Virginia is a state that uses the Commonwealth Competencies. This is a means to measure the knowledge and skills of employees; their career advancement; and the related pay structure. A licensed practical nurse is under the Pay Stub 3 umbrella category. Under category 3, the least amount of salary is $23,999 while the higher end is at $49,255. Metro areas such as Danville, Richmond and Winchester have the highest median salaries. These earnings increase or decrease depending on the LPN’s work experience, work shift, employer and current location.
If you wish to begin working as an LPN, then it is time for you to scout for the approved LPN schools. Here is a description of three colleges to get you started:
Germanna Community College
This public, two-year community college is situated in Locust Grove, VA and was established in 1970. GCC is a Virginia Community College System member. The college offers a wide array of programs and degrees in different areas of study. They also offer hybrid, online and interactive courses.
GCC’s LPN program is offered at the Locust Grove campus as well as the Eastern View High School located in Culpeper. The program is a result of the Germanna Community College, Culpepe rCounty Public Schools and Culpeper Regional Hospital partnership. It is a two-year program that awards a PN certificate as well as NCLEX-PN eligibility.
Viriginia Western Community College
VWCC is a two-year college chartered in 1966. This is the third biggest college in the VA Community College System. It is operating under the policies that were set by the Virginia Western Community College Board and the State Board for Community Colleges. The Southwest Roanoke campus spreads across 70 acres with a yearly average enrollment of 9,000 students.
VWCC’s LPN program is a certificate awarding curriculum that is designed to prepare a student for the LPN career.
Wytheville Community College
Also known as WCC, this two-year, public community college is located in Wytheville. Established in 1963, the college has long provided programs and degrees focusing on developmental courses, cooperative education, continuing education and workforce development. The college also offers distance learning.
Attendance is a huge issue at WCC. Missing a class compromises the student’s learning process and so if the absence is more than twice the number of the actual classes each week, then the student may fail his program.
For the LPN program, a student is required to have a final grade that is - not lower than C for his BIO 141-142 and NUR prefix. It takes less than two years to finish this program
Wytheville Community College has one graduation each year and this is held every month of May. So if you are able to accomplish all the prerequisites of your LPN program and are able to submit an application for graduation, then you are set to receive your certificate for your accomplishment of a non-degree curriculum.
The Buchanan County Public Schools offers a practical nursing program that offers quality nursing program.
The program accepts students at the beginning of each academic year.
Admission Requirements:
Admission to the practical nursing program is open to all high school seniors and qualified adults with priority given to high school seniors who are residents in the county. Qualified adults who are country residents are selected to fill vacancies after the admission process for high school applicants are concluded.
Every applicant is to be interviewed by a member of the selection committee before final acceptance in the program. Applicants need to be able to start clinical experiences at the date established by the college.
Applicants accepted into the program will be required to submit to a Criminal Record Check. Students will also be required to agree to comply with Drug and Alcohol Free Environment Policy by signing the pre-clinical and clinical policy admission.
The Centura College is accredited by the Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Practical Nursing program is designed to prepare students for a career in medicine. The practical nursing curriculum offers instruction in academic and practical nursing courses.
The program offers training in a range of courses including, physiology, anatomy, medical terminology and training in safety and infection control nursing procedures.
Theoretical instruction in the classroom will be reinforced with practical clinical components offering opportunities for direct patient care.
The faculty at Centura is qualified to provide students with the necessary tools to succeed in the nursing profession. The instructors are committed to providing a conducive environment with personal, hands on, friendly and informative programs. The program offers a high standard of education to train students that are equipped to function within the healthcare setting.
Admission Requirements:
1. High school diploma or GED equivalency certificate
2. Official transcripts for all applicable coursework
3. Physical Examinations (including all laboratory tests and immunization series)
4. Completion of all pre-requisite courses with satisfactory grades
5. Satisfactory grade point average for all relevant courses
6. College placement examinations or equivalents
7. Drug screening
8. Criminal background check (which is required by healthcare facilities and the licensing body)
The nursing program is tailored to fit in the requirements of working adults who require a flexible schedule.
The Chesapeake Center for Science and Technology offers an 18 nursing program designed for qualified adults and high school seniors. The Practical Nursing Program offered in two parts is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Students who successfully complete the program earn a certificate of completion and are eligible to apply to sit for the National Licensure Examination to be licensed practical nurses.
The curriculum concentrates on various elements incorporating human anatomy, nutrition, medical-surgical nursing, and drug therapy amongst other fundamentals of nursing. Students are offered a limited opportunity for practical experience at clinical rotations offered at local healthcare facilities.
Chesapeake is affiliated with Chesapeake General Hospital and the Naval Medical Center as well as two long term care institutions in the local community.
Admissions:
The program accepts students once every year in the fall semester. Students graduate from the program in April.
The ECPI University Nursing Program offered by ECPI School of Health Science, Medical Careers Institute is designed to prepare qualified students for careers in the nursing profession.
