15 Fast Track LPN Programs Online | 3, 6, 9, 12 Month Programs 2026
Updated on:
April 27, 2026
Several colleges across the U.S. offer accelerated LPN programs for students to fast-track their careers. Many also allow students to take some courses online.
The best accredited LPN programs give students a thorough understanding of practical nursing (or vocational nursing if you're in California or Texas). They also prepare students to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), which is necessary for LPN and LVN licensure.
Students looking to fast-track their education can enroll in accelerated LPN program. You'll easily be able to find 12-month LPN programs, but nine-month LPN programs are also pretty common. Sometimes these programs offer some of the coursework online, which can be a huge benefit for busy adult learners. Keep reading to discover accelerated LPN programs online.
Accelerated LPN Programs Online
It's important to note that there are no vocational or practical nursing programs that allow students to complete all of their coursework completely online. LVN/LPN programs by nature require students to take some courses on campus and to complete in-person clinical rotations.
This is especially true when it comes to the shortest LPN programs, as these programs require intensive learning. However, some of these programs still allow you to become an LPN fast while offering a portion of the coursework online.
For accelerated LPN programs, online learning is usually for prerequisites or general education courses, but some offer a few lecture-style nursing courses online as well. Below, we've listed some of the fastest LPN programs that also have some online courses.
1. Anoka Technical College
Anoka Technical College, located in Anoka, Minnesota, offers a practical nursing diploma program designed for students seeking a relatively fast path into the field. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and its nursing programs hold accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
The program can typically be completed in two semesters for students who have already finished prerequisite coursework, making it a strong fast-track option. Some program requirements are available online, though clinical training and hands-on labs must be completed in person. Graduates have an average NCLEX-PN pass rate of 91.19% and a job placement rate of about 90%, reflecting solid outcomes for entry-level nursing roles.
2. Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College is located in Bismarck, North Dakota, and offers a practical nursing certificate designed for students who want to enter the workforce quickly. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience in local health care settings.
The college is accredited by the HLC, and its nursing programs are accredited by the ACEN. The practical nursing certificate can typically be completed in about 11 months. Some coursework is delivered online or through the Interactive Video Network (IVN) system, giving students added flexibility, while labs and clinical components are completed in person to meet licensing requirements.
3. Casper College
Casper College, located in Casper, Wyoming, offers a practical nursing program with strong student outcomes, including an average NCLEX-PN pass rate of 97.14%. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles through a mix of coursework and supervised clinical experience.
The college is accredited by the HLC, and its nursing programs are accredited by the ACEN. For students who have already completed prerequisite requirements, the program can typically be finished in two semesters. Many prerequisite courses are available online, but the core nursing curriculum includes in-person labs and clinical training to meet licensure standards.
4. Central Texas College
Central Texas College, located in Killeen, Texas, is a public community college that offers a vocational nursing certificate for students who have already completed prerequisite coursework. The program combines nursing theory with hands-on clinical training to prepare students for entry-level practical nursing roles.
The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and its nursing programs are approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. The vocational nursing program can typically be completed in about nine months of full-time study. Some courses are available online, but students are required to complete in-person labs and clinical experiences. The program reported an NCLEX-PN pass rate of 84.21% in the most recent year available.
5. Eastern Virginia Career College
Eastern Virginia Career College offers a practical nursing program designed to prepare students for entry-level roles through a combination of online coursework and hands-on training. The theoretical portion of the program is delivered online, giving students flexibility, while labs and clinical experiences are completed in person to meet licensure requirements. Recent outcomes include an 88% NCLEX-PN pass rate and a 100% employment rate, indicating strong graduate success.
The college is located in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Eastern Virginia Career College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), and its practical nursing program is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing. Program length typically ranges around 12 months, depending on scheduling and enrollment pace.
6. Herzing University
Herzing University is institutionally accredited by the HLC, and its practical nursing programs are approved by state nursing boards in the regions where they are offered. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam through a combination of foundational knowledge and hands-on training.
