According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were nearly 21,000 LPNs in Virginia in 2010 compared to about 97,000 RNs. Both LPNs and RNs participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact which means that Virginia-licensed nurses can work in 24 states with their Virginia license. Nationally, about 25 percent of all LPNs work in hospitals, 28 percent work in nursing care facilities and 12 percent work in physician's offices. Many healthcare employers are looking for RNs, especially for public/community health and home health care.
About 38 percent of RNs begin with an associate degree, while 37 percent start with a BSN degree; many of these RNs were LPNs first. While the BLS predicts double-digit job growth for both LPNs and RNs over the next few years, RNs have the advantage when it comes to career choices and economic opportunities. Virginia RNs make over $25,000 more per year than do LPNs.
Programs to Consider
Virginia Appalachian Tricollege Nursing Program (Abingdon, Richlands). This program leads to the Associate in Applied Science in nursing degree. LPNs may challenge beginning courses and may instead take the LPN to RN bridge course. LPNs can complete the part-time evening/weekend program in two years. Admission is competitive and based on several factors.
Thomas Nelson Community College (Hampton). LPN students earn the Associate in Applied Science in nursing degree. LPNs may receive up to 12 credits in beginning nursing coursework, which streamlines the four-semester program. Priority admission is given to LPNs who have graduated in the last five years from LPN programs with an articulation agreement with the college.
Sentara College of Health Sciences (Chesapeake, Hampton). Sentara offers an LPN to BSN program, which can be completed in 2.5 years. Classes are five days a week while clinical rotations may include weekend and/or evening hours. Most testing is done online and students can complete this at any time. The program starts each August.
Blue Ridge Community College (Weyers Cave, VA)
Program Types: LPN to ADN
Program Name: LPN to RN program
Accreditation: NLNAC accredited
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Career Training Solutions (Fredericksburg, VA)
Program Types: LPN to ADN
Program Name: LPN to RN
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Dabney S. Lancaster Community College (Clifton Forge, VA)
Program Types: LPN to ADN
Program Name: The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Bridge Program
Accreditation: NLNAC accredited
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Eastern Mennonite University (Harrisonburg, VA)
Program Types: LPN to BSN
Program Name: LPN Acceleration
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Fortis College (Norfolk, VA / Richmond, VA)
Program Types: LPN to ADN
Program Name: Associate Degree in Nursing Ladder for Practical Nurses
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George Mason University (Fairfax, VA)
Program Types: LPN to BSN
Program Name: LPN to BSN Pathway
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Germanna Community College (Locust Grove, VA)
Program Types: LPN to ADN
Program Name: LPN-RN Program
Accreditation: NLNAC accredited
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Global Health Nurse Training Services (Alexandria, VA)
Program Types: LPN to ADN
Program Name: Associate Degree Nursing program for the LPN to RN
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Hampton University (Hampton, VA)
Program Types: LPN to BSN
Program Name: LPN-BS Programs
Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited
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J Sargeant Reynolds Community College (Richmond, VA)
Program Types: LPN to ADN
Program Name: Licensed Practical Nursing Program (LPN)
Accreditation: NLNAC accredited
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Lord Fairfax Community College (Middletown, VA / Warrenton, VA)
Program Types: LPN to ADN
Program Name: LPN to ADN Transition Program
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New River Community College (Dublin, VA)
Program Types: LPN to ADN
Program Name: LPN Advancement
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Norfolk State University (Norfolk, VA)
Program Types: LPN to BSN
Program Name: LPN to BSN Track
Accreditation: NLNAC accredited
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Northern Virginia Community College (Springfield, VA)
ONLINE LPN TO RN PROGRAMS
Program Types: LPN to ADN
Program Name: LPN to RN
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Paul D Camp Community College (Franklin, VA)
Program Types: LPN to ADN
Program Name: LPN-RN Bridge Program
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Rappahannock Community College (Warsaw, VA)
Program Types: LPN to ADN
Program Name: LPN to ADN Transition
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Sentara College of Health Sciences (Chesapeake, VA)
Program Types: LPN to BSN
Program Name: LPN to BSN
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Shenandoah University (Winchester, VA)
Program Types: LPN to BSN
Program Name: LPN to BSN
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Thomas Nelson Community College (Hampton, VA)
Program Types: LPN to ADN
Program Name: LPN to RN Articulation program
Accreditation: NLNAC accredited
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Tidewater Community College (Franklin, VA / Portsmouth, VA / Virginia Beach, VA)
Program Types: LPN to ADN
Program Name: Articulated LPN Program
Accreditation: NLNAC accredited
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Virginia Appalachian Tricollege Nursing Program (Abingdon, VA / Richlands, VA)
Program Types: LPN to ADN
Program Name: LPN to RN program
Accreditation: NLNAC accredited
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Virginia Western Community College (Roanoke, VA)
Program Types: LPN to ADN
Program Name: LPN to RN Transition Program
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