The Top 20 Licensed Practical Nurse Programs in Dallas, TX in 2026

Dallas is home to some of the best Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Texas, offering aspiring nurses high-quality education and training. As the demand for skilled nursing professionals continues rising across healthcare organizations in Dallas and beyond, these top LPN programs prepare students with the competencies and clinical exposure needed for rewarding nursing careers.

This expert guide provides an in-depth look at Dallas’ 20 top LPN training providers in 2024, helping prospective students make an informed program choice aligned to their academic and career goals.

A Quick Glance at Dallas‘ Top-Ranked LPN Programs

Institute	Key Highlights
1. Dallas College – Mountain View Campus	– Public community college, – Strong industry connections for clinical training – High NCLEX-PN exam pass rate of 95%
2. Dallas College – Cedar Valley Campus	– Hands-on simulation lab experience – Small class sizes for personalized attention – Career counseling services for graduates
3. Dallas College – Eastfield Campus	– Accredited by ACEN with Gold Standard – State-of-the-art nursing education facilities – Over 200 clinical partnership agreements

According to recent data, close to 600 students graduated from LPN programs across Dallas College‘s seven campuses in 2023, marking a 12% increase since 2021.

Why Enroll in an LPN Program in Dallas?

There are several compelling reasons to pursue LPN training in Dallas, including:

• Strong industry demand – With Dallas‘ rapidly growing elderly population and expanding healthcare infrastructure, skilled LPNs are highly sought after across hospitals, physician offices, clinics and long-term care centers in the metro area.

• Lucrative pay – LPNs in Dallas earn attractive salaries, with the average wage close to $48,000 annually as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – significantly higher than Texas‘ mean annual wage for LPNs.

• Varied job settings – Dallas offers LPN program graduates opportunities to work in diverse healthcare environments – right from large university hospitals and trauma centers to community health clinics and private practices.

• Option for career growth – Many experienced LPNs further their nursing education through LVN-to-ADN Bridge programs offered in Dallas colleges, to become Registered Nurses. Others pursue supervisory roles.

• Great location – The affordable cost of living and vibrant economy makes Dallas an ideal location for aspiring nurses to build their careers.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an LPN Program

As you evaluate the top LPN training options in Dallas, keep the following aspects in mind:

Accreditation Status

Select an LPN program approved by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) – considered the gold standard – or the less rigorous Texas Board of Nursing (TBON). Accredited programs meet high educational standards.

Curriculum Quality

Look for LPN curriculums aligned with current clinical practices and patient needs. Programs should incorporate cutting-edge simulation training for developing competency. The balance between lab skills and lectures must prepare you for National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX PN) and real-world demands.

Faculty Credentials

Choose an LPN program with instructors holding Masters or Doctoral qualifications along with relevant nursing experience for teaching clinical skills effectively. Smaller faculty-student ratios also enable valuable mentorship.

Success Outcomes

Review metrics like graduation rates, NCLEX-PN pass percentages, graduate employment rates and employer satisfaction scores to gauge program quality. Dallas’ top LPN programs produce consistent, favorable outcomes.

###### Texas LPN licensing requirements at a glance

• Complete state-approved LPN program

• Pass NCLEX-PN exam

• Clear criminal background check

• Evidence of U.S. citizenship or immigration status

• Graduate without disciplinary history

Now let’s explore Dallas-Fort Worth area‘s 20 top LPN programs for 2024 based on accreditations, training quality, learner outcomes, infrastructure and other parameters – to help you make an informed enrollment decision.

1. Dallas College – Mountain View Campus

Highlights: Dallas College‘s Mountain View campus in southwestern Dallas is the #1 LPN program in the metro area for its extremely high first-time NCLEX passing rate, experienced nursing faculty and wide range of clinical training partnerships.

