Jake Flannigan, NP
June 4, 2025
LPNs function as basic healthcare providers who maintain close professional relationships with both registered nurses and physicians. In Virginia’s healthcare system LPNs deliver vital support for patient care across different settings which include hospitals, nursing homes, and community clinics. LPNs perform duties which include checking patient health status while providing daily care assistance and giving prescribed medications. The combination of population growth and healthcare system expansion in Virginia has created a rising need for qualified LPNs.
Falls Church, VA - Private 2-year - standardcollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Standard Healthcare Services-College of Nursing in Falls Church offers a 14-month full-time or 18-month part-time Practical Nursing Program, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam. This hybrid program combines online and in-person learning with hands-on labs and clinical experiences, covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and diverse patient care. No entrance exam is required for this LPN program, and financial aid is available to support students.
Glenns, VA - Public 2-Year - rappahannock.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rappahannock Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate program is campus-based and starts in January. It requires the Kaplan Entrance Exam for admission and focuses on developing practical nursing skills. The program has achieved a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate in 2023, with high graduate employment rates within six months. Financial aid is available, and it is a restricted enrollment program designed to ensure student success in the healthcare industry.
Virginia Beach, VA - Private 4-year - ecpi.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
ECPI University's Practical Nursing diploma program is campus-based and prepares students to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) through intensive clinical training. It emphasizes hands-on skills in patient care, medical communication, and clinical reasoning, with a focus on NCLEX-PN exam readiness. Graduates are equipped to work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, collaborating effectively with healthcare teams under supervision. The program is offered at multiple Virginia locations and is military-friendly, providing a fast-track education for aspiring nurses.
Charlottesville, VA - Public 2-Year - pvcc.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Piedmont Virginia Community College offers a hybrid Practical Nursing certificate program, blending online and in-person learning to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam. This 37-credit curriculum includes over 400 clinical hours, providing hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings. Students learn essential skills in therapeutic, rehabilitative, and preventative care, working under supervision. Financial support is available through the G3 initiative, potentially covering tuition and fees for eligible individuals, making it an accessible path to becoming an entry-level LPN.
Wytheville, VA - Public 2-Year - wcc.vccs.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Wytheville Community College's Practical Nursing program is a five-semester campus-based sequence that equips students for the NCLEX-PN exam with a strong track record of 80-100% pass rates. It emphasizes hands-on clinical experiences in settings like hospitals and nursing homes, requiring a high school diploma and prerequisites in biology and algebra. The program, approved by the Virginia nursing board, focuses on developing critical thinking and interpersonal skills for a successful healthcare career, without the need for entrance exams such as ACT or SAT.
The state of Virginia does not allow fully online LPN programs because clinical training requires direct patient contact so students must enroll in hybrid programs. Students in these programs study theoretical subjects online before participating in classroom-based labs and clinical training sessions. This learning approach enables working individuals and those with family duties to manage their schedules better. Certain institutions provide evening and weekend classes for students who need to avoid daytime attendance.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Virginia Community College |
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| Galen Health Institutes-Richmond |
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| Standard Healthcare Services-College of Nursing |
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| Certifying Board | Virginia Board of Nursing, Department of Health Professions |
|---|---|
| Certification | NCLEX-PN via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from a Board-approved practical nursing program with official transcript or attestation |
| Application & Fees | $170 application (exam or endorsement), $200 NCLEX-PN exam fee, $35.95 fingerprint processing |
| Processing Time | Authorization to Test in ~1–2 weeks, permanent license typically issued 4–6 weeks after passing NCLEX |
| License Renewal | Biennial renewal every two years with a $120 fee, $40 late fee if renewed after expiration |
| Continuing Competency | Complete one approved pathway each cycle (e.g., 30 contact hours of CE or 640 practice hours) |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $170 endorsement fee, verification of current unrestricted license, fingerprinting, and proof of recent practice or completion of a refresher course. |
LPNs in Virginia have good pay scales and positive job prospects. The average annual earnings of LPNs in the state of Virginia are $54,000, though this can differ according to area, experience, and work place. The salaries in urban areas and hospitals are typically higher and there are more openings in rural areas because of staff shortages. The demand for long-term and outpatient care will drive LPN employment growth in Virginia over the next ten years because of an aging population. Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare services offer the greatest number of employment opportunities.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Virginia | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $57,837 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $28.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$64,638 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $57,837 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$52,137 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 7% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~1,620 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Piedmont Virginia Community College |
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| Rappahannock Community College |
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| Virginia Highlands Community College |
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LPNs in Virginia have different ways to continue their education and specialize their careers. The LPN-to-RN bridge program is a typical path for practical nurses to get an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. The programs utilize prior learning to speed up the completion of the registered nursing credential. After graduating, they are eligible to write the NCLEX-RN to become Registered Nurses which enables them to get higher paying jobs and take on more responsibilities. Some LPNs acquire specialized certifications in IV therapy, wound care, and gerontology to gain expertise for specialized roles. Healthcare facilities may have leadership positions such as charge nurse or clinical supervisor available. LPNs can advance professionally by staying in school and working on the job which results in more significant contributions to patient care. An LPN who commits to the right training can have a successful and rewarding career in Virginia’s active healthcare sector.
Additional Nursing Programs in Virginia
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