Are Online LPN Programs Right for you?
Below we cover what the best online LPN programs are using NCES.ed.gov data and data from the schools themselves, how to become an LPN using online courses and what the advantages/disadvantages are for perspective students, how to get started and what you can expect in your online training.
The Different Types of LPN Courses Online
There are many options for online practical nursing classes. From core classes, refresher courses and bridge programs, the options are vast and we detail them for you below.
1 – Hybrid Programs
Most online LPN programs are not 100% online and have their students do the standard classroom training online and do all clinical training in person.
2 – LPN Refresher Courses
LPN refresher classes are great for those who worked or trained to become an LPN but dropped our or stopped for some reason. You can get back on track fast with these great online classes.
3 – LPN Bridge Programs
Examples of some of the options for online LPN bridge programs are LPN to RN, LPN to ADN (associate’s degree in nursing), LPN to BSN (bachelor’s degree in nursing), LPN to MSN (master’s degree in nursing) and CNA to LPN programs. Each one is set up to allow you to work at your current level of nursing and study at the same time and set you up for success in your future.
Find Online Practical Nursing Programs Here
Make Sure Your LPN Online Training is Accredited
As we discussed above, the schools on our list of online practical nursing programs are accredited in their respective states and are accredited at a national level. When you are looking at choosing an LPN online program, make sure you check the online school accreditation status with your individual state nursing board. This guarantees your education is going to be certified by the state and you will have a bright successful future. To be eligible for certification you must graduate from an accredited program be it online or in a traditional setting.
Can you get Your Practical Nurse Certification Online?
After earning your LPN degree, there are LPN-RN and LPN-BSN programs that can be done online and they are geared towards the working nurse.
What is the Fastest Way to Become an Practical Nurse Online?
1 – Meet the entrance prerequisites for online LPN training
2 – Choose the type of LPN credential you want to go for (certificate/diploma or an associate’s degree)
3 – Enroll in an accredited online LPN training program
4 – Pass the NCLEX-PN examination
5 – Receive your LPN license
How Long do Online LPN Classes Commonly Take?
There is a great spot for online classes in the 2 and 4 year programs for online LPN training. All your general education courses and non-clinical course work can be done online. This can be a huge advantage for students for it allows you to work a job, an internship or have more of a social life while getting your online practical nursing degree. Later we will discuss more about that.
If you are considering a future career as a registered nurse, you may want to consider getting as far along in your nursing education as you can. This will make the process of taking your career to the next level smoother and much faster.
How Much to Online Practical Nurse Classes Cost?
What do LPN Online Schools Cover?
All general education classes can be done online and all of your traditional classroom training classes. Math, English, physiology, anatomy and others too. It is up to you to decide how many online LPN classes you want to take compared to traditional LPN classes. We recommend doing as much online as possible, for it will only speed up your time table and give you quicker access to certification.
What are the Best LPN Schools Online?
Schools that offer LPN online training opportunities are more common than most think. If you are at a community college for example, online LPN classes are portions of the LPN program that will be available online. The list of schools below are what we consider the top LPN online programs that are accredited and have online training programs for practical nursing available.
The Top Online LPN Schools
Arkansas State University-Newport
Online Practical Nursing Course
7648 Victory Blvd
Newport, Arkansas 72112
870-512-7800
The LPN program at Arkansas State Newport is an 11 month program with a total cost of $9,348 (this includes the cost of your books, a uniform, the testing fee and your LPN license). ASU-Newport Practical nursing degree plan for 2019-2020.
Carrington College-Sacramento and San Jose
LVN Programs Online
Sacramento Campus
8909 Folsom Blvd.
Sacramento, California 95826
916-585-7770
San Jose Campus
5883 Rue Ferrari, Ste. 125
San Jose, California 95138
408-960-0161
Carrington College Sacramento offers student financing, career services, a fixed tuition, tutoring/study groups and the inclusion of available Externships, Clinical Rotations and Fieldwork to their LVN students.
Dallas Nursing Institute
Online Vocational Nurse Training
12170 N. Abrams Road Suite 200
Dallas, Texas 75243
888-201-8806
Graduates from the DNI LVN program will get hands-on training from faculty that often be in an individual one on one setting. The program relies on the core of nurse training which is: psychology, biology, and sociology. If you take the DNI LVN training you can look forward to learning about medical terminology, patient care (assessment as well), nursing procedures, administering medications and body systems.