Herzing University has multiple campus locations across the United States, including options in states like Wisconsin, Florida, and Ohio. The practical nursing diploma program can typically be completed in about 12 months. Students may complete general education courses online, while core nursing classes, labs, and clinical experiences are conducted on campus to meet licensing requirements.
7. Hondros College of Nursing
Hondros College of Nursing is institutionally accredited by the ABHES, and its practical nursing program is approved by the state boards of nursing where its campuses are located. The program is designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam through a blend of classroom instruction, skills labs, and clinical experiences.
The college operates multiple campuses across states such as Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. The practical nursing diploma can typically be completed in about 12 months. Some coursework may be available online depending on the campus, but core nursing classes, labs, and clinical training are completed in person to meet licensure requirements.
8. Illinois Valley Community College
Illinois Valley Community College is a public school in Oglesby, IL. It offers a three-semester nine-month licensed practical nursing certificate that prepares students for an active role in the healthcare industry through classroom, laboratory, and hands-on experiences in modern, high-tech healthcare facilities.
While most nursing courses are in-person, some general education courses, like English Composition I, are offered online. IVCC has had a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate in recent years and is accredited by the HLC.
9. Highland Community College
Highland Community College, accredited by the HLC, offers a nine-month LPN program. The public college is based in Highland, KS, but the nursing school is located at the campus in Atchison, KS.
The program requires a few prerequisite courses, some of which can be taken online, and some of the nursing courses are available online as well. The program has an average 95% pass rate for the NCLEX-PN.
10. Mountainland Technical College
TMountainland Technical College offers a practical nursing program focused on preparing students for licensure and entry-level nursing roles through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. The program includes some hybrid coursework, allowing students to complete select components online while still participating in in-person labs and clinical experiences. Recent data shows a 100% licensure rate, reflecting strong student outcomes.
The college is located in Lehi, Utah, and serves students across Utah County. Mountainland Technical College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), and its practical nursing program is approved by the Utah Board of Nursing. The program can typically be completed in two semesters for students who meet admission requirements.
11. Johnson Community College
Students at Johnson County Community College can complete a practical nursing certificate in about nine months, making it a solid fast-track option for entering the field. The program provides hands-on training across key areas such as pediatrics, gerontology, and mental health, helping students build a well-rounded foundation for practical nursing roles.
Johnson County Community College, located in Overland Park, Kansas, is accredited by the HLC, and its nursing programs are approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. The program reports an average NCLEX-PN pass rate of around 90%. Some coursework is available online, while labs and clinical experiences are completed in person to meet licensure requirements.
12. Lake Area Technical College
Lake Area Technical College offers a practical nursing program designed to prepare students for licensure through a mix of classroom instruction, labs, and clinical experiences. The program follows a hybrid format, allowing students to complete some coursework online while still gaining hands-on training in person. Graduates have achieved NCLEX-PN pass rates above 96% over the past five years, reflecting consistently strong outcomes.
The college is located in Watertown, South Dakota, and is accredited by the HLC. Its nursing programs are accredited by the ACEN. The full-time practical nursing program can typically be completed in about 11 months, making it a solid fast-track option for students entering the field.
13. Montgomery Community College
At Montgomery Community College, students can earn a practical nursing diploma in nine months. The diploma program gives students the knowledge and skills to provide nursing care to children and adults. It's offered in a blended format, with in-person courses that meet three to four days each week.
The community college, located in Troy, NC, has had an average NCLEX-PN pass rate of 96% over the last three years. The school is accredited by the SACSCOC.
14. North Central Texas College
North Central Texas College, located in Gainesville, Texas, offers a vocational nursing program designed for students seeking a fast path into the field. The college is accredited by the SACSCOC, and its nursing programs are approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. The program reported a 98% NCLEX-PN pass rate for the most recent year available, reflecting strong student outcomes.
The program can typically be completed in about 12 months and includes both online and hybrid learning options. While some coursework may be completed online, students are required to participate in in-person labs and clinical experiences to meet licensure requirements.
