Online LPN & LVN Programs: Top Board-Approved Options for 2027
Online LPN/LVN programs offer a quick and affordable pathway into practical nursing — often in just one year. EduMed’s guide breaks down exactly how these programs work, covers tuition and admissions details, and looks inside board-approved programs available right now. Start exploring your options and move closer to your practical nursing career.
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What the Experts Say: How to Find the Right LPN Program for You
The LPN programs in this guide have all been evaluated for academic quality, NCLEX-PN pass rates, and program outcomes. Still, a nursing program is a major commitment, and the right one comes down to more than test scores: your schedule, your financial situation, and your longer-term career plans all shape the decision. Our nurses share what to factor in.
Look at Where Grads Work
One thing I’d tell anyone considering an LPN program is to look at where the program’s graduates are working a year out. LPNs have been phased out of many acute care hospital roles over the past decade. If aren’t interested in home health, long-term care, or physician offices, you may want to consider a different track to get into nursing.
Hands-On Training Is Non-Negotiable
I love that nursing education has become more flexible and accessible with online courses, but there’s no substitute for hands-on learning. Pay close attention to how a program structures its labs and clinical rotations, because confidence in nursing comes from doing.
How Board-Approved Online LPN/LVN Programs Work
To become a licensed practical (or vocational) nurse, you must complete an accredited higher education program. But how do they really work? What can you expect in a mostly campus-based program with some online components built in for convenience? What about a mostly online program with only clinicals on campus? Let’s take a closer look at some of these partially online LPN & LVN programs.
Eagle Gate College
Eagle Gate College offers a hybrid Practical Nursing program that features online courses and hands-on training in simulations, labs, and healthcare facilities.
Classes offer extensive instruction on clinical nursing skills such as patient monitoring, administering prescribed medications while reporting adverse reactions to treatment, starting intravenous fluids, and other duties that are common in the field, like educating patients and their families.
The school offers guidance and insight to help students pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: For the 2026 school year, $30,114 for hybrid and campus-based practical nursing programs.
Admissions Requirements: Applicants must meet certain admissions criteria:
- They must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens as designated by the Department of Homeland Security.
- They must be 18 years old at the time of admission; students under the age of 18 can obtain approval from a parent or legal guardian or demonstrate that they are covered under state emancipation statutes.
- Applicants must have earned a high school diploma or GED and must complete an admissions interview.
Curriculum: The program requires completion of 48 credit hours, including 39 credits of nursing core courses and nine credits of general education courses.
Best for: Idaho and Utah residents with a nearby Eagle Gate College campus.
Verve College
Verve College’s Practical Nursing program is a certificate/diploma program; students take most courses on campus in Chicago or Oak Brook, Illinois.
The program features a hybrid approach. This includes classroom instruction, laboratory simulations at campus labs, externships in clinical settings (including hospitals and nursing care facilities), and online practice and exam preparation.
All theory classes are held via Zoom, and students must be visually present. Clinicals rotate between on-campus and off-campus locations.
Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN, and the cost of tuition includes one attempt to pass the exam.
Duration: 1,080 credit hours (typically completed in 14 to 15 months)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $24,995 (tuition)
Admissions Requirements: The college follows a robust admissions process. Requirements include:
- Active CNA certification
- High school diploma/GED or a minimum of eight credit hours from an accredited U.S. college or university
- College transcripts for Anatomy and Physiology courses with a minimum of six to eight credit hours and a minimum C grade
- ATI-TEAS Entrance Examination (must be taken at Verve College)
- Proof of current personal medical insurance
- Proof of professional liability insurance obtained from www.nso.com
- Social Security card
- CPR/BLS card
- 400- to 500-word personal essay; topics should include Why I want to be a PN and What do I plan to do with my nursing career?
- Two professional letters of recommendation
Curriculum: Three semester-long courses feature specific learning modules. Students explore how to provide nursing care for sick, injured, and/or otherwise disabled patients. They learn basic bedside care and how to take vital signs. They will prepare and give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, apply dressings, treat bedsores, and give alcohol rubs and massages.
Best for: Illinois students who are interested in entry-level nursing positions under the supervision of an RN or a physician
West Virginia Junior College (WVJC)
West Virginia Junior College offers a hybrid Practical Nursing program. It combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences at the school or local/regional healthcare facilities.
