🚀 What Are Accelerated LPN Programs?
Accelerated LPN programs compress standard 15-18 month curricula into 9-12 months through intensive scheduling:
📚 Traditional LPN Programs
- • Timeline: 15-18 months
- • Schedule: 2-3 days/week or evenings
- • Breaks: Summer break, holidays
- • Pace: Moderate, manageable
- • Work? Yes, can work 20-30 hours/week
⚡ Accelerated LPN Programs
- ✓ Timeline: 9-12 months
- ✓ Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
- ✓ Breaks: Minimal (1-2 week breaks only)
- ✓ Pace: Fast, intense, immersive
- ✓ Work? Difficult (full-time commitment required)
💡 Key Point: Accelerated programs cover the EXACT SAME material and clinical hours (200-400) as traditional programs. You learn the same content, take the same NCLEX-PN exam, and receive the same LPN license. The ONLY difference is the compressed timeline.
🏆 Top 10 Accelerated LPN Programs 2025
These programs offer the fastest completion times (9-12 months) with strong NCLEX pass rates:
1. Rasmussen University (12-Month Hybrid)
ACEN AccreditedLocations: FL, IL, MN, WI, ND, KS + 14 other states (online/hybrid)
Timeline
12 months
Tuition
$26,550
NCLEX Pass Rate
87%
Why it's #1: FASTEST completion (12 months), self-paced online format, clinical sites in 20+ states, strong career support.
Website: rasmussen.edu
2. Rio Salado College (Arizona 12-Month)
ACEN AccreditedLocations: Phoenix metro area (AZ residents only)
Timeline
12 months
Tuition
$9,800
NCLEX Pass Rate
89%
Why it's great: LOWEST cost ($9,800), excellent NCLEX pass rate (89%), hybrid online/in-person format.
Website: riosalado.edu
3. South Texas College (12-Month Fast-Track)
ACEN AccreditedLocations: McAllen, Brownsville, Pecan (TX residents priority)
Timeline
12 months
Tuition
$5,400
NCLEX Pass Rate
84%
Why it's great: Ultra-low cost ($5,400), bilingual instruction (English/Spanish), strong job placement in Texas healthcare.
Website: southtexascollege.edu
4. Lincoln Technical Institute (12-Month)
ACEN AccreditedLocations: NJ, PA, CT, NY (14 campuses)
Timeline
12 months
Tuition
$22,000-$28,000
NCLEX Pass Rate
82%
Why it's great: Multiple Northeast locations, strong hospital partnerships, evening/weekend options available.
Website: lincolntech.edu
5. Excelsior University (12-18 Month Online)
ACEN AccreditedLocations: 100% online theory + 3-week clinical immersion blocks
Timeline
12-18 months
Tuition
$21,000
NCLEX Pass Rate
83%
Why it's great: Competency-based (test out of known material), clinical immersion = 3-week blocks instead of weekly rotations.
Website: excelsior.edu
Other Top Accelerated Programs (6-10)
6. Ivy Tech Community College (IN)
12-15 mo | $6,200 | 86% NCLEX | 19 campuses
7. Porter & Chester Institute (CT)
12 mo | $24,000 | 86% NCLEX | Multiple CT locations
8. Concorde Career College (CA, TX, FL)
12 mo | $26,000 | 81% NCLEX | 8 locations
9. Stone Academy (CT)
12 mo | $22,000 | 85% NCLEX | Waterbury, East Hartford
10. Tulsa Technology Center (OK)
11 mo | $7,500 | 84% NCLEX | Tulsa metro
📍 Accelerated LPN Programs by State
Find fast-track programs in your state (top 20 states by availability):
California
15+ accelerated programs | 10-12 months | $12K-$26K
Texas
20+ accelerated programs | 10-12 months | $5K-$15K
Florida
18+ accelerated programs | 10-12 months | $8K-$18K
Pennsylvania
12+ accelerated programs | 12 months | $10K-$22K
Ohio
10+ accelerated programs | 11-12 months | $8K-$16K
New York
8+ accelerated programs | 12 months | $12K-$24K
Illinois
8+ accelerated programs | 12 months | $10K-$20K
Michigan
7+ accelerated programs | 12 months | $9K-$18K
Georgia
6+ accelerated programs | 11-12 months | $8K-$15K
North Carolina
7+ accelerated programs | 12 months | $8K-$14K
Arizona
5+ accelerated programs | 12 months | $9K-$16K
Indiana
6+ accelerated programs | 12-15 months | $6K-$12K
Virginia
5+ accelerated programs | 12 months | $8K-$16K
Tennessee
6+ accelerated programs | 12 months | $7K-$14K
Missouri
5+ accelerated programs | 12 months | $8K-$15K
Wisconsin
4+ accelerated programs | 12 months | $9K-$16K
Connecticut
4+ accelerated programs | 12 months | $14K-$24K
