Rankings Methodology

At PracticalNursing.org, we are committed to providing useful analysis into nursing education programs. We understand that selecting the right LPN or LVN program is a deeply personal decision influenced by multiple factors, and our goal is to provide comprehensive program rankings to help students on their journey.

Our annual review of LPN/LVN programs is designed to equip aspiring nurses with well-researched, actionable data to support their academic and career decisions. This methodology outlines our rigorous approach to evaluating and ranking nursing education programs across the United States.

We believe in providing clear, honest, and reliable information. Our rankings are the result of extensive research, careful analysis, and a commitment to helping students make informed educational choices.

Exclusions

To ensure the integrity of our annual rankings, we apply strict filtering criteria. Programs are excluded if they:

• Have no data in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
• Have been discontinued or are scheduled to close
• Do not meet recognized nursing accreditation standards
• Fail to provide comprehensive program information
• Have significant disciplinary or compliance issues

Comprehensive Ranking Factors

Our evaluation process considers multiple critical aspects of LPN/LVN education programs:

1. Accreditation

• Prioritize programs accredited by:
  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
  • State Board of Nursing approvals

2. Program Quality and Academic Excellence

• Evaluate curriculum comprehensiveness
• Review pass rates for NCLEX examinations
• Analyze student-to-faculty ratios

3. Affordability and Financial Considerations

• Analyze total program costs
• Compare tuition rates with regional averages
• Assess available financial aid and scholarship opportunities
• Consider cost of living in the program's location

4. Learning Flexibility

• Assess availability of:
  • Online/hybrid learning formats
  • Part-time study options
• Review student support services

5. Admission and Student Success

• Analyze admission rates
• Review minimum GPA requirements
• Track graduation rates
• Assess post-graduation employment statistics

Trusted Data Sources Used

Our rankings are developed using multiple credible sources:

• Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
• U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE)
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
• State Board of Nursing reports

Methodology Updates

We review and refine our methodology annually to:

• Incorporate new educational trends
• Reflect changes in nursing education requirements
• Integrate feedback from students, educators, and healthcare professionals

Limitations and Disclaimer

While we strive for comprehensive and accurate rankings, we acknowledge that:

• Rankings provide guidance, not definitive recommendations
• Individual student needs vary significantly
• Programs may change between ranking periods

Contact and Feedback

We welcome questions, suggestions, and insights through our Contact Form. Your input helps us continually improve our methodology and serve prospective nursing students more effectively.

At PracticalNursing.org, we are dedicated to empowering your nursing education journey with transparent, research-driven information.