Those looking to help others and work in the medical field may want to consider working in New Jersey as a licensed practical nurse. According to the New Jersey Board of Nursing, more than 15,000 LPNs are employed in the state, which equates to 17 percent of the state's nursing workforce. New Jersey LPNs work in a wide range of healthcare facilities throughout the state, from hospitals to nursing facilities and medical offices to home healthcare.
Find out more about this career field, including LPN programs, licensure requirements, and how much LPNs earn in NJ in this guide.
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Top 5 LPN Programs in New Jersey
Methodology
The top LPN programs listed in this state's ranking were determined by comparison of three primary, equally-weighted criteria including
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- In-state tuition
- Graduation rate
Additional details for each school were included:
- Count of programs available
- Public and not-for-profit schools
- Normalized on a 100 percent curve
The methodology used for tie-break is as follows...
- Ties are broken based on lowest average net price for full-time, first-time undergraduates paying in-state tuition (average cost of tuition and expenses after grants and scholarships).
- If necessary, the lowest in-state tuition rate is used as a second tie-break
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 LPN Programs in New Jersey [2023 Guide]
Salem Community College
Carneys Point, NJ - 2 years
- Online + Campus
With associate and certificate programs in nursing, Salem Community College maintains a campus in New Jersey. After earning an associate degree or certificate in nursing, graduates can apply for entry-level positions in the field. Many bachelor's programs accept transfer credits, allowing graduates of associate or certificate programs to earn a bachelor's degree in less than four years.
Enrollees who prefer not to relocate to Carneys Point can study remotely, in an online format. Students who need flexible scheduling options, such as working professionals, often choose online programs as well. Before enrolling, applicants should consider their career goals and contact the admissions department for more information.
Salem Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 29
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 2
Number of Certificate Programs: 7
#2 LPN Programs in New Jersey [2023 Guide]
Rowan College of South Jersey
Vineland, NJ - 2 years
- Online + Campus
At Rowan College of South Jersey, learners can obtain a certificate or associate degree by enrolling online or on campus. Featuring crucial technical training, associate and certificate programs help students gain nursing-specific skills necessary for entry-level positions. Rather than entering the workforce immediately, many graduates pursue bachelor's studies to qualify for more advanced roles and higher salaries.
The school's online programs eliminate costs associated with transportation and relocation. This can also be a great option for students who wish to work in nursing but require more flexibility than a traditional in-person program provides. Before enrolling, applicants should consider their career goals and contact the admissions department for more information.
Rowan College of South Jersey at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 27
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1
Number of Certificate Programs: 24
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 1
#3 LPN Programs in New Jersey [2023 Guide]
Holy Names University
Englewood Cliffs, NJ - 2 years
- Campus
To qualify for nursing careers, learners can pursue Holy Names University's associate or certificate programs. Students located in New Jersey can attend classes at the school's Englewood Cliffs campus, while others can enroll online. The flexibility of online learning often appeals to working professionals who prefer not to relocate.
Nursing programs at the associate or certificate level help participants develop foundational knowledge and practical skills in the field. Individuals often use the training from their degree or certificate program to succeed in entry-level roles in nursing and related fields. Graduates can also choose to transfer to a bachelor's program for continued education and expanded opportunities, often with a reduced course load or fewer prerequisites.
Holy Names University at a Glance:
Number of Certificate Programs: 2
#4 LPN Programs in New Jersey [2023 Guide]
Essex County College
Newark, NJ - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, Essex County College delivers nursing programs at various academic levels. While physically located in Newark, New Jersey, many of the school's programs are available online for students living anywhere to take advantage of. Online learning eliminates the need to relocate or commute.
Nursing programs at the associate and certificate levels provide coursework and training that allow participants to develop a strong foundation in the field. Immediately after graduation, many individuals apply to nursing positions. Many graduates of associate or certificate programs pursue bachelor's studies, often transferring their credits to reduce degree completion time.
Essex County College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 37
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 2
Number of Certificate Programs: 10
#5 LPN Programs in New Jersey [2023 Guide]
Union County College
Cranford, NJ - 2 years
- Online + Campus
With online and on-campus options, Union County College delivers associate and certificate programs from its campus in New Jersey. After earning an associate degree or certificate in nursing, graduates can apply for entry-level positions in the field. An associate degree can also prepare graduates for advanced study, such as bachelor's programs.
With online and on-campus options, the school educates enrollees in Cranford and throughout the country. Additionally, many online nursing programs allow students to complete coursework at their convenience, which can be ideal for students with personal or professional responsibilities. Before enrolling, prospective applicants should review the institution's available programs to ensure they align with their goals.
Union County College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 42
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 6
Number of Certificate Programs: 19
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 2
LPN Programs in New Jersey
Students of LPN programs in New Jersey learn critical concepts and gain hands-on experience to prepare them for the fast-paced nursing world. Finding the best program is an important step of the process and obtaining a diploma, certificate, or associate degree from an accredited, state-approved school is mandatory for licensure. Find out – and compare – what New Jersey schools have to offer using the search tool below.
Licensure Requirements for LPNs in New Jersey
The New Jersey Board of Nursing regulates the nursing profession. From granting licenses to approving education programs, the main goal of the board is to protect the public. Discover New Jersey's educational requirements, what is required to become an LPN, and the renewal process.
New Jersey Licensing Basic Eligibility
- Register with Pearson Vue
- Fill out the License by Examination form
- Have the License by Examination notarized
- Send the form to the New Jersey Board of Nursing
- Must submit proof of United States citizenship, such as a passport or certificate of naturalization
New Jersey Licensing Education & Training Requirements
LPNs must graduate from a state-approved practical nursing program. The board requires applicants to have a CPR card.
Additional Requirements for New Jersey Licensing
Once candidates have completed the requirements outlined above, they're only a couple steps away from being fully licensed and starting their careers. Other requirements LPNs will need to address before receiving their license include:
- Make a payment of $200 to the Board for the application fee
- Include a passport sized photo that is no more than six months old
- Get a criminal background check
- Request that nursing school send an Official Letter of Program Completion directly to the Board. Out-of-state students should arrange to have their official transcripts sent.
- Take and pass the NCLEX-PN examination
Renewal Requirements for New Jersey Licensing
In order to be approved for license renewal, LPNs must complete 30 contact hours of continuing professional education by an approved provider. Licenses are renewed every two years and the Board charges a $65 fee.
New Jersey LPN Employment Trends
The employment opportunities available to LPNs in New Jersey depend on where they choose to work. Find out what types of health care facilities offer the most job opportunities for LPNs and the projected employment growth.
Top Locations for Employment
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Edison-New Brunswick Metropolitan Division | 4,170 |
| Newark-Union NJ-PA Metropolitan Division | 3,530 |
| Camden Metropolitan Division | 2,550 |
| Trenton-Ewing | 880 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton | 510 |
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton | 350 |
| Ocean City | 230 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
Employment of LPNs in New Jersey
2012 - 14,760
2020 - 17,940
Average Annual Openings 680
Source: Projections Central
Resources for LPNs in New Jersey
Continuing Education FAQ
The New Jersey Board of Nursing provides information on continuing education requirements for nurses.
Decision-Making Model Algorithms
Outlines the state's expectations for LPNs as they make decisions about patient care.
Institute for Nursing
This charitable affiliate of the New Jersey State Nurses Association offers scholarships to students pursuing LPN and RN education in the state. In addition, it also provides research grants to those conducting studies that impact the nursing profession.
PN Program Reports
This site includes NCLEX-PN results for schools around the state. The data goes back four years.
New Jersey Board of Nursing
The Board is responsible for regulating the practice of nursing in New Jersey. This entails licensing nurses, ensuring that degree and continuing education programs meet the state's standards, and prosecuting claims against nurses who violate the expected responsibilities.
New Jersey Board of Nursing Laws
LPNs in New Jersey have many legal responsibilities that they must follow as they practice. This page outlines these responsibilities and discusses the standard of care that is expected from practical nurses.
New Jersey League for Nursing
This group is dedicated to providing quality education programs to nurses around the state, allowing them to become prepared for the various issues they'll face as they practice. In addition, the organization provides scholarships for nursing students.
New Jersey State Nurses Association
In its efforts to advance the nursing profession in New Jersey, this association works to affect policies that impact the field, provides nursing continuing education, and offers industry news to its members.
Schools of Practical Nursing
Provided by the New Jersey League for Nursing, this is a list of LPN programs that have been approved by the state.
Top Tips for License Applicants
This page includes advice to prospective nurses going through the licensing process from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.