In addition to hands-on training, students gain experience in real-world activities through clinical rotations at local area hospitals and medical facilities. Students can save time and money on this direct-admission program by immediately starting related classes.
The program meets the educational requirements for professional licensing in West Virginia. Students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN after completing the program.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: Tuition varies based on program mode (whether students choose a direct-admission approach or pursue an associate degree) and length. Use the school’s net price calculator to get an estimate of costs.
Admissions Requirements: According to admissions requirements, students must:
- Take the ATI-TEAS Entrance Examination
- Complete a nursing application and pay a fee
- Submit documents, including essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and other documents requested by the admissions team
- Complete an interview with a campus representative
- Complete required health screenings, immunizations, and background checks
Curriculum: Students at WVJC can expect to learn and utilize the nursing process to provide safe and effective patient care. They learn how to practice sound nursing judgment, critical thinking, and patient care skills. They will complete classroom instruction and lab experiences in gerontological, medical, surgical, obstetric, and pediatric nursing.
Best for: Students who want to practice in West Virginia and gain an entry-level nursing position. By earning a diploma in Practical Nursing, they can enter the workforce sooner, begin earning income, and gain valuable experience in the field. Graduates of the WVJC LPN program can complete the Practical Nursing to Registered Nursing Pathway Program later if they decide to further their education within five years of graduation.
Answers to Common Questions from LPN/LVN Students
Can I take LPN/LVN classes online?
Yes; online courses and programs are available that allow students to complete classwork when it’s convenient. Many programs are hybrid and include both online and in-person classes. Coursework can be completed early in the morning, late at night, or on weekends.
Each program has its own system to provide a curriculum online. Most feature varying degrees of asynchronous learning, so students can complete online requirements when it’s convenient. Occasional “real-time” (synchronous) meetings might be conducted online through video chat or discussion boards. But, students don’t need to go to campus to attend online classes.
Can I take the NCLEX-PN without going to school?
No; in order to take the NCLEX-PN – which is a licensing requirement in every state that is currently administered by Pearson VUE for $200 – you’ll need a certificate or diploma in either licensed practical nursing (LPN) or licensed vocational nursing (LVN). These certificate and diploma programs are only offered by educational institutions, so you cannot take the exam without first completing a program.
Can I skip being an LPN/LVN before becoming an RN?
It is possible to skip the LPN step. But, most students look at it as a steppingstone to gain practical experience and ensure they’re on the right track for a nursing role. Many online bridge programs are available; most of them require an LPN credential at minimum before students can become an RN.
If you’re interested in skipping the LPN certification, you should look for a direct-entry RN program. However, RN programs are extremely competitive. Earning an LPN designation and gaining practical experience in the field can be an advantage for future RN students.
Can I become an LPN/LVN in six months?
Accelerated/fast-track programs in practical nursing usually take anywhere from six months to one year to complete. Although six-month programs are rare, they do exist – typically as a completion program for students who have already earned related credits.
Regular one-year programs require full-time study and year-round attendance for classes and clinicals. Accelerated programs assume that incoming students completed some general education and/or prerequisite courses before enrolling in an LPN/LVN program. Students are required to complete as many as 22 credit hours (including clinicals) in one semester.
Find Online LPN & LVN Programs Near You
Finding a practical nursing program with online elements can make your educational journey much more convenient. Even better is finding a program with a campus, counselors, and instructors near you. This can provide an in-person support system to supplement your online coursework. Click on your state to learn more about LPN/LVN programs close to home.
Tuition and Fees for Online LPN/LVN Courses: Cost Comparison
Tuition is just one factor that determines whether you can afford an online LPN/LVN program. If you’re looking for the most affordable online LPN/LVN programs, also consider the indirect costs that often go overlooked. These include the cost of technology, such as a reliable internet connection and a laptop. You may also encounter fees to cover background checks and exams, uniform costs, and other necessary equipment
Many campus and online LPN programs offer financial aid, and scholarships are often available, too.