Accreditation: ACEN Gold Standard

Program Formats:

• Full-time (12 months)
• Part-time/Evening (21 months)

Admissions Requirements: High school graduation or GED certificate Holders

Annual Enrollment: Around 150 pre-LPN students

Infrastructure: Well-equipped simulation labs with computerized mannequins for hands-on procedural practice.

Success Outcomes: Mountain View’s LPN graduates achieved an exceptional 95% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-PN licensure exam in 2023 – much above Texas‘ average pass rate of 82%.

Visit Dallas College – Mountain View Campus Website

2. Dallas College – Cedar Valley Campus

The LPN program offered at Dallas College‘s Cedar Valley Campus in Lancaster stands out for its interactive learning environment facilitated by highly-skilled nursing faculty.

Highlights:

• Renowned for individualized instruction and academic support through nursing tutors
• Intermediate and advanced simulation lab for hands-on skills development
• Active campus student organization (SNAC) to gain leadership experience

Accreditation: ACEN Gold Standard + TBON Approved

Program Format: Full-time, 12 months

Admissions Requirements: Standardized HESI entrance exam + physical & immunization clearances

Annual Enrollment: Approximately 60 students

Infrastructure: Recently upgraded simulation laboratory mirroring realistic patient care settings.

Success Outcomes: Consistently demonstrates exceptional first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates around 90%

Visit Cedar Valley‘s Website

3. Dallas College – Eastfield Campus

The Eastfield Campus LPN program shines for its engaging, interactive training approach aided by interprofessional simulation labs for competency development.

Highlights:

• Cutting-edge simulated hospital floor and intensive care unit
• Opportunity for simulated care experiences across the lifespan
• Select clinical rotations at the world-renowned William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital

Accreditation: ACEN Gold Standard + TBON Approved

Program Formats:

• Full-time (12 months)
• Part-time/Evening (24 months)

Admissions Requirements: Must pass HESI entrance test

Annual Enrollment: 100+ students

Infrastructure: Recently modernized nursing labs and simulation hospital rooms with advanced patient mannequins.

Success Outcomes: Consistent gradation rates of 85% and sound NCLEX-PN first-attempt passing rate of 82% for the past 3 years.

Visit Eastfield‘s LPN Program Website

4. Dallas College – Brookhaven Campus

Dallas College‘s Brookhaven Campus in Farmers Branch stands out for its robust ties with major DFW hospitals, clinics and healthcare centers facilitating extensive clinical experience options for LPN students.

Highlights:

• Over 60 clinical facility partners across Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex
• Select students get training at Parkland Memorial – the primary teaching hospital for University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
• Chance to attend UT Southwestern Nursing Careers Conference

Accreditation: ACEN Gold Standard + TBON Approved

Program Format: Full-time, 12 months duration

Admissions Requirements: Current CPR certification, immunization records, satisfactory criminal background check

Annual Enrollment: 60-70 seats

Infrastructure: Recently upgraded simulation labs, classrooms and library resources

Success Outcomes: Consistent first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate of 85%+ and excellent graduation rate of 90%

Check Dallas College – Brookhaven‘s LPN Program Website

5. Dallas College – Richland Campus

Dallas College‘s Richland Campus offers an ACEN-accredited 12-month full-time LPN program tailored to equip students with essential knowledge and clinical skills for entering nursing practice across care settings.

Highlights:

• Develop core competencies through 180 hours of Clinical Learning Lab simulations
• Rotations across leading DFW hospitals and community health centers
• Chance to attend annual UTSW Nursing Conference for career insights

Accreditation: ACEN Gold Standard

Program Format: 12 months FT

Admissions Requirements: Meet minimum passing standards for HESI entrance exam + health/immunization mandates

Annual Enrollment: 100 seats approx.

Infrastructure: Advanced simulation lab mirroring hospital patient rooms for risk-free skills practice

Success Outcomes: Consistently demonstrates sound NCLEX-PN first-time passing rates of 80%+ for the past 5 years. Also posts excellent graduation rates.

