Self-Paced LPN Programs: Easiest LPN Programs Online 2025

If you're looking to start a career in nursing as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) but need flexibility, self-paced LPN programs may offer the right balance. These programs typically combine online coursework with scheduled clinical training, allowing you to learn without putting your life on hold.

Many self-paced online colleges support hybrid formats designed for busy adults. Whether you're juggling work, family, or other responsibilities, these programs offer a flexible path to licensure. Read on to find one that fits your life.

Can You Really Complete an LPN Program at Your Own Pace?

You can't truly finish an accredited LPN program entirely at your own pace. State boards mandate fixed clinical hours, supervised patient-care experiences, and real-time skill assessments. Even hybrid or flexible-track options still require scheduled labs and clinical rotations under supervision to meet accreditation and licensure standards.

Why LPN Programs Can't Be Fully Self-Paced

LPN programs require structured clinical training to meet state board and accreditation standards. Students attending nursing school must complete supervised hands-on care and pass real-time evaluations. These elements can't be self-paced, as patient safety and competency assessments demand scheduled, in-person participation to ensure proper licensure eligibility and professional preparedness.

What ''Self-Paced'' Means in a Practical Nursing Program

In practical nursing, ''self-paced'' typically means flexible scheduling rather than full independence. Many accelerated LPN programs offer asynchronous online theory courses, part-time options, or extended timelines. These formats help working adults balance school and personal responsibilities while still meeting the structured clinical and hands-on training requirements for licensure.

10 Flexible or Hybrid LPN Programs Online

Explore some of the best accredited online LPN programs that offer flexible or hybrid formats designed for busy or working adults.

1. Laramie County Community College

LCCC's Practical Nursing (PN) program features asynchronous online instruction, paired with two residency semesters on campus and a capstone residency in the student's home community. Designed for rural access, it emphasizes real-world clinical practice in local settings and ensures compliance with Wyoming Board of Nursing residency, lab, and clinical hour mandates.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,613
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Wyoming State Board of Nursing

2. Tennessee College of Applied Technology McMinnville

TCAT McMinnville delivers a 12-month hybrid Practical Nursing diploma combining online theory with on-campus labs and clinical experiences. Students complete 1,296 clock hours, gaining supervised, hands-on experience in patient care. The curriculum closely parallels on-campus nursing courses with flexible scheduling for those balancing work and school.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,760
• Accreditation: Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and the Tennessee Board of Nursing

3. Lake Area Technical College

Lake Area Technical College's hybrid Practical Nursing e-degree offers online coursework with scheduled in-person labs and clinical rotations. Students complete state-mandated clinical hours across various healthcare settings. The program follows a competency-based instruction model and offers flexibility, with rolling admissions and evening or weekend lab scheduling options for working students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,718
• Accreditation: HLC and the South Dakota Board of Nursing

4. Herzing University

Herzing University offers a 12-month practical nursing diploma through a hybrid format combining online general education courses with in-person labs and supervised clinical rotations at one of its regional campuses, located in Ohio, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, or Wisconsin. Rolling enrollment accommodates working adults balancing their education and their busy lives.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,450
• Accreditation: HLC and state Boards of Nursing

5. ATA College

ATA College offers a 15-month hybrid online practical nursing program, featuring asynchronous online coursework and on-campus labs paired with supervised off-site clinical rotations. This accelerated LPN program supports adult learners with flexible pacing, while ensuring hands-on experience and preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) .

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,200
• Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and the Kentucky Board of Nursing

6. United Career Institute

United Career Institute's 12-month practical nursing diploma blends fully online didactic instruction with required on-campus labs and clinical rotations at healthcare facilities across Pennsylvania. Coursework includes anatomy, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, IV therapy, maternal health, and NCLEX-PN test prep. Rolling admissions allow students to begin as soon as educational requirements are met.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,798
• Accreditation: ABHES and the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

7. West Virginia Junior College

WVJC's 12-month hybrid Practical Nursing diploma combines asynchronous theory courses with scheduled campus labs and clinical placements at regional healthcare facilities. The training program covers anatomy, pharmacology, maternal-child health, medical-surgical care, and supervised bedside training under the direction of licensed instructors. Clinical scheduling is coordinated to meet state licensure requirements.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,798
• Accreditation: ABHES and the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurse

8. Pennsylvania Institute of Technology

Pennsylvania Institute of Technology offers a 12-month nursing certificate combining integrated lectures, laboratory training, and in-clinic experiences led by expert healthcare professionals.

