Pursuing a career in nursing is a smart move — not only is it one of the most in-demand professions in the country, but it’s also personally rewarding.

However, for many people, the biggest barrier is cost. Tuition, books, licensing fees, and other expenses can add up quickly. The good news? There are government-funded Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) training programs designed to help people get the education they need with little to no out-of-pocket cost.

If you’ve been thinking about getting into nursing but don’t know how to afford it, this article will walk you through what government-funded LPN training is, who qualifies, and how to find programs near you.

What Is Government-Funded LPN Training?

Government-funded LPN training refers to nursing education programs that are either fully or partially paid for by state or federal funds. These programs are offered to help people gain the skills needed to become Licensed Practical Nurses without the financial burden of traditional college tuition.

Many of these training programs are offered through:

• Community colleges
• Vocational or technical schools
• Healthcare employers
• Local workforce development centers

They’re often supported by public funding programs like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Pell Grants, or state healthcare training initiatives. Some also receive direct funding from hospitals or health systems that need more trained LPNs.

Why It Exists

There’s a growing shortage of nurses across the U.S., and LPNs are in especially high demand in long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and clinics. To address this shortage, the government and healthcare employers are investing in training new workers. These programs are designed to help people — especially those who are unemployed, underemployed, or changing careers — enter the healthcare field quickly and affordably.

What Does It Cover?

Each program is different, but government-funded LPN training can cover some or all of the following costs:

• Tuition and registration fees
• Textbooks and supplies
• Uniforms and equipment
• Licensing exam fees (NCLEX-PN)
• Transportation or child care assistance (in some cases)

Some programs even include a small stipend or offer paid on-the-job training during clinical rotations.

Who Qualifies?

While each program has its own requirements, many are open to:

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Adults with a high school diploma or GED
• Low- to moderate-income individuals
• People receiving unemployment or public assistance
• Veterans or military spouses
• Displaced workers or those looking to change careers

You don’t need any prior healthcare experience — many programs are designed for beginners.

If you’re already working in healthcare, such as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), some programs may let you fast-track into LPN training and even offer tuition reimbursement through your employer.

Where to Find These Programs

The easiest way to get started is by contacting your local American Job Center or workforce development office. These centers help match people with job training programs and often have direct connections to schools offering free or subsidized LPN training.

You can also:

• Check with community colleges or technical schools in your area
• Search your state’s Department of Health or Labor website for nursing workforce initiatives
• Ask local hospitals or long-term care facilities if they have tuition sponsorship programs or LPN apprenticeships
• Visit CareerOneStop.org, a site sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, to find programs and funding near you

It’s a good idea to apply early — many of these programs have limited spots and may only accept students a few times per year.

What to Expect from the Training

LPN programs typically take 12 to 18 months to complete, depending on the school and whether you attend full-time or part-time. The training includes classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and supervised clinical experience in real healthcare settings.

Once you complete the program, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam to officially become a Licensed Practical Nurse. From there, you can begin working in a variety of settings, including:

• Nursing homes
• Doctor’s offices
• Home health
• Rehabilitation centers
• Hospitals (in some states)

LPNs often earn between $45,000 and $60,000 per year, and many use it as a stepping stone to become Registered Nurses (RNs) later on.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a nurse doesn’t have to mean taking on student debt. Government-funded LPN training programs are making it possible for more people to enter the healthcare field, earn a reliable income, and make a difference in their communities — all without paying thousands of dollars upfront.

If you’ve been considering a career change or want to get started in a field with real job stability and purpose, this could be your chance. The training is short, the demand is high, and support is available.

You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. Just take the first step — reach out, ask questions, and see what’s available near you. A new career could be closer than you think.