Practical nursing is a fast and simple choice for certified nursing assistants looking to take the next step on the nursing career ladder. The preparation for this role requires a commitment of 12 months or less for current CNAs. Although bridge CNA-to-LPN programs are limited in Virginia, nurse aides may still apply for admission and gain a competitive advantage in the selective admissions process. Practical nursing programs typically follow a full-time only schedule with day-time classes. There may be a few even schedules to meet your needs. Luckily, nursing assistants benefit from flexible working hours, so you can work in the evening or weekends and still attend a full-time day practical nursing program.
ECPI University – Virginia Beach
Certified nursing assistants may apply for admission to the Practical Nursing Program at ECPI University and gain a competitive advantage as well as credit for their prior education. CNA applicants who complete Anatomy and Physiology with Lab will receive credit as long as they have been completed within the past two years. CNAs enrolled in the program will acquire knowledge and skills needed for effective communication, critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and teamwork. Theory and practical coursework cover 1,696 hours or 48.5-semester credits. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, concepts of nursing, dosage calculations, pharmacology, medical surgical nursing, role transition, normal life span, acute care nursing, and introduction to psychology. The duration of the program is 60 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Must meet the minimum application thresholds to be considered a qualified applicant
- Must be successful on the TEAS V exam – minimum score requirements- Reading: 58.3, Math: 55
- Provide a record of high school graduation or high school equivalent
- Must be able to meet the minimal level of essential functional abilities required to practice as a nurse as described by the NCSBN
- Must demonstrate physical and emotional health that indicates the ability to provide safe nursing care to the public
- Submit to a background check and drug screen
- Must have current CPR certification for Healthcare Providers
- Provide documentation of immunization
- Submit a negative TB test
- CNA applicants must have a current license to practice
Tuition costs $9,720 per semester for full-time students. Students will incur additional costs for books, supplies, and fees. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.ecpi.edu/
- Address: 5555 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
- Phone: (757) 671-7171
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 88.10%
Virginia Beach School of Practical Nursing
The practical nursing program at the Virginia Beach School of Practical Nursing is open to certified nursing assistants who are applying as adult applicants. CNAs may be eligible for special consideration in the competitive admissions program. Students will learn how to utilize the best current evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences to make nursing decisions, be accountable for decisions and actions performed in the provision of safe quality nursing care, minimize risks of patients through effective use of technology and standardized practices, and collaborate and communicate with health care team. The program covers a total of 1,494 hours Course topics include vocational relations, nursing fundamentals, anatomy and physiology, nutrition and health, human growth and development, introduction to medical surgical nursing, introduction to pharmacology, obstetrical nursing, pediatric nursing, advanced medical surgical nursing, and leadership and management. high school seniors and adults. Graduates are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-PN for state licensure. The duration of the program is 18 months.
Admission criteria:
- Submit an application for admission by the published deadline
- Submit official high school or GED transcript – verification must be provided directly from the institution granting the transcript and must remain sealed
- CNA applicants must have a current and active license
- Must take and pass the ATI TEAS Nursing Entrance Exam – applicants with the highest scores will be selected
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check and drug screen
- Must have current CPR certification
- Must meet the health and immunization requirements – (MMR, TB Test, Varicella, and Hepatitis B)
- Must have good body mechanics, normal vision and hearing, demonstrate effective communication skills and the ability to deliver safe and competent care
The program cost is $4,300 (began as a high school senior) or $6,300 (began as adult) if completed within normal time. Pell Grants and flexible payment plans are available for persons with financial barriers.
- Website: https://techcenter.vbschools.com/
- Address: 2925 North Landing Road, Virginia Beach, VA
- Phone: (757) 648-5889
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 98.70%
ECPI University – Newport News
The Practical Nursing Program at ECPI University is open to currently certified nursing assistants who hold an active and unencumbered license. Enrolling in the program will give them the additional skills needed to provide patient care in the role of a licensed practical nurse. Theory and hands-on activities will expand their existing skills to include communication, critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and collaboration with the rest of the health care team. The curriculum covers 1,696 credit hours or 48.5 credit hours. The training will include extensive time at local health care facilities where students will provide patient care under the direction of an experienced and caring instructor. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, concepts of nursing, dosage calculations, pharmacology, medical surgical nursing, role transition, normal life span, acute care nursing, and introduction to psychology. The duration of the program is 60 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Must meet the minimum application thresholds to be considered a qualified applicant
- Must be successful on the TEAS V exam – minimum score requirements- Reading: 58.3, Math: 55
- Provide record of high school graduation or high school equivalent
- Must be able to meet minimal level of essential functional abilities required to practice as a nurse as described by the NCSBN
- Must demonstrate physical and emotional health that indicates ability to provide safe nursing care to the public
- Submit to a background check and drug screen
- Must have current CPR certification for Healthcare Providers
- Provide documentation of immunization
- Submit a negative TB test
- CNA applicants must hold current certification
Tuition costs $9,720 per semester for full-time students. Students will incur additional costs for books, supplies, and fees. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.ecpi.edu/
- Address: 1001 Omni Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23606
- Phone: (757) 838-9191
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 81.57%
Bryan & Stratton College
The Practical Nursing diploma at Bryant & Stratton College admits nursing assistants who hold a current and unencumbered CNA license. Any credit granted will be based on the discretion of the program coordinator. However, nursing assistants must be given extra points in the selective admissions program. The program covers 41 credit hours including 32 major credits. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of practical nursing, medical/surgical nursing, pharmacology of LPNs, intravenous therapy, practical nursing leadership and transition, maternal child nursing, and lifespan development and nursing practice. Liberal arts requirements include research and writing, college mathematics, and introduction to psychology. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX to become Licensed Practical Nurses.
