Find Accredited LPN Programs: Search Tools, Resources & Selection Tips

Choosing an LPN program requires verifying accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, and fit. Use these vetted resources.

Primary Search Databases

Resource	What It Offers	Best For
NCSBN Program Search	Official state board list; NCLEX pass rates by program	Verifying approval + outcomes
ACEN Accredited Programs	Search by state/program type; accreditation status	Quality benchmark (ACEN = gold standard for PN)
College Navigator (NCES)	Federal data: cost, graduation rate, default rate, aid	Financial/outcome comparison
Nurse.org / NursingPrograms.com	Curated lists, student reviews, rankings	Initial exploration
State Board of Nursing Website	Approved programs, complaint history, discipline	Definitive authority

In-Person Resources

• High School / Community College Counselor: Local program knowledge, articulation agreements
• American Job Center (CareerOneStop): WIOA-funded training vouchers, labor market data
• Hospital / Health System HR: Employer-sponsored or partnered programs
• State Nurses Association: Scholarship info, mentorship, workforce reports

Selection Criteria Checklist

• ☐ ACEN accredited (or CCNE for BSN)
• ☐ NCLEX-PN pass rate ≥85% (3-yr avg) — critical
• ☐ Clinical site variety (hospital, LTC, community)
• ☐ Program length: 12–18 months typical
• ☐ Total cost (tuition + fees + books + supplies + living)
• ☐ Financial aid eligibility (FAFSA, Pell, state grants, scholarships)
• ☐ Schedule: Full-time / part-time / evening / hybrid
• ☐ Job placement rate & employer partnerships
• ☐ Faculty: student ratio, clinical experience
• ☐ Graduation rate & student support services

Red Flags

• No accreditation / "candidacy" only
• NCLEX pass rate <80% or declining
• Pressure to enroll same day
• No published clinical partners
• For-profit with high debt / low outcomes

Invest time in research — your license, career, and patients depend on a solid foundation.