While the process of becoming a licensed practical nurse in Virginia may seem complicated to many, it is far less difficult than most would expect.
Once you have been able to locate the right school for your needs and learn everything that you need to know, everything becomes far more simple.
Once you are ready to embark on this journey, be sure to read on and learn more about the ins and outs of becoming a licensed practical nurse in Virginia.
This guide is here to help!
5 Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Virginia
Virginia Beach School of Practical Nursing
This is one of the best schools in the state for those who seek a certificate for practical nursing.
The program comes with a 99.3% passing rate for the NCLEX exams, which is one of the main reasons for its enduring popularity.
With over 45 years of experience when it comes to assisting Virginia residents, students can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that they are in the right hands.
The 18-month program is open to adults, as well as high school seniors.
The costs are on the lower end of what most would expect to pay in these scenarios, as those who receive federal aid can enroll for $1,600 annually.
Without aid, an undergraduate can expect to shell out around $4,500 for their tuition and fees.
The program is split into two nine-month packages. At the conclusion of the second nine months, graduates are then eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination – PN.
From there, this allows said graduates to become licensed as Licensed Practical Nurse by the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Danville Community College
Nursing Schools Almanac has ranked Danville Community College as one of the options that the state of Virginia has to offer.
The school has an open admission policy, although the licensed practical nursing program could have its own admission criteria.
The Danville Community College LPN program can be completed in 45 credit hours.
Costs will vary depending on the location of the attendee.
If you are in the district or in the state, the program costs $6,390.
For those who are out of state and/or out of the district, the prices rise sharply.
Out-of-state students are asked to pay $14,310.
Additional funding must be set aside for books and other supplies that are going to be needed throughout the course of the program.
86 percent of Danville nursing students are able to receive financial aid, though.
Laurel Ridge Community College
Laurel Ridge Community College has a strong history when it comes to graduating licensed practical nurses.
LRCC graduated their first nurse back in 1996 and has never looked back.
The first-time NCLEX pass rate at this institution stands at over 96%, a testament to the knowledge and experience that students will have access to.
The program can be completed within a year, over the course of three full-time semesters.
Students can expect to spend upwards of $13,445 but there is a G3 program that can assist those who are looking to cut costs.
Nursing students will also have the chance to choose between the Fauquier Campus and Middletown campus locations in Middletown, Virginia.
For those who wish to learn more, Laurel Ridge has nursing information sessions, so that you can learn more about the requirements and application processes.
You can find out more about these sessions on the school website.
Valley Career & Technical Center
Located in Fisherville, the Valley Career and Technical Career offers another great option for residents of the region.
Their School of Practical Nursing program prides itself on crafting a culture that allows each student to receive the holistic care that they need.
Each student is given the mentoring, role modeling, and care that they need.
The Nursing Schools Almanac and Practicalnursing.org have both bestowed high rankings upon their LPN program, making it an easy choice for many.
The Virginia Board of Education and Virginia Board of Nursing have offered their approval but grants and loans are not available.
The first “year” of the program starts in August and ends in April/May.
The second year takes place from June to April.
Costs will land in the $12,000 range once both years have been added together.
Year 1 costs $6,258 and year 2 costs $5,675.
First-time NCLEX exam takers enjoy a 95% passing rate as well.
Southside Virginia Community College (South Boston)
This program comes with a 95% NCLEX first-time pass rate and serves as the top option for Southside Virginia residents.
The SVCC program takes 49 credit hours to complete and prepares the student for a wide range of mental and physical maladies.
Students learn everything that they need to know about devising and implementing a health care plan.
Effective communication with patients is also heavily emphasized.
These students are given all of the tools that they need, at a low cost of $142 per credit hour.
Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Virginia – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Virginia
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach School of Practical Nursing | 2925 N Landing Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 |
| Danville Community College | 1008 S Main St, Danville, VA 24541 |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | 6480 College St, Warrenton, VA 20187 |
| Valley Career & Technical Center | 49 Hornet Rd, Fishersville, VA 22939 |
| Southside Virginia Community College (South Boston) | 820 Bruce St, South Boston, VA 24592 |
Salary
The salary that a Virginia LPN will take home will depend on which part of the state they decide to work in.
Those who are licensed can expect to take home $41,000 to $61,000, depending on the city they reside in.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s in Virginia
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $48,380 |
| Norfolk | $47,652 |
| Chesapeake | $47,590 |
| Richmond | $50,496 |
| Newport News | $47,409 |
| Hampton | $47,409 |
| Alexandria | $56,336 |
| Portsmouth | $47,652 |
| Roanoke | $46,787 |
| Lynchburg | $46,614 |
Regional Salary in Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | 550 | $52,390 | $25.19 | $62,720 | $43,700 |
| Charlottesville, VA | 500 | $58,610 | $28.18 | $70,970 | $38,840 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | 350 | $55,680 | $26.77 | $64,590 | $46,480 |
| Lynchburg, VA | 550 | $52,800 | $25.38 | $65,480 | $39,920 |
| Richmond, VA | 2,810 | $58,690 | $28.22 | $71,090 | $47,170 |
| Roanoke, VA | 1,090 | $54,950 | $26.42 | $65,480 | $43,470 |
| Staunton-Waynesboro, VA | 340 | $53,270 | $25.61 | $64,640 | $42,220 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | 3,810 | $56,330 | $27.08 | $70,840 | $45,560 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | 310 | $55,550 | $26.71 | $69,390 | $44,700 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What annual fees can I expect to pay?
For an exam or endorsement, the Virginia nursing student can expect to spend $170, per the Virginia Board of Nursing.
A biennial renewal is also required, which will cost $120, with a $40 late fee added for anyone who is tardy.
The license itself costs $125 for the application, $80 for a renewal (with a $25 late fee), and $150 for reinstatement.
This price rises to $200 if there has been a suspension of any kind.
Duplicate licenses can be had for $15, duplicate wall certificates cost $25 and a transcript costs $35.
What If My Virginia License Needs To Be Verified In A Different State?
If you require verification of your Virginia practical nursing licenses, it will be processed through the NURSYS online verification system.
In order to verify your license in another state, there is a $30 processing fee.
What If I Received My Licensing In a Different State?
The renewal process cannot take place online if the licensing was obtained in a different state.
In order to renew your out-of-state license in the state of Virginia, you are going to need to provide a copy of your valid multi-state license first.
These copies can be printed off the state’s licensing website.
How Do I Renew My Licensing?
If you have already received a renewal notice, you can apply for your renewal online and the process should be fairly simple.
What Are The Minimum Education Requirements To Enter a Program?
Applicants must have a high school diploma or a GED.
Furthermore, they must have a GPA that is at least 2.0 or higher.
If the applicant has completed at least 12 credit hours in a recent college stint, their GPA must also be 2.0 or higher to apply.
Algebra I (or MDE 10) and Biology (or BIO 101/NAS 2) grades must be at a C or higher.
