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 delivers an accelerated pathway into nursing, strategically designed for rapid career launch. Students complete the program in just three semesters, benefiting from an intensive curriculum that combines comprehensive nursing skills with practical liberal arts education. The program's standout feature is its remarkable 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate in 2017, reflecting exceptional academic preparation. Clinical and simulation lab experiences provide immersive learning opportunities, ensuring students develop critical hands-on skills. The accelerated timeline is facilitated by a streamlined admission process requiring a 2.75 GPA, high school transcript or GED, and ATI TEAS exam proficiency. As a military-friendly institution with ACEN accreditation, Monroe College offers an efficient and supportive environment for aspiring practical nurses seeking quick professional entry.
Perkinston, MS - Public 2-Year - mgccc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's Practical Nursing program offers an accelerated pathway to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, distinguishing itself with a strategically structured curriculum. Students can complete the program faster due to its streamlined one-semester prerequisite and two-semester nursing coursework approach. The program's comprehensive design ensures students are thoroughly prepared for the NCLEX-PN® exam, with a strong emphasis on state and national accreditation. Unique features include mandatory TEAS entrance exam, rigorous clinical training, and a commitment to professional nursing standards. Graduates benefit from high NCLEX-PN® pass rates and are immediately eligible for Mississippi nursing licensure.
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Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College presents an innovative Medical Assistant to LPN track, enabling students to rapidly transition into practical nursing. The program's condensed three-semester structure allows for quicker career progression compared to traditional nursing education paths. Featuring a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate, the curriculum emphasizes client-centered care, evidence-based practice, and professional skill development. Students enjoy flexible entry options and comprehensive clinical training, preparing them for diverse healthcare environments. The program's cost-effective approach, ranging from $2,000-$3,000, includes all necessary fees, exams, and supplies, making it an attractive option for aspiring practical nurses.
Palatine, IL - Public 2-Year - harpercollege.edu
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William Rainey Harper College's Practical Nursing Certificate accelerates nursing career paths through an intensive 38-credit curriculum designed for rapid professional entry. Students complete the program in just one year, benefiting from advanced nursing simulation labs and expert faculty guidance. The program's strategic design allows faster completion compared to traditional nursing tracks, with multiple start dates and a career-focused approach. Clinical experiences are integrated throughout, preparing students comprehensively for the NCLEX-PN exam. Graduates can immediately transition into diverse healthcare environments like hospitals, medical offices, and long-term care facilities, with potential median annual earnings around $48,820. The program's stackable credentials offer additional future educational advancement opportunities.
Pittsburg, CA - Public 2-Year - losmedanos.edu
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Los Medanos College's Vocational Nursing Program offers an accelerated pathway to nursing certification, strategically designed to complete in just three semesters. The program's unique approach integrates rigorous theoretical instruction with hands-on clinical experiences, enabling students to rapidly develop comprehensive patient care skills. Graduates are prepared to work effectively under registered nurse supervision across diverse healthcare environments. By emphasizing progressive skill mastery and adhering to stringent state curriculum guidelines, students receive a robust educational foundation. The program's efficiency stems from its focused curriculum, strategically structured clinical rotations, and commitment to ethical healthcare practice. Prospective students can leverage the detailed LVN Applicant Handbook to understand precise entry requirements and program expectations.
Dallas, TX - Public 4-Year - dallascollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Dallas College's Licensed Vocational Nursing program accelerates healthcare career entry through an efficient 16-week semester structure. Students benefit from an intensive curriculum combining rigorous classroom instruction with hands-on clinical rotations at premier healthcare facilities. The competitive admission process, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA, ensures high-quality candidate selection. Prospective nurses gain comprehensive patient care skills across multiple healthcare settings, with a strategic focus on preparing students for the critical NCLEX-PN licensing examination. The program's condensed timeline and comprehensive training approach enable faster professional certification compared to traditional nursing education pathways, with mandatory drug testing and background checks ensuring professional readiness.
Miami, FL - Public 4-Year - mdc.edu
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Miami Dade College's Licensed Practical Nursing Career Technical Certificate accelerates nursing career preparation through an intensive one-year program uniquely designed for rapid professional entry. Students benefit from comprehensive training in nursing fundamentals, anatomy, and pharmacology, supervised directly by experienced healthcare professionals. The program's strategic curriculum ensures high employability, boasting an impressive 89% job placement rate and 80% NCLEX-PN exam pass rate. Prospective students must complete TABE and TEAS entrance assessments, demonstrating the program's commitment to selecting dedicated candidates. With Florida Board of Nursing approval and pending ACEN accreditation, this campus-based program offers an efficient pathway into diverse healthcare settings like hospitals and assisted living facilities.
Waco, TX - Public 2-Year - mclennan.edu
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McLennan Community College's Vocational Nursing program provides an accelerated pathway to healthcare careers, distinguishing itself through an efficient one-year curriculum. Located in Waco, TX, the program rapidly prepares students for nursing licensure through an intensive blend of classroom instruction, laboratory skills training, and comprehensive clinical rotations. Students benefit from a structured learning environment that prioritizes practical workforce competencies, with a unique emphasis on developing professional attributes like punctuality and integrity. The Texas Board of Nursing's accreditation ensures rigorous educational standards, enabling graduates to quickly transition into direct patient care roles. By condensing essential nursing skills into a compact timeframe, McLennan offers students a streamlined route to entering the healthcare profession.
Santa Rosa, CA - Public 2-Year - santarosa.edu
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Santa Rosa Junior College accelerates nursing career preparation through its streamlined 69-unit Vocational Nursing program. Students benefit from rapid skill acquisition due to the program's intensive clinical training model and strategic partnerships with local healthcare facilities. The curriculum strategically condenses learning by providing simultaneous classroom instruction and hands-on experience, enabling faster program completion compared to traditional approaches. Graduates receive comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, with targeted training in patient care, medication administration, and professional communication. The program's design emphasizes efficient learning pathways, allowing students to quickly transition into diverse healthcare roles in hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical settings. Emphasis on practical skills and professional development ensures students are job-ready upon program completion.
Long Island City, NY - Public 2-Year - lagcc.cuny.edu
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CUNY LaGuardia Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate accelerates nursing career entry through an intensive, streamlined program. Students benefit from a strategically designed curriculum emphasizing rapid skill acquisition and hands-on healthcare training. The campus-based format allows for immersive learning experiences, enabling quicker program completion compared to traditional pathways. Military-friendly policies and affordable tuition make this program particularly attractive for aspiring nurses seeking an efficient route into the profession. With a focus on real-world healthcare scenarios, graduates are well-prepared to quickly transition into nursing roles across diverse medical settings. The program's structured approach ensures comprehensive nursing education without unnecessary delays.
Santa Barbara, CA - Public 2-Year - sbcc.edu
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Santa Barbara City College's Vocational Nursing Program delivers an accelerated pathway to becoming an LVN, strategically designed for rapid professional entry. Students complete the program in just 3 semesters, with breaks between cohorts, enabling faster career progression compared to traditional nursing tracks. The curriculum's intensive structure emphasizes hands-on clinical skills and professional development, ensuring graduates are immediately employable. With a remarkable 100% NCLEX-PN exam pass rate, the program guarantees comprehensive preparation across diverse healthcare environments. Unique features include targeted cultural sensitivity training, robust communication skill development, and flexible financial aid options. The program's strategic design allows students to earn both a Certificate of Achievement and potential Associate of Science Degree, maximizing educational and career opportunities for aspiring nurses.
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.