LPN Programs in New Jersey
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
Are you looking to help others and work in the medical field? Consider a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in New Jersey. New Jersey LPNs work in various healthcare facilities, including hospitals, nursing facilities, medical offices, and home healthcare.
We’ve ranked the top LPN programs in New Jersey and cover licensure requirements, career outlook, and salary trends in the state.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Five LPN Programs in New Jersey
Salem Community College
Carneys Point, NJ- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,210
- Out-of-state$6,960
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled996
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Rowan College of South Jersey
- Vineland, NJ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,960
- Out-of-state$7,920
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,989
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Holy Names University
- Englewood Cliffs, NJ
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$17,745
- Out-of-state$17,745
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled137
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
Essex County College
- Newark, NJ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,590
- Out-of-state$7,590
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled7,434
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Union County College
- Cranford, NJ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,562
- Out-of-state$10,562
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled9,181
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
LPN Programs in New Jersey
Students of LPN programs in New Jersey learn critical nursing concepts and gain hands-on experience to prepare them for a fast-paced healthcare career. The best LPN programs are accredited and meet state licensure’s educational and practical requirements.
Licensure Requirements for New Jersey LPNs
The New Jersey Board of Nursing issues licenses to nurses and accredits the state’s nursing schools.
New Jersey Licensing Basic Eligibility
To qualify for LPN licensure in New Jersey, you must be at least 18, pass a criminal background check, and complete a state-approved nursing program. Once you meet these basic requirements, you must complete the NCLEX-PN exam.
New Jersey Licensing Education & Training Requirements
LPNs must graduate from a state-approved practical nursing program to take the NCLEX-PN. Currently, the New Jersey Board of Nursing recognizes more than 25 state programs and schools that award nursing certificates, diplomas, and degrees.
These programs take 10-24 months to complete and cover the fundamentals of nursing, anatomy, pharmacology, and other subjects while preparing you for your certification exams. Many of these programs also include extensive internship requirements exceeding more than 500 hours of clinical experience.
Additional Requirements for New Jersey Licensing
Once you’ve completed the requirements outlined above, you’re only a few steps away from getting your license and starting your career.
Other requirements LPNs need to address before receiving their license include:
- Valid CPR certification
- Fingerprint-based criminal background check
- Pay application fee ($80) and license fee ($120)
Renewal Requirements for New Jersey Licensing
New Jersey LPN licenses are renewed every two years with the New Jersey Board of Nursing for a $65 fee. To be approved for license renewal, LPNs must complete 30 contact hours of continuing professional education every two years.
New Jersey LPN Employment Trends
The employment opportunities available to LPNs in New Jersey depend on where they choose to work. Below are the regions hosting the largest LPN workforces and the state’s overall projected employment growth numbers.
| Area | Total Nursing Employment (2023) |
|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 32,460 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 13,020 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 1,790 |
| Trenton, NJ | 860 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | 520 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | 400 |
| Ocean City, NJ | 160 |
Employment Projections for LPNs in New Jersey
2022 (Base)
16,510
2032 (Projected)
17,550
Average Annual Openings
1,390
Resources for LPNs in New Jersey
Continuing Education FAQ
The New Jersey Board of Nursing answers the most popular questions regarding the continuing education requirements for nurses.
Decision-Making Model Algorithms
This page provides links to help New Jersey’s nurses answer questions and make decisions about their scope of practice and patient care.
Institute for Nursing
The charitable affiliate of the New Jersey State Nurses Association, the Institute for Nursing, raises funds and offers scholarships to students pursuing LPN and RN education in the state. The institute also provides research grants to those conducting studies that impact the nursing profession.
PN Program Reports
This page includes NCLEX-PN exam results for schools and students within the state. The data covers tests from 2013 to 2024.
New Jersey Board of Nursing
The Board is responsible for regulating the practice of nursing in New Jersey. The Board’s responsibilities include licensing nurses, ensuring that degree and continuing education programs meet state standards, and investigating claims against nurses who violate the expected responsibilities.
New Jersey League for Nursing
The NJLN is dedicated to improving nursing education and practice in New Jersey. The organization promotes nursing in the state through advocacy, collaboration, and educational program development and offers nurses access to scholarships and resources.
New Jersey State Nurses Association
This association works to affect policies that impact the nursing profession in New Jersey, provide nursing continuing education, and offer industry news to its members to advance the profession.
Practical Nursing Education Programs in New Jersey
Developed by the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing, this page highlights a list of schools and LPN programs that have been approved by the state.
Frequently Asked Questions About LPN Programs in New Jersey
LPN programs in New Jersey typically take about one year to complete, though they can take up to two years, especially if you study part-time. Once you complete your educational program, you can take the NCLEX-PN examination and receive licensure within 48 hours of passing.
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