Online Practical Nursing Program Structure and Costs
Practical nursing school online programs prepare students for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam and entry-level LPN or LVN roles. Most accredited programs require 12 to 18 months of study and include didactic coursework plus clinical rotations at approved local facilities. Tuition for online practical nursing programs ranges from roughly $4,000 to $30,000 depending on the institution and state, with additional costs for textbooks, clinical supplies, background checks, and the NCLEX exam fee of $200 as of 2024. Forbes Advisor reports that public community college tuition is typically lower than private online schools.
Hybrid delivery is standard, with virtual lectures and simulation labs replacing some in-person classroom time, but hands-on patient care hours must be completed at approved sites. Students should confirm that the program is approved by their state board of nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation. NLN CNEA maintains a directory of accredited practical nursing programs.
Admission Requirements and Accreditation Standards
Basic Eligibility and Prerequisites
Admission to practical nursing school online generally requires a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0, and completion of prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, and introductory biology. Many programs require a TEAS or HESI admission test score, a current CNA certification, and a background check with drug screening. NCLEX candidate information from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing outlines exam eligibility and application timelines.
Accreditation and State Approval
Accreditation ensures credits transfer and graduates qualify for licensure. The two main national accreditors for practical nursing are ACEN and NLN CNEA. State boards of nursing publish lists of approved programs, and students should verify approval before enrolling. American Nurses Association provides guidance on choosing accredited nursing education programs.
Career Outcomes, Salary, and Licensure Path
Licensure and Job Placement
After completing an accredited practical nursing program, graduates apply to their state board of nursing to sit for the NCLEX-PN. First-time pass rates for ACEN-accredited programs averaged around 85 to 90 percent in recent years, according to institutional data reported to accrediting bodies. NCSBN publishes aggregate NCLEX pass rate data by program type and state.
Salary and Employment Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earned a median annual wage of approximately $55,000 in 2023, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $38,000 and the highest 10 percent earning over $75,000. Employment of LPNs and LVNs is projected to grow about 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, driven by demand in nursing homes, hospitals, and home healthcare. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook provides detailed wage and employment projections.