Few jobs put you at the bedside of people on their hardest days the way an LPN does.
If you feel pulled to care for others and want to start nursing in about a year, an online or hybrid LPN program can fit that dream around your job and your family.
AdvertisementBe ready for the honest part: you cannot finish an LPN program entirely online, because nursing needs hands-on labs and clinicals. You can take much of the coursework from home and travel for the in-person parts, and the reward is real. The BLS reports median pay of $64,400 a year for LPNs.
Below are six online and hybrid LPN programs, with details taken from each school’s own program page and checked on November 2, 2026. A free comparison sheet lets you pick your programs and print or copy the result. Confirm every detail with admissions and your state board of nursing before you enroll, because this page is a guide, not an endorsement, and no school paid to be included.
6 Online and Hybrid LPN Programs
Quick jump: Lake Area TechNorthlandSoutheast CCMinnesota WestHolmes CCBismarck StateFree LPN program comparison sheet
Lake Area Technical College (South Dakota)
- Program: Practical Nursing (LPN) program, with on-campus, full-time hybrid and part-time hybrid options
- Length: Full-time: 11 months. Part-time hybrid: 18 months
- Format: Hybrid e-degree: online coursework with required in-person clinical and simulation experiences. A Pierre, SD campus option completes labs and clinicals locally
- Cost: 2026 costs listed: $16,543 on campus, $17,173 full-time hybrid, $16,783 part-time hybrid
- Accreditation: ACEN, with a most recent decision of continuing accreditation
- Clinicals and exam: The school says first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates are consistently above 95% but gives no year or exact figure. Admission requires at least 6 credits of general education courses
Northland Community & Technical College (Minnesota)
- Program: Practical Nursing diploma, 42 credits
- Length: Not stated on the program page
- Format: Locations include East Grand Forks, Thief River Falls and Online, with a Distance/Hybrid option
- Cost: Not listed on the program page
- Accreditation: Minnesota Board of Nursing approval and NLN CNEA continuing accreditation; the college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- Clinicals and exam: NCLEX-PN pass rate 92.75% in 2025 (Minnesota 86.10%, national 86.60%), 92.21% in 2024 and 89.61% in 2023. Clinicals are in hospitals, long-term care facilities and clinics, with up to 10 students per instructor
Southeast Community College (Nebraska)
- Program: Practical Nursing diploma, 38 credits
- Length: Full-time: 2 semesters starting in fall. Part-time: 2 semesters plus a summer term starting in spring
- Format: Online or hybrid at Beatrice and Lincoln; online only at Milford and Falls City. Hybrid classes are about 75% in person, and the program cannot be completed entirely online
- Cost: Estimated $10,094 for residents and $10,892 for non-residents (from a 2024 to 2025 info sheet)
- Accreditation: ACEN, and approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing
- Clinicals and exam: 270 clinical hours. NCLEX-PN pass rate not stated on the info sheet
Minnesota West Community & Technical College
- Program: Practical Nursing diploma, 39 credits (16 fall, 17 spring, 2 May term)
- Length: Fall, spring and May term sessions
- Format: Locations include Granite Falls, Online, Pipestone and Worthington. Online students travel to assigned clinical sites in southwest Minnesota
- Cost: Not listed on the program page
- Accreditation: ACEN, with a most recent decision of continuing accreditation
- Clinicals and exam: Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN. Clinical hours and pass rate not stated on the program page
Holmes Community College (Mississippi)
- Program: Practical Nursing program in traditional and hybrid formats
- Length: Full-time day: 3 semesters. Part-time hybrid: 5 consecutive semesters, starting every other fall in even years
- Format: Part-time hybrid: online lectures with in-person lab and clinical work at the Grenada or Ridgeland campuses or the Attala Center
- Cost: Not listed on the program page
- Accreditation: The program page does not name an accrediting body; it points to the Mississippi Board of Nursing for licensure
- Clinicals and exam: Clinical hours and NCLEX-PN pass rate not stated on the program page
Bismarck State College (North Dakota)
- Program: Practical Nursing certificate, through the Dakota Nursing Program
- Length: Not stated in months; the plan lists first, second and third semester courses
- Format: On campus and at satellite sites in Hazen, Harvey, Garrison, Ashley and Hettinger. Classes come through the Interactive Video Network from consortium colleges, and some courses are online
- Cost: Not listed. Students pay for their own background check and drug screen
- Accreditation: Not stated on the program page
- Clinicals and exam: Labs and simulation take place at each location, and clinicals are arranged locally. Graduates can apply to take the NCLEX-PN
Details a school did not list on its program page are marked “not stated” or “not listed” instead of guessed. Ask admissions for them.
