G3: Virginia's Free Tuition Program That Changes the Hybrid LPN Equation Entirely
Virginia's G3 program (Get a Skill, Get a Job, Give Back) does something no other state's hybrid LPN pathway can match: it covers remaining tuition and fees at all 23 Virginia Community College System colleges for students in healthcare programs — after Pell Grants and other aid are applied. Nursing qualifies automatically. The math for most students: Pell covers the bulk, G3 covers the rest, total out-of-pocket is $0. That's not a scholarship you compete for — it's a state program you qualify for based on income, and the income threshold is generous enough to cover most working adults considering a career change into nursing.
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) places hybrid students at Inova Health System with direct access to the DC metro's massive federal healthcare market — NIH, Walter Reed, VA hospitals, military medical centers. Tidewater CC serves the Hampton Roads/Norfolk naval complex. Germanna CC and Piedmont Virginia CC cover central Virginia with Sentara Healthcare and VCU Health clinical partnerships. The hybrid format puts theory online — pharmacology, anatomy, care planning — while clinicals rotate through these hospital systems. Average salary is $63,380/year, with Northern Virginia/DC corridor paying well above that. Virginia is an NLC compact state — your license works in Maryland, DC-area states, West Virginia, North Carolina, and 35+ others. Free tuition + NLC + DC metro access is a combination no other state offers.
Hybrid LPN Schools in Virginia
Programs listed offer online or hybrid theory with in-person clinical hours at Virginia locations. Always verify current enrollment status with each school directly.
Virginia LPN Licensure Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Governing Body | Virginia Board of Nursing |
| Program Accreditation | Must be state board-approved |
| Minimum Clinical Hours | 400 hours |
| Licensure Exam | NCLEX-PN (Pearson VUE) |
| Background Check | Required prior to clinical placement |
| CPR Certification | Required before clinical start |
| Drug Screening | Required by most clinical partner facilities |
| Immunizations | Per program/facility requirements |
LPN Salary in Virginia
Licensed Practical Nurses in Virginia earn competitive wages. Average annual salary is $63,380 ($30.47/hour). Salaries vary by region, experience, and employer type.
- Virginia Beach: $65,200/year
- Richmond: $64,800/year
- Arlington: $68,400/year
- Top employers: LTC facilities, home health agencies, physician offices
After gaining experience as an LPN, many Virginia nurses pursue bridge programs. Learn about LPN-to-RN pathways →