Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Virginia
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Virginia, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The licensing body is the Virginia Board of Nursing. A criminal background check with fingerprints is mandatory for all applicants. Virginia is also a Nurse Licensure Compact state, which allows LPNs with a multi-state license from another compact state to practice in Virginia. For those licensed in non-compact states, licensure by endorsement is an option.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Requirements in Virginia
| Detail | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Virginia Board of Nursing |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application Fee | $170 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | A criminal background check with fingerprints is required. Continued competency for renewal can be met through various options, including 30 contact hours of continuing education, or 15 contact hours of continuing education and 640 hours of active practice as a nurse. Other options include specialty certification, post-licensure academic education, a board-approved refresher course, a nursing-related evidence-based practice project or research study, publication as an author or co-author, or teaching/developing nursing-related courses. Minimum age is 18 years old. Social Security Number is required for online application, if not available, contact the board directly. If graduated from a nursing program with less than 400 clinical hours, evidence of 960 hours of clinical practice and an active, unencumbered LPN license from another U.S. jurisdiction is required for endorsement. |
Source: Virginia Board of Nursing
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary in Virginia
The median licensed practical nurse salary in Virginia is $62,310 per year, which is equal to the national median of $62,340.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $48,160 |
| 25th | $56,240 |
| 50th (median) | $62,310 |
| 75th | $72,800 |
| 90th (experienced) | $77,450 |
Virginia employs approximately 16,710 licensed practical nurses.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Outlook
AI Impact on Licensed Practical Nurses
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.51/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Virginia Worth It?
Factors to consider: Virginia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.