To give you an idea of the range of costs you can expect for an online LPN/LVN program, we’ll offer a pair of cost profiles from programs below, including some insight into what their tuition covers.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|
School Name | Program Type Hybrid | Tuition and Fees The cost of this program for Michigan residents is approximately $12,071; non-residents must pay approximately $23,609. This is the cost of tuition; it does not include online course fees, other school fees, uniforms, or licensure, which is approximately $500 (Michigan license = $208.80, fingerprints = $65, and NCLEX = $200). |
School Name | Program Type Hybrid | Tuition and Fees The cost of tuition and fees for full-time students is approximately $7,000; part-time students must pay approximately $8,000. This cost does not include textbooks (which typically range from $1,000 to $1,500), uniforms and supplies, immunizations, insurance, drug screens, a licensing exam, or technology requirements/fees. |
Salary and Employment Outlook for LPNs/LVNs
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $49,740 | $64,400 | $83,440 |
| Alabama | $39,880 | $57,030 | $69,120 |
| Alaska | $62,400 | $80,800 | $96,700 |
| Arizona | $61,050 | $77,070 | $89,850 |
| Arkansas | $44,670 | $56,620 | $65,020 |
| California | $64,390 | $79,750 | $100,450 |
| Colorado | $50,820 | $73,880 | $84,440 |
| Connecticut | $62,610 | $73,690 | $81,060 |
| Delaware | $59,210 | $68,710 | $77,580 |
| District of Columbia | $62,880 | $75,740 | $87,470 |
| Florida | $50,450 | $61,770 | $74,320 |
| Georgia | $46,010 | $62,030 | $76,690 |
| Hawaii | $59,620 | $71,140 | $88,340 |
| Idaho | $47,890 | $63,800 | $77,850 |
| Illinois | $58,880 | $75,000 | $89,810 |
| Indiana | $50,550 | $65,720 | $77,220 |
| Iowa | $50,550 | $62,630 | $77,710 |
| Kansas | $49,780 | $61,760 | $77,290 |
| Kentucky | $48,420 | $60,460 | $73,220 |
| Louisiana | $45,810 | $57,470 | $66,150 |
| Maine | $56,160 | $73,200 | $82,600 |
| Maryland | $60,720 | $74,660 | $90,010 |
| Massachusetts | $61,690 | $80,220 | $93,980 |
| Michigan | $56,160 | $65,460 | $77,780 |
| Minnesota | $51,700 | $63,750 | $77,380 |
| Mississippi | $39,320 | $50,220 | $60,910 |
| Missouri | $48,580 | $61,530 | $77,120 |
| Montana | $49,230 | $62,210 | $74,330 |
| Nebraska | $50,890 | $62,660 | $77,940 |
| Nevada | $61,750 | $76,160 | $89,420 |
| New Hampshire | $59,860 | $77,110 | $93,660 |
| New Jersey | $63,210 | $75,160 | $85,400 |
| New Mexico | $38,090 | $59,330 | $78,110 |
| New York | $54,480 | $67,180 | $81,530 |
| North Carolina | $50,480 | $63,270 | $74,730 |
| North Dakota | $50,950 | $62,300 | $74,130 |
| Ohio | $50,030 | $61,950 | $74,120 |
| Oklahoma | $45,440 | $58,320 | $66,410 |
| Oregon | $64,000 | $80,470 | $98,990 |
| Pennsylvania | $51,500 | $63,940 | $77,750 |
| Rhode Island | $65,650 | $80,090 | $94,540 |
| South Carolina | $50,370 | $61,820 | $76,420 |
| South Dakota | $40,770 | $52,750 | $67,700 |
| Tennessee | $41,110 | $58,870 | $67,540 |
| Texas | $48,910 | $62,240 | $76,140 |
| Utah | $37,480 | $63,230 | $77,540 |
