Upcoming Practical Nursing Program Start Dates:
January 11, 2027 - Day & Evening/Weekend Program
(Application Deadline – August 20, 2026)
July 6, 2027 - Evening/Weekend Program
(Application Deadline – March 11, 2027)
August 23, 2027 - Day Program
(Application Deadline – Early Accept - March 11, 2027 Regular Accept - May 20, 2027)
The LPN's competence implies knowledge, understanding and skills that transcend specific tasks and is guided by a commitment to the public and the high standards of the nursing profession. As an integral part of the health care team, the licensed practical nurse performs functions such as, but not limited to, bedside care, taking vital signs, administering and monitoring medications, inserting catheters, providing wound care and dressing changes, implementing care plans and providing patient and family education to promote health. The LPN supervises nurses' aides and unlicensed assistive personnel.
Riverside is proud to offer:
• Programs leading to a Diploma in Practical Nursing and eligibility for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse
• Full-time Day Option consisting of two 16-week semesters and one 12-week summer semester (44 total weeks – 1 academic year) - occasional evening or weekend hours may be required
• Full-time Evening/Weekend Option consisting of three 23-week semesters (69 total weeks – 1 academic year) - occasional daytime hours may be required
• Theoretical instruction integrated with laboratory simulations and clinical experience
• Hands-on clinical experience in our modern medical center and a variety of affiliated clinical sites
• Financial aid for students who qualify
• Career Planning
• MA-to-LPN: Transcript evaluation and opportunity for first term course(s) transfer credit for currently
certified or licensed healthcare professionals (i.e., Medical Assistants, Corpsmen, EMTs, etc.)
Learning Outcomes:
Upon program completion the graduate will:
1. Provide safe, competent, evidenced-based nursing care utilizing critical thinking skills and the nursing process.
2. Apply principles of safety to provide safe nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings.
3. Communicate effectively to establish trusting interpersonal relationships with individuals, families, and members of the interdisciplinary team.
4. Collaborate with clients, families, and members of the interdisciplinary team to facilitate patient education and self-care.
5. Function as an advocate for patients and families with respect for their inherent worth and dignity.
6. Apply principles of leadership and management to provide individualized holistic nursing care to individuals and families.
7. Practice accountability when providing care to patient and families.
Prerequisite College Courses/Credits
- None
Preadmission Testing Requirements
ATI TEAS Suggested Score: 58.4% or higher
Average Accepted TEAS Score: 68.0%
Other Requirements
- The applicant must graduate from an accredited U.S. high school with a GPA of 2.0 or higher or have earned a high school equivalency (GED) certificate.
- High School Seniors may be eligible to apply.**
- Preadmission testing is required.
Class Times
Day Division
- Approximately 12 months to complete (40 total weeks - 1 academic year)
- Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Occasional Evening/Weekend hours
Evening/Weekend Division
- Approximately 15 months to complete (58 total weeks - 1 academic year)
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
- Every other weekend (Saturday & Sunday), 6:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Occasional Daytime hours during the week
RCHS Total Program Credit Hours: 40 Credits
PROGRAM APPROVED BY:
- Virginia Board of Nursing
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233-1463
804-367-4515
PROGRAM ACCREDITED BY:
- The Practical Nursing program at Riverside College of Health Sciences at 316 Main Street, located in Newport News, Virginia, is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
404-975-5000, www.acenursing.org
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Practical Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs.
LICENSURE:
- Program graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX-PN© (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses). Application to the Board is a student responsibility and additional fees are charged. Additional information may be obtained from:
Virginia Board of Nursing Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233-1463
804-367-4515, http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Nursing
RCHC Licensure Disclosure Information
INSTITUTIONAL CERTIFICATION:
- Certified by the State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV) to operate in Virginia.
SCHEV
101 N. 14th Street James Monroe Building
Richmond, VA 23219
804-225-2600, www.schev.edu
INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITATION:
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
6116 Executive Blvd, Suite 730
North Bethesda, MD 20852
703-917-9503, www.abhes.org
RIVERSIDE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IS ACCREDITED BY:
- DNV GL - Healthcare
400 Techne Center Drive Suite 100
Milford, OH 45150
dnv.us/assurance/healthcare
Total Core Program Tuition: $16,000
Total Fees (post enrollment): $1,950
Other associated costs:
• Application & Pre-Enrollment Fees
• External Service Provider Fees (i.e. CastleBranch, CPR)
• Book estimate $850
• Uniform & shoe estimate $150
• Supplies estimate $120
• Credentialing Exam estimate $410
See the College Catalog for a full description of all Fees & Expenses per program.