LPN Programs Near You
Licensed practical nurses (called licensed vocational nurses, or LVNs, in California and Texas) give basic nursing care such as monitoring health, changing dressings and reporting to RNs and doctors. Below are 940 accredited schools that graduated LPN students in 2023–24, organized by state and city.
Updated October 2026 · Sources: IPEDS, BLS
- Schools
- 940in 50 states
- Graduates 2023–24
- 50,456
- Median program cost
- $18,375273 schools reporting
- U.S. median pay
- $64,400$30.96/hr
LPN Programs by state
Top cities for lpn programs
- Los Angeles, CA35
- New York, NY24
- Miami, FL15
- Riverside, CA10
- Philadelphia, PA10
- St. Louis, MO10
- Detroit, MI10
- Houston, TX10
- Phoenix, AZ9
- Chicago, IL9
- Cleveland, OH9
- Columbus, OH8
- Cincinnati, OH7
- Oklahoma City, OK7
- Dallas, TX7
- Boston, MA7
- San Francisco, CA6
- Tampa, FL6
- Kansas City, MO6
- Charlotte, NC6
- Louisville, KY6
- Pittsburgh, PA6
- Virginia Beach, VA6
- Tulsa, OK5
- San Antonio, TX5
- Worcester, MA5
- Providence, RI5
- Baltimore, MD5
- Denver, CO4
- Orlando, FL4
Largest LPN programs in the U.S.
| School | Location | Graduates |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny, IA | 1,637 |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, IN | 1,209 |
| Hondros College of Nursing | Columbus, OH | 1,122 |
| Unitek College | Fremont, CA | 1,107 |
| Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts | San Jose, CA | 869 |
| ECPI University | Virginia Beach, VA | 747 |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College | Lexington, KY | 579 |
| Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College | Bowling Green, KY | 472 |
| Veeb Nassau County School of Practical Nursing | Hicksville, NY | 407 |
| Ashland Community and Technical College | Ashland, KY | 406 |
How to become a licensed practical nurse
- Finish a state-approved practical nursing program, usually a certificate or diploma from a community college or technical school.
- Apply to your state board of nursing for licensure by examination.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN.
- Renew your license on your state’s schedule, including any continuing-education requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a licensed practical nurse?
State-approved practical nursing programs usually take about a year of full-time study; part-time and associate-degree routes take longer.
What certification do LPNs need?
A state practical/vocational nursing license from your state board of nursing. The NCLEX-PN, the national licensing exam for practical nurses.
How much do lpn programs cost?
Across 273 schools that published a program price, tuition plus books and supplies ranged from $2,340 to $42,240, with a median of $18,375.
How much do LPNs make?
The U.S. median wage for LPNs was $64,400 a year ($30.96/hour) in May 2025. The lowest-paid 10% earned under $49,740; the top 10% earned over $83,440.