The Best LPN Programs Online | NurseJournal.org (2024)

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Aspiring licensed practical nurses (LPN) no longer need to set aside time for their commute. Online LPN programs enable students to take classes from home or anywhere with internet access.

Although you must still attend clinical experiences in person, online options save time and money. Virtual learning leaves room for adaptable schedules, making it easier to work while in school.

Interested in becoming an LPN? You have plenty of choices, but which is best for you? Explore our top choices, what to look out for when choosing a school, common required application materials, and other important factors to consider.

LPNs are known as licensed vocational nurses (LVN) in California and Texas, but the training, scope of practice, and skills are identical between the two titles. Rather than a college degree, LPNs earn a diploma, although some programs are housed within community colleges.

These nurses perform many duties, including wound care, assessing vital signs, taking patient histories, documenting patient information, administering tests, and giving medications. LPNs are allowed to start and monitor IVs. In some facilities, they can administer certain IV push medications if delegated by a supervising nurse. Overall, LPNs’ scope of practice is limited compared to that of a registered nurse (RN).

LPNs generally have much less autonomy than RNs. In most clinical situations, they work under RN supervision. Both LPNs and RNs can supervise certified nursing assistants (CNAs), who perform day-to-day patient care tasks, such as feeding, bathing, dressing, and toileting. LPNs are frequently employed by skilled nursing facilities, assisted living centers, memory care facilities, and home health agencies.

An LPN program can serve as a fast track into the nursing field, since most programs can be completed in as little as 12 months.

An online LPN program offers the flexibility to study on your own schedule. However, you must attend in-person clinical assignments and skills training labs.

Once you’re working as an LPN, you can consider transitioning from LPN-to-RN to increase your earning power and marketability.

Bridge programs, such as the LPN-to-RN, allow nursing professionals to apply their prior education and experience to a more advanced degree program. Since online LPN-to-RN and LPN-to-BSN programs offer flexibility and part-time options, LPNs seeking to become RNs can complete their education while working as an LPN. With some employers covering the cost of education, this can be an excellent avenue for advancing your nursing career.

LPNs can earn a promising salary after a comparatively short course of study. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023, LPNs and LVNs earned a median annual salary of $59,730.

The highest-paying states for LPNs by average salary are:

By comparison, the BLS reports that RNs who undertake a longer and more intensive education earn a median annual salary of $86,070. Advancing from LPN to RN can significantly increase your earning power.

With so many online LPN programs to choose from, you should carefully research different schools to find the right fit for your personal needs and career goals.

Before enrolling in an LPN program, explore these key signs of academic quality.

Admission Requirements

Program Curriculum

Accreditation

Program Retention Rate

Online Learning Format and Requirements

Nursing school accreditation occurs when an independent organization monitors, reviews, and approves (or rejects) nursing education programs. These accrediting bodies assess the quality of the program and its ability to successfully prepare students for the NCLEX and nursing practice.

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits LPN programs, and its website allows visitors to search a database for accredited programs. The state boards of nursing handle licensing and discipline issues.

Choosing accredited nursing schools has both immediate and longer-term benefits. Completing an accredited training program is for:

Applying to online programs is similar to a traditional application process. Most schools have similar requirements, but some may include application materials unique to that program. The requirements may also vary depending on whether the program is an undergrad or graduate program.

In all cases, ensure you understand your program’s specific requirements and reach out when you have questions.

Common admission materials include:

The cost of LPN online training depends on several factors. While taking LPN classes online rather than on campus may save money on housing and transportation costs, you still must budget for tuition, distance learning fees, and books.

Public schools may offer more affordable tuition than private schools. However, some programs charge higher tuition rates for out-of-state students. If you plan on working while taking online LPN courses, consider if the program offers enough flexibility to set your own schedule.

You can apply for financial aid opportunities for nursing students to help offset the cost of a nursing education. Begin your search by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to see if you qualify for federal loans or grants.

In addition to government-sponsored programs, you may consider private loans or nursing scholarships and grants from private foundations, professional nursing associations, and individual schools.

Some scholarships provide funding for specific nursing specialties. Scholarships for minorities are typically based on race, ethnicity, or gender. If you are working, determine if your employer participates in a tuition reimbursem*nt plan.