Welcome to our comprehensive page on LPN programs in Charlotte, North Carolina! Here, you’ll find a list of all LPN programs in the area, including information on cost, program duration, class schedules, and NCLEX-PN pass rates.
Applying to vocational nursing programs is an excellent way to kickstart your nursing career. These programs provide practical training and a shorter path to entering the workforce as a compassionate and skilled nurse.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or looking for a career change, exploring the LPN programs in Charlotte will set you on a fulfilling journey in healthcare.
Featured LPN Programs
Explore this curated collection of our thoroughly researched LPN programs in Charlotte, NC. We will continue to update this list to ensure they are dependable options to assist you on your path to obtaining licensure as an LPN. Click on any school name for further details!
Central Piedmont Community College
The Dickson Practical Nursing program at Central Piedmont Community College offers a one-year diploma program designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and strategies to provide safe and quality nursing care. The curriculum focuses on integrating safety and quality into nursing practice, adapting to a dynamic healthcare environment, and addressing individual needs that impact health and quality of life. The program emphasizes the role of practical nurses as members of the interdisciplinary team, delivering individualized care while adhering to evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics principles.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), which is a requirement for practicing as a Practical Nurse. The program opens up employment opportunities in various healthcare settings, including acute, chronic, extended, industrial, and community healthcare facilities.
Central Piedmont’s Practical Nursing program stands out for its commitment to providing a quality, affordable, and accessible education to all students. The program offers a flexible learning environment, with online and on-campus general education courses available. Students have the opportunity to learn from experienced faculty members who bring decades of experience into the classroom. Additionally, the program offers an affordable option compared to other nursing programs in Mecklenburg County, making it a cost-effective choice for aspiring nurses.
Students enrolled in the program benefit from state-of-the-art technology in the classrooms and have the opportunity to participate in clinical and lab experiences at various sites in Charlotte and the Carolinas. This provides valuable networking opportunities with potential employers and helps students gain practical skills in real-world healthcare settings.
The admissions requirements for the Practical Nursing program include the completion of a high school diploma or equivalent. Students can find detailed program information, including available courses, eligibility criteria, and requirements, in the Central Piedmont college catalog.
The Practical Nursing program at Central Piedmont is delivered through a combination of in-person classes, labs, clinicals, simulations, and online coursework. It’s important to note that courses and schedules may change each semester, so it is recommended to check the program options, courses, eligibility, and requirements regularly.
The program’s general education requirements include courses such as ENG 111 (Writing and Inquiry) and PSY 150 (General Psychology). The major requirements consist of practical nursing courses (NUR 101, NUR 102, NUR 103) and anatomy and physiology courses (BIO 168, BIO 169). Upon completion of the program, students are awarded a diploma in Practical Nursing.
For more information about the Practical Nursing program, interested individuals can contact the Practical Nursing program Chair at 704.330.2722 x3129. Additional resources and information about potential positions and wages in nursing employment can be found on the Central Piedmont Career Coach website. The Dickson Practical Nursing program holds the initial approval of the North Carolina Board of Nursing, further demonstrating its commitment to meeting professional standards and ensuring quality education in nursing.
Admission Requirements
- 18 years of age
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Additional requirements may be stated by clinical facility
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | North Carolina residents: $11,352 Out of state residents: $19,800 |
| Program Duration | 44 credits |
| Class Schedule | Full time |
| Website | https://www.cpcc.edu/programs/practical-nurse |
| Location | 1325 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204 |
| Phone | 704.330.2722, ext. 6779 |
| [email protected] |
ECPI University
The Practical Nursing program offered by ECPI University’s College of Nursing, Medical Careers Institute (MCI), focuses on essential skills such as critical thinking, clinical reasoning, effective communication, collaboration, and nursing theory. It aims to prepare students to become valuable members of the healthcare team, working under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses. Graduates of the program should be equipped to participate in the delivery of care to clients and families, apply critical thinking skills to safely perform nursing procedures, and communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
One notable aspect of the program is its duration, as students can earn a Licensed Practical Nursing diploma in as little as 15 months through MCI’s year-round schedule. This offers an accelerated pathway for those eager to enter the nursing profession promptly. Practical Nursing graduates have various employment opportunities available to them, including nursing homes, physicians’ offices, public school systems, hospitals, and corporate occupational health settings.
The Practical Nursing diploma program at ECPI University’s College of Nursing provides a comprehensive foundation for lifelong learning, incorporating liberal arts, science, and nursing theory courses. It combines classroom instruction, laboratory and simulation experiences, and evidence-based care learning in diverse healthcare settings across the lifespan. Successful completion of the program requires passing the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to obtain LPN licensure.
