A new ranking shows which Virginia nursing programs are actually preparing students for licensure and the demands of the field.

ECPI University's Licensed Practical Nursing program has been named the number one LPN program in Virginia for 2026 by PracticalNursing.org, a trusted resource for nursing education, licensure, and career information that has published annual program rankings since 2014.

See the full 2026 Virginia LPN rankings on PracticalNursing.org.

What does this ranking signal for nursing students in Virginia?

A top ranking points to something more specific: the quality of clinical training and how well the program prepares students for the licensing exam. That kind of signal matters to students when choosing where to enroll. 

Hospitals, clinics, and care facilities across Virginia rely on a steady supply of licensed practical nurses, a need that has grown even as the state's full-time LPN capacity has remained largely flat over the past decade. The program students choose plays a real role in how ready they feel once they get there. 

A ranking like this also reflects something larger. It highlights years of investment in dedicated faculty, clinical partnerships, and resources that support students through their training.

What does ECPI University's PN program look like in practice?

ECPI University's Practical Nursing program is built around hands-on, campus-based instruction with a strong clinical component. Students complete part of their training through immersive simulations, practicing patient care in realistic scenarios using the same equipment found in real healthcare settings.

That kind of preparation gives students space to build clinical judgment and confidence before they ever face a live patient. ECPI University'sPN graduates have gone on to build careers in nursing across Virginia.

This year's ranking is a clear sign of the work behind that foundation.