Virginia LPN Programs

Browse our list of state approved LPN certification programs

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse in the United States, one has to attend an approved nursing school program. In Virginia, the minimum requirement to enroll is having a high school diploma. After attending an LPN program, one has to pass a licensure exam specifically designed for Practical Nurses known as the NCLEX-PN examination. The education program takes about one year to complete and during this time, students are taught in classrooms and in actual medical care facilities. Students learn nursing basics, patient ailments, how to bathe and dress patients, the physical body and how to properly administer medication. Licensed Practical Nurses take vital signs including blood tests, temperature, height and weight; they also do vaccination work, care for pregnant women and assist in the delivery newborn babies.

The state of Virginia uses what is called The Commonwealth Competencies to measure the skills and knowledge of employees. Under this umbrella is a system of measuring career advancement and the pay structure related to it. The average LPN salary in Virginia is $58,102 per year in 2024. Earnings may increase due to differences in work experience, employer, work shifts and current economic climate.

An LPN may also receive licensure in the state of Virginia if they performed in a similar role in another state and apply for license via reciprocity. Reciprocity applicants will need to pass a clinical test where basic nursing and personal care skills, recognition of mental health and social services needs, restorative services and patient’s rights are challenged. LPNs who want to move up in the field of nursing can pursue higher levels of education and higher professional nursing designations. One common path is earning a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and becoming a licensed Registered Nurse (RN). This will allow the individual to earn more money, specialize in different areas within nursing, supervise LPNs and CNAs, work more closely with physicians and take on greater job responsibilities. Practical nursing jobs are projected to grow at an increasing rate due to many US economic factors. LPNs work mainly in hospitals, some at nursing homes and others work privately with home-care clients.

List of LPN Programs in Virginia (VA)

Virginia LPN Schools

Our directory lists all Virginia schools that currently offer approved practical nursing programs. The Virginia state board of nursing is the regulatory organization in charge of approving LPN education programs. To gain approval, educational institutions must demonstrate to the board of nursing that their program sufficiently prepares students with the knowledge and skills expected of a licensed practical nurse. The on-going approval of a program depends largely upon their graduation rates and the NCLEX pass rates of their graduates. If a program starts to produce poor results in either of these two categories they can quickly lose their state approval or be placed on probationary approval status until their results improve.

Required LPN Classes in Virginia

The specific course work required in practical nursing programs can differ from institution to institution. However, there are some subjects that are almost always included in most programs. Typical LPN classes include Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology and Pharmacology. Topics covered within these subjects prepare students with the knowledge base required to perform the work of a licensed practical nurse.

How to Become an LPN in Virginia

Start the process by researching available education programs to find one that suits your schedule and preferences. The next step is to enroll and complete an LPN training program that is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing. Most LPN programs take roughly one year to finish. Upon successful completion of all course requirements you are eligible to challenge the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the test you can register with the state of Virginia as a licensed practical nurse and begin searching for employment.