If you’re looking to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in a short amount of time, ECPI University offers an accelerated, hands-on program that could be a good fit. The program takes approximately 15 months to complete, spans 48.5 credit hours, and emphasizes critical thinking, patient care, and real-world nursing scenarios. Tuition costs start at $38,880, not including additional fees. This diploma program is available at several campus locations across Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. It prepares students to take the NCLEX-PN exam and enter the workforce quickly with practical training and clinical experience.
A Fast Track to Practical Nursing
ECPI University’s Practical Nursing diploma program is built for students who want to move quickly into the healthcare field. The school offers year-round classes, allowing students to finish in about 15 months, or 60 weeks of instruction. Unlike traditional two-year programs, this schedule keeps the momentum going with no long summer breaks, which can be a huge benefit for motivated students looking to start their careers fast.
Once completed, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam, the standardized test required to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Passing this test is essential for employment in any LPN role.
Curriculum: What You’ll Learn
This diploma program focuses on a well-rounded nursing education that includes theory, clinical skills, and simulated hands-on experiences. The curriculum is designed to build competence in:
- Patient care fundamentals such as vital signs, hygiene assistance, and medication administration
- Medical-surgical and acute care for critically ill patients
- Pharmacology and dosage calculations
- Nursing ethics, communication, and team collaboration
- Assessment techniques to monitor patients and escalate care when necessary
Course names may vary slightly between states, but all campuses follow a similar structure and credit load. The total program requires 48.5 semester credit hours and roughly 1,700 contact hours, including classroom, lab, and clinical components.
Learning Format: Flexible Schedules with Real-World Practice
Students can choose between daytime or evening classes, depending on campus availability. Clinical hours are scheduled based on the needs of healthcare partners and may occur during the day, evening, or weekends. A preceptorship is included to allow students to work one-on-one under the supervision of a licensed professional nurse, providing practical insights into real-life nursing workflows.
This blend of in-class instruction, labs, simulations, and real clinical experience is meant to help students feel confident and job-ready from day one.
Cost Breakdown
Let’s talk numbers. The Practical Nursing program at ECPI is not cheap, but it’s fairly competitive when compared to similar accelerated programs.
- Tuition per semester: $9,720
- Minimum total tuition: $38,880 (4 semesters minimum)
- Technology fee: $570 (includes laptop, tech support, and learning platforms)
- Textbooks: $0 to use during the program (optional purchase if you want to own them)
Keep in mind, these are base costs—additional expenses like uniforms, clinical supplies, immunizations, and licensing exam fees may also apply.
Financial Aid and Tuition Help
ECPI does offer several financial assistance options. These include:
- Federal financial aid (Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, PLUS Loans, FSEOG)
- Scholarships (ECPI awarded over $9 million in 2017)
- Military tuition assistance
- Veterans benefits
- Work-study and job placement services
- Vocational rehabilitation programs
- Employer tuition reimbursement (available for some partner companies)
Students are encouraged to meet with a Student Finance Advisor to figure out the best path forward. There’s a heavy emphasis on personalized financial planning.
Accreditation and Exam Readiness
ECPI University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). While the Practical Nursing program itself doesn’t carry specialized nursing education accreditation, it is approved by each state’s Board of Nursing, which is what truly matters for licensure.
Students are trained using Total Testing products, which include practice exams and standardized assessments to prepare for the NCLEX-PN. A Comprehensive Predictor Test is administered near the end of the program to help students assess their readiness.
Admissions and Physical Requirements
While ECPI doesn’t list a detailed breakdown of entry requirements in the available public materials, the program typically requires:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Criminal background check
- Drug screening
- Dosage calculation exam
- Nursing skills competency exams
- Physical ability to lift 50 pounds, stand for long periods, and pass vision and hearing checks
These are standard for most nursing programs and reflect the physical and mental demands of the profession.
NCLEX-PN Pass Rates
If you’re looking at school quality, the NCLEX-PN pass rate is one of the most important indicators. ECPI’s pass rates vary slightly by campus but are generally strong. Here’s a quick look at recent results:
- Virginia Beach: 96.34% (2024), 98.73% (2023)
- Richmond: 97.37% (2024), 100% (2023)
- Newport News: 93.44% (2024), 86.89% (2023)
- Roanoke: 89.83% (2024), 98.08% (2023)
- Manassas: 89.13% (2024), 95.77% (2023)
These numbers are competitive and suggest a well-run curriculum with good support for exam preparation.
What Sets ECPI Apart?
Speed and structure. ECPI stands out for its accelerated pace and year-round classes. Students can finish in 15 months and move directly into the workforce. The use of Total Testing prep tools, preceptorship clinicals, and simulation labs enhances real-world readiness. The inclusion of technology (like laptops and digital platforms) is a nice bonus, especially since it’s covered by the tech fee.
However, students should know that while the school is regionally accredited, it does not hold specialized national accreditation for nursing education—something to keep in mind if you plan to transfer credits or pursue further nursing education immediately after graduating.
Who Should Consider This School?
ECPI University is best for students who want a fast, structured path into the healthcare field and are ready to fully commit to an intense 15-month schedule. It’s especially appealing to adult learners, career changers, and military-affiliated students who benefit from flexible schedules and robust financial aid options. The school’s strong NCLEX pass rates, multiple campus locations, and heavy focus on hands-on experience give it an edge for those seeking practical, job-ready skills.
That said, this program may not be the best choice if you’re looking for part-time pacing or plan to transfer your credits to a BSN program right away. It’s also important to be aware of the cost and the physical demands of clinical work. If you’re ready for an immersive experience and want to join the workforce quickly, ECPI offers a solid stepping stone into nursing.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Tuition is $9,720 per semester, totaling $38,880 for the 15-month program. Additional fees include a $570 technology fee per semester. Textbooks are provided at no cost during the program. |
| Duration | The program spans 15 months (approximately 60 weeks), divided into 4 semesters. |
| Class Schedules | Day classes: 4–5 days/week, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Evening classes: 4–5 evenings/week, 5:30 PM–10:30 PM, with some weekend sessions. Clinical hours may include day, evening, or weekend shifts. |
| Online Classes? | No, the Practical Nursing program is campus-based and requires in-person attendance for classes and clinical experiences. |
| Requirements | Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, meet minimum TEAS IV or V scores, and fulfill state-specific requirements, including background checks and physical health standards. |
| Locations | Virginia: (Virginia Beach, Newport News, Northern Virginia, Richmond, Roanoke) North Carolina: (Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh) South Carolina: (Charleston, Columbia, Greenville) |
| Phone | 1-844-334-4466 |
| Website | https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/lpn |
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