18 Best LPN Programs in the U.S. | Accredited Online LPN Programs 2026
Several accredited colleges and universities across the U.S. allow busy students to complete their LPN or LVN program in an online or hybrid format to work as a licensed nurse.
Licensed practical nurses (LPN), also called licensed vocational nurses (LVN) if you're in California or Texas, provide basic care for patients, such as checking vital signs. To become an LPN or LVN, you must complete an LPN program, take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for practical nursing (NCLEX-RN), and earn your LPN license from your state's Board of Nursing.
For students who can't dedicate the time required to learn on campus, some schools offer online LPN schools and in a hybrid format. Keep reading to discover the best online LPN programs in the U.S.
Best Online LPN Programs in the U.S.
While it isn't possible to complete an LPN program completely online, there are several colleges throughout the U.S. that offer hybrid options. These programs allow students to complete the bulk of their coursework online, while the hands-on labs should be completed on campus. We've highlighted some best LPN programs available in a hybrid format from across the U.S. below.
1. Ashland Community Technical College
Ashland Community and Technical College is located in Ashland, Kentucky, and is part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. The college is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), supporting the quality and transferability of its programs.
The LPN program includes a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on lab work, and supervised clinical experiences. While some coursework may be offered online, students are required to complete in-person components for skills training and patient care. The program covers core topics such as fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
2. ATA College
ATA College is located in Louisville, Kentucky, and focuses on career-oriented programs in health care and skilled trades. The school offers training designed to help students move into the workforce quickly.
The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Its practical nursing program combines online coursework with in-person labs and clinical experiences. Students study topics like patient care, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals, with an emphasis on preparing for licensure and entry-level nursing roles.
3. Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College is a public institution known for its strong focus on technical and career education. It offers a range of health care programs designed to meet regional workforce needs.
Located in Bismarck, North Dakota, the college is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The practical nursing certificate program includes a blend of online and in-person learning, with required labs and clinical placements. Coursework covers essential areas such as nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and patient care, helping students build the skills needed for licensure.
4. Eastern Virginia Career College
Eastern Virginia Career College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), which focuses on career-oriented health education programs. The college offers specialized training in nursing and allied health fields.
Located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the practical nurse program combines online coursework with in-person labs and clinical experiences. Students complete courses in areas like anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care while gaining hands-on experience in real health care settings. The program is designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN and entry-level nursing positions.
5. Edmonds Community College
Edmonds College is located in Lynnwood, Washington, and is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The college is known for its strong workforce training programs and partnerships with local health care providers.
The practical nursing pathway includes a mix of classroom instruction, online coursework, and in-person labs and clinical experiences. Students complete courses in areas such as nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and patient care, with hands-on training required to prepare for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
6. Felbry College
Felbry College is located in Columbus, Ohio, and focuses on career-oriented programs in health care. The institution offers flexible learning options, including hybrid formats designed for working students.
The college is institutionally accredited by the ABHES. Its practical nursing program combines online coursework with in-person labs and clinical experiences. Students study topics like anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care, with an emphasis on preparing for licensure and entry-level nursing roles.
7. Herzing University
Herzing University is a private institution that offers career-focused programs across multiple campuses and online formats. Its nursing programs are designed to provide flexible pathways for students entering the field or advancing their credentials.
The university operates locations across the United States and is institutionally accredited by the HLC. Its practical nursing diploma program includes hybrid options that combine online coursework with required on-campus labs and clinical experiences. The curriculum covers nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and patient care, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN and entry-level positions.
8. Holmes Community College
Holmes Community College is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC. The college is known for offering affordable, workforce-focused programs in health care and technical fields.
Located in Goodman, Mississippi, Holmes Community College offers a practical nursing program that blends classroom instruction, online coursework, and in-person labs and clinical training. Students complete courses in nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and patient care, gaining the hands-on experience required for licensure and entry into the workforce.
9. Lake Area Technical College
Lake Area Technical College is located in Watertown, South Dakota, and is regionally accredited by the HLC. The college is known for its strong focus on career and technical education, particularly in health care fields.
The practical nursing program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with required in-person labs and clinical experiences. Students complete courses in areas like nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and patient care, with an emphasis on hands-on training and preparation for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
10. Montgomery Community College
Montgomery Community College is located in Troy, North Carolina, and serves students through a range of workforce-focused programs. The college emphasizes accessible education and hands-on training for in-demand careers.
The institution is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC. Its practical nursing program includes a combination of classroom instruction, online coursework, and in-person labs and clinical placements. Students study topics such as nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and patient care, preparing for licensure and entry-level nursing roles.
11. North Central Texas College
North Central Texas College offers career-focused health science programs designed to prepare students for licensure and workforce entry. Its practical nursing pathway supports students pursuing roles in a variety of health care settings.
Located in Gainesville, Texas, the college is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC. The practical nursing program blends online coursework with in-person labs and clinical experiences. Students complete training in areas such as patient care, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals, helping them build the skills needed for the NCLEX-PN exam.
12. Northwest Technical College
Northwest Technical College is regionally accredited by the HLC and is known for its hands-on, career-oriented programs. The college focuses on preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce.
Located in Bemidji, Minnesota, Northwest Technical College offers a practical nursing diploma program that combines classroom learning, online components, and in-person labs and clinical training. The curriculum includes nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and patient care, providing students with the experience needed for licensure and employment.
13. Pinellas Technical College
Pinellas Technical College is located in Clearwater, Florida, and serves students through career-focused training programs across the Tampa Bay area. The institution is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), which supports its focus on workforce and technical education.
The practical nursing program includes a combination of classroom instruction, online coursework, and in-person labs and clinical experiences. Students complete training in areas such as nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and patient care, preparing them for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam and entry-level nursing roles.
14. Rasmussen University
Rasmussen University is based in Bloomington, Minnesota, and operates multiple campuses across the United States, along with online learning options. The university focuses on career-oriented programs in health care and other in-demand fields.
The institution is accredited by the HLC. Its practical nursing program is offered in a hybrid format that combines online coursework with on-campus labs and clinical experiences. Students study topics like nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and patient care, with a curriculum designed to prepare them for licensure and workforce entry.
15. Tennessee College of Applied Technology
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology is part of a statewide system focused on workforce development and technical education. Its programs are designed to provide hands-on training for high-demand careers, including nursing.
Located in McMinnville, Tennessee, the college is accredited by the COE. The hybrid practical nursing program blends online coursework with in-person labs and clinical training. Students complete courses in areas such as patient care, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals, gaining the experience needed for the NCLEX-PN exam.
16. Verve College
Verve College is institutionally accredited by the ABHES and focuses on health care training programs. The college emphasizes practical, hands-on learning to prepare students for entry-level roles.
Located in Chicago, Illinois, Verve College offers a practical nursing program that combines online coursework with required in-person labs and clinical experiences. The curriculum includes nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and patient care, helping students build the skills needed for licensure and employment.
17. West Virginia Junior College
West Virginia Junior College is located in Charleston, West Virginia, and operates multiple campuses across the state. The college is institutionally accredited by the ACCSC and focuses on career-oriented programs in health care and skilled trades.
The practical nursing program is offered in a hybrid format that combines online coursework with in-person labs and clinical experiences. Students complete training in areas such as nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and patient care, with an emphasis on preparing for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam and entry-level nursing roles.
18. Western Iowa Technical Community College
Western Iowa Technical Community College is located in Sioux City, Iowa, and serves students through a range of career and technical education programs. The college emphasizes hands-on training and workforce readiness.
The institution is regionally accredited by the HLC. Its practical nursing program includes a blend of classroom instruction, online coursework, and in-person labs and clinical placements. Students study topics such as nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and patient care, gaining the skills needed for licensure and employment.
Our Selection Criteria
To choose the best LPN programs for this list, our methodology focused on:
- Program options: We started by looking for schools offering online or hybrid LVN/LPN programs.
- Accreditation: We looked first at schools that are regionally accredited, then expanded our search to nationally accredited schools. Accreditation is required for online colleges that accept FAFSA.
- Pass rate: We then chose schools with the highest NCLEX-PN pass rates.
What To Expect from an Online Licensed Practical Nurse Program
To apply to a hybrid or online accredited LPN program, you'll typically need to have a high school diploma. You may also need to have a minimum GPA, but this requirement varies by college. Some schools also require certain prerequisite courses before you can enroll in the nursing program.
LPN programs can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete depending on the program you choose, whether you pick a full-time or part-time LPN program, and whether you have prior experience, like working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA).
When you choose to complete your nursing education in a hybrid format, you'll typically take lecture-style classes online. The online courses for LPNs often include topics like:
- basic anatomy
- IV therapy
- medical and surgical nursing
- mental health
- nursing fundamentals
- patient care
- pharmacology
- specialty areas in nursing (e.g., pediatrics or gerontology)
Note that specific LPN course requirements can depend on the school and the state's Board of Nursing.
You'll likely need to complete your hands-on labs on campus, as well as a clinical experience in person as well. Before you can start your clinical hours, you may need to pass a criminal background check and have proof that your vaccines are up to date.
Fast-Track LPN Programs
Fast-track LPN programs are exactly what they sound like: they provide the fastest way to become an LPN. The 12-month LPN programs are the most common, and several of the programs above allow students to finish in about a year.
Some schools also offer 9-month LPN programs and even 6-month LPN programs. These are often more geared toward students who have their CNA license.
FAQs About Online Accredited LPN Programs
Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online accredited LPN programs.
Are Online LPN Programs Worth It?
For many students, online LPN programs are worth it. These programs allow them to learn the competencies and practical skills needed to become practical or vocational nurses but still give them flexibility in their schedules.
What Are the Career Paths for LPN Degree Program Graduates?
By completing an LPN or LVN program and obtaining licensure, you can work as a licensed practical or vocational nurse. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for LVNs and LPNs are expected to increase by 3% over the next decade.
LPNs and LVNs work in various healthcare settings, including:
- home healthcare services
- hospitals
- long-term care facilities and nursing homes
- physician offices
Many students choose to continue their education by earning an ADN degree to become a registered nurse, and some choose to go further and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). BSN programs can often be completed online as well. To become a nurse practitioner, you'll need at least a master's degree.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse?
The amount of time it takes to become a licensed practical nurse depends on two key factors: how long it takes you to complete your LPN program and how long it takes you to pass the NCLEX-PN. Many students can do both within a year.
LPN Programs Near Me
Start your path toward becoming an LPN today by exploring the online accredited LPN programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.
