Licensed Practical Nurse

Nursing students

About the Program

NOVA Workforce Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate program prepares students for licensure to work as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). The program's vision is to become the gold standard for excellence in evidenced-based practical nursing education in Virginia. The program will implement innovative approaches to education to meet the diverse needs of our students and community. Graduates of the NOVA Practical Nurse program will have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to be successful as healthcare providers and academically prepared to be able to continue their nursing education into advanced nurse training in the future. The program has been approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

Transfer credits may not be accepted at this time.

Program Details

LPN is a full-time program located at NOVA's Reston Technology Center with various days, times, and occasional weekend clinical shifts. Candidates will need to have an open and flexible schedule and reliable transportation. Additional information regarding the program can be found in the LPN Information & Application Portal (See Apply to the Program tab below).

General Admission Requirements

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Completed High School transcripts or Completed GED Diploma. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
    • If your Foreign degree is from outside of the United States, you must first get your international transcript evaluated and translated through an international evaluation agency, World Education Services (WES) or International Education Research Foundation (IERF).
  • Hold a current unrestricted Virginia CNA License.
  • Successfully completed four sections of the ATI-TEAS Version 7 Nursing tests(R): Reading, Math, Science, and English. Scores must be proficient or higher; developmental and basic scores will not be accepted.
  • Submit a clean Criminal Background Check / Drug Screen / Immunizations / History & Physical.
  • Submit a Resume.
  • Submit any current and active certifications you may hold, such as BLS/CPR, CCMA, Registered Medication Aide, Phlebotomy Tech, etc.

Acceptance letters will be emailed to students after the application window has closed (see application portal for dates). Students will have the option to apply for financial assistance and a payment plan once accepted to the program.

The practical nursing curriculum is composed of 8 courses. The curriculum flows in a logical progression building a strong theory base, integrating previous learning, and providing for application to clinical practice over the length of the program. The courses follow a specific sequence, requiring students to utilize skill and theory while applying the nursing process in the care of patients.

The course clock hours and descriptions for each of the practical nursing courses within the program of study are outlined below:  

  • Fundamentals for Practical Nursing 1 (382 total hours)
  • Medication Aide for the Practical Nursing (68 total hours)
  • Pharmacology for Practical Nursing (256 total hours)
  • Phlebotomy for Practical Nursing (30 total hours)
  • Medical Assisting for Practical Nursing (30 total hours)
  • Fundamentals for Practical Nursing 2 (134 total hours)
  • Fundamentals for Practical Nursing 3 (345 total hours)
  • Transition to Practical Nursing – Capstone (65 total hours)

To see the Breakdown of Skills and Clinical hours, please click here.

Tuition pending Financial Aid Approval.

Information and Application Portal

FAQs, scholarship information, and more program details may be found in the Practical Nursing Information and Application Portal.

  • Fall Classes Begin August 2025.
  • Application Portal Closes April 15, 2025.
  • This is a full-time program. We will have 2 cohorts to choose from:
    • Monday – Friday: Daytime program (9 am – 4 pm)
    • Monday – Friday: Evening time program (4 pm – 10 pm)
  • Spring Classes Begin January 2026, application window to apply will start September 2025, do not apply now.

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