Upon completing the program, students are expected to fulfill several key outcomes. Firstly, they should be capable of functioning within the role of a practical nurse, delivering care to clients and their families. Effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare team members is also emphasized. Furthermore, the program aims to develop critical thinking skills necessary for performing cognitive, psychomotor, and affective nursing tasks safely. Ethical, professional, and legal responsibilities are integrated into students’ actions and decisions, fostering a sense of accountability. Finally, the program encourages personal and professional growth, enabling students to assume responsibility for their ongoing development.
The Practical Nursing curriculum includes a range of courses covering various topics such as anatomy and physiology, dosage calculations, pharmacology, and medical surgical nursing. The program requires a total of 48.5 semester credit hours, with a minimum instructional period of 60 weeks and a maximum timeframe of 90 weeks for completion.
ECPI University’s College of Nursing, Medical Careers Institute offers a Practical Nursing program that can open doors to a rewarding career in healthcare. Graduates of the program can contribute to the care of patients and families, employ critical thinking skills in performing nursing procedures, and effectively communicate with individuals across the healthcare spectrum. The program’s accelerated timeline allows students to earn their diploma in as little as 15 months, facilitating a quicker entry into the nursing profession.
Admission Requirements
- Participate in a personal admission interview.
- Complete and submit the Application for Admission and sign the Enrollment Agreement.
- Provide an official transcript of a high school diploma or official GED test scores.
- Successfully pass the Admissions Assessment with a satisfactory score.
- Undergo a criminal background check and drug screen.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $38,880 |
| Program Duration | 15 months over 4 semesters |
| Semester Credit Hours | 48.5 |
| Contact Hours | 1,736 |
| Class Schedule | Day and Evening classes. Clinicals may be on weekends. |
| Website | https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/practical-nursing-diploma |
| Location | 4800 Airport Center Parkway #100, Charlotte, NC 28208 |
| Phone | 704-751-4558 |
| Toll-Free | 844-611-0624 |
| Fax | 704-399-9144 |
| [email protected] |
Gaston College
Located just west of Charlotte in nearby Belmont at the Kimbrell Campus, the Practical Nursing program at Gaston College offers a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on integrating safety and quality into nursing care. The program aims to meet the needs of individuals as a whole, addressing their health, quality of life, and potential.
The coursework in the program encompasses various domains, including healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. The content emphasizes the delivery of safe and individualized nursing care, as well as active participation in interdisciplinary teams. Students are encouraged to employ evidence-based practices, engage in quality improvement initiatives, and utilize informatics.
One notable aspect of the Gaston College Practical Nursing Program is its national accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education (ACEN). This recognition adds credibility to the program and ensures that it meets established standards. Upon graduation, students are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), which is a requirement for becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse.
The program’s outcomes and success measures are essential indicators of its effectiveness. The first outcome focuses on the performance of graduates on the licensure exam. The program has consistently met this outcome, with pass rates exceeding the national mean in recent years.
Program completion is another important measure, and the Gaston College Practical Nursing Program has consistently met the target of 60% of students graduating. The high program completion rates indicate that students are successfully progressing through the curriculum and achieving their educational goals.
The program also places emphasis on program satisfaction, with the aim of achieving a 90% satisfaction rate among graduates. Based on the reported outcomes, the program has been successful in meeting this target in recent years, with satisfaction rates consistently exceeding 90%.
Job placement is a crucial factor for students pursuing practical nursing. The Gaston College program has demonstrated strong job placement outcomes, with a high percentage of graduates securing employment as LPNs within six months after graduation.
Maintaining full approval status from the North Carolina Board of Nursing is yet another positive aspect of the program. Gaston College PN program has consistently complied with the standards set by the board, ensuring that students receive education of high quality and relevance.
Upon completion of the program, graduates of the Gaston College Practical Nursing Program are expected to possess a range of competencies. These include evaluating the concepts of holistic care, practicing professional nursing behaviors within legal and ethical boundaries, providing evidence-based care, participating in the nursing process, demonstrating cultural competence, engaging in quality improvement, utilizing informatics, and collaborating with healthcare teams.
The program’s curriculum is structured and well-organized, consisting of courses offered over multiple semesters. Students take courses in subjects such as psychology, anatomy and physiology, and practical nursing. The total credit hours required for program completion is 44.
The Gaston College Practical Nursing Program provides a robust curriculum that prepares students for a career as Licensed Practical Nurses. The program has consistently met its outcomes and success measures, demonstrating its effectiveness in producing competent graduates. With its national accreditation and strong job placement rates, this program offers a solid foundation for individuals seeking to pursue a career in practical nursing.