Admission criteria:
- Complete an interview with an admissions representative
- Complete the admissions assessment with college-level placement scores on the English and Mathematics placement evaluations
- Must have completed high school or GED
- CNA applicants must hold current CNA certificate
- Provide documentation of a recent physical exam and drug screen
- Submit to a criminal background check and drug screen
Tuition costs $9,600 per semester for full-time students. Books, supplies, and fees are not included.
- Website: https://www.bryantstratton.edu/
- Address: 8141 Hull Street Rd, North Chesterfield, VA 23235
- Phone: 804-745-2444
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: N/A
Fortis College
The practical nursing program at Fortis is open to certified nursing assistants seeking to prepare for practice as a licensed practical nurse. Any credit granted for the program will be based on an evaluation of academic or work experience. Once admitted to the program, students will complete the theoretical requirements online made available through the college’s consortium agreement with Fortis College in Centerville, Ohio. The curriculum covers 1310 contact hours (82 quarter credits) of theory and hands-on coursework surrounding the safety in patient care, development of effective interpersonal and therapeutic relationships, provision of competent care, and the promotion of health and wellness. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, foundations of nursing, gerontological nursing, mental health nursing, maternal newborn nursing, medical surgical nursing, concepts of leadership and collaboration, human growth and development, and fundamentals of human nutrition. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN to become a licensed practical nurse. The duration of the program 60 weeks. Classes meet Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 11:00 am and 7:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED – transcripts required
- Must apply for admission to Fortis College
- Must meet with an admission representative before applying to the practical nursing program
- Take and pass the Wonderlic SLE with a minimum score of 16
- Must agree to and sign the Enrollment Agreement and pay the enrollment fee
- Review and sign a Student Information and Acknowledgement Form
- Must pass the Online Competency Assessment with a minimum score of 70%
- Provide a valid form of identification with a picture, name, and address
- Submit a copy of a current American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider Course CPR card
- Sign the Allied Health and Nursing Programs Waiver
- Must submit to and pass a drug screen
- Submit to and pass a background check administered by the school
The total program cost of $25,067 includes tuition, enrollment fee, books, student kit, computer, uniforms, e-books, background check, drug screen, and licensure exam.
- Website: https://www.fortis.edu/
- Address: 6300 Center Drive, Suite 100 Norfolk, VA 23502
- Phone: (757) 499-5447
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 75.0%
Central School of Practical Nursing
CNA applicants to the practical nursing program at the Central School of Practical Nursing (CSPN) must still complete the entire program although they may gain an advantage in the competitive admissions process. They will enhance their patient care skills and acquire the knowledge and competency to assume the role of a practical nurse. The curriculum covers a total of 1,492 hours including 457.5 clinical hours. Course topics include nursing concepts, structure and function, nursing skills including geriatric care, pharmacology skills, medical surgical nursing, mental health nursing, nursing of children, maternal newborn nursing, and management of patient care. Graduates will be eligible to apply for the NCLEX-PN for Practical Nurses.
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed application to the school
- Supply official high school or GED transcript and any post-secondary transcript
- Must take the TEAS and score a minimum 60%
- Complete a criminal history/background check
- Attend an interview with an admissions representative
- Submit three professional or academic references
- Submit a current medical history and physical exam
- Provide current immunization report – TB test, MMR, Varicella, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, annual flu shot
- Current Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers CPR card (American Heart Association)
- CNA applicants must have an unencumbered license
Tuition for the program is $8,600 and includes all expenses for Level I and Level II.
- Website: https://www.npsk12.com/
- Address: 1330 North Military Highway, Norfolk, VA 23502
- Phone: (757) 892-3300
- Fax: (757) 892-3305
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: N/A