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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Virginia
NOVA (Annandale/Alexandria/Manassas) serves the DC metro. Centra College (Lynchburg) and Southside Virginia CC serve central and southern Virginia. Fortis College (Norfolk/Richmond) provides private options in the Hampton Roads and Richmond markets. Clinical placements span military installations (Norfolk, Quantico, Fort Barfoot) and civilian healthcare systems.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia Community College | Annandale | Community College | 12 months | $6,800 |
| Tidewater Community College | Norfolk | Community College | 12 months | $6,200 |
| J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Richmond | Community College | 12 months | $6,400 |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Alberta | Community College | 12 months | $5,800 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Virginia
No Virginia LPN program is fully online — clinical training at approved facilities is required. NOVA offers some hybrid coursework components. Virginia's mix of urban (NoVA/DC metro) and rural geography means online options are more valuable for students in southern and western Virginia.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Virginia residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a Virginia LPN Program
NOVA programs are among the most competitive in the state due to DC-metro demand. Standard prerequisites apply. Virginia is an NLC compact state — particularly valuable given proximity to DC, MD, WV, NC, TN, and KY.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Virginia
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Virginia Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Virginia
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Virginia earn an average of $63,380 per year ($30.47/hour). This places Virginia near the national average the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in Virginia typically range from $47,200 for entry-level positions to $78,800 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in Virginia
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $65,200 |
| Richmond | $64,800 |
| Arlington | $68,400 |
| Norfolk | $63,200 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in Virginia is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 1,800 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in Virginia
The majority of LPNs in Virginia work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in Virginia is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Virginia
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
Virginia
Virginia LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
Virginia LPNs are regulated by the Virginia Board of Nursing under DHPB. Virginia is an NLC state.
You Can Direct Patient Care
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments and ongoing monitoring
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to care plans
- Supervising CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy
- LPNs may perform IV therapy after completing a Board-approved course
- Must work under direction of an RN or physician
- Peripheral IV starts and IV fluid/medication administration permitted
- LPNs CANNOT administer blood products, chemotherapy, or manage central lines
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Comprehensive assessments
- Creating or modifying care plans
- Blood product or chemotherapy administration
- Central line management
- Triage
- Independent practice
Virginia LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia Community College | On-campus + clinical | 12–18 months | ADN bridge in NOVA/DC area |
| Sentara College of Health Sciences | On-campus + clinical | 12–16 months | ADN bridge in Hampton Roads |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
Virginia Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: dhp.virginia.gov/nursing
- Phone: (804) 367-4515
- Address: 9960 Mayland Dr, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →