For aspiring nurses seeking a quick path to licensure and employment, accelerated LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) programs offer a faster alternative to traditional two-year nursing programs.
These fast-track options provide intensive training to prepare students for nursing careers in as little as 6 to 12 months.
What are LPNs and LVNs?
Nursing Roles and Responsibilities
LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) and LVNs (Licensed Vocational Nurses) provide basic nursing care under the direction of registered nurses and doctors. Their duties include:
- Monitoring patients and recording vital signs
- Administering medications and treatments
- Assisting with bathing, dressing, and other activities of daily living
- Communicating with patients, families, and healthcare team members
Terminology Distinction
The main difference between LPNs and LVNs is the terminology used – LPN is used in most states while California and Texas use the term LVN. The job responsibilities are essentially the same nationwide. Both LPNs and LVNs must complete approved training programs, pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam, and meet state licensing requirements.
Benefits of Accelerated LPN/LVN Programs
Shorter Timeframe
The biggest advantage of accelerated LPN/LVN programs is the shorter timeframe, usually 6-12 months instead of 2 years. This allows students to start their nursing careers more quickly. The condensed schedule is ideal for career changers seeking a faster transition.
Lower Cost
Along with a shorter timeframe, accelerated LPN programs cost less than longer 2-year programs. Tuition for a 1-year LPN diploma program ranges from $10,000-$20,000 compared to $20,000-$40,000 for a 2-year ADN degree.
Focused Curriculum
The curriculum in accelerated LPN/LVN programs is streamlined and focused specifically on practical nursing skills and knowledge needed for licensure and practice. There are no general education requirements.
Online Options
Many accelerated programs feature online courses and flexible schedules tailored to working students. On-campus visits are required for labs and clinical rotations.
Challenges of Fast-Track Programs
While accelerated LPN/LVN programs have advantages, the condensed timeframe also comes with challenges. Students should be prepared for:
- Rigorous course loads and fast pace
- Long days balancing school, work, and family
- Little room for electives or retaking classes
- Potential for burnout without breaks
Top Accelerated LPN/LVN Programs
Here are some of the shortest LPN/LVN programs available:
Emily Griffith Technical College – Denver, CO
Program Details
- Duration: 11 months full-time or 16 months part-time
- Curriculum: Covers maternal-newborn care, mental health, pediatrics, and geriatrics
- Clinical Experience: Real-world experience in Denver-area facilities
- Admission Requirements: Prerequisite courses in sciences, high school diploma or equivalent
- Licensure Preparedness: Graduates prepared for the NCLEX-PN exam and licensing
Lake Area Technical College – Watertown, SD
Program Details
- Duration: 11 months (online)
- Curriculum: Online nursing theory and lab portions, in-person clinical rotations
- Learning Approach: Interactive online platforms and videoconferencing
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma, TEAS test, prerequisites
- Success Rate: High NCLEX-PN pass rate
Portage Lakes Career Center – Uniontown, OH
Program Details
- Duration: 9 months full-time or 16 months part-time
- Curriculum: Covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing care
- Class Schedule: Weekdays on campus with clinicals at local facilities
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma, orientation, interview
- Outcomes: Competitive tuition rate and high job placement rate
City College at Montana State University Billings – Billings, MT
Program Details
- Duration: 12-14 months (online with on-site clinical rotations)
- Curriculum: Online nursing theory and labs, local clinical sites one day per week
- Admission Requirements: TEAS test, prerequisites, CNA certification
- Success Rate: Excellent NCLEX-PN pass rate
Herzing University – Various locations
Program Details
- Duration: 12 months (blended)
- Curriculum: General courses online, nursing labs, and clinicals on-campus
- Flexibility: 8 start dates per year, no waitlists at some campuses
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma, background check, entrance exam
Pinellas Technical College – St. Petersburg, FL
Program Details
- Duration: 12 months full-time
- Curriculum: In-person nursing theory, labs, and clinical rotations
- Admission Requirements: Completion of 7 prerequisite courses, TEAS test
- Outcomes: High job placement rate locally
South Piedmont Community College – Polkton, NC
Program Details
- Duration: 8-9 months
- Schedule Options: Weekday, evening, and weekend schedules
- Curriculum: Coursework on campus, clinicals at local facilities
- Admission Requirements: Completion of 4 prerequisites
- Success Rate: Consistently excellent NCLEX-PN pass rates
Gateway Community College – Phoenix, AZ
Program Details
- Duration: 9 months
- Schedule Options: Day and evening/weekend classes
- Admission Requirements: Prerequisites, fingerprint clearance, TEAS test
- Affordability: One of the most affordable LPN programs available
Delta College – University Center, MI
Program Details
- Duration: 12 months (evenings and weekends)
- Curriculum: On-campus labs and clinical rotations
- Admission Requirements: Successful completion of prerequisites, waiting period
- Success Rate: High graduate NCLEX-PN pass rate
Northland Community and Technical College – East Grand Forks, MN
Program Details
- Duration: 9-12 months
- Learning Approach: On-campus nursing theory, lab simulations, and clinical hours
- Options: Part-time options available
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma, TEAS test, CPR certification, prerequisites
- Competitive Admission: Admission is competitive
Blinn College – Brenham, TX
Program Details
- Duration: 10 months
- Curriculum: Virtual and in-person classes, labs, and clinical hours
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma, minimum GPA, TEAS test, prerequisites
- Affordability: Program costs under $13,000 including books and fees
Applying to Fast-Track LPN/LVN Programs
To qualify for accelerated LPN/LVN programs, required prerequisites vary but often include:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA (often 2.5-3.0)
- TEAS or other nursing entrance exam
- Current CNA license or EMT certification
- Completed medical terminology course
- Up-to-date immunizations and physical exam
- Criminal background check
- Negative drug screen
While accelerated LPN/LVN programs move quickly, they provide ambitious students a faster path to begin exciting and rewarding nursing careers. The condensed schedule requires diligence but allows students to start working as licensed practical nurses in less than a year.
