How Much Do Online Classes for LPNs Cost Typically?

The cost of online LPN training varies by program. Depending upon goals and interests, students may end up paying thousands of dollars for a single class or more for an entire program delivered in a hybrid format. Other factors affecting cost include books, computer software and hardware and departmental fees.

Typical Costs of Online LPN Classes

There's no one set cost of online LPN classes. Cost is dependent upon a number of factors, including the type of institution, the number of courses taken, the cost of required and supplemental course materials and any other fees associated with the class.

What Types of Online LPN Classes Exist?

Hybrid Programs

Hybrid programs require students to complete academic coursework online and clinical practice in a local medical facility. Some general courses in these programs may include health promotion and assessment, gerontology and medical-surgical nursing, nutrition, physiology, anatomy, pharmacology and public speaking.

Refresher Courses

Online refresher courses are available for LPNs as well. These courses are designed for inactive LPNs interested in returning to the field after an absence. The courses are typically divided in two parts, web-based training and an in-person clinical practicum. Web-based course topics may include pharmacology, adult health nursing and contemporary medical-surgical nursing. The clinical practicum consists of supervised, hands-on training and generally takes place in a hospital, long-term care facility or other healthcare setting.

Licensure

LPNs must pass The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) in order to become licensed. The exam is computer-based and covers topics in maintaining and promoting health, physiological and psychosocial integrity and creating a safe and effective care environment. Eligibility requirements for licensure vary by state.

Salary Information and Job Outlook

According to PayScale.com, licensed practical nurses earn between $31,933-$44,891 per year. The most popular industries for LPNs were healthcare, long-term and rehabilitative care, nursing home, hospital and family medicine.
Employment opportunities were predicted to grow by 21% from 2008 to 2018, reported the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). Much of this growth will come from the need for long-term care of an increasingly elderly population in the U.S. An overall increase in the demand for general healthcare services will drive growth as well. Hospitals will continue to be one of the largest employers of LPNs.