How Hybrid LPN Programs Work
Hybrid LPN programs split your education into online theory classes and in-person clinical training. This gives you the flexibility to study from home while still getting real-world healthcare experience.
💻 Online Theory (70-80%)
- ✓ Video lectures — Watch recorded lessons at your own pace
- ✓ Reading assignments — Complete textbook chapters and case studies
- ✓ Online exams — Take quizzes and tests from home
- ✓ Virtual simulations — Practice nursing scenarios in 3D software
- ✓ Discussion forums — Interact with classmates and instructors
🏥 In-Person Clinicals (20-30%)
- ✓ On-campus lab days — Practice skills like injections, wound care, IV insertion
- ✓ Hospital rotations — Work with real patients in med-surg, pediatrics, ER
- ✓ Nursing home shifts — Gain long-term care experience with elderly patients
- ✓ Clinic placements — Learn outpatient care procedures
- ✓ 200-400 hours total — Typically 2-3 days/week over 3-6 months
📅 Typical Weekly Schedule
Monday-Thursday: Online classes (study from home, 3-4 hours/day)
Friday-Saturday: Clinical rotations (on-site at hospital/nursing home, 8-12 hour shifts)
Sunday: Study time for exams and assignments
Top 10 Online/Hybrid LPN Programs 2025
These programs offer the best combination of flexible online coursework, local clinical placements, and strong NCLEX-PN pass rates.
1. Rasmussen University
ACEN AccreditedFormat: Hybrid (online theory + local clinicals in 20+ states)
Tuition
$26,550 total
Length
12 months
NCLEX Pass Rate
87%
Why it's great: Fastest online LPN program with clinical sites in FL, IL, MN, WI, ND, KS, and 14+ other states. Self-paced format lets you finish faster.
Website: rasmussen.edu
2. Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan)
NLN AccreditedFormat: Hybrid (online theory + clinical placements nationwide)
Tuition
$18,900 total
Length
15 months
NCLEX Pass Rate
85%
Why it's great: Affordable tuition, strong career support, clinical placements arranged near you in all 50 states.
Website: purdueglobal.edu
3. Excelsior University
ACEN AccreditedFormat: 100% online theory + on-campus clinical intensives (NY campus)
Tuition
$21,450 total
Length
18 months
NCLEX Pass Rate
83%
Why it's great: Competency-based format — test out of classes you already know. Clinical intensives = 2-week blocks instead of weekly rotations.
Website: excelsior.edu
4. Rio Salado College (Arizona)
ACEN AccreditedFormat: Hybrid (online classes + Phoenix-area clinicals)
Tuition
$9,800 (AZ residents)
Length
12 months
NCLEX Pass Rate
89%
Why it's great: Lowest tuition for AZ residents, fully online lectures, excellent NCLEX pass rate.
Website: riosalado.edu
5. Penn Foster Career School
State ApprovedFormat: Hybrid (online theory + arrange your own clinicals)
Tuition
$1,399 total
Length
12-18 months
NCLEX Pass Rate
N/A (state exam prep)
Why it's great: Most affordable option, self-paced, but YOU must arrange clinical placements (not guaranteed). Best for CNAs with healthcare connections.
Website: pennfoster.edu
6. Ivy Tech Community College (Indiana)
ACEN AccreditedFormat: Hybrid (online theory + clinicals at 19 IN campuses)
Tuition
$6,200 (IN residents)
Length
15 months
NCLEX Pass Rate
86%
Why it's great: Largest LPN program in Indiana, 19 campus locations for clinicals, very affordable.
Website: ivytech.edu
7. Ashworth College
Distance Education CouncilFormat: Online prep course + arrange clinicals yourself
Tuition
$1,249 total
Length
4-12 months
NCLEX Pass Rate
N/A (prep course)
Why it's great: Ultra-affordable, self-paced, but NOT a full LPN program — it's exam prep only. Best for those already working in healthcare.
Website: ashworthcollege.edu
8. South Texas College
ACEN AccreditedFormat: Hybrid (online + McAllen/Brownsville clinicals)
Tuition
$5,400 (TX residents)
Length
12 months
NCLEX Pass Rate
84%
Why it's great: Bilingual instruction (English/Spanish), low cost, strong job placement in Texas healthcare.
Website: southtexascollege.edu
9. Western Governors University (WGU)
ACEN AccreditedFormat: LPN-to-RN bridge only (not entry-level LPN)
Tuition
$3,755/6-month term
Length
12-18 months
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
88%
Why it's great: Perfect for current LPNs looking to advance to RN. Competency-based = finish faster if you have experience.
