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Practical nursing is one of the fastest growing professions in Virginia, making it a wise choice for those looking to enter the healthcare field and help others in need. The US Department of Health and Human Services predicts that the state will actually experience a surplus of LPNs by 2025, but that doesn't mean there won't be opportunities for aspiring LPNs in this state. The right education and training can lead to a promising career as a licensed practical nurse in Virginia. For a leg up on the competition, read on to explore accredited LPN programs that can help you prepare for the NCLEX-PN and learn how to successfully obtain a valid license.
Top LPN Programs in Virginia
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Southwest Virginia Community CollegeLocation
Cedar Bluff, VA
Graduation Rate35%
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Dabney S Lancaster Community CollegeLocation
Clifton Forge, VA
Graduation Rate28%
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Mountain Empire Community CollegeLocation
Big Stone Gap, VA
Graduation Rate35%
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Lord Fairfax Community CollegeLocation
Middletown, VA
Graduation Rate35%
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Southside Virginia Community CollegeLocation
Alberta, VA
Graduation Rate35%
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Eastern Shore Community CollegeLocation
Melfa, VA
Graduation Rate21%
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Paul D Camp Community CollegeLocation
Franklin, VA
Graduation Rate14%
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Rappahannock Community CollegeLocation
Glenns, VA
Graduation Rate29%
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Danville Community CollegeLocation
Danville, VA
Graduation Rate25%
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Patrick Henry Community CollegeLocation
Martinsville, VA
Graduation Rate29%
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Wytheville Community CollegeLocation
Wytheville, VA
Graduation Rate32%
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Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeLocation
Charlottesville, VA
Graduation Rate19%
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New River Community CollegeLocation
Dublin, VA
Graduation Rate19%
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Virginia Western Community CollegeLocation
Roanoke, VA
Graduation Rate23%
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Reynolds Community CollegeLocation
Richmond, VA
Graduation Rate13%
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Germanna Community CollegeLocation
Fredericksville, VA
Graduation Rate25%
Licensure Requirements for Virginia LPNs
Each state has its own licensing requirements for LPNs. To become an LPN in Virginia, one must meet the requirements outlined below.
Basic Eligibility
- Have completed at least two years of high school.
- Graduated from an approved LPN program
- Are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN
Education and Training Requirements
Those who graduated from LPN programs in Virginia must use the Licensure by Examination method. This requires the student to have graduated from a program approved and within the confines of the state of Virginia. After completing the LPN program, students must apply to the Virginia Board of Nursing and sign up to take the NCLEX-PN.
For those who attended an approved LPN program from a state other than Virginia and have become licensed in another state, they must utilize the Licensure by Endorsement method. LPN applicants must have a license in good standing as well as pass a criminal background check.
Either method requires applications to be submitted online only.
Additional Requirements for Licensure by Examination
- Complete the online application
- Have a copy of the official transcript from the LPN program sent to the Virginia Board of Nursing
- Register and pass the NCLEX-PN
- Pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check
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Pay the appropriate fees:
- $170.00 application fee
- $45.95 fingerprint processing fee
- $200.00 to take the NCLEX-PN
Keep in mind that Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact State. This means that a graduate of an LPN program who becomes licensed in Virginia can also work in any state that is also part of the compact agreement: This currently pertains to 25 states. This multi-state license can be obtained through Virginia if the applicant's primary residence – where they live and file taxes – is in Virginia.
Renewal
Virginia LPNs must renew their license every two years. The renewal process consists of:
- Payment of a $120.00 fee (if the fee is paid late, an additional $40.00 late fee will be assessed)
- Complete a renewal application
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Meet the continued competency (continuing education) requirements, which require a licensee to complete at least one of the following:
- Current specialty certification by a national certifying organization
- A minimum of three credit hours of post-licensure academic education related to nursing practice
- A refresher course in nursing
- Published works in the nursing field
- Completion of a nursing-related, evidence-based practice project or research study
- Teaching or developing a nursing-related course (one that results in no less than three semester hours of college credit, specialty certification, or a 15-week course)
- Teaching continuing education courses for up to 30 contact hours
- 15 contact hours of workshops, seminars, conferences or courses in addition to 640 hours of active practice as a nurse
- 30 contact hours of workshops, seminars, conferences, or courses related to nursing.
Salary for LPNs in Virginia
The national median wage for LPNs is notably above the national average for all other occupations; the median wage for LPNs in Virginia is no different. The following chart shows what LPNs can expect to make in Virginia compared to the rest of the United States.
| Type | Virginia | National |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Wage (25th percentile) | $31,050 | $35,780 |
| Annual Wage (Median) | $35,470 | $42,490 |
| Annual Wage (75th percentile) | $40,630 | $49,450 |
| Year | Annual Wage (25th percentile) | Annual Wage (Median) | Annual Wage (75th percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville | $39,600 | $44,070 | $48,520 |
| Northwestern Virginia nonmetropolitan area | $35,160 | $41,050 | $46,600 |
| Northeastern Virginia nonmetropolitan area | $34,640 | $39,810 | $45,750 |
| Roanoke | $34,690 | $39,300 | $44,660 |
| Winchester VA-WV | $33,130 | $38,520 | $44,740 |
Employment Trends for LPNs in Virginia
According to Projections Central, Virginia currently employs 21,880 licensed practical nurses, with an additional 1,120 annual openings expected each year. That's an increase of 26.7% from 2012 to 2022, which means that those who graduate from LPN programs in Virginia can expect to see excellent employment opportunities. Here is further information on what Virginia nurses can expect:
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News VA-NC | 4,750 |
| Richmond | 4,640 |
| Southwestern Virginia nonmetropolitan area | 1,470 |
| Roanoke | 1,340 |
| Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area | 910 |
| Northwestern Virginia nonmetropolitan area | 760 |
| Charlottesville | 740 |
| Lynchburg | 660 |
| Northeastern Virginia nonmetropolitan area | 390 |
| Danville | 370 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Projections Central