Students who successfully complete the program are prepared for entry level jobs and licensure by the state board as a Practical Nurse.
The curriculum includes instruction in theoretical nursing components and clinical experience in direct patient care. The clinical experiences will be scheduled in a range of local healthcare facilities and hospitals.
Admission Requirements:
The program is designed to take 14 months to complete. 45% of graduates from this program finish in this time. The median time for graduates to complete this program is 16 months
Students enrolled in the program are provided with vouchers to take certification exams at significantly lowered costs. Clinical practice opportunities are designed to allow the student to acquire mentored hands on experience in realistic settings.
The criminal background checks and drug screening as well as examination in competency in dosage calculation, security clearances and nursing skills competency exams may be required by some healthcare facilities.
Students are also required to complete physical examinations and show proof of all listed immunizations before enrolling in clinical components.
The Fairfax County School of Practical Nursing is offered in two parts over a full year. The program accepts students in the spring and fall semesters.
The nursing curriculum includes preclinical elements that can be taken by high school seniors. The nursing courses concentrate in ensuring competency to enable students to become efficient providers of direct patient care.
Students who successfully complete both sections of the level one Practical Nursing program and the additional clinical requirements offered in the summer semester will be eligible to apply to sit for the Certified Nursing Assistant.
Theoretical nursing classes are offered at Falls Church Academy and clinical practice experiences are offered at various healthcare facilities within the community.
Admission Requirements:
PRIMARY PREREQUISITES (Postgraduate adult):
The clinical part of the program is a full time study program given Monday through Friday with students taking part in clinical rotations, classroom instruction and laboratory experience. The curriculum encompasses advanced nursing theory to prepare students to be eligible to sit for the state licensing examination for practical nurses.
The Fortis College has multiple campuses. Programs vary by state and campus. Not all programs are offered at all locations, each has its own accreditation which can be known by inquiring from accreditation information.
Nursing Program prepares students for entry level jobs in the nursing professions. The program offers a curriculum with theoretical, laboratory and clinical components. The theoretical portion of the program guides the clinical practice portion which provides students with hands on practical experience.
Clinical practice is offered at hospitals and healthcare facilities affiliated with Fortis. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination to be licensed as a Practical Nurse. Admissions Requirements - All applicants to the program are required to complete an application to the program.
All complete applications will be evaluated by the admission committee which will make final decision in regards to acceptance to the program.
The Fortis College Nursing Program prepares students for entry level jobs in the nursing professions. The program offers a curriculum with theoretical, laboratory and clinical components.
The theoretical portion of the program guides the clinical practice portion which provides students with hands on practical experience. Clinical practice is offered at hospitals and healthcare facilities affiliated with Fortis.
Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination to be licensed as a Practical Nurse.
Admissions Requirements
The Henrico County Public Schools -Saint Mary’s Hospital School of Practical Nursing runs a program designed to prepare students to provide direct nursing care in a range of healthcare settings.
The program is an eighteen program divided into two nine month sections. The first part of the program constitutes the Practical Nursing I program offered at Hermitage Technical Center in morning and afternoon sessions Monday through Friday.
High school seniors can attend their regular school for half of each school day and the other half at the technical center.
The second half of the Practical Nursing program is a full time program Monday through Friday offering students clinical experience in a range of healthcare settings in the community and at St. Mary's Hospital.
Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to apply to sit for the National Council of Licensure to be licensed as a Practical Nurse.
Admission requirements
Admission is open to seniors entering their senior year in Henrico County Public Schools and qualified adults who are either residents of the county or who are employed by the Bon Secours Richmond Health System.
Application deadline to the program is the 1st of March for enrollment in September.
The Lafayette School of Practical Nursing is designed to prepare student for entry level positions as Practical Nurses. The program is intended to train students with a basic knowledge of medical terminology and health care information.
The program is an 18 month pre licensure program open to high school seniors and qualified adults. The program is approved by the Virginia Department of Education and the Board of Nursing.
Courses offered include, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pharmacology, Maternal-Child Nursing, Nutrition, Psychiatric Nursing, Nursing Skills, Growth & Development and Geriatric Nursing.
Admissions
The deadline for completed applications received to the program is the 1st of May.
Students accepted into the program will be expected to comply with program specific requirements including submitting health information and criminal background check.
The Lee County Career and Technical School Nursing Program, offers an 18 month formal education curriculum to prepare students for careers in Practical Nursing. The program is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and the State Department of Education.
The curriculum is divided into two nine month long sessions with a combination of theoretical in classroom instruction, laboratory skills and clinical experience at selected health care settings.
The clinical component of the course is 36 weeks long following after the successful completion of pre-clinical requirements.
Students who successfully complete both the preclinical and the clinical phases of the program are eligible to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses on the condition that students meet the minimum requirements established for licensure.
Admission Requirements
Applicants accepted into the program are required to show proof of physical health examination including required laboratory tests and immunization series.