Programs at a Glance
| Program | Credential | Length | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Area Tech | Practical Nursing (LPN) program, with on-campus, full-time hybrid and part-time hybrid options | Full-time: 11 months. Part-time hybrid: 18 months | Hybrid e-degree: online coursework with required in-person clinical and simulation experiences. A Pierre, SD campus option completes labs and clinicals locally |
| Northland | Practical Nursing diploma, 42 credits | Not stated on the program page | Locations include East Grand Forks, Thief River Falls and Online, with a Distance/Hybrid option |
| Southeast CC | Practical Nursing diploma, 38 credits | Full-time: 2 semesters starting in fall. Part-time: 2 semesters plus a summer term starting in spring | Online or hybrid at Beatrice and Lincoln; online only at Milford and Falls City. Hybrid classes are about 75% in person, and the program cannot be completed entirely online |
| Minnesota West | Practical Nursing diploma, 39 credits (16 fall, 17 spring, 2 May term) | Fall, spring and May term sessions | Locations include Granite Falls, Online, Pipestone and Worthington. Online students travel to assigned clinical sites in southwest Minnesota |
| Holmes CC | Practical Nursing program in traditional and hybrid formats | Full-time day: 3 semesters. Part-time hybrid: 5 consecutive semesters, starting every other fall in even years | Part-time hybrid: online lectures with in-person lab and clinical work at the Grenada or Ridgeland campuses or the Attala Center |
| Bismarck State | Practical Nursing certificate, through the Dakota Nursing Program | Not stated in months; the plan lists first, second and third semester courses | On campus and at satellite sites in Hazen, Harvey, Garrison, Ashley and Hettinger. Classes come through the Interactive Video Network from consortium colleges, and some courses are online |
Accreditation, Clinicals and Exam Results at a Glance
| Program | Accreditation or approval (from the school page) | Clinicals and exam |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Area Tech | ACEN, with a most recent decision of continuing accreditation | The school says first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates are consistently above 95% but gives no year or exact figure. Admission requires at least 6 credits of general education courses |
| Northland | Minnesota Board of Nursing approval and NLN CNEA continuing accreditation; the college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission | NCLEX-PN pass rate 92.75% in 2025 (Minnesota 86.10%, national 86.60%), 92.21% in 2024 and 89.61% in 2023. Clinicals are in hospitals, long-term care facilities and clinics, with up to 10 students per instructor |
| Southeast CC | ACEN, and approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing | 270 clinical hours. NCLEX-PN pass rate not stated on the info sheet |
| Minnesota West | ACEN, with a most recent decision of continuing accreditation | Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN. Clinical hours and pass rate not stated on the program page |
| Holmes CC | The program page does not name an accrediting body; it points to the Mississippi Board of Nursing for licensure | Clinical hours and NCLEX-PN pass rate not stated on the program page |
| Bismarck State | Not stated on the program page | Labs and simulation take place at each location, and clinicals are arranged locally. Graduates can apply to take the NCLEX-PN |
Free LPN Program Comparison Sheet
Step 1. Tap the programs you are considering. Three is plenty.
Step 2. Click any text in the sheet and type to add your own notes.
The facts come from each school’s own program page. Confirm every detail with admissions before you enroll.
