How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Virginia
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Virginia: Step-by-Step
Discover the path to becoming an LPN in Virginia. From education and clinical training to licensure and career growth, see how UHS helps you every step of the way.What’s the Fastest Way to Enter Nursing in Virginia?
A calling that starts close to home. In Virginia, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are the ones who meet patients at eye level — from taking vital signs in the morning, administering medicine in the afternoon, to easing worries well into the night. Before the first patient check-in. Before the first set of vitals. Every nurse begins with a single step: choosing the path. In Virginia, that path can begin with a Practical Nursing program designed to move you from the classroom to the bedside faster than you might imagine.What We’ll Cover Together
- What is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?
- Step 1: Enroll in a Virginia-Approved Program
- Step 2: Train for 12–15 Months
- Step 3: Apply for Licensure with the Virginia Board of Nursing
- Step 4: Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam
- Step 5: Begin Your Career in Virginia
- How UHS Helps You Start
What is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?
A Licensed Practical Nurse provides direct, hands-on care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings. LPNs are often the nurse patients interact with most, handling essential tasks such as:- Monitoring vital signs
- Administering medications and injections
- Assisting with wound care
- Ensuring patient comfort and safety
- Reporting updates to Registered Nurses and physicians
The Step-by-Step Path to Becoming an LPN in Virginia
Step 1: Enroll in a Virginia-Approved Practical Nursing Program
The first step is completing a state-approved Practical Nursing program. At Ultimate Health School (UHS), our program is built around Virginia Board of Nursing requirements, so you cover everything the state expects before sitting for the exam. UHS students spend 12–15 months combining:- Classroom instruction
- Simulation labs
- Clinical rotations
Step 2: Graduate in 12–15 Months
Unlike careers that take years of college, the LPN path in Virginia is intentionally short. Most programs last about one year, and at UHS, students typically finish in 12–15 months. 👉 In just over a year, you can move from classroom to career.Step 3: Apply for Licensure with the Virginia Board of Nursing
After graduation, you will apply for your license through the Virginia Board of Nursing. The process includes:- Submitting proof of graduation from an approved program
- Completing a criminal background check and fingerprints
- Registering for the NCLEX-PN exam
Step 4: Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam
The NCLEX-PN is the national licensing exam every future LPN must pass. In Virginia, this is your final gateway to nursing. The exam tests four areas:- Safe & Effective Care Environment
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Physiological Integrity
Step 5: Begin Your Career as an LPN in Virginia
Once you pass, you’ll receive your license from the Virginia Board of Nursing. From there, you can begin working in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, or home health agencies across the state.How UHS Helps You Start
At Ultimate Health School, you are never alone on the journey. Students receive:- Accelerated training: Become an LPN in just 12–15 months
- NCLEX support: Prep built into the curriculum
- Small class sizes: Personalized guidance from instructors
- Hands-on clinicals: Real experience in Virginia healthcare settings
- Career services: Resume, interview, and job placement support
Ready to Begin Your Nursing Journey in Virginia?
The fastest way to enter nursing in Virginia is by starting with a Practical Nursing program designed to take you from the classroom to the bedside in just over a year.
👉 Learn more about the UHS Practical Nursing Program today and take the first step toward a secure, meaningful nursing career.