Inside 6-Month LPN Programs: Online & Campus Options
Do six-month LPN/LVN online programs exist? How do shorter programs work? Review five accelerated LPN programs that stand out for their curriculum, price, student services, and faculty. Get answers to your questions and see what a fast-track online practical nursing program could mean for you.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareMedical AssistingPre-Nursing EditorialSenior CareDementia Care
HealthcareAdv. NursingNursingJenna Tidd is a Certified Nurse Aide with 10 years of healthcare experience, bringing practical knowledge and insight to her role as a health content writer and editor. Over approximately three years, she has authored more than 100 articles covering topics such as mental health, wellness products, and sleep quality. Jenna has contributed to companies including Thrive Global, mindbodygreen, HealthDay News, Sleep Foundation, and Poosh. She focuses on identifying quality healthcare resources and sharing them with individuals beginning or advancing their medical careers.
Jenna Tidd, CNA
Jenna Tidd is a Certified Nurse Aide with 10 years of healthcare experience, bringing practical knowledge and insight to her role as a health content writer and editor. Over approximately three years, she has authored more than 100 articles covering topics such as mental health, wellness products, and sleep quality. Jenna has contributed to companies including Thrive Global, mindbodygreen, HealthDay News, Sleep Foundation, and Poosh. She focuses on identifying quality healthcare resources and sharing them with individuals beginning or advancing their medical careers.
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How Online Accelerated LPN Programs Work
If you want to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN) as soon as possible, a fast-track program may be the right path. Traditional online LPN programs usually last two years, but some accredited online programs can be completed in less than 12 months.
This allows you to become an LPN/LVN and enter the workforce sooner than later. However, accelerated programs are typically more intense, due to the shortened timeframe.
That said, if you’re motivated, focused, and disciplined, they may be a good fit. To help you make a more informed decision, we’ve highlighted some of today’s most popular fast-track online LPN programs below.
Blinn College
A two-year public junior college in Brenham, Texas, Blinn College offers a fast-track Vocational Nursing Program that provides a solid foundation of nursing knowledge.
Course curriculum:
- Nursing theory
- In-person labs
- Clinical rotations at local hospitals and healthcare facilities
Students can choose between an on-campus program that begins in both the fall and spring semester or the hybrid format that starts in the fall.
Graduates receive a nursing certificate and qualify to sit for the NCLEX-PN, as well as the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Examination. Admission is selective, with spots awarded to the top-qualified applicants.
Blinn College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the Vocational Nursing Program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Mode: On campus or hybrid
Duration: 10 months for the on-campus program; 12-months for the hybrid program
Cost: $8,823 for in-district students. Higher tuition rates apply for out-of-district and out-of-state/international students.
Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Assessment Technologies Institute Test of Essential Academic Skills (better known as the ATI TEAS) minimum composite score of 65% or composite score plus additional qualifying points equaling at least 65%
- Completed application form and acceptance to Blinn College
- Completed Allied Health Student Application
- Texas Success Initiative status of college-ready or exempt
- Up-to-date immunizations
- Good physical and mental health
- Criminal background check
- Drug screen
- CPR course
- Physical examination
Delta College
Located in University Center, Michigan, Delta College offers a 12-month Practical Nurse Advanced Certificate program that includes nursing theory classes, in-person labs, and clinical practice hours at nearby affiliated healthcare facilities. Some prerequisite courses, such as College Composition I and Human Anatomy & Physiology, can be taken online.
After successfully completing their prerequisites, prospective LPN students are placed on a waitlist for admittance into the LPN clinical program. The typical wait time is two to five semesters. The program requires 44 credits, including prerequisites.
Delta College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the Practical Nurse Certificate program is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. Graduates meet all requirements to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam.
Mode: On campus (some prerequisites can be taken online)
Duration: One year
Cost: $11,252 for in-district students, $17,483 for out-of-district students, and $18,220 for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of all prerequisite coursework
- Criminal background check
- Proof of a current or prior Michigan CNA certification or documentation of basic nursing skills before entering the first clinical course
- Completion of all health requirements, including a physical exam, drug screen, immunizations, and basic life support certification
Gateway Community College
Students in the Phoenix area should consider the Fast Track Practical Nursing Program at Gateway Community College‘s Washington Campus. This two-semester, full-time program starts in the spring and fall and requires 22 to 27.5 credits.
The program consists of the following key elements:
- Onsite classes
- Hands-on labs
- Clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities
Both day and evening/weekend cohorts are available, with about 40% of the evening/weekend cohort being delivered virtually. Graduates qualify for the NCLEX-PN exam.
Gateway’s Fast-Track Practical Nursing program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Gateway Community College is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Mode: On campus for the daytime program, hybrid for the evening/weekend program
Duration: Seven to nine months
Cost: $97/credit hour for Maricopa County residents, $253/credit hour for distance learning classes, $546/credit hour for out-of-county residents
Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Nursing program admissions test
- Fingerprint clearance card
- Documentation of all health and safety requirements
- Possession of either a current CNA certification, an LNA license, or a program-issued waiver for military veterans with demonstrated work experience (Students not meeting any of these three requirements must complete either the Basic Certified Nursing Assistant or the Nurse Assisting course before admission)
Portage Lakes Career Center
Portage Lakes Career Center, a public vocational school in Uniontown, Ohio, offers career training to high school students and adult learners. Their full-time, nine-month Licensed Practical Nurse program program covers the following areas:
- Nursing Theory
- Pharmacology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Supervised clinicals at healthcare facilities throughout the Akron-Canton area.
Enrollment is limited to 50 students annually. The program also offers a part-time option that takes 16 months to complete. Graduates can apply the 30 credits earned toward an associate degree in technical studies through the University of Akron.
