How Much Does Becoming an LPN or LVN Cost?

$ Public School: $5,000-$25,000 Tuition, Fees, Books & Supplies

$ $ Private School: $20,000-$40,000+ Tuition, Fees, Books & Supplies

Referred to as licensed vocational nurses and licensed practical nurses depending on the state in which they work, the LPNs and LVNs professionals provide basic nursing care such as collecting samples, taking of vital signs, wound management, bathing and moving the patient, while working under the direction of registered nurses and doctors.

The training is through a state-approved educational program and usually lasts from one year to 18 months, where the graduates should pass a national exam and get a state license to work.

Typical Costs

The sum for fees and tuition, books and supplies at a public college or university are approx. $5,000-$25,000, based on the length, the type of the program – full time or part-time, the school’s status and location.

The books and supplies, as well as the living expenses, can add $8,000-$15,000, based on the location and circumstances, rreachingtotal costs to $12,000-$40,000.

The tuition and fees for the full-time two-semester LPN program at Johnson County Community College in Kansas costs $5,103 for Johnson County residents, and $5,658 for Kansas residents and $9,210 for out-of-state students.

The living, transportation and miscellaneous expenses are estimated at $10,824, which makes total costs to $15,927 for county residents, $16,482 for state residents and $20,034 for out-of-state students.

The one-year, three-semester LPN program at Northern Virginia Community College, with classes held all day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, requests $18,136 for fees and tuition, books and supplies; while the transportation and living expenses add to total costs of $33,226-$38,821, based on whether the student lives with family members or independently.

At Pennsylvania State University, the tuition for the part-time, 18-month practical nurse program is $14,500, whichincludes books and tuition, uniforms and basic nursing supplies; however, the additional fees such as health tests and insurance, CPR certification, national exam and living expenses depend on the individual circumstances of the part-time student’s.

The fees and tuition, books and supplies for a LPN or LVN program at a private college cost $20,000-$40,000, based on the school and the program’s length; the living expenses and the total costs estimated on the individual circumstances of the student.

Delta College in Baton Rouge, LA, for example, estimates total costs at $23,514 for fees and tuition, books and supplies for 15 months daily or 24 months nighttime LPN program.

EPCI University in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia has costs of $35,319 for fees and tuition, books and supplies.

The private schools costs more, yet typically they have no or less of a waiting list than public programs, and more frequent start dates.

Their accelerated programs are shorter to complete, and secure a more flexible schedule for working students.

What Is Included

• LPN or LVN programs should provide both classroom instruction and clinical practice in a healthcare setting. Wallace Community College Selma in Alabama outlines the practical nurse curriculum for its three-semester (full-time) and four-semester (part-time) programs.
• LPNs and LVNs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including nursing homes, extended care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices and private homes. They often stand for long periods, and physically help patients move in bed, stand or walk. Most LPNs and LVNs work a 40-hour week, but because patients require 24-hour care, some LPNs and LVNs work nights, weekends and holidays. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs provides an overview of duties and working conditions.

Discounts

• There are many nursing grant and loan, as well as scholarship programs.
• The students should fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid before receiving most scholarships or financial aid.
• Information is provided online for federal student aid grants that are not repaid, and federal work-study programs, which are suitable for students with financial need.
• The American Association of Colleges of Nursing presents potential financial aid resources.
• The National Student Nurses Association provides scholarships and grants.

Shopping For Becoming An LPN Or LVN

• Practical nursing programs are available at DiscoverNursing.com and by the state board of nursing which provides a listing of board-approved schools in that state.
• Always require information on school’s accreditation, the number of clinical training hours included in the program, and graduates’ NCLEX-PN pass rate and job placement percentages.