15. West Virginia Junior College
West Virginia Junior College has multiple campus locations across West Virginia, including Morgantown, Charleston, and Bridgeport, and offers a practical nursing program designed for students seeking a flexible, career-focused path. The program follows a hybrid format, combining online coursework with in-person labs and clinical experiences to prepare students for licensure. The program can typically be completed in about 12 months.
The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), and its practical nursing program is approved by the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses.
What Does a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Do?
Licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses are nurses who provide basic medical care to patients. Their job duties may include:
- checking patient vital signs
- providing basic care like changing bandages
- assisting patients with daily tasks like eating, bathing, or dressing
- documenting patient care
Their tasks require less medical knowledge than those of registered nurses (RNs), who are required to do things like administer medication, operate medical equipment, and perform diagnostic tests. However, LPNs and LVNs still need to have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of nursing and patient care.
LPNs and LVNs can work in several healthcare settings, including:
- nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- hospitals
- home healthcare services
- physician offices
The specific tasks an LPN or LVN may do can greatly depend on the care setting in which they work.
What To Expect From Fast-Track LPN Programs and Licensure
Accelerated LPN programs are designed to help nursing students learn the fundamentals of the nursing field in under one year. With an online fast-track medical LPN program, you'll be able to take some of your courses through distance learning. However, you'll still need to complete some components in person, including real-world clinical experiences.
Once you've completed your program, you'll be prepared to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. If you pass that, you can earn your LPN license through your state board and begin your nursing profession.
If you're ever interested in furthering your nursing career, many schools offer LPN to RN pathways. This allows LPNs to leverage their existing education and experience to become registered nurses (RNs). There are even 6-month online LPN to RN programs designed to help working nurses quickly advance their careers on their own schedules.
Coursework in Accelerated LPN Programs
Common LPN course requirements often include topics like:
- anatomy and physiology
- basic nursing skills
- clinical judgment
- gerontology
- mental health
- patient care
- pediatrics
- pharmacology
These courses not only help you develop strong nursing skills but also help you develop soft skills like critical thinking and problem-solving.
Benefits of Fast Track Medical LPN Online Programs
The key benefit of a fast-track medical LPN program is the ability to enter the workforce quickly. A full-time LPN program often lets you earn your license and begin your nursing career in less than a year.
Those with online components have the added benefit of flexibility. Most online courses allow you to complete your coursework on your own time, meaning you can still take care of other responsibilities like childcare or work while learning.
FAQs About the Fastest LPN Programs Online
If you still have some questions about completing an online LPN program, we've answered some frequently asked questions about becoming an LPN, how much a program may cost, and more.
What Is the Fastest Way To Become an LPN?
Since the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts around 54,000 LPN job openings each year, you may want to become an LPN quickly. The fastest way to become an LPN is to look for the quickest LPN programs. You may be able to find six-month LPN programs or even three-month LPN programs, but these aren't nearly as common as six and 12-month programs.
If you have previous college experience, transferring these credits may allow you to finish more quickly. Additionally, focusing on your coursework so you don't have to retake any classes will get you to licensure faster.
How Much Does an Accelerated Online LPN Program Cost?
The cost of an accelerated online LPN program can range anywhere from about $5,000 to $10,000. It depends on several factors, like the state you live in, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, and whether you have previous college credits.
To help lower costs, look for online colleges that accept financial aid. This allows you to use scholarships and grants toward your tuition.
Are Online Fast Track LPN Programs Accredited?
All of the programs listed above hold regional accreditation. However, not all fast-track LPN programs are accredited. Always check a program's accreditation before enrolling; regional accreditation is usually better than national.
What Are the Prerequisites for Enrolling in an Accelerated LPN Program Online?
When choosing a fast-track medical LPN program, keep in mind that many have specific admissions requirements. These often include:
- a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- passing a background check
- being up-to-date on immunizations
- completing prerequisite courses
- having a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license
Some programs may also require an entrance exam.
Discover Online LPN Programs Today
Find the perfect online LPN program today by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools in your state to learn more about admissions, financial aid, and program format. Find a fast-track LPN program in your state below: