10 Best LPN Programs in the U.S. | Accredited Online LPN Programs 2025
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. Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College is a public school in Bismarck, ND. It offers an 11-month practical nursing certificate that combines LPN online classes with lab and simulation practices at each of the school's locations. Clinical opportunities are arranged locally.
The college is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and all its nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Its most recent graduating class had a 100% pass rate for the NCLEX-PN. Upon completion of the program, students are encouraged to continue their studies with the school's LPN to Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.
2. Holmes Community College
At Holmes Community College, students can earn a practical nursing career certificate in a hybrid format. This part-time LPN program takes five semesters to complete, with online lectures and face-to-face lab and clinical portions, either on campus or at a local healthcare facility.
This public community college is located in Goodman, MS, and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The most recent cohort had a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN exam.
3. Lake Area Technical College
Lake Area Technical College offers two hybrid options for its LPN programs: an 11-month, full-time program, and an 18-month, part-time program. Students can fulfill their simulation lab and clinical requirements at a handful of locations across South Dakota and Minnesota. The public college is based in Watertown, SD.
This program has a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate and a 99% placement rate. It also allows students to continue their studies with a registered nursing program. The technical school is regionally accredited by the HLC and its nursing programs hold accreditation through the ACEN.
4. Northwest Technical College
A 41-credit, hybrid practical nursing program is available at Northwest Technical College. It prepares nurses to provide bedside care and interact closely with patients. The program most recently has a 100% pass rate for the NCLEX-RN.
NTC, a public technical college, is located in Bemidji, MN. The school is accredited by the HLC and its nursing degrees and programs are accredited by the ACEN. An LPN-to-RN program is also available for students.
5. Verve College
Verve College is a for-profit nursing school based in Oak Brook, IL, with an additional campus in Chicago. It offers a hybrid practical nursing certificate program that prepares students to provide nursing care for sick, injured, and otherwise disabled health patients.
The college is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Educational Schools (ABHES). In the most recent class for this certificate, 93% of students passed the NCLEX-PN on their first try and were able to receive their LPN license.
6. Montana State University Billings
At Montana State University Billings, students can earn a Certificate of Applied Science in practical nursing in a hybrid format. They can complete the majority of their coursework online, with just a few visits to campus, and do clinical practice hours at an approved site where they live.
The public school, based in Billings, MT, is accredited by the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). About 80% of students in the most recent cohort passed their NCLEX_PN on the first try.
7. Rasmussen University
Rasmussen University offers a hybrid practical nursing diploma that allows students to finish within one year of full-time study. The for-profit institution offers this program through campuses in Minnesota and Florida. Students take online courses for LPNs and then complete labs and clinicals on-site.
NCLEX-RN pass rates vary by campus but range from 78% to 98%. The university is accredited by the HLC and its nursing programs are accredited by the ACEN.
8. ATA College
An associate degree in practical nursing is available in a hybrid format through ATA College. The program is designed to provide the flexibility of online classes while still focusing on the benefit of hands-on training in on-campus labs.
The for-profit school is based in Louisville, KY, but this program is also available at campuses in Florida, Ohio, and Oklahoma. The school is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools and its most recent NCLEX-PN pass rate was 73%.
9. Pinellas Technical College
Pinellas Technical College is a public school with campuses in St. Petersburg and Clearwater, FL. It offers a hybrid practical nursing program that allows students to take the majority of their coursework online and complete clinical experience hours in local healthcare settings.
The vocational college is nationally accredited through the Council on Occupational Education. About 66% of students in the previous school year passed their NCLEX-PN and earned their licensure on the first try.
10. Tennessee College of Applied Technology McMinnville
Through the Tennessee College of Applied Technology McMinnville, students can earn a practical nursing diploma in a hybrid format. The program requires students to be on campus on Mondays and Wednesdays and complete LPN online classes the rest of the week.
While NCLEX pass rates aren't available for the McMinnville campus, other TCAT campuses range from a first-time pass rate of 83% to 100%. The school is nationally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.
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.