Apply Now
Nursing

Practical Nursing

Licensed practical nurses (LPN) use intelligence, care, and compassion to provide direct therapeutic patient care. They serve in a variety of roles and work under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses.
Male student looking at equipment in lab
 

Upcoming Practical Nursing Program Start Dates:

January 13, 2025 Day & Evening/Weekend Program
(Application Deadline – August 15, 2024) 

August 18, 2025 - Day Program

(Application Deadline – Early Accept - March 13, 2025 Regular Accept - May 22, 2025) 

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 being eligible for licensure examinations to become an LPN in Virginia
  • Full-time Day Option consisting of two 16-week semesters and one 8-week summer semester (40 total weeks - 1 academic year) occasional evening or weekend hours may be required
  • Full-time Evening/Weekend Option consisting of two 23-week semesters and one 12-week semester (58 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
  • Association with Riverside Health Career Planning services for current students and alumni

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, 7 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), 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Occasional Daytime hours during the week

RCHS Program Hours - Theory: 412.5 clock hours

RCHS Program Hours - Skills Lab: 112.5 clock hours

RCHS Program Hours - Clinical: 450.0 clock hours

RCHS Total Program Hours: 975.0 clock hours

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 http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm.

LICENSURE:

  • Program graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX-PN© (National Council Licensure Examination for PracticL 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:

Tuition breakdown for Practical Nursing

Clock-Hour Based Flat rate per Payment Period:

Payment Period 1: $6,937
Payment Period 2: $6,937
Total Tuition: $13,875

Other Associated Costs

  • Book Estimate: $850
  • Uniform & Shoe Estimate: $150
  • Supplies Estimate: $120
  • Credentialing Estimate: $410

Apply Now

Visit our step-by-step application page to view program requirements and start your application TODAY!

Schedule a Tour

Come see what RCHS is all about! Visit our campus, meet with an advisor and take the first step in your health career journey.

Want to learn more? Contact us!

Our team is here to help you through all aspects of the process. Contact our admissions team to learn more about the college and have your questions answered.