| Vermont | $50,230 | $69,930 | $84,710 |
| Virginia | $50,580 | $64,920 | $79,170 |
| Washington | $64,230 | $83,150 | $100,950 |
| West Virginia | $45,690 | $55,360 | $70,960 |
| Wisconsin | $51,820 | $63,760 | $78,490 |
| Wyoming | $46,700 | $63,460 | $77,000 |
Source: Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
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Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Alabama | 11,440 | 11,700 | 260 | 2.30% | 900 |
| Alaska | 320 | 360 | 40 | 12.50% | 30 |
| Arizona | 6,540 | 8,210 | 1,670 | 25.50% | 730 |
| Arkansas | 10,930 | 11,660 | 730 | 6.70% | 930 |
| California | 78,100 | 92,000 | 13,900 | 17.80% | 7,830 |
| Colorado | 4,970 | 5,590 | 620 | 12.50% | 460 |
| Connecticut | 9,070 | 9,450 | 380 | 4.20% | 740 |
| Delaware | 2,140 | 2,500 | 360 | 16.80% | 210 |
| District of Columbia | 1,210 | 1,320 | 110 | 9.10% | 110 |
| Florida | 37,770 | 42,580 | 4,810 | 12.70% | 3,520 |
| Georgia | 23,160 | 25,940 | 2,780 | 12.00% | 2,130 |
| Idaho | 2,800 | 3,340 | 540 | 19.30% | 290 |
| Illinois | 18,960 | 19,480 | 520 | 2.70% | 1,510 |
| Indiana | 12,080 | 12,990 | 910 | 7.50% | 1,040 |
| Iowa | 5,990 | 6,710 | 720 | 12.00% | 550 |
| Kansas | 7,000 | 7,420 | 420 | 6.00% | 590 |
| Kentucky | 10,720 | 11,440 | 720 | 6.70% | 910 |
| Louisiana | 19,230 | 20,670 | 1,440 | 7.50% | 1,650 |
| Maine | 960 | 980 | 20 | 2.10% | 80 |
| Maryland | 7,740 | 8,230 | 490 | 6.30% | 650 |
| Massachusetts | 4,790 | 5,160 | 370 | 7.70% | 410 |
| Michigan | 10,590 | 10,730 | 140 | 1.30% | 820 |
| Minnesota | 14,340 | 14,850 | 510 | 3.60% | 1,150 |
| Mississippi | 8,930 | 9,420 | 490 | 5.50% | 740 |
| Missouri | 13,010 | 13,750 | 740 | 5.70% | 1,090 |
| Montana | 1,950 | 2,250 | 300 | 15.40% | 190 |
| Nebraska | 6,050 | 6,580 | 530 | 8.80% | 530 |
| Nevada | 3,220 | 3,840 | 620 | 19.30% | 330 |
| New Hampshire | 2,140 | 2,250 | 110 | 5.10% | 180 |
| New Jersey | 16,510 | 17,550 | 1,040 | 6.30% | 1,390 |
| New Mexico | 1,820 | 2,110 | 290 | 15.90% | 180 |
| New York | 45,960 | 57,020 | 11,060 | 24.10% | 1,110 |
| North Carolina | 16,650 | 18,320 | 1,670 | 10.00% | 1,490 |
| North Dakota | 2,570 | 2,800 | 230 | 8.90% | 230 |
| Ohio | 37,590 | 38,230 | 640 | 1.70% | 2,930 |
| Oklahoma | 13,590 | 14,450 | 860 | 6.30% | 1,150 |
| Oregon | 3,540 | 3,990 | 450 | 12.70% | 330 |
| Pennsylvania | 34,410 | 36,560 | 2,150 | 6.20% | 2,900 |
| Rhode Island | 1,660 | 1,810 | 150 | 9.00% | 150 |
| South Carolina | 9,300 | 10,500 | 1,200 | 12.90% | 870 |
| South Dakota | 2,150 | 2,320 | 170 | 7.90% | 190 |
| Tennessee | 18,350 | 21,950 | 3,600 | 19.60% | 1,890 |
| Texas | 62,840 | 70,660 | 7,820 | 12.40% | 5,830 |
| Utah | 1,670 | 2,080 | 410 | 24.60% | 180 |
| Vermont | 1,070 | 1,200 | 130 | 12.10% | 100 |
| Virgin Islands | 110 | 100 | -10 | -9.10% | 10 |
| Virginia | 18,880 | 20,240 | 1,360 | 7.20% | 1,620 |
| Washington | 7,900 | 8,730 | 830 | 10.50% | 800 |
| West Virginia | 6,610 | 7,270 | 660 | 10.00% | 590 |
| Wisconsin | 6,740 | 6,720 | -20 | -0.30% | 510 |
| Wyoming | 640 | 730 | 90 | 14.10% | 60 |
Source: Projections Central
Showing 1 – 10 of 52 entries