Students will also be required to submit to a criminal background check and have a current CPR certification before enrollment.
The Loudoun County School of Practical Nursing offers a practical nursing program given over two years.
Students who complete the first year of the practical nursing program accredited by the Virginia Board of Nursing are able to proceed to the second year of the program and are eligible to take the Certified Nurse Aide Exam.
Students who successfully complete both years of the program are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination to be licensed as Practical Nurses.
Admissions Requirements:
Admission is open to all rising high school seniors and qualified adults who meet the requirements for admission.
Applications are accepted to the program between the 1st of January and 31st of March every year.
Students accepted into the program are required to submit proof of specified immunizations, physical health examinations and current CPR certification for health care providers. Students enrolled in the program are expected to provide transportation back and to clinical sites.
Students are expected to meet the requirements for the program by the first day of classes along with a criminal background check.
The Mountain Empire Community College Practical Nursing program is designed to prepare practitioners for entry level roles in the nursing profession. The program is approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing.
The program offers opportunities for employment in a range of healthcare facilities as well as allowing for advance education to purse a degree as a Registered Nurse.
Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination to be licensed as a practical nurse.
Admission Requirements:
The admission process to the program is a selective process open to all mentally and physically fit students who are capable of performing as nurse practitioners.
Students admitted into the program will be notified by the selection services of the college to submit the second phase admission requirements of the college:
Students accepted into the program will be notified by mail and will receive a copy of physical examination forms to be returned at orientation.
The Southside Virginia Community College Practical Nursing program is to prepare students for entry level jobs as nurse practitioners
Graduates who successfully complete the program are eligible to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination to become a licensed a Practical Nurse.
Admission Requirements:
Application deadlines for the program are the 15th of October for enrollment in January and the 15th of May for enrollment in August. The application process gives priority to qualified applicants who are residents in the college service area.
Applicants accepted into the program are expected to meet the following program specific requirements:
Students who do not meet these requirements before the first day of enrollment may not be able to take part in clinical trials or be denied licensure by the licensing body.
The Standard Health Care Inc. Practical Nursing Program consists of 1314 hours of instruction to prepare students in nursing theory and practical skills.
Students able to successfully complete the program are eligible to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination to be a licensed Practical Nurse.
The curriculum is offered in three scheduling options. The first schedule is the weekend program with classes offered on Fridays from 4:00-9:00 pm and from 8:00 am to 3:00 am on Saturdays as well as 2:00-8:00 pm on Sundays. Students enrolled in the weekend program can complete the curriculum in an estimated 16 months.
The second schedule is offered in the evenings with classes held Mondays through Thursdays from 4:00 to 10:00 PM every week. Students enrolled in the Evening program can complete the program in approximately 12 months.
The day program is scheduled Mondays through Fridays from 8 am to 2 pm with the program running over 12 months.
Admission Requirements:
Students who have submitted an application to the college will be notified to schedule to take the entrance examination.
The Tazewell County Career and Technical School Practical Nursing Program is offered in cooperation with the county school board and the selected hospitals. The program is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and the Virginia Board of Education.
The practical nursing program is open to high school seniors and qualified adults who are residents of Tazewell County and surrounding counties. Out of State applicants are only considered for the program if there is space available.
The nursing program is divided into two nine month phases with the first phase offered at TCCTC, for three hours a day, Monday through Friday. The Clinical phase of the program commences in July and is offered in five full academic days a week.
The schedule for the second phase of the program includes theoretical in class room instruction and clinical experience in a range of different healthcare settings.
Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination to be licensed as Practical Nurses.
Admission Requirements
The Ultimate Health School Nursing program is designed to prepare students for entry level jobs in the nursing profession.
Admission Requirements:
Applicants to the program are required to submit the following documents:
Applicants are also required to sign an enrollment agreement form.
The Wise County Vocational Technical School Practical Nursing Program is designed to prepare students for entry level jobs in nursing.
The program is open to high school seniors from Dickenson County, the City of Norton as well as the Wise County interested in the Practical Nursing Program or the preclinical phase.
Students enrolled in the program spend three hours a day in theoretical instruction or in practical experience in the nursing laboratory. Seniors return to regular high school classes for the rest of the day to meet general academic requirements for graduation.
Qualified adults are admitted into the program if there are any spaces not filled by high school seniors. Adults applying to the program are required to show a high school diploma or GED equivalency certificate.
Students affiliate with selected extended health care facilities for the clinical phase of the program including Wellmont Lonesome Pine Hospital, Mountain View Regional Medical Center, and Norton Community Hospital.
The clinical phase requires students to commute daily to the clinical site for a period of six weeks. The schedule for the clinical phase is divided between clinical rotations in direct patient care and theoretical in classroom instruction.
Students who successfully complete both phases of the Practical Nursing program are eligible to apply to sit for the State Board Licensure Examination to become a licensed Practical Nurse.