With small class sizes (15:1 student-faculty ratio), students receive personalized support and hands-on training in pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, acute care, maternal-child health, and clinical specialties. The structure ensures competency readiness for NCLEX-PN and employment in diverse healthcare settings.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,850
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

9. Ross Medical Education Center

Ross offers a 48-week hybrid Practical Nursing diploma in Ohio, with approximately 398 hours of clinical contact, alongside distance-delivered theory. Nursing students must attend in-person labs at one of Ross's campuses. Clinical experiences include elder nursing care, medical-surgical, mental health, pediatric, and obstetric rotations in supervised settings.

• Estimated tuition cost: $16,297
• Accreditation: ABHES and the Ohio Board of Nursing

10. Chancellor Institute

Chancellor Institute offers a 15-month hybrid practical nursing program that blends online coursework with on-campus nursing skills labs and clinical training. Designed for adult learners, it provides flexibility without sacrificing the structure required for the entrance exam and licensure. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized support, and career-focused preparation in a rigorous yet accommodating format.

• Estimated tuition cost: $18,990
• Accreditation: ABHES and the Florida Board of Nursing

How We Rank Schools

Looking for the right LPN program? Before exploring your options for a flexible, accredited practical nursing education, understand how we choose the best nursing programs.

• Accreditation: We prioritize schools that hold institutional accreditation and state board approval to ensure the program meets professional and educational standards.
• Program format: Programs offering hybrid, evening, online learning, or other flexible formats receive higher consideration for supporting students with varied schedules and commitments.
• Program reputation: We consider factors like graduate outcomes, community partnerships, availability of financial aid, and employer recognition to evaluate each online nursing program's standing in the field.

What To Look For in a Flexible or Hybrid LPN Program

When choosing a flexible or hybrid LPN program, be sure it's board-approved in your state and combines online theory with in-person simulations and training. Look for nursing practice options with weekend, evening, or extended schedules and strong local healthcare partnerships for clinical placements.

Programs that offer support for NCLEX-PN exam preparation and allow you to complete self-paced nursing prerequisites can help you progress more efficiently while balancing work and family commitments. These features ensure both convenience and compliance with licensure requirements.

FAQs About Self-Paced and Online LPN Programs

We've compiled some common frequently asked questions about flexible LPN programs to support your search and decision-making process.

What Is the Fastest LPN Program?

The fastest LPN programs typically take 12 to 15 months to complete. Schools like United Career Institute and WVJC offer hybrid formats that combine online coursework with hands-on clinicals. These options provide the shortest time to become an LPN while still meeting state licensure and accreditation requirements for a nursing education.

How Long Does an Online or Hybrid LPN Program Take?

Online or hybrid LPN programs typically take 12 to 15 months to complete. While formats may vary, students must still meet clinical hour requirements and pass real-time assessments, which prevents programs from being significantly shorter than their in-person counterparts, even with flexible or partially online delivery.

Can I Become an LPN in 6 Months?

Becoming an LPN in just six months is not realistic due to required clinical hours, lab training, and state licensure standards. Even the fastest programs take about a year to complete, as they must ensure students are fully prepared for safe patient care and the NCLEX-PN exam.

Are Online LPN Programs Legitimate and Accredited?

Legitimate online LPN programs are institutionally accredited and approved by the appropriate state board of nursing. While coursework may be delivered online, these programs still include in-person clinicals and skills labs, ensuring they meet professional and licensure standards for entry into the nursing career.

Can I Work While Enrolled in a Hybrid LPN Program?

Yes, many hybrid LPN diploma programs are designed with working students in mind. Evening, weekend, and part-time options make it possible to balance coursework, clinicals, and employment, though students should be prepared for a rigorous, full-time schedule during hands-on training periods.

Discover Flexible LPN Programs

Explore more self-paced and flexible educational programs on Learn.org. Find the right path toward your future career goals.