LPN Program Rankings

To help aspiring nurses evaluate their options, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac has compiled an extensive database of student performance on the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. We analyzed this data over the past decade to calculate each school’s NCLEX pass rate among first-time test-takers. We then used this metric to rank the licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs in each major state. You can find the detailed results of our analysis below.

Rankings by State (A-K)

Rankings by State (L-N)

Rankings by State (O-Z)

2024 Rankings: The Best Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Programs in Pennsylvania

For our 2024 rankings of LPN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Aspiring practical nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-PN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of practical nursing programs.

2024 Rankings: The Best Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Programs in Ohio

For our 2024 rankings of LPN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Aspiring practical nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-PN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of practical nursing programs.

2024 Rankings: The Best Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Programs in New York

For our 2024 rankings of LPN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Aspiring practical nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-PN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of practical nursing programs.

2024 Rankings: The Best Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Programs in North Carolina

The first step towards a career as a licensed practical nurse is enrolling in an LPN diploma program at one of North Carolina’s community colleges or vocational schools. These programs are fairly brief, typically requiring twelve months of fulltime study. The North Carolina Board of Nursing has approved more than forty LPN diploma programs across the state, providing students a broad menu of options from which to choose.

2024 Rankings: The Best Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Exit Option Programs in Illinois

The state of Illinois is home to approximately a dozen LPN exit option programs. This registered nursing pathway conducts the two-year curriculum in a “ladder” format, enabling students to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) at the conclusion of year one. Since aspiring practical nurses must pass this examination before they may commence practice, student performance on the NCLEX-PN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of these LPN exit option programs.

2024 Rankings: The Best Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Programs in Illinois

For our 2024 rankings of LPN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Aspiring practical nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-PN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of practical nursing programs.

2024 Rankings: The Best Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Programs in Georgia

For our 2024 rankings of LPN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Aspiring practical nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-PN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of practical nursing programs.

2024 Rankings: The Best Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) Programs in California

Licensed vocational nurses care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the supervision of registered nurses, surgeons, and physicians. They measure and record vital signs, dress wounds, prepare and give injections, collect samples for testing, and clean and monitor medical equipment. LVNs also gather information from patients for medical and insurance purposes, teach family members how to care for patients, and supervise junior healthcare staff such as certified nursing assistants (CNAs).

2024 Rankings: The Best Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Programs in Maryland

For our 2024 rankings of LPN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Aspiring practical nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-PN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of practical nursing programs.

2024 Rankings: The Best Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) Programs in Texas

Licensed vocational nurses provide frontline patient care under the supervision of surgeons, physicians, and registered nurses. They collect samples for testing, monitor medical equipment, measure vital signs, dress wounds, provide injections, and gather medical information from patients. Some LVNs even help to deliver, care for, and feed infants. Experienced LVNs may supervise certified nursing assistants and aides (CNAs).