Check Out Dallas College Richland‘s LPN Program

6-10 Best LPN Programs in Dallas

Institute	Details	Website
6. Dallas College – El Centro Campus	– Convenient downtown location – Chance to train across Parkland Health Hospital System – Transfer options to advanced nursing degrees	El Centro‘s LPN Program Site
7. CCI Training Center – Arlington Campus	– Evening and weekend program options – Clinical experience across leading DFW hospitals – Job placement assistance for graduates	Visit CCI Arlington‘s Website
8. The College of Health Care Professions	– ACCSC accredited – Certified nursing assistant (CNA) to LPN (CLT) bridge track – Financial aid for students meeting eligibility criteria	See CHCP Details
9. The College of Health Care Professions	– High-fidelity simulation training using advanced human patient simulators – Clinical rotations across major DFW hospitals and clinics – Career counseling and resume-building workshops	Check CHCP‘s Dallas Campus
10. Arlington Career Institute	– Option to pursue LPN-to-RN bridge program – Day and evening schedules offered – Assistance with financial aid application	Visit Arlington Career Institute‘s Website

Insider Tips for Choosing the Best LPN Program

We asked recent LPN program graduates and students across Dallas colleges to share tips on selecting the right training provider. Here are top insider recommendations:

###### "Check if the training hospital associated with the LPN program offers nurse residencies or new grad transition programs post-graduation to ease into practice." – Mary L., Brookhaven Nursing Graduate

"Look beyond rankings and numbers! Schedule a campus tour to get a feel of the learning environment and training facilities hands-on before applying anywhere." – Laura, Mountain View Nursing Student

"Make sure your program includes extensive hands-on clinical rotations through partnerships with major hospital systems. This experience is invaluable for gaining competency and contacts." – James, ACC Nursing Graduate

Job Outlook for LPNs in Dallas

The job outlook for Licensed Practical Nurses in Dallas-Fort Worth area remains extremely positive. As per Texas Labor Market Information, the metro area expects over 1600 additional LPN job openings each year in coming decades.

Top employers of LPNs in Dallas include:

• Hospitals – University Medical Center, Texas Health Presbyterian, Baylor University Medical Center
• Rehabilitation Centers and Skilled Nursing Facilities
• Private Physician Offices and Clinics
• Community Health Centers
• School Districts
• Correctional Facilities

Expanding Scope of Practice for LPNs in Texas

In recent years, the scope of practice for Licensed Practical Nurses has expanded in Texas, opening up new job opportunities. With supplemental training, LPNs can now deliver some higher complexity care including:

• Administering blood and blood components (with Venipuncture certification)
• Providing limited respiratory care like suctioning airways (with specialized credentials)
• Supervising Certified Nursing Assistants
• Having autonomy in school health clinics
• Greater independence in long-term care settings

This allows skilled LPNs to take up more meaningful roles, with added job satisfaction.

Pursuing Advance Practice routes

While getting employed immediately after graduating remains the most popular path among LPNs, some nurses pursue bridge programs to enhance skills.

Options include:

• LVN to Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) bridge programs
• LVN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) bridge programs
• LPN to Registered Nurse (RN) Paramedic bridge

These programs credit prior LPN coursework while augmenting clinical/leadership competencies to prepare nurses for advanced roles. Certain bridge programs are also offered online, like through UT Arlington, allowing working LVNs to upskill while employed.

Additionally, experienced LPNs can undertake specialized courses to gain certifications in fields like Developmental Disabilities Nursing, Gerontological Nursing, Pediatric Nursing and more to qualify for higher nursing positions.

Take the Next Step

I hope this guide summarizes pertinent aspects of top LPN programs in Dallas, TX to inform your enrollment decision. As the first step to an exciting and stable nursing career, choose a program aligned to your learning needs and professional aspirations.

Wishing you success as you embark on your LPN journey to make a fulfilling impact caring for others!