⚡ Quick Decision Checklist
- ✓Is the school accredited by ACEN or CCNE?
- ✓What's the NCLEX pass rate? (Aim for 85%+)
- ✓Can I afford the total cost? (tuition + fees + books + living)
- ✓Does the schedule fit my life? (full-time, part-time, hybrid)
- ✓Are clinical sites close to home?
Choosing the right LPN school is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your nursing career. With hundreds of programs nationwide, how do you know which one is right for you?
This guide breaks down the 8 key factors you need to evaluate, plus red flags to avoid, so you can choose with confidence.
1. Accreditation (Non-Negotiable!)
✅ What to Look For:
- •ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) - Gold standard for nursing programs
- •CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) - For college-based programs
- •State Board of Nursing Approval - Required to sit for NCLEX-PN exam
🚨 WARNING:
If a school isn't accredited, you cannot take the NCLEX-PN exam in most states. Your degree will be worthless. Always verify accreditation before applying!
2. NCLEX-PN Pass Rates
The NCLEX pass rate tells you how well the school prepares students for the licensing exam.
How to Find Pass Rates:
- •Check your State Board of Nursing website
- •Ask the school's admissions office directly
- •Look at national NCLEX data: NCSBN.org
3. Total Cost (Not Just Tuition!)
Don't just look at tuition. Calculate the TOTAL cost of your LPN education:
💰 Tuition & Fees
Community colleges: $5,000-$15,000 | Private schools: $15,000-$40,000
📚 Books & Supplies
Textbooks, scrubs, stethoscope, lab materials: $1,000-$2,500
🩺 Licensing & Exams
NCLEX-PN exam fee: $200 | Background check: $50-$150
🏠 Living Expenses
If you can't work full-time: Budget 9-12 months of reduced income
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- • Apply for Pell Grants (FAFSA)
- • Look for employer tuition reimbursement (if you're already a CNA/HHA)
- • Compare community college vs. private school costs
- • Ask about payment plans (many schools offer them!)
4. Schedule Flexibility
Can you realistically complete the program while managing work, family, and life?
✅ Full-Time Programs
Duration: 9-12 months
Best for: Students who can dedicate 40+ hours/week
Pros: Finish faster, more immersive learning
⏰ Part-Time Programs
Duration: 18-24 months
Best for: Working parents, students with other commitments
Pros: Work while studying, less overwhelming
⚠️ Important Note:
Even "online" or "hybrid" programs require in-person clinical hours(typically 200-400 hours). Make sure clinical sites are within driving distance!
5. Clinical Sites & Partnerships
Where you do your clinical rotations matters for networking and job placement.
Questions to Ask:
- ?Which hospitals/clinics do students train at?
- ?Are clinical sites close to campus/home?
- ?Do clinical partners hire graduates?
- ?What's the student-to-instructor ratio during clinicals? (Lower is better!)
💡 Pro Tip:
Schools with strong hospital partnerships often have higher job placement rates. Ask about employer partnerships during your campus visit!
6. Faculty & Student Support Services
Nursing school is hard. You need a support system to succeed.
👩🏫 Faculty Qualifications
Are instructors experienced RNs? Do they have advanced degrees (MSN, DNP)?
📖 Tutoring & Academic Support
Does the school offer free tutoring, study groups, or NCLEX prep?
🎯 Career Services
Help with resume writing, interview prep, and job placement after graduation?
👶 Mom-Friendly Resources
On-campus childcare? Flexible attendance policies? Understanding faculty? Ask current students or check reviews!
7. Job Placement Rates
What percentage of graduates find jobs within 6 months? Ask the school directly.
Strong job placement (excellent school partnerships)
Weak job placement (investigate why!)
💡 Smart Questions to Ask:
- • Where do most graduates work? (hospitals, nursing homes, clinics?)
- • Does the school have a job board or hiring events?
- • Can I connect with recent alumni to ask about their experience?
8. Mom-Friendly Features (If You Have Kids)
As a mom, you need a school that understands your unique challenges.
On-Campus Childcare
Some community colleges offer affordable daycare for students' children.
Evening/Weekend Classes
Allows you to work or care for kids during the day.
Hybrid Learning
Theory classes online + in-person clinicals = more flexibility.
Peer Support Groups
Connect with other parent-students. You're not alone!
🚨 Red Flags to Avoid
- ✗Not accredited by ACEN or state board
You won't be able to take the NCLEX. Run!
- ✗NCLEX pass rate below 75%
Poor teaching quality or inadequate prep.
- ✗Refuses to share job placement data
If they won't tell you, it's probably bad news.
- ✗"Guaranteed" job placement or pass rates
No legitimate school can guarantee this. Scam alert!
- ✗Pressure to enroll immediately
Legitimate schools give you time to decide.
- ✗Terrible online reviews (consistently)
Check Google, Facebook, and nursing forums. Patterns matter!
📋 School Comparison Worksheet
Use this checklist to compare 2-3 schools side-by-side:
| Factor | School A | School B | School C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accredited? | _______ | _______ | _______ |
| NCLEX Pass Rate | _______ | _______ | _______ |
| Total Cost | $_______ | $_______ | $_______ |
| Program Length | _______ | _______ | _______ |
| Schedule Options | _______ | _______ | _______ |
| Clinical Sites | _______ | _______ | _______ |
| Job Placement Rate | _______ | _______ | _______ |
| Mom-Friendly? | _______ | _______ | _______ |
💡 Scoring Tip:
Give each school a score out of 10 for each factor. Add up the totals. The highest score = your best fit!
Your Next Steps
- 1.Visit 2-3 schools in person (or virtual tours)
- 2.Talk to current students and recent graduates
- 3.Verify accreditation with your state board
- 4.Complete the comparison worksheet above
- 5.Apply to your top 2 choices (in case one doesn't work out)
Remember: The "best" school is the one that fits your life, budget, and goals. Trust your gut—and your research!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an LPN school is accredited?
Check the school's website for accreditation logos (ACEN or CCNE), or search your State Board of Nursing's approved programs list. You can also search the ACEN database directly.
What's more important: cost or NCLEX pass rate?
NCLEX pass rate is more important. A cheap school with a 60% pass rate means you might waste money and not pass your licensing exam. A higher-cost school with a 95% pass rate is a better investment in your career.
Can I transfer credits from a non-accredited school?
No. Non-accredited schools' credits are worthless. You cannot transfer them, and you cannot take the NCLEX. Always choose an accredited program.
Should I choose a community college or private school?
Community colleges are usually more affordable ($8,000-$15,000) and have strong local partnerships. Private schools cost more ($20,000-$40,000) but may offer faster schedules or more flexible options. Compare both using the checklist above!
What questions should I ask during a campus visit?
Ask:
- What's your NCLEX pass rate for the last 3 years?
- Where do students complete clinical rotations?
- What's the student-to-instructor ratio?
- Do you offer tutoring or NCLEX prep?
- Can I speak with current students or recent graduates?
- What's your job placement rate within 6 months?
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