LPN FAQ's

Admissions and Application Process

What are the application dates for the LPN program?

  • Full-Time Program: Applications open April 15th - June 1st at 4pm.
  • Part-Time Weekday Hybrid Program: Applications open December 1st - January 15th at 4pm.
  • Part-Time Hybrid Weekend Program: Applications open from September 15th - November 1st at 4pm.

What is the acceptance rate for the LPN program?

  • Full-Time Program: Approximately 30%.
  • Part-Time Program: Approximately 25%.

What happens if I am waitlisted?
Up to 20 students may be waitlisted each application cycle. Waitlisted students are required to attend the mandatory orientation, but this does not guarantee program placement. You will be notified of your waitlist status via email and must respond within 24 hours.

Prerequisite Requirements

Each course must be completed with a minimum grade of 2.5 or higher, and an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for all prerequisite courses. Our admissions process awards points for completed prerequisites, and those in progress cannot be granted points. This means that your application may be considered less competitive compared to candidates who have completed all their prerequisites by the time of application submission. Please also note that the average cumulative prerequisite GPA for admitted students is typically a ~3.7 GPA. 

Applicants to Green River College’s LPN programs may have no more than one prerequisite course in progress at the time of application. Due to the competitive nature of our LPN programs, applicants with more than one prerequisite in progress will not be considered. If you have one prerequisite in progress, you must submit proof of registration for that course with your application materials. Applications that do not include required documentation will be considered incomplete.

  • BIO& 160 or BIO& 211: General Biology with Lab or Majors Cellular (5 credits)
  • BIO& 241: Anatomy & Physiology I (5 credits)
  • BIO& 242: Anatomy & Physiology II (5 credits)
  • CMST& 101, 210, 220, 230, or 240: Communication Studies (5 credits)
  • ENGL& 101: English Composition (5 credits)
  • MATH& 146 or MATH 256: Introduction to Statistics or Statistics for Business and Social Science (5 credits)
  • NUTR& 101: Nutrition (5 credits)
  • PSYC& 100: General Psychology (5 credits)
  • PSYC& 200: Lifespan Psychology (5 credits)

Program Structure and Schedule

How long is the LPN program?

  • Full-Time Program: The full-time program takes 9 months to complete, starting in the Fall Quarter.
  • Part-Time Programs: The part-time program takes 17 months to complete. The hybrid weekday program starts each Spring and ends the following Summer. The hybrid weekend program starts each Winter and ends the following Spring. 

What is the course delivery format?
The full-time program involves classes and clinical work Monday through Thursday, with some Fridays dedicated to simulation and lab work. The part-time bybrid program is in-person clinical and lab on Wednesdays and Thursday evening hybrid courses.The part-time hybrid weekend program is mostly online except for in-person class every Saturday for up to 12 hours. 

NOTE: Even for our online LPN program, clinical placements are located within 60 miles of Green River College; however, some specialty placements may require travel of up to 70 miles.Clinicals will not be provided at locations further than 70 miles away from Auburn, WA. 

Can I work while enrolled in the program?

  • Full-Time Program: We do not recommend working while enrolled in the full-time program, as it is very time-intensive.
  • Part-Time Programs: The part-time program is designed to allow students to work part-time while completing the program, but full-time employment is not recommended.

What is the schedule for clinical rotations?
Clinical rotations occur during the program and vary based on the site and schedule. Students may be required to complete shifts during the day, evening, and occasionally on weekends. Clinical rotations typically occur within a 60-mile radius of Green River College.

Clinical Placements

Where do students complete their clinical rotations?
Clinical placements for the LPN program occur in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

  • Long-term care facilities
  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Schools
  • Specialized residential facilities
  • Corrections centers

While the majority of clinical placements are within a 60-mile radius of Green River College, specialty placements may require students to travel up to 70 miles.

Costs and Financial Information

What is the cost of the LPN program?

  • Full-Time Program: Approximately $7,000 for resident tuition and fees.
  • Part-Time Programs: Approximately $8,000 for resident tuition and fees.

What additional costs are there for the LPN program?
Additional costs include:

  • Books: Required textbooks typically range from $1,000 to $1,500.
  • Uniforms and supplies: Students are required to purchase nursing uniforms, scrubs, and supplies such as a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff (totaling approximately $185).
  • Immunizations: Vary based on insurance coverage.
  • Liability insurance: Approximately $20 annually.
  • Other costs: Drug screen ($30-$40), NCLEX-PN exam fees ($250-$300), and technology costs (smartphone and computer).

Are there financial aid opportunities available?
Yes, financial aid options, including federal and state financial aid, scholarships, and grants, are available. Visit Green River College’s financial aid website for more details.

Program Success and NCLEX-PN

What is the NCLEX-PN pass rate for graduates?
The NCLEX-PN pass rate for graduates is currently 92%. The program is designed to prepare students to successfully pass the NCLEX-PN exam and begin their nursing careers.

Post-Graduation and Career Opportunities

What are the career prospects for LPN graduates?
LPN graduates have a wide range of career opportunities in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, schools, and private practices. They are qualified to work as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and may further advance their education with bridge programs like LPN to RN or LPN to BSN.

Does the LPN program satisfy the requirements for further education?
Yes, the LPN program satisfies the requirements for most bridge programs, both in and out of state, including those leading to an RN or BSN degrees.

Program Flexibility

Is the LPN program available during the summer?
The full-time program runs through the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters, and does not include summer quarters. The part-time program runs through all quarters, including the summer.

MA-C Option

What is the MA-C Option in the LPN program?
Certified medical assistants (MA-C) can earn 2 credits for work experience after successfully completing a skills test with faculty. This option provides an opportunity for eligible applicants to accelerate their progress in the LPN program.