| #3 | Rappahannock Community College | Glenns, VA | $0 – $5,000/yr | Career-minded students seeking NCLEX and job success | |
Rappahannock Community College’s Practical Nursing Certificate is a campus-based program with a track record of 100% NCLEX-PN pass rates and strong employment outcomes. Students attend classes at either the Glenns or Warsaw campus and complete the program in three semesters. The net price is a modest $4,343, and graduates enjoy median earnings of $36,121 ten years out. The institution-wide graduation rate is 45%, and the program is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing.
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| #4 | Piedmont Virginia Community College | Charlottesville, VA | ~$6,000/yr (est.) | ||
Piedmont Virginia Community College delivers a hybrid Practical Nursing certificate that combines online coursework with over 400 clinical hours. The 37-credit program has recently achieved 100% NCLEX-PN pass rates, and eligible students may receive free tuition through Virginia’s G3 program. With a net price of $5,963 and median graduate debt of $8,750, the program is both affordable and effective. Graduates see median earnings of $40,752 ten years after completion.
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| #5 | Wytheville Community College | Wytheville, VA | $5,000 – $11,000/yr | ||
Wytheville Community College’s Practical Nursing program runs over five semesters at the Crossroads Institute in Galax, with a schedule that gradually intensifies. The program boasts an 88% NCLEX-PN pass rate and prepares students for roles in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. The net price is $4,622, and median earnings a decade out are $34,303. The institution-wide graduation rate is 47%, and 94% of students receive Pell Grants, highlighting its accessibility.
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| #6 | Patrick & Henry Community College | Martinsville, VA | $4,000/yr (net price) | ||
Patrick & Henry Community College offers a compact, three-semester Practical Nursing Certificate with a cohort-based structure and a remarkable 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for four consecutive years. The program is fully approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and includes rigorous clinical training. The net price is $4,102, the lowest on this list, and long-term median earnings stand at $33,323. The institution-wide graduation rate is 42%, and the program requires a mandatory information session and ATI TEAS exam.
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| #7 | Germanna Community College | Locust Grove, VA | $5,000 – $12,000/yr | ||
Germanna Community College provides a fast, one-year Practical Nursing Certificate for those seeking a direct entry into healthcare. With an estimated total program cost of $6,700, it covers patient care, medical terminology, and pharmacology, and prepares students for the NCLEX. The net price is $5,541, median debt is $8,400, and median earnings ten years after are $39,644. The institution-wide graduation rate is 47%, and 79% of students are Pell recipients.
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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%.1 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.