My LPN program sheet
Facts checked on November 2, 2026
Lake Area Technical College (South Dakota)
Program: Practical Nursing (LPN) program, with on-campus, full-time hybrid and part-time hybrid options
Length: Full-time: 11 months. Part-time hybrid: 18 months
Format: Hybrid e-degree: online coursework with required in-person clinical and simulation experiences. A Pierre, SD campus option completes labs and clinicals locally
Cost: 2026 costs listed: $16,543 on campus, $17,173 full-time hybrid, $16,783 part-time hybrid
Accreditation: ACEN, with a most recent decision of continuing accreditation
Exams and hours: The school says first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates are consistently above 95% but gives no year or exact figure. Admission requires at least 6 credits of general education courses
My notes:
Northland Community & Technical College (Minnesota)
Program: Practical Nursing diploma, 42 credits
Length: Not stated on the program page
Format: Locations include East Grand Forks, Thief River Falls and Online, with a Distance/Hybrid option
Cost: Not listed on the program page
Accreditation: Minnesota Board of Nursing approval and NLN CNEA continuing accreditation; the college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Exams and hours: NCLEX-PN pass rate 92.75% in 2025 (Minnesota 86.10%, national 86.60%), 92.21% in 2024 and 89.61% in 2023. Clinicals are in hospitals, long-term care facilities and clinics, with up to 10 students per instructor
My notes:
Southeast Community College (Nebraska)
Program: Practical Nursing diploma, 38 credits
Length: Full-time: 2 semesters starting in fall. Part-time: 2 semesters plus a summer term starting in spring
Format: Online or hybrid at Beatrice and Lincoln; online only at Milford and Falls City. Hybrid classes are about 75% in person, and the program cannot be completed entirely online
Cost: Estimated $10,094 for residents and $10,892 for non-residents (from a 2024 to 2025 info sheet)
Accreditation: ACEN, and approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing
Exams and hours: 270 clinical hours. NCLEX-PN pass rate not stated on the info sheet
My notes:
Minnesota West Community & Technical College
Program: Practical Nursing diploma, 39 credits (16 fall, 17 spring, 2 May term)
Length: Fall, spring and May term sessions
Format: Locations include Granite Falls, Online, Pipestone and Worthington. Online students travel to assigned clinical sites in southwest Minnesota
Cost: Not listed on the program page
Accreditation: ACEN, with a most recent decision of continuing accreditation
Exams and hours: Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN. Clinical hours and pass rate not stated on the program page
My notes:
Holmes Community College (Mississippi)
Program: Practical Nursing program in traditional and hybrid formats
Length: Full-time day: 3 semesters. Part-time hybrid: 5 consecutive semesters, starting every other fall in even years
Format: Part-time hybrid: online lectures with in-person lab and clinical work at the Grenada or Ridgeland campuses or the Attala Center
Cost: Not listed on the program page
Accreditation: The program page does not name an accrediting body; it points to the Mississippi Board of Nursing for licensure
Exams and hours: Clinical hours and NCLEX-PN pass rate not stated on the program page
My notes:
Bismarck State College (North Dakota)
Program: Practical Nursing certificate, through the Dakota Nursing Program
Length: Not stated in months; the plan lists first, second and third semester courses
Format: On campus and at satellite sites in Hazen, Harvey, Garrison, Ashley and Hettinger. Classes come through the Interactive Video Network from consortium colleges, and some courses are online
Cost: Not listed. Students pay for their own background check and drug screen
Accreditation: Not stated on the program page
Exams and hours: Labs and simulation take place at each location, and clinicals are arranged locally. Graduates can apply to take the NCLEX-PN
My notes:
Questions to ask every school
- Is the practical nursing program approved by my state board of nursing and accredited by ACEN or NLN CNEA?
- How many clinical hours are required, and who arranges the sites?
- What is the full cost, including books, fees, exams and supplies?
- What is the NCLEX-PN pass rate for the last three years, and how many people took it?
- Will I need to travel for labs, simulation or clinicals?
To save your sheet: press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac) and choose Save as PDF. Only the sheet prints. To copy it, select the text inside the sheet and press Ctrl+C or Cmd+C.
LPN Career Facts From the BLS
| Fact (BLS, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses) | Figure |
|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $64,400 a year ($30.96 an hour) |
| Typical entry-level education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Jobs (2025) | About 666,900 |
| Job outlook, 2025 to 2035 | 3% growth, about as fast as average |
| Projected new jobs, 2025 to 2035 | About 19,700 |
| Openings each year, on average | About 51,800 |
The BLS says LPNs monitor patients’ vital signs, provide basic care and comfort, document care and report patient status to registered nurses and physicians. It lists compassion, communication skills, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, multitasking and physical stamina as important qualities. Graduates must complete a state-approved program, typically about 1 year, and pass an exam to become licensed. These are national figures, and pay varies by state, employer and setting.
