Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) aid healthcare teams, providing basic forms of care and ensuring the comfort and security of their patients. The profession maintains low barriers to entry and offers an accessible pathway to more advanced nursing careers.
This overview of the best online LPN programs highlights both affordability and quality. Use it to launch your program search, and to compare options from schools that serve online students.
Degree at a Glance
Typical Program Length: 12-18 months (typically three semesters)
Typical Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; some schools request or require Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam scores
Top Skills Gained: Basic clinical nursing, basic pharmacology, basic diagnostic testing, patient evaluation, wound care, medication administration
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Top LPN Programs Online
Price Check
According to Payscale data from August 2025, entry-level LPN salaries average $47,924 per year. Given the short length of online LPN programs, this earning potential positions you to earn an immediate return on investment on your education.
Why Become an LPN?
The best online LPN programs serve as an efficient point of entry to the nursing profession. They have minimal admission requirements, and the LPN designation is easy to upgrade. You can become a registered nurse (RN) with an LPN-to-RN bridge program. From there, you can pursue an RN-to-BSN pathway if you want to advance your career even further.
May 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts 3% job growth for LPNs from 2024 to 2034. The median LPN salary in 2024 was $62,340.
What to Expect From an Online LPN Program
The best online LPN programs offer:
Efficient and affordable training opportunities
Compact, skills-focused curricula
State approval for LPN licensing
Programs usually take 44-53 semester credits, including clinical requirements. Expect even online LPN programs to have hands-on components that you must complete in person. The "online" program descriptor applies only to your classroom-based training.
Many nursing schools offer career services and work placement support that can help you land a job after you become fully qualified. Consult the section below for more information on the licensing process.
LPN Licensing and Certification Requirements
The exact requirements you must fulfill to become licensed as a practical nurse vary by state. However, two common elements define the process in most cases. First, you must graduate from a state-approved practical nursing program. Then, you must pass the NCLEX-PN examination.
The best online LPN programs always hold state approval, and this is a point you should double check before applying to any nursing school. Your state's nursing board will maintain an up-to-date list of approved LPN programs.
Find your state's nursing board through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Ways to Save on an LPN Program
Many of the best online LPN programs allow you to work while in nursing school, which can make costs more manageable. The following strategies may also help:
Compare Schools: Tuition rates for LPN programs can vary significantly. Consult your state's nursing board for a list of approved programs, then spend time researching your options and prioritize approved programs with the lowest costs.
Look for Nursing Scholarships: Scholarships for nursing students directly reduce your costs while helping you avoid debt. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing maintains a scholarship and financial aid database you can use to explore LPN funding opportunities.
Seek Employer Assistance: Some employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs to healthcare professionals. If you already work in a healthcare role and want to become an LPN, see if employer assistance is available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About LPN Programs
May 2024 BLS data indicates a median annual salary of $62,340 per year for licensed practical nurses. Some employment settings have higher pay rates: For example, LPNs working for government agencies earned a median salary of $66,370 per year, and those employed in nursing or residential care facilities had a median salary of $64,170 per year.