Graduates are qualified to take the NCLEX-PN exam. The program is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and fully accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.
Mode: On campus
Duration: Nine months
Cost: All-inclusive cost of $18,495, which covers instruction, books, supplies, uniforms, graduation costs, and NCLEX-PN exam
Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- BCI/FBI background check
- Health records
- Urine drug screen
- Current CPR certification
- Pre-admission interview
- Mandatory orientation
Rasmussen University
With campuses throughout the U.S., Rasmussen University offers a fast-track hybrid Practical Nursing (LPN Track) diploma on campuses in Florida (Brandon, Fort Myers, Ocala, and Odessa) and Minnesota (Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Mankato, Moorhead, and St. Cloud).
Program Features:
- 56 credits
- Online general education and nursing courses
- Onsite simulation labs
- Clinical practice at local healthcare facilities
- Eight start dates
Graduates qualify for the NCLEX-PN exam and LPN licensure in Florida or Minnesota. The program meets the requirements for licensure in most other U.S. states. Students should confirm licensure eligibility before enrollment.
Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. All five Minnesota campus LPN programs, along with the Odessa, Florida, program, are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Minnesota LPN programs are approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and Florida programs are approved by the Florida Department of Health.
Mode: Hybrid
Duration: As few as 12 months
Cost: Tuition varies. In Florida, the 12-month program costs $23,555
Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- School of Nursing entrance exam
- Criminal background check
- Basic Life Saving and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with Defibrillator certifications
- Health/physical examination and required immunizations
FAQs About Fast-Track LPN Programs Online
After learning about these accelerated programs, you’re probably bursting to know more. Below are some answers to other students’ top questions that will help you jump into a fast-track LPN program.
Can I become an LPN in six months?
No, you can’t become an LPN in six months. The fastest program we’ve profiled here is the seven-month Fast Track Practical Nursing Program at Gateway Community College.
Other close options are the nine-month Licensed Practical Nurse program at Portage Lakes Career Center and the 10-month Vocational Nursing Program at Blinn College.
Check out the options for diploma programs and community college programs in your area. Be sure to compare on-campus and online options and full-time versus part-time studies to determine the fastest way for you to become an LPN.
If you’ve completed some college classes, have been in the military, or have practical work experience in the field, be sure to check whether these credentials can speed you along.
What is the shortest LPN program?
The shortest LPN program in this guide is the seven-month Fast Track Practical Nursing Program at Gateway Community College in Phoenix. If you live in Maricopa County, the program has the added benefit of being affordable, with tuition at $97/credit.
Program affordability directly affects how quickly you earn your certificate. Attending school part-time while working to pay for it will slow your rate of completion.
Consider all the factors, and map out both your plans and your finances to find the program that’s the best fit for you. The shortest option won’t be the same for every student.
Is 55 too old to become an LPN?
No, it’s not too old. However, there are some important questions to consider:
- Will an LPN program lead to a higher salary, and would that increase make up for the cost of your program?
- Will you have to quit your current job to complete your LPN program, and how long will it take you to recoup that money?
- Can you complete your LPN program without incurring debt?
- At what age do you intend to retire, and do you intend to work part-time during retirement?
LPNs have lots of options for part-time positions, so even as you approach retirement age you can still have a healthy side income that takes advantage of your education and expertise.
Is LPN a degree or certificate?
LPN programs earn you a diploma or certificate, but not a degree. Successfully completing an LPN program and getting licensed will give you job security and lots of opportunities in less than a year.
That said, the college credits earned put you in an excellent position to advance your education, such as going from an LPN to RN. This brings a big salary jump because you’re getting an associate degree in nursing.
Some programs are designed so your credits transfer into an RN or associate degree program. For example, Portage Lakes Career Center has partnered with the University of Akron so students in the Licensed Practical Nurse program can apply their 30 credits to an associate degree.
Which state has the easiest LPN program?
Given the intense nature of fast-track LPN programs and the depth of knowledge required, no state offers an LPN program that’s conventionally “easy.” But here are some ways to make it less challenging:
- Take advantage of online resources for LPN students.
- Make the most of your labs and clinical experiences.
- Love what you’re doing!
The Top Fast-Track Online LPN/LVN Programs
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $1,713 Avg. Aid Amount
- 24% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Glendale Community College
- The Practical Nursing program at Glendale Community College offers an accelerated fast-track option that can be completed in two semesters or less, enabling students to enter the workforce quickly.
- This program waives certain prerequisite requirements if students have prior CNA/LNA certification or specific nursing coursework, reducing time and cost barriers for qualified applicants.
- Glendale Community College maintains strong approval and accreditation by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, ensuring recognized and credible credentials upon graduation.
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $1,713 Avg. Aid Amount
- 24% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $3,566 Avg. Aid Amount
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Daytona State College
- The Practical Nursing program at Daytona State College qualifies for federal financial aid and the state Bright Futures Scholarship Program, providing significant financial support opportunities for students.
- The program includes a rigorous application process with academic advising, TEAS testing, and background checks, ensuring strong academic and professional preparation before admission.
- Students gain hands-on clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings, supported by high-quality instruction, preparing them effectively for licensure and workforce entry.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $3,566 Avg. Aid Amount
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,442 Avg. Aid Amount
- 22% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Central Texas College
- Central Texas College’s Practical Nursing program features experienced faculty and hands-on clinical training in a state-of-the-art simulation hospital, enhancing real-world nursing skills.
- The program offers flexible course formats including lecture, online, and blended delivery, accommodating diverse learning preferences while maintaining rigorous clinical practice.
- Students benefit from strong alignment with local healthcare employers, supporting high clinical placement rates and pathways for job opportunities post-graduation.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,442 Avg. Aid Amount
- 22% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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