Holmes Community College
Practical Nursing School Online
#1 Hill St
Goodman, Mississippi 39079
800-465-6374
The Holmes CC LPN program offer traditional LPN training and a hybrid online LPN program. Enrollment in to the hybrid program requires a high diploma or a (HSE) High School Equivalency certificate and minimum of a 22 on their ACT (which is higher than their LPN traditional training program). The hybrid training is a part-time program that runs over 5 semesters and is designed to be flexible and will include all online classwork and face to face clinical training.
Hutchinson Community College
Practical Nurse Program
1300 N Plum St
Hutchinson, Kansas 67501
620-665-3500
The full time LPN program is 10 months in length and the part time program is 18 months in length. All applicants must get a C grade or higher in General Psychology Human Anatomy & Physiology w/lab, Nutrition and Human Growth & Development before they can apply for the program. Hutchinson Community College checklist for aspiring LPN students.
Lake Area Technical Institute
Practical Nursing E-Degree Program
1201 Arrow Avenue
Watertown, South Dakota 57201
605-882-LATI or 800-657-4344
Lake Area Technical Institute has a wonderful E-degree LPN training course that combines online classroom education with hands on clinical training. The full time program is 11 months long and the part time program is 23 months long.
North Central Missouri College
LPN Online Training
1301 Main St
Trenton, Missouri 64683
660-359-3948
Students in the PN program at North Central Missouri College can take their general education classes before they enroll in to the nursing program or they can take them at the same time (online or in traditional classes). Non education requirements include passing a background check, passing a drug test and having current immunizations. See the full requirement breakdown here. Curriculum for the program can be seen here. Here is a link to the cost structure for the program.
Northland Community and Technical College
Practical Nursing Courses Online
PO Box 309
Perham, MN 56573
800-657-3930
Northland Community and Technical College LPN training program is 3 semesters in length and the training courses included in the program are anatomy. physiology, medical terminology and nursing assisting to just name a few before you even get to the practical nursing training classes. The last semester has five courses that really set you up for your career and future. They Transition to Practice, Maternal/Newborn, Invasive Nursing Therapies, Nursing Concepts II and Clinical Care II. The total credits of the program is 44 credits (1st semester 16, 2nd semester 13 and 3rd is 15).
Northwest Technical College
Online Practical Nurse Classes
905 Grant Avenue SE
Bemidji, Minnesota 56601
218-333-6600 or 800-942-8324
Approved by the Higher Learning Commission, (ACEN) Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Minnesota Board of Nursing, the Northwest Technical College LPN diploma program is a 38 credit diploma program. Students who finish the diploma program have the option of completing the associates degree program in nursing as well.
Rasmussen College-Florida
Ocala Campus
4755 Southwest 46th Court
Ocala, Florida 34474
888-549-6755
St. Cloud Campus
226 Park Avenue South
St. Cloud, Minnesota 56301
888-549-6755
Fargo Campus
4012 19th Avenue SW
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
888-549-6755
LPN training at Rasmussen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, (ACEN) Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the State Boards in the respective states the program is located. There is a great option called Flex-Choice which gives access to online education for your LPN training and it uses competency based education. The program can be completed in as little as 12 months and can be done on campus or online.
South Piedmont Community College
Online Practical Nurse Classes
680 Highway 74 West
Polkton, North Carolina 28135
704-272-5300
The South Piedmont CC LPN program curriculum prepares their students to be able to assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care. Check out their application requirements booklet and guide here.
What to Expect in your Practical Nursing Program Online
Online classes will be all online for that subject and course. Typically the time-frame for these courses are shorter and can be done at a faster pace. There is an online software program that will be used and will provide all the communication tools you will need to succeed. All communication with your teachers and professors will be done an the online chatroom, over messaging or email. Most online education platforms are getting better and better every year and should be a smooth experience for you.
Clinical training sessions must always be done in person and the clinical programs are designed to work with and even and compliment the LPN online training programs. The clinical sections of training is all the hands-on work that as you can imagine, must be done in a hands-on environment. Be sure you check with your perspective school about clinical training.
Clinical training will demand campus visitation but other than that you will find yourself being able to be in the comforts of your own home for most of the time tat you are studying for your practical nursing education.
A stable working computer and internet connection is all that is needed for your success. If you can stream Netflix than your internet is just fine for LPN training online. Just be sure to avoid large internet or computer problems. Any outages can be problematic and expensive.
What are the advantages of LPN Classes Online?
1 – Save $$$ – Classes are cheaper across the board for all subjects online
2 – Save your own time – Spend less time in classrooms
3 – Set your own schedule – When to study is up to you and on your schedule
4 – Set your pace – The faster you go, the faster you get your online LPN certification
5 – Spend more with family – Less time class and more time at home with family is better
