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
The Practical Nursing Program at Standard Healthcare Services-College of Nursing in Falls Church, VA, prepares students for careers as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). This 14-month full-time or 18-month part-time program combines classroom theory, hands-on lab sessions, and clinical experiences. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing care across diverse settings. Admission requires meeting specific requirements, with financial aid options available. The program boasts a hybrid delivery method, blending online and in-person learning to accommodate student needs.
Glenns, VA - Public 2-Year - rappahannock.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing Certificate at Rappahannock Community College prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing. This campus-based program requires a Kaplan Entrance Exam and has a January start date. With a strong focus on practical skills, students benefit from a curriculum designed to meet the needs of the healthcare industry. The program boasts impressive NCLEX-PN pass rates, with a 100% pass rate in 2023. Graduates have a high employment rate within six months of completing the program. Financial aid options are available, making this program accessible to a wide range of students. Admission requires meeting specific college and program criteria, ensuring a committed and capable cohort.
Virginia Beach, VA - Private 4-year - ecpi.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing (PN) diploma program at ECPI University provides aspiring nurses with comprehensive clinical skills and knowledge to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). In a condensed timeframe, students learn critical patient care techniques, medical communication, and clinical reasoning essential for healthcare settings. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN licensing exam and work in diverse medical environments like hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. The program focuses on developing effective communicators who can collaborate with medical teams and provide quality patient care under professional supervision.
Charlottesville, VA - Public 2-Year - pvcc.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Piedmont Virginia Community College's Practical Nursing certificate prepares dedicated students to become entry-level licensed practical nurses ready to provide essential healthcare services. This comprehensive 37-credit hybrid program equips students with critical skills in patient care across diverse clinical settings. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN licensing exam and work under registered nurses or physicians. With a strong focus on therapeutic, rehabilitative, and preventative care, students gain hands-on experience through over 400 clinical hours. Notably, the program offers potential financial benefits through the G3 initiative, which may cover tuition, fees, and books for qualifying students.
Wytheville, VA - Public 2-Year - wcc.vccs.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing program at Wytheville Community College provides a comprehensive pathway to becoming a licensed practical nurse. Students complete a five-semester sequential program, gaining essential clinical skills and medical knowledge. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN exam and work in diverse healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. The program requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with prerequisite courses in biology and algebra. Competitive applicants demonstrate strong critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills. With an impressive NCLEX-PN pass rate ranging from 80-100% in recent years, students can confidently pursue a rewarding healthcare career.
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 |
|
|
| Galen Health Institutes-Richmond |
|
|
| Standard Healthcare Services-College of Nursing |
|
|
| 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 |
|
|
| Rappahannock Community College |
|
|
| Virginia Highlands Community College |
|
|
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
LEARN MORE
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
