Do you have aspirations of becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN)? Many nursing programs today offer the flexibility and support needed to make that goal a reality.
This may include flexible course schedules, asynchronous learning opportunities, and online formats. To find the right online LPN program for you, consider factors such as tuition costs, your state of residence, and your long-term nursing goals.
Explore the best online LPN programs for 2026, including information on admission requirements, curriculum, and career opportunities after graduation.
The Best Online LPN Programs of 2026
How We Choose Schools
At NurseJournal.org, we use a data-driven methodology to identify deserving nursing programs around the country, making it easy for you to find a program that meets your needs. Our lists are informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that evaluates data for accuracy.
Each school in this list is awarded a superlative based on metrics that we believe matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, career outcomes, accessibility, inclusivity, and individual program offerings, among other factors. Since many programs share similar offerings, our goal is to simplify your decision-making by highlighting features that are most relevant to your needs. We reserve the right to exclude schools that lack sufficient data for accurate calculations.
All data was verified in May 2026.
Using Our Rankings: What To Look For in an Online LPN Program
With so many online LPN programs to choose from, you should carefully research different schools to find the right fit for your personal needs and career goals.
Before enrolling in an LPN program, explore these key signs of academic quality.
Admission Requirements
Applying to online LPN programs is similar to a traditional application process. LPN programs often require the same admission requirements, but some may require materials unique to that program. In most cases, you can expect the following admission materials:
- Official transcripts showing a high school diploma or the equivalent
- Minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA
- Standardized test scores
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
Make sure your academic background matches the program's admission requirements. You may also need to complete a background check and provide proof of immunizations.
Program Curriculum
The curriculum offered by different LPN programs may influence which program you choose. Read the descriptions carefully and choose a program that appeals to what you're looking for in an LPN education.
Clinical Experience
Online learners complete clinical requirements to gain hands-on experience. Check the program's clinical requirements and whether the program sets restrictions on where you can complete clinicals.
Accreditation
Accreditation is extremely important for licensure, employment, and continuing education opportunities. Many employers only hire nurses from accredited programs, and master of science in nursing (MSN) programs typically only accept credits from accredited institutions.
Choosing an accredited nursing program also helps prepare you for the NCLEX-PN and helps you qualify for financial aid opportunities. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits LPN programs and provides a database of accredited programs. Your state board of nursing grants licenses to LPNs.
Program Length
LPN programs typically take around one year to complete, but you can also find accelerated programs to speed up that timeline even further. Check program length to find one that fits your schedule.
School Graduation and NCLEX Pass Rates
To qualify for a nursing license, you need to graduate from a nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). When weighing the best online LPN programs, consider those with high student graduation and NCLEX pass rates, as these metrics can indicate how well a program prepares students for licensure and professional practice.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
If you're going to be attending online classes, the course format and technical requirements will be very important. Online education generally requires that you own a laptop computer. You will also likely need a webcam and a relatively fast and reliable internet connection.
How Online LPN Programs Typically Work
Online LPN programs are similar to traditional on-campus programs in terms of admission requirements, curriculum, accreditation, and clinical components. The primary difference lies in course delivery.
Many online programs allow students to complete lectures, assignments, and discussions remotely, often on a flexible schedule. While you'll still need to complete hands-on clinical experiences in person, online programs can make these requirements easier to fulfill by allowing you to complete clinical placements at approved healthcare facilities closer to home.
Some programs also use short, intensive on-campus visits for skills training rather than requiring students to attend classes on campus multiple days each week. This flexibility can make online programs particularly appealing to working students and others balancing school with personal or professional responsibilities.
Paying for Your Online LPN Program
The cost of an online LPN program depends on several factors. While taking LPN classes online rather than on campus may save money on housing and transportation costs, you'll still need to budget for tuition, distance learning fees, and books.
Public schools may offer more affordable tuition than private schools. However, some programs charge higher tuition rates for out-of-state students. If you plan on working while taking online LPN courses, consider if the program offers enough flexibility to set your own schedule.
You can apply for financial aid opportunities for nursing students to help offset the cost of a nursing education. Begin your search by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to see if you qualify for federal loans or grants.
In addition to government-sponsored programs, you may consider private loans or nursing scholarships and grants from private foundations, professional nursing associations, and individual schools.
| Residency Type | Cost-Per-Credit* | Required Credits** | Estimated Total Tuition (By Credit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-state | $390 | 42 | $16,380 |
| Out-of-state | $430 | 42 | $17,640 |
*Based on the average cost-per-credit of the programs in our rankings.
**To standardize tuition comparisons, we used 42 required credits, which is representative of the credit requirements for many LPN programs designed for working LPNs.
What Can You Do as an LPN?
LPNs, also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas, perform many duties, including wound care, assessing vital signs, taking patient histories, and documenting patient information. Depending on the state, they can also administer tests, give medications, and start and monitor IVs.
LPNs typically have less autonomy than RNs. In most clinical situations, LPNs work under RN supervision. Both LPNs and RNs can supervise certified nursing assistants (CNA), who perform day-to-day patient care tasks, such as feeding, bathing, dressing, and toileting. LPNs are frequently employed by skilled nursing facilities, assisted living centers, memory care facilities, and home health agencies.
Some of the most popular career choices include:
Geriatric LPN
Geriatric nurses provide care to elderly patients by administering medications and assisting with mobility and toileting.
Average Salary: $57,770 (Payscale, April 2026)
Wound Care LPN
These nurses promote skin health by monitoring wounds and applying ointments and bandages as needed.
Average Salary: $57,540 (Payscale, April 2026)
Hospice Care LPN
Hospice nurses support patients and families as they navigate terminal illness. They administer medications and arrange needed care services.
Average Salary: $52,050 (Payscale, February 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions About Online LPN Programs
