Inside 6-Month LPN Programs: Online & Campus Options
Do six-month LPN/LVN online programs exist? How do shorter programs work? Do they lead to good jobs in healthcare? Take a look at five accelerated programs that stand out for their curriculum, price, student services, and faculty. Plus get answers to other pressing questions about fast-track programs and top schools to get yourself into the nursing field. Keep reading to find out how to become an LPN and what a fast-track LPN/LVN program could mean for you.
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Program Profiles: Detailing Popular Online Accelerated LPN Programs
For ambitious students looking to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) as soon as possible, a fast-track online nursing program may be the right path. While traditional online LPN programs typically span two years or more, accredited online programs can be completed in six to 12 months. Accelerated programs are often intense and require concentrated effort to successfully complete your studies in such a short timeframe, but they can be ideal if you’re a highly focused and disciplined student.
Whether you’re motivated by becoming an LPN/LVN as soon as possible or saving money by shortening your education, this guide will show you the six-month online LPN programs that can help you reach your goal.
Blinn College
A two-year public junior college in Brenham, Texas, Blinn College offers a fast-track Vocational Nursing Program that provides a solid foundation of nursing knowledge. The curriculum consists of classroom-based nursing theory courses, hands-on labs, and clinical rotations at hospitals and other healthcare facilities located throughout the Brenham and LaGrange communities. Students have the choice between an on-campus or hybrid format with both options beginning in the fall.
Graduates receive a nursing certificate and meet the academic requirements to sit for the NCLEX-PN. Graduates also qualify for the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Examination. Admission is selective, with spots awarded to the top-qualified applicants.
Blinn College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Vocational Nursing Program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Mode: On campus or hybrid
Duration: 10 months for the on-campus program, 12-months for the hybrid program
Cost: $8,823 for in-district students. Higher tuition rates apply for out-of-district and out-of-state/international students.
Admission Requirements:
- A high school diploma or GED
- An Assessment Technologies Institute Test of Essential Academic Skills (better known as the ATI TEAS) minimum composite score of 65% or composite score plus additional qualifying points equaling at least 65%
- A completed application form and acceptance to Blinn College
- A completed Allied Health Student Application
- Texas Success Initiative status of college-ready or exempt
- Up-to-date immunizations
- Good physical and mental health
- Criminal background check
- Drug screen
- CPR course
- Physical examination
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Delta College
Located in University Center, Michigan, Delta College offers a Practical Nurse Advanced Certificate fast-track program that includes nursing theory classes and labs attended in-person. Students also attend clinical practice hours at program-affiliated healthcare facilities near campus. Some prerequisite courses, such as College Composition I and Human Anatomy & Physiology, can be taken online. Once prerequisite coursework is complete, prospective LPN students are placed on a waitlist for admittance into the LPN clinical program. The typical wait time is two to three semesters. The program requires 44 credits, including prerequisites.
Delta College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the Practical Nurse Certificate program is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. Graduates meet all requirements to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam.
Mode: On campus (some prerequisites can be taken online)
Duration: One year
Cost: $133/contact hour for in-district students, $224/contact hour for out-of-district students, and $235/contact hour for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Completion of all prerequisite coursework
- Criminal background check
- Proof of a current or prior Michigan CNA certification or documentation of basic nursing skills before entering the first clinical course
- Completion of all health requirements, including a physical exam, drug screen, immunizations, and basic life support certification
Gateway Community College
Students in the Phoenix area looking for a quick path to LPN licensure should consider the Fast Track Practical Nursing Program at Gateway Community College. Available on Gateway’s Washington Campus, this two-semester, full-time program requires 22 to 27.5 credits; both fall and spring starts are available.
The program consists of on-campus classes and hands-on labs along with clinical rotations at local healthcare agencies. Both day and evening/weekend cohorts are offered. Approximately 40% of the evening/weekend cohort is delivered virtually.
Graduates qualify for the NCLEX-PN exam. Gateway’s Fast-Track Practical Nursing program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Gateway Community College is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Mode: On campus for the daytime program, hybrid for the evening/weekend program
Duration: Seven to nine months
Cost: $97/credit hour for Maricopa County residents, $253/credit hour for distance learning classes, $518/credit hour for out-of-county residents
Admission Requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Nursing program admissions test
- Fingerprint Clearance Card
- Documentation of all health and safety requirements
- Possession of either a current CNA certification, an LNA license, or a program-issued waiver for military veterans with demonstrated work experience
- Students not meeting any of these three requirements must complete either the Basic Certified Nursing Assistant or the Nurse Assisting course before admission
Portage Lakes Career Center
Portage Lakes Career Center, a public vocational school in Uniontown, Ohio, offers career training to high school students and adult learners. The Licensed Practical Nurse program is a full-time program that covers foundational nursing theory, including pharmacology, anatomy, and physiology. Supervised clinical practice experiences are at healthcare facilities throughout the Akron-Canton area. Enrollment is limited to 50 students annually. The program also offers a part-time option that takes 16 months to complete. Graduates can apply the 30 credits earned toward an associate degree in technical studies through the University of Akron.
