Which Schools Offer an Online LPN Certificate Program?

Because of the extensive clinical training required to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), fully online certificate programs are rare. However, many colleges and universities offer hybrid or on-campus programs for aspiring licensed practical nurses. Read on to learn about a few of them.

Schools Offering Online LPN Certificates

Licensed practical nurse (LPN) certificate programs focus on basic patient care and other duties of entry-level nurses. These programs are mainly offered in on-campus environments such as community colleges, vocational schools and nurse training centers, although there are some online hybrid programs available. LPN programs may take as little as three semesters to complete. After earning your certificate, you'll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN), which is administered through your state's board of nursing. Listed below are three schools offering hybrid LPN programs.

Important Facts About Online LPN Certificate Programs

Online Availability	Partial
Degree Level	Associates
Prerequisites	Biology, algebra, minimum GPA requirements
Work Environment	Hospitals, extended care facilities, home health care agencies, state and federal health-related facilities, the armed services, private duty nursing, clinics, and office settings.
Median Salary (2021)	$48,070 (for all licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses)
Job Outlook (2021-2031)	6% growth (for all licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Clatsop Community College

Clatsop Community College, located in Astoria, OR, offers a hybrid certificate program in practical nursing. This program typically takes four quarters to complete and involves classroom instruction and practical experience in a clinical environment. While some of the coursework may be completed online, the clinical training and laboratory components must be completed in a classroom or clinical environment. At the end of the program, you'll be prepared to take the NCLEX-PN examination.

Pratt Community College

Pratt Community College is a 2-year community and vocational college located in Pratt, KS, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. You can earn LPN certification through the college's LPN program. This is a hybrid program that combines online courses with practical experience obtained in a clinical environment. You should expect to devote about a year to this program. Some of the essential topics covered in core courses include:

Anatomy and physiology
General psychology
Microbiology
Nursing theory
Leadership and management theory for health careers

Riverland Community College

Riverland Community College has three campuses located in the cities of Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna, MN. It offers a 38-credit diploma program that can, after one year, lead to several different opportunities. After the first year, you can either elect to take the NCLEX- PN examination or continue on to the second year of the program to obtain an associate's degree in nursing. Some of the general education courses may be taken online depending on the schedule. Comprehensive lecture courses cover key theories and topics such as:

Introductory chemistry
Basic nursing concepts
Advanced anatomy and physiology
Family nursing
Administration techniques of medicine