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LPN Programs in Virginia

If you’re interested in a career in nursing, there are plenty of great options to choose from. But if you’re looking for a program that will get you on the fast track to becoming a nurse, then you should consider enrolling in an LPN program.

Here we’ll provide an overview of LPN programs in Virginia, including the program requirements, exam details, what to expect once you’re working as an LPN, and other information regarding working as a LPN in Virginia.

What Should I Expect From an LPN Program in Virginia?

Licensed Practical Nurses must be knowledgeable in various disciplines to provide quality patient care. This knowledge allows them to interact effectively with patients. The core curriculum for Licensed Practical Nurses includes:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Human Development and Growth
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing
  • Maternal-Child Nursing
  • Psychiatric Nursing
  • Nursing Fundamentals
  • Pharmacology
  • Nutrition

In addition to the core curriculum, most LPN programs will also offer elective courses and these courses will vary by program. Most full-time LPN programs will last one year, although some programs may be longer or shorter depending on the school you attend and how many credit hours you take per semester.

Tuition for LPN programs can also vary depending on the school you attend. Most in-state community colleges typically offer the lowest cost at around $2,500, but is $4,560 is the average in the state. Most students qualify for financial aid to help offset the cost of tuition and other associated expenses.

LPN Programs in Virginia

Below you will find a list of accredited LPN programs in Virginia. Filter results based on city, zip code, and general category of the program provider.

LPN Requirements in Virginia

In order to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Virginia, you must first complete a series of education and training requirements to be eligible for certification:

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Complete an accredited LPN program
  • Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN)
  • Pass a drug test and background check
  • Submit an application for licensure to the Virginia Board of Nursing

LPN programs consist of classroom and clinical experience hours. During classroom hours, students will learn various nursing concepts and theories. In clinical experience, students will have the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world patient care scenarios.

If you have recently completed an accredited practical nursing program, you need to obtain a temporary permit that will allow you to work as a Graduate PN for 90 days while Pearson VUE processes your application.

LPN Exam Details

After successfully completing an LPN program, students must then pass the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse. The NCLEX-PN is a computer-adaptive test that assesses a student’s knowledge of basic nursing concepts and skills. The test consists of multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and drag-and-drop questions. The NCLEX-PN is offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers across the country.

To register for the NCLEX-PN, students must create an account on the Pearson VUE website and pay a registration fee of $200. Once the registration fee is paid, students will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to schedule their exam. The NCLEX-PN must be taken within four years of completing an accredited LPN program.

What to Expect When Working as an LPN in Virginia

Licensed Practical Nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, physician offices, and clinics. LPNs typically report to a Registered Nurse or physician and are responsible for providing basic patient care. This care may include taking vital signs, administering medications, and dressing wounds. LPNs also educate patients and their families on home care instructions and health maintenance.

LPNs work shifts that may include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Many LPNs also work overtime or on-call shifts. Most shifts last 8-12 hours, but some may be shorter or longer depending on the facility.

What is the salary of an LPN in Virginia?

The average salary for an LPN in Virginia is $52,790 per year or $25.38 an hour. The demand for Licensed Practical Nurses is expected to grow in the state of Virginia over the next ten years.

Metro Employed LPNs Salary/Hour Salary/Year
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA                               570 $                             23.33 $                   48,530
Charlottesville, VA                               540 $                             26.02 $                   54,130
Harrisonburg, VA                               350 $                             24.13 $                   50,180
Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA                               950 $                             20.89 $                   43,440
Lynchburg, VA                               500 $                             23.69 $                   49,280
Richmond, VA                            3,260 $                             25.75 $                   53,560
Roanoke, VA                            1,210 $                             23.99 $                   49,900
Staunton-Waynesboro, VA                               320 $                             23.72 $                   49,340
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC                            3,860 $                             24.37 $                   50,680
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV                            7,730 $                             29.10 $                   60,520
Winchester, VA-WV                               290 $                             24.47 $                   50,890

Out of state LPNs

If you would like to move to Virginia and practice as an LPN, you must obtain a license by endorsement if you do not have a multi-state compact license. The application involves paying a $170 non-refundable fee, completing a fingerprint-based background check, and verification of your LPN license from the original issuing state. Depending on your original education program, you may also be required to submit a minimum of 960 completed clinical hours from your current nursing employer.

Who oversees the LPN licensure process in Virginia?

The Virginia Board of Nursing is responsible for the licensure and regulation of Licensed Practical Nurses in Virginia. The Board consists of 14 members, set the licensure requirements for LPNs, issuing licenses, and investigating complaints against LPNs.

The Virginia Board of Nursing can be contacted at:

Virginia Board of Nursing

  • 9960 Maryland Drive, Suite 300
  • Richmond, VA 23233
  • Phone: (804) 367-4515
  • Fax: (804) 527-4434
  • Website

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