How the NCLEX-PN and Licensing Work
Your state board of nursing approves programs and issues licenses, so check its list of approved programs before you apply. The NCLEX-PN is a computer adaptive exam: NCSBN says candidates must answer a minimum of 85 questions, with a maximum of 150 in a five-hour period that includes breaks.
A school’s first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate shows how well it prepares students, but only when you also see the year and the number of test takers. Compare it with the state and national rates, as Northland does on its program page.
How to Choose an Online LPN Program
- Start with your state board. Confirm the program is approved so you can sit for the exam.
- Check accreditation. Ask for the accreditor’s name, such as ACEN or NLN CNEA, and confirm it.
- Plan for in-person time. Ask how many labs, simulation days and clinical hours you must attend and where.
- Add up the full cost. Include books, fees, supplies, background checks and travel.
- Compare pass rates. Ask for three years of first-time NCLEX-PN results and the number of test takers.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Believing “100% online”. Nursing programs always need in-person clinicals.
- Skipping state approval. A program without board approval may not lead to a license.
- Comparing tuition only. Fees, books, supplies and travel add up.
- Trusting a pass rate with no numbers. Ask for the year and the number of test takers.
- Missing deadlines. Many programs admit one cohort at a time, so apply early.
Program Choice Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. You are ready to apply when the counter reaches 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become an LPN entirely online?
No. Online and hybrid LPN programs teach lectures online, but labs, simulation and clinicals are in person. Southeast Community College says its program cannot be completed entirely online, and Lake Area Technical College’s hybrid option requires in-person clinical and simulation experiences.
How long do LPN programs take?
The BLS says state-approved programs typically take about 1 year. The programs above range from 11 months full-time at Lake Area Technical College to 18 months part-time, and some part-time tracks run five or six semesters.
How much do online LPN programs cost?
The costs these schools list range from an estimated $10,094 for Nebraska residents at Southeast Community College to $17,173 for the full-time hybrid track at Lake Area Technical College. Ask for the full cost, including books, fees, supplies and background checks.
Does the program need to be accredited?
Your state board of nursing must approve the program so you can sit for the exam. ACEN and NLN CNEA are national nursing accreditors. Ask for the accreditor’s name and confirm it with the accreditor.
What is the NCLEX-PN?
It is the licensing exam for practical nurses. NCSBN says it is a computer adaptive test with a minimum of 85 questions and a maximum of 150 in up to five hours, including breaks.
What is a good NCLEX-PN pass rate?
Compare a school’s first-time pass rate with the state and national rates and ask how many people took the exam. Northland reported 92.75% in 2025, against 86.10% for Minnesota and 86.60% nationally.
How much do LPNs earn?
The BLS reports median pay of $64,400 a year ($30.96 an hour) for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses as of May 2025.
What is the job outlook for LPNs?
The BLS projects 3% growth from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average, with about 51,800 openings each year, many from workers who leave the occupation.
Can I attend a program in another state?
Often you must meet the licensing rules of the state where you will work, and clinical sites must be near you. Ask the school whether it serves students in your state and whether its approval transfers.
What should I ask before I enroll?
Ask whether the state board approves the program, which accreditor covers it, how many clinical hours you need, who arranges the sites, the last three years of NCLEX-PN pass rates and the full cost.
Final Thoughts
The right online LPN program is approved by your state board, fits your budget and schedule, and has strong, well-documented NCLEX-PN results. Use the facts above, ask each school the same questions and write down the answers before you decide.
Related Reading
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- New graduate LPN resume sample
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Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (May 2025 pay; 2025 to 2035 outlook); NCSBN, NCLEX-PN Test Plan. School pages: Lake Area Technical College; Northland Community & Technical College and program details; Southeast Community College info sheet; Minnesota West Community & Technical College; Holmes Community College; Bismarck State College.