Admission Requirements
- Be 18 years of age
- Proof of high school transcript or equivalent
- Pass placement tests
- Attend information session
- Complete necessary immunizations for clinical facilities
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | North Carolina residents: $6,963 Out of state residents: $14,835 |
| Program Duration | 44 credit hours |
| Class Schedule | Full time |
| Website | https://www.gaston.edu/health-human-services/nursing-programs/nursing-practical-2/ |
| Location | 7220 Wilkinson Blvd., Belmont, NC 28012 |
| Phone | 704-825-3737 |
| [email protected] |
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
The Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is located in nearby Salisbury and aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver safe and quality nursing care that meets the holistic needs of individuals. By emphasizing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics, the program strives to cultivate graduates who can provide individualized nursing care and contribute effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
One notable aspect of the program is its commitment to accessible and high-quality nursing education that adapts to the diverse and evolving healthcare needs of the service area. The faculty members are dedicated to this mission, ensuring that students receive comprehensive instruction to prepare them for the professional role of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the entry level.
Upon completion of the program, graduates become eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), which is a mandatory requirement for practicing as a Licensed Practical Nurse. This opens up various employment opportunities in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation/long-term care/home health facilities, clinics, and physicians’ offices.
It is worth noting that the Rowan-Cabarrus nursing programs hold accreditation from the Accreditation Commission of Education in Nursing, Inc (ACEN). This accreditation highlights the program’s compliance with rigorous educational standards and its commitment to maintaining quality and excellence.
To complete the Practical Nursing Diploma in three semesters, the program recommends a specific program of study. However, it’s important to recognize that individual students’ programs may vary depending on factors like enrollment status (day, evening, full-time, or part-time). The program provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes core courses like Practical Nursing I and II, Basic Anatomy & Physiology, and Life Span Development.
In summary, the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Licensed Practical Nursing Program offers a well-rounded educational experience for aspiring LPNs. With its emphasis on safety, quality, and holistic care, the program equips students with the necessary skills to excel in the nursing profession. The program’s accreditation and eligibility for the NCLEX-PN further validate its commitment to excellence. Potential students should carefully consider their individual needs and circumstances when evaluating this program, but it presents a solid option for those seeking a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Admission Requirements
- Complete the Rowan-Cabarrus admissions process, including submitting official high school or GED transcripts and college transcripts if applicable.
- Schedule an appointment with an Allied Health Advisor to review admission requirements, ensuring it is at least 2 weeks after submitting transcripts.
- Meet North Carolina Community College standards for Math and English placement or have successfully completed college-level coursework in Math and English.
- Create a Health Programs Admissions System (HPAS) profile under the guidance of the Allied Health Advisor.
- Complete the required Information Session within the program of study, either through HPAS or the program website.
- Successfully complete and provide documentation of biology and chemistry courses, with a minimum grade of “C” or higher.
- Meet the Nurse Aide I Requirements, which includes completion of a NC state-approved CNA 1 course or its equivalent and being listed on the NC Nurse Aide 1 Registry with no substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property.
- Review HPAS to ensure all required documentation is uploaded and all steps have been completed.
- Submit an Admissions Eligibility Review Form, meeting with the assigned advisor to complete the form annually.
Program Admission Testing:
- Qualified applicants may take the Kaplan or ATI TEAS test administered by the Rowan-Cabarrus Testing Center in February or March.
- Previous year’s Kaplan or ATI TEAS test scores are accepted.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $4,644 |
| Program Duration | 12 months: 3 semesters |
| Class Schedule | Full time |
| Website | https://www.rccc.edu/healtheducation/practical-nursing/ |
| Location | 1333 Jake Alexander Blvd S, Salisbury, NC 28146 |
| Phone | 704-216-3716 |
| [email protected] |
Richmond Community College
For those looking outside of the local Charlotte area, Richmond Community College is located in Hamlet – about 1 hours 30 minutes east of Richmond.
The Richmond Community College’s LPN program focuses on healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual, emphasizing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics. This well-rounded approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet diverse health needs and improve patients’ quality of life.
Curriculum and Learning Outcomes
The program’s coursework builds foundational knowledge in the domains of healthcare and nursing, fostering the development of individualized nursing care skills. Students engage in various learning activities, from assessments and planning to implementing and evaluating nursing care for both children and adults. The hands-on training is crucial for understanding the dynamics of the interdisciplinary team in real healthcare settings.
Upon completing the program, graduates can sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), necessary for becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. Career opportunities post-certification are broad, including roles in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health environments, clinics, and physicians’ offices.