Oklahoma
5+ accelerated programs | 11-12 months | $7K-$12K
Kentucky
4+ accelerated programs | 12 months | $7K-$13K
Louisiana
4+ accelerated programs | 12 months | $6K-$12K
⚖️ Accelerated LPN Programs: Pros & Cons
✅ PROS
- + Start earning 6-9 months sooner — $48K/year salary kicks in faster
- + Higher ROI — Earn $24K-$36K MORE over 2 years vs. traditional programs
- + Same credentials — Identical LPN license, same NCLEX-PN exam
- + Immersive learning — Full-time focus = better retention, fewer distractions
- + Career change friendly — Perfect for motivated adults ready to commit 100%
- + Momentum — Fast pace keeps you engaged, prevents burnout from long timelines
⚠️ CONS
- - Can't work full-time — Monday-Friday 8am-5pm schedule = difficult to earn income
- - Childcare challenges — Need full-time childcare for young kids (expensive!)
- - Intense pace — No time to catch up if you fall behind
- - Minimal breaks — Only 1-2 week breaks between terms (no summer off)
- - High stress — Fast learning curve, constant exams, time pressure
- - Less flexibility — Miss 1-2 classes = fall behind significantly
🤔 Is an Accelerated LPN Program Right for You?
✅ Best For:
- • Career changers with savings to support 12 months without income
- • Motivated students ready for full-time commitment
- • Single/childless students or those with strong family support
- • Fast learners who thrive under pressure
- • People with healthcare experience (CNAs, MAs transitioning to LPN)
- • Younger students (no kids, fewer obligations)
⚠️ NOT Best For:
- • Working parents who need income during school
- • Single parents without childcare support
- • Students with financial obligations (mortgage, bills requiring full-time work)
- • Slow learners who need time to absorb material
- • People with health issues that require frequent absences
- • Students juggling multiple responsibilities (work, kids, elder care)
💡 Alternative: If accelerated programs don't fit your life, consider evening/weekend programs (18-24 months). You can work as a CNA during the day ($30K-$35K/year) and attend LPN school at night. It takes longer, but you EARN while you learn! Learn more about flexible options.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are accelerated LPN programs?
Accelerated LPN programs compress standard 15-18 month curricula into 9-12 months through intensive full-time schedules. Students attend classes 5 days/week (8am-5pm) with no summer breaks, covering the same material and clinical hours as traditional programs but in a shorter timeframe.
How fast can you become an LPN?
The fastest accredited LPN programs take 9-12 months to complete. These intensive accelerated programs require full-time commitment but allow you to start earning an LPN salary ($48,000/year) within one year. Evening/weekend programs take 18-24 months for working students.
Are accelerated LPN programs harder?
Accelerated programs cover the same content as traditional programs but at a faster pace. They're more intense (5 days/week, no breaks) but not necessarily harder. Success requires strong time management, full-time commitment, and ability to handle fast-paced learning. NCLEX pass rates are comparable to traditional programs (80-90%).
How much do accelerated LPN programs cost?
Accelerated LPN programs cost $8,000-$28,000 depending on school type. Community college programs cost $8,000-$12,000, technical schools $12,000-$20,000, and private schools $20,000-$28,000. Total cost is similar to traditional programs, but you start earning sooner (higher ROI).
Can you work while in an accelerated LPN program?
Most accelerated programs require full-time commitment (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm) making it difficult to work. However, some students work part-time (10-15 hours/week) on weekends. If you need to work full-time, consider evening/weekend programs (18-24 months) instead.
⚡ Ready to Fast-Track Your LPN Career?
Find accelerated programs in your state and start earning $48K/year in 9-12 months!
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