Graduates are qualified to take the NCLEX-PN exam. The program is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and fully accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.
Mode: On campus
Duration: Nine months
Cost: All-inclusive cost of $18,495, which covers instruction, books, supplies, uniforms, graduation costs, and NCLEX-PN exam
Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- BCI/FBI background check
- Health records
- Urine drug screen
- Current CPR certification
- Pre-admission interview
- Mandatory orientation
Rasmussen University
With campuses throughout the U.S., Rasmussen University offers a fast-track hybrid Practical Nursing (LPN Track) diploma on campuses in Florida (Brandon, Fort Myers, Ocala, and Odessa) and Minnesota (Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Mankato, Moorhead, and St. Cloud). The 56-credit curriculum features online general education and nursing courses, on-campus simulation labs, and clinical practice at healthcare sites near each campus. The program has eight start dates for students to choose from.
Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-PN exam and LPN licensure in Florida or Minnesota. The program also meets the requirements for licensure in most other U.S. states. Students should confirm licensure eligibility before enrollment.
Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. All five Minnesota campus LPN programs, along with the Odessa, Florida, program, are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Minnesota LPN programs are approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and Florida programs are approved by the Florida Department of Health.
Mode: Hybrid
Duration: As few as 12 months
Cost: Tuition varies; in Florida, the 12-month program costs $23,555
Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- School of Nursing Entrance Exam
- Criminal background check
- Basic Life Saving and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with Defibrillator certifications
- Health/physical examination and required immunizations
FAQs About Fast-Track LPN Programs Online
Now that you know more about accelerated programs, you’re probably bursting with questions. Below are some answers to the most pressing student questions, helping you to jump into a fast-track LPN program.
Can I become an LPN in 6 months?
Close, but not quite. The fastest program we’ve profiled here is the seven-month Fast Track Practical Nursing Program at Gateway Community College. Other close options are the nine-month Licensed Practical Nurse program at Portage Lakes Career Center and the 10-month Vocational Nursing Program at Blinn College. Take a look at the options for diploma programs and community college programs in your area. Be sure to compare on-campus and online options and full-time versus part-time studies to determine the quickest way for you to become an LPN. If you’ve completed some college classes, have been in the military, or have practical work experience in the field, be sure to check whether these credentials can speed you along.
What is the shortest LPN program?
The shortest LPN program in this guide is the seven-month Fast Track Practical Nursing Program at Gateway Community College in Phoenix. If you live in Maricopa County, the program has the added benefit of being affordable, with tuition at $97/credit. Program affordability ties directly into how quickly you can complete your certificate: If you can’t afford next semester’s tuition and have to take a semester off or need to go to school part-time so you can work to pay for your education, this will slow your rate of completion in even the shortest LPN program. Consider all the factors and map out both your plans and your finances to find the program that’s the best fit — and the shortest — for you. The shortest option won’t be the same for every student.
Is 55 too old to become an LPN?
Probably not, but there are several factors to consider. Will an LPN program lead to a higher salary? Does that increase pay for the cost of your program? Will you have to quit your current job to complete your LPN program, and how long will it take you to recoup that money? As LPN programs are relatively affordable, will you be able to complete your LPN diploma without incurring debt? If you do have to take on debt or empty your savings, will your new salary allow you to come out ahead? At what age do you intend to retire, and do you intend to work part-time during retirement? LPNs have lots of options for part-time positions, so even as you approach retirement age you can still have a healthy side income that takes advantage of your education and expertise.
Is LPN a degree or certificate?
Typically LPN programs are diploma or certificate programs. If you love being an LPN, you can complete your studies, get licensed, and have a job with excellent job security and plenty of opportunities in less than a year. That said, you’ll be earning college credits with many programs, so if you’re interested in advancing your education, you’ll be in a great position to do so. Going from LPN to RN comes with a big salary jump, as does getting your associate degree in nursing. Some programs are designed so your credits move seamlessly into an RN or associate degree program. For example, Portage Lakes Career Center has partnered with the University of Akron so students in the Licensed Practical Nurse program can apply their 30 credits to an associate degree.
Which state has the easiest LPN program?
Given the intensive nature of fast-track LPN programs and the depth of knowledge required, no state offers an LPN program that’s conventionally “easy”. Your studies will be intense, and the NCLEX-PN will ensure that you know your stuff before you get your license. That said, there are ways you can ease your path.
Take advantage of the many resources for LPN students available online. Make the most of your labs and clinical experiences, as this hands-on learning is crucial in the field of nursing. If you get a solid education and you love what you’re doing, your LPN program will fly by — and it might even feel easy.
