How to Get Your LPN License in Virginia (2026)

## How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Virginia Virginia's healthcare market spans Northern Virginia's high-acuity hospital corridors, Richmond's academic medical centers, the Hampton Roads military and naval medical complex, and rural Appalachian communities that depend heavily on LPNs for frontline care. Whether you're just starting your nursing career or relocating from another state, here's everything you need to know about obtaining your Virginia LPN license. ### Step 1: Complete an Accredited Practical Nursing Program Virginia requires graduation from a practical nursing program approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing (VBON) or a nationally accredited program (ACEN or CNEA). Strong options in Virginia include programs through the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) — Northern Virginia Community College, Germanna, Piedmont Virginia, and others — as well as hospital-based PN programs in major metros. Program length is typically 12–18 months and includes supervised clinical rotations in medical-surgical, pediatric, maternal-newborn, and geriatric settings. Ensure your program has current VBON approval before enrolling, as unapproved programs may not qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-PN in Virginia. ### Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam You cannot apply for a Virginia LPN license without a passing NCLEX-PN score. The process: 1. **Apply to the Virginia Board of Nursing** for eligibility and receive your Authorization to Test (ATT). 2. **Register with Pearson VUE** and schedule your exam at a Virginia test center or via remote proctoring. 3. **Pay the Pearson VUE exam fee** ($200). 4. **Complete the exam** within your ATT window (90 days). The NCLEX-PN is adaptive, ranging from 85–150 items, and assesses clinical judgment across all core competency areas. Results typically post within 2 business days via Quick Results. ### Step 3: Apply for Your Virginia LPN License Applications are submitted through the Virginia Department of Health Professions (DHP) online portal. Required documents: - Online application with attestation questions - Official PN program transcripts sent directly to VBON - NCLEX-PN results (transmitted automatically by Pearson VUE) - Background check via IdentoGO (Virginia State Police and FBI) - Application fee of approximately **$75–$130** (verify current fee on the VBON website) Licenses are issued on a two-year renewal cycle aligned to your birth month. Virginia DHP usually processes complete applications within 4–8 weeks, though expedited review is sometimes available for candidates with no disciplinary history. ### eNLC Compact Membership Virginia is a full member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). A Virginia multistate LPN license lets you practice in all other compact states — currently 40+ — without obtaining separate state licenses. This is a major asset for LPNs who travel or work near state borders (e.g., metro DC, the Bristol Virginia/Tennessee border area). Compact eligibility requires Virginia to be your declared primary state of residence. Military spouses stationed in Virginia on PCS orders receive special compact provisions — contact VBON for details. ### Continuing Education Requirements Virginia LPNs must complete **30 continuing education hours** per two-year renewal period. Virginia does not currently mandate specific topic areas within the 30-hour requirement (unlike some states), giving practitioners flexibility to tailor CE to their clinical focus. Approved CE providers include ANCC-accredited organizations, NAPNES, and online platforms such as Relias, Nurse.com, and Healthstream. Keep documentation of all completed CE coursework for four years. ### Virginia LPN Salary Ranges Virginia's LPN salary varies substantially by region: - **Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria):** $48,000–$65,000/year — one of the highest LPN markets in the mid-Atlantic, driven by proximity to Washington D.C. and a high cost of living - **Richmond metro:** $42,000–$55,000/year - **Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake):** $42,000–$54,000/year - **Rural Southwest Virginia and Appalachian region:** $36,000–$46,000/year Military medical facilities in Virginia create consistent LPN demand: Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, and Langley-Eustis base clinic all employ LPNs in both civilian and contractor roles. Government-sector LPN positions often include federal benefits packages that significantly enhance total compensation. ### Top Employers for LPNs in Virginia - **Inova Health System (Northern Virginia)** — Largest health system in Northern Virginia; multiple hospitals and outpatient campuses - **VCU Health (Richmond)** — Academic medical center with strong LPN presence in specialty clinics and inpatient units - **Sentara Healthcare (Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia)** — Major integrated health system with system-wide LPN hiring - **HCA Healthcare Virginia (multiple markets)** — Runs Henrico Doctors', Chippenham, Johnston-Willis, and other Virginia hospitals - **Carilion Clinic (Roanoke)** — Dominant health system in western Virginia; LPN demand in rural access points - **Virginia Department of Corrections** — Correctional facility LPN positions statewide with competitive state benefits - **Home Instead, Bayada, and home health agencies** — High LPN demand for home health and private duty nursing across the state Northern Virginia LPNs with bilingual skills (Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese) command premium placement, given the region's diverse immigrant communities. Rural Virginia LPNs willing to commit to NHSC-designated shortage areas can access federal loan repayment worth $15,000–$25,000 over two years.