Online LPN Programs

You can become a nurse in about a year. An online LPN program takes you from your first day of class to your first day on the job in roughly 12 months.

LPNs handle entrylevel patient care under the supervision of an RN or other healthcare professional. Online programs give you flexibility: most coursework happens online, and clinical experiences happen in person. The programs below are accredited and built around working students.

Featured Online LPN Programs

Bismarck State College

BSC's LPN/RN program offers in-state tuition to military students and residents of 10 states: Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and Wyoming. Tuition runs $184 to $264 per credit hour for in-state and military students, so 12 credits of nursing courses cost $3,978 in-state. Fulltime Indigenous American students in North Dakota can qualify for scholarship funding with a 2.0 minimum GPA.

The 11-month program covers practical, clinical, and foundational nursing, with clinicals at local hospitals, nursing homes, or community settings. It is ACEN accredited, runs satellite sites at North Dakota hospitals, and lets you qualify for the NCLEX-RN in 20 months.

Good to know: a 2.75 minimum program GPA is required, plus a $44 fee if you or your employer is not an EPCE member.

Herzing University

Herzing's practical nursing program runs rolling admissions and reports a student satisfaction rate above 90%. It prepares you for the NCLEX-PN and lets you continue at Herzing toward an RN or NP. You can finish the 37-credit program in as few as 12 months, with nine general education credits, two professional development credits, and the rest in practical nursing foundations, pharmacology, patient assessment, and NCLEX-PN prep. You can transfer up to 27 credits in.

It is ACEN accredited, waives the enrollment fee, and is a Yellow Ribbon school with maximum funding for eligible undergraduates.

Good to know: core courses are oncampus at one of nine campuses, tuition is $530 per credit, and an admissions interview is required.

Lake Area Technical College

Lake Area Tech's LPN program reports a 99% job placement rate. The hybrid e-degree costs $16,450 and runs 11 months fulltime or 18 months part time. You complete the theory curriculum online, then travel to campus for short, intensive clinicals designed to limit travel time. The program prepares you for the NCLEX-PN or for a second year in the school's RN program.

It is ACEN accredited and military-friendly, with automatic early acceptance for qualifying residents of SD, ND, NE, IA, or MN.

Good to know: early acceptance requires at least six credits toward your LPN, a 3.0 GPA, and an ACT score of 24 or higher. The program requires 424 clinical hours, mixing remote and instructor-monitored time.

MSU Billings

MSU Billings' practical nurse program offers online courses with clinical sites across Montana, letting in-state students qualify for the NCLEX-PN in three semesters, including a prerequisite semester. The certificate of applied science in practical nursing costs $16,550 in tuition and fees and covers nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, adult health nursing, and care of women and children. Clinical and lab work happens online, oncampus, and at MSU-arranged sites.

It is accredited by the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities and approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.

Good to know: clinical sites are guaranteed for Montana residents only, oncampus requirements are limited, and there is one fall application cycle.

What to Look For in an Online LPN Program

With so many options, research carefully to find the right fit. Focus on these signs of quality:

• Admission Requirements: Most programs require proof of high school graduation or a GED. Confirm your background matches.
• Curriculum: Read course descriptions and pick a program that matches what you want from an LPN education.
• Clinical Experience: Online learners still complete clinicals in person. Check the requirements and any restrictions on where you can complete them.
• Accreditation: This is essential for licensure, and some employers only hire from accredited programs. It also matters if you later pursue an ADN or MSN.
• Program Length: Most run about a year, with accelerated options available. Find one that fits your schedule.
• Online Format: Online courses generally require a laptop, a webcam, and a fast, reliable internet connection.

Why Accreditation Matters

Accredited programs meet recognized standards for academic quality, verified by independent organizations that review and approve nursing education. Accreditation confirms a program can prepare you for the NCLEX-PN and for practice.

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits LPN programs and maintains a searchable database. Your state board of nursing issues the license itself. Choosing an accredited program is what lets you sit for the NCLEX-PN, receive government financial aid, transfer to other schools, and advance your education later.

Applying to an Online LPN Program

Applying online works much like a traditional application, though some programs add their own materials. Confirm your program's specific requirements and ask questions early.

Common admission materials include:

• Official transcripts showing a high school diploma or equivalent
• A minimum 2.5 to 3.0 GPA
• Standardized test scores
• Recommendation letters
• A personal statement

You may also need a background check and proof of immunizations.

Paying for Your Program

Cost depends on several factors. Studying online can save on housing and transportation, but you still budget for tuition, distance learning fees, and books. Public schools often charge less than private ones, though some programs raise tuition for out-of-state students. If you plan to work while studying, check whether the schedule is flexible enough.

Start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for federal loans or grants. Beyond government programs, consider private loans, scholarships and grants from foundations, professional associations, and individual schools, and employer tuition reimbursement if you are working. Some scholarships target specific specialties or minority students.

What You Can Do as an LPN

LPNs, called LVNs in California and Texas, handle wound care, vital signs, patient histories, and documentation. Depending on the state, they can also administer tests and medications and start and monitor IVs.

LPNs have less autonomy than RNs and usually work under RN supervision, though both can supervise CNAs who handle day-to-day tasks like feeding, bathing, dressing, and toileting. LPNs commonly work in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living centers, memory care facilities, and home health agencies.

Once you are working and building experience, you can move up through an LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN bridge program to increase your earning power and clinical responsibility. These bridge programs build on your prior education and often offer part-time, online options so you can keep working while you study.

LPN Salary

LPNs earn a solid salary after a short course of study. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), LPNs and LVNs earned a median annual salary of $62,340 as of May 2024.

The highest-paying states by average salary are:

• Washington: $79,700
• Rhode Island: $77,940
• Alaska: $77,670
• California: $77,170
• Oregon: $76,570

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I attend an online LPN program? Yes. These programs combine online classes with in-person clinicals, and graduating from an accredited one prepares you for the NCLEX-PN and licensure.

Where do LPNs earn the most? Pay is highest in Washington, Rhode Island, Alaska, California, and Oregon, where averages top $76,000. The national median was $62,340 in May 2024, per the BLS.

Can I take the NCLEX-PN without finishing a program? No. You need proof of an approved nursing program to register, and evidence of your training when you apply for a license from your state board of nursing.

How long does the process take? About 12 months for the program, then the NCLEX-PN and your license application. Processing time depends on your state board.

What is the fastest path? An accelerated LPN program can take as few as six months. After that you pass the NCLEX-PN and apply for your license.