Website: wgu.edu
10. Local Community Colleges
ACEN/NLN AccreditedFormat: Hybrid (varies by state, check your local CC)
Tuition
$3,000-$8,000
Length
12-18 months
NCLEX Pass Rate
80-90%
Why it's great: Most affordable option (in-state tuition), strong clinical partnerships, best job placement rates.
Examples: Lone Star College (TX), Northern Virginia Community College (VA), Miami Dade College (FL)
State-by-State Hybrid Program Availability
All 50 states allow hybrid LPN programs, but clinical availability and program quality vary. Here's what to expect:
✅ High Availability (20+ Programs)
- California — 200+ hybrid LVN programs, largest selection
- Texas — 150+ hybrid programs, fast 10-12 month options
- Florida — 120+ programs, strong job market
- Pennsylvania — 110+ programs, affordable community colleges
- Ohio — 85+ programs, excellent clinical placements
- New York — 95+ programs, high salaries
- Michigan — 70+ programs, strong union representation
- Illinois — 65+ programs, Chicago metro area
- North Carolina — 65+ programs, growing healthcare market
- Georgia — 55+ programs, Atlanta area opportunities
⚠️ Moderate/Low Availability (5-20 Programs)
- Alaska — 4 programs (Anchorage area only)
- Vermont — 5 programs (limited to Burlington/Montpelier)
- Rhode Island — 6 programs (Providence metro)
- Wyoming — 8 programs (Casper/Cheyenne)
- Delaware — 8 programs (Wilmington/Dover)
- Montana — 12 programs (spread across rural areas)
- South Dakota — 10 programs (Sioux Falls/Rapid City)
- North Dakota — 12 programs (Fargo/Bismarck)
Note: Rural states may have longer travel for clinical sites (1-2 hour commute).
How to Choose the Right Online LPN Program
Check Accreditation First
Look for ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) or NLN (National League for Nursing) accreditation. Also verify approval by your state Board of Nursing.
Verify Clinical Placement Support
Ask: Does the school arrange clinical sites for me, or do I find them myself? Programs that arrange placements are MUCH easier (but cost more).
Compare NCLEX-PN Pass Rates
Aim for programs with 80%+ first-time pass rates. Check your state Board of Nursing website for official data.
Calculate Total Cost (Not Just Tuition)
Include: Tuition, books, lab fees, uniforms, background checks, drug tests, NCLEX exam ($200), and travel to clinical sites.
Check Job Placement Support
Best programs offer resume help, interview prep, and connections to local hospitals/nursing homes for job placement.
🚩 Red Flags: Avoid These Online LPN Programs
- ✗ "100% online" claims — All accredited LPN programs require in-person clinicals
- ✗ No accreditation listed — If ACEN/NLN isn't clearly mentioned, RUN
- ✗ "Guaranteed NCLEX pass" — No legitimate program can guarantee this
- ✗ "Finish in 6 months" — Minimum is 9-10 months, realistically 12-18 months
- ✗ Hidden fees — Tuition should include lab, uniforms, books (ask for TOTAL cost)
- ✗ No clinical placement help — Avoid "you arrange your own clinicals" unless you have healthcare connections
- ✗ Low NCLEX pass rates — Under 75% = poor quality program
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fully online LPN programs accredited?
No, fully online LPN programs do not exist because all states require 200-400 hours of in-person clinical training. However, accredited hybrid programs offer online theory classes (70-80% of coursework) with local clinical placements at hospitals or nursing facilities near you.
How do hybrid LPN programs work?
Hybrid programs split coursework into online theory classes (lectures, readings, exams) and in-person clinical rotations at approved healthcare facilities. You study at your own pace online while completing hands-on training 2-3 days per week at a local site.
Which states allow online LPN programs?
All 50 states allow hybrid LPN programs (online theory + local clinicals). Popular states include California, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Virginia. Check with your state Board of Nursing for approved programs.
How long do online LPN programs take?
Hybrid LPN programs typically take 12-18 months to complete. Self-paced online formats may allow faster completion (10-12 months), while evening/weekend options take 18-24 months to accommodate working students.
Do employers accept online LPN degrees?
Yes, as long as the program is ACEN or NLN-accredited and approved by your state Board of Nursing. Employers care about accreditation and NCLEX-PN pass rates, not whether you took classes online or in-person.
Ready to Start Your Online LPN Program?
Compare accredited hybrid programs, verify clinical placements, and take the first step toward flexible LPN training.
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