🎓 How Hybrid LPN Programs Work
Hybrid LPN programs split your education into online theory and in-person clinical training. Here's the breakdown:
💻 Online Theory (70-80%)
- ✓ Video lectures — Watch recorded lessons on anatomy, pharmacology, nursing theory
- ✓ Reading assignments — Complete textbook chapters and case studies at your pace
- ✓ Online exams — Take quizzes and tests from home (proctored via webcam)
- ✓ Virtual simulations — Practice nursing scenarios in 3D software
- ✓ Discussion forums — Interact with classmates and instructors
🏥 In-Person Clinicals (20-30%)
- ✓ On-campus lab days — Practice skills like IV insertion, wound care, catheter placement
- ✓ Hospital rotations — Work with real patients in med-surg, pediatrics, ER
- ✓ Nursing home shifts — Gain long-term care experience with elderly patients
- ✓ Clinic placements — Learn outpatient care procedures
- ✓ 200-400 hours total — Typically 2-3 days/week over 4-6 months
📅 Typical Weekly Schedule
Monday-Thursday: Online classes (study from home, 3-4 hours/day)
Friday-Saturday: Clinical rotations (on-site at hospital/nursing home, 8-12 hour shifts)
Sunday: Study time for exams, assignments, NCLEX prep
🌟 Why Choose Online LPN Classes?
💼 Work While You Learn
Study online evenings/weekends while working as a CNA, medical assistant, or in another job. Earn $30K-$40K/year WHILE becoming an LPN!
👶 Perfect for Parents
Study when kids are asleep. No need for childcare during online classes. Attend clinicals only 2-3 days/week (easier to arrange daycare).
🏠 Learn From Home
No commute for theory classes. Save $500-$1,500/year on gas, parking, childcare. Study in pajamas if you want! 😊
⏰ Flexible Schedule
Watch lectures anytime (2am study session? No problem!). Pause, rewind, rewatch as needed. Learn at YOUR pace.
💰 Lower Total Cost
Save on commute, parking, childcare, and campus fees. Online programs often cost $2,000-$5,000 LESS than traditional programs.
🌍 Live Anywhere
Rural area with no nearby LPN schools? Online programs let you access top schools from anywhere (as long as you can reach clinical sites).
🏆 Top 6 Online/Hybrid LPN Programs 2025
These programs offer the best combination of flexibility, affordability, and NCLEX-PN pass rates:
1. Rasmussen University (Hybrid)
ACEN AccreditedFormat: Online theory + clinical sites in 20+ states
Tuition
$26,550 total
Length
12-18 months
NCLEX Pass Rate
87%
Why it's great: Self-paced online format, clinical sites in FL, IL, MN, WI, ND, KS, and 14+ other states. Fastest completion (12 months possible).
Website: rasmussen.edu
2. Excelsior University (Online + Intensives)
ACEN AccreditedFormat: 100% online theory + 3-week clinical immersion blocks
Tuition
$21,000 total
Length
12-18 months
NCLEX Pass Rate
83%
Why it's great: Competency-based (test out of what you know), clinical immersion = 3-week blocks instead of weekly rotations. Perfect for working adults.
Website: excelsior.edu
3. Purdue Global (Hybrid)
NLN AccreditedFormat: Online theory + local clinical placements nationwide
Tuition
$18,900 total
Length
15 months
NCLEX Pass Rate
85%
Why it's great: Purdue University brand, affordable tuition, clinical placements in all 50 states, strong career support.
Website: purdueglobal.edu
4. Rio Salado College (Arizona Hybrid)
ACEN AccreditedFormat: Online classes + Phoenix-area clinicals
Tuition
$9,800 (AZ residents)
Length
12 months
NCLEX Pass Rate
89%
Why it's great: LOWEST tuition for AZ residents, fully online lectures, excellent NCLEX pass rate, fast 12-month completion.
Website: riosalado.edu
5. Ivy Tech Community College (Indiana Hybrid)
ACEN AccreditedFormat: Online theory + clinicals at 19 IN campuses
Tuition
$6,200 (IN residents)
Length
15 months
NCLEX Pass Rate
86%
Why it's great: Largest LPN program in Indiana, 19 campus locations, very affordable, strong local job placement.
Website: ivytech.edu
6. Your Local Community College
ACEN/NLN AccreditedFormat: Varies (many now offer hybrid options)
Tuition
$3,000-$8,000
Length
12-18 months
NCLEX Pass Rate
80-90%
Why it's great: MOST affordable option, strong local hospital partnerships, best job placement rates in your area.
Examples: Lone Star College (TX), Miami Dade College (FL), Northern Virginia CC (VA), Cuyahoga CC (OH)
📋 Requirements for Online LPN Programs
Online/hybrid LPN programs have the SAME requirements as traditional programs:
High School Diploma or GED
Official transcript required for admission.
Minimum GPA (2.5-3.0)
Some programs accept lower GPAs with work experience or prerequisite completion.
Prerequisite Courses (Optional for Some Programs)
Anatomy, Physiology, English Composition. Some programs include these in the curriculum.
Background Check & Drug Screening
Required for clinical placements at hospitals and nursing facilities.
Immunizations & Physical Exam
MMR, Hepatitis B, Tdap, Flu shot, TB test, physical exam.
Reliable Internet & Computer
Webcam required for proctored exams. Minimum internet speed: 5 Mbps download, 2 Mbps upload.
Access to Clinical Sites
Must live within driving distance of approved hospitals/nursing homes (typically 30-50 mile radius).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take LPN classes online?
Yes, through hybrid programs. You can complete theory classes (lectures, readings, exams) online while doing required clinical training (200-400 hours) at local hospitals or nursing facilities. No fully online LPN programs exist because all states mandate hands-on patient care experience.
Are online LPN programs accredited?
Yes, if the program is ACEN or NLN accredited and approved by your state Board of Nursing. Accredited hybrid programs (online theory + in-person clinicals) are legitimate. Avoid programs claiming to be 100% online, as they are not accredited.
How do online LPN classes work?
Online LPN programs split coursework into online theory (70-80%) and in-person clinical rotations (20-30%). You study lectures, complete assignments, and take exams online at your own pace, then attend scheduled clinical shifts at partnered healthcare facilities near you.
Can you work while taking LPN classes online?
Yes! Online/hybrid LPN programs are designed for working adults. Many students work as CNAs, medical assistants, or in other healthcare roles while completing online coursework in evenings/weekends and attending clinical rotations 2-3 days per week.
How long do online LPN programs take?
Online/hybrid LPN programs take 12-18 months to complete. Self-paced formats may allow faster completion (10-12 months), while part-time evening/weekend options take 18-24 months. Clinical hours (200-400) are the same regardless of online or traditional format.
💻 Ready to Take LPN Classes Online?
Find accredited hybrid programs, study from home, and start your nursing career with FLEXIBILITY!
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