Practical Aspects and Program Details
Richmond Community College offers flexibility in course scheduling, including day and evening classes, and adapts to the growing demand for distance learning by providing hybrid and online course options. This adaptability helps accommodate students’ varying needs and lifestyles. The total cost of the program is $5,297, which is a significant investment in a future nursing career.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Practical Nursing program is competitive, with specific criteria that applicants must meet:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Completion of general admissions requirements at RichmondCC, including submission of all transcripts.
- Separate application for the Practical Nursing Program.
- Prerequisites completion or exemption: MAT 043 and ENG 011.
- A minimum Program GPA of 2.5, calculated from specific courses.
- Courses with BIO or NUR prefixes must be recent (within the last five years).
- Completion of the Reading Comprehension and Math test (TABE Level D) during the application period.
- Mandatory orientation session attendance.
- Physical examination, annual TB test, and current CPR certification are required.
Applicants are ranked based on their TABE test scores, GPA, and coursework achievements, with a point system determining their admission status. Only 20 students are admitted each fall, highlighting the program’s exclusivity and competitive nature.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $5,297 |
| Program Duration | Not specified (Typically 1-2 years for similar programs) |
| Class Schedules | Offers day and evening classes; also provides hybrid and online options |
| Website | Richmond Community College Practical Nursing |
| Location | 1042 Hamlet Ave, Hamlet, NC 28345 |
| Phone | (910) 410-1729 |
LPN Salaries in Charlotte
Let’s explore the Queen City, Charlotte, North Carolina, and delve into LPN salaries in the region. We’ll refer to the data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to see how LPN salaries in Charlotte compare to the national and state averages.
According to the table, Charlotte is home to approximately 3,500 LPNs. That’s quite a bustling community of caring healthcare professionals! Now, let’s talk numbers. LPNs in Charlotte earn an average hourly wage of $26.52, which translates to an annual salary of $55,160. That’s a solid earning potential!
But how does this compare to the national and state averages? Let’s take a closer look. Across the entire United States, there are about 135,500 LPNs, and on average, they earn an hourly wage of $19.51, resulting in an annual salary of $40,580. Now, let’s shift our focus to the great state of North Carolina. In the entire state, there are approximately 16,230 LPNs, and their average hourly wage is $25.49, with an annual salary of $53,010.
When we compare LPN salaries in Charlotte to the national average, it’s clear that LPNs in the city are earning higher wages. They enjoy an hourly wage that’s around $6.01 higher and an annual salary that’s approximately $14,580 higher. That’s certainly a noteworthy difference!
Now, let’s discuss how LPN salaries in Charlotte fare against the state average in North Carolina. LPNs in the city earn slightly higher hourly wages, around $1.03 more, and their annual salary is approximately $2,150 higher than the state average. It’s important to note that regional factors, cost of living, and demand for healthcare professionals can influence these slight variances in salaries.
| # of LPNs | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary | |
| United States | 135,500 | $ 19.51 | $ 40,580 |
| North Carolina | 16,230 | $ 25.49 | $ 53,010 |
| Charlotte | 3,500 | $ 26.52 | $ 55,160 |
Influences on LPN Salaries in Charlotte
Several factors influence the higher pay of LPNs in Charlotte, North Carolina. Here are the main factors to consider:
Market Demand: The demand for LPNs in Charlotte plays a significant role in driving higher pay. Charlotte, being a populous city, has a robust healthcare sector with numerous hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. The higher demand for healthcare services creates a need for skilled LPNs, leading to increased competition among employers to attract and retain qualified professionals. To attract top talent, employers offer higher salaries, reflecting the demand-supply dynamics of the job market.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Charlotte compared to other areas can influence LPN salaries. If the cost of housing, transportation, and other expenses in Charlotte is higher than the national or state average, employers may adjust salaries to ensure that LPNs can meet their financial needs and maintain a reasonable standard of living in the city. Offering higher pay is one way to address the higher cost of living.
Education and Experience: LPNs in Charlotte with higher levels of education and experience often earn higher salaries. LPNs who pursue additional certifications, advanced degrees, or gain specialized skills may be in higher demand and qualify for more competitive positions, leading to increased compensation. Employers often value the expertise and knowledge gained through education and experience and are willing to offer higher salaries to attract and retain skilled LPNs.
Economic Factors: The overall economic conditions of Charlotte, including its growth, development, and investment in healthcare, can impact LPN salaries. A thriving economy with a strong healthcare sector can lead to increased salaries as healthcare organizations strive to provide competitive compensation packages to attract and retain qualified LPNs. Economic factors such as job growth, industry growth, and healthcare industry trends can influence salary levels in the city.