LPN Programs in New Jersey
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.
Top Five LPN Programs in New Jersey
Salem Community College
Carneys Point, NJ- 2 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$6,210
- Out-of-state$6,960
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled996
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Rowan College of South Jersey
- Vineland, NJ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$3,960
- Out-of-state$7,920
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,989
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Holy Names University
- Englewood Cliffs, NJ
- 2 year
- 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
- In-State$17,745
- Out-of-state$17,745
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled137
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Essex County College
- Newark, NJ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$7,590
- Out-of-state$7,590
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,434
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Union County College
- Cranford, NJ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$10,562
- Out-of-state$10,562
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- 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.
![Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) [Program Guide]](https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto,g_center,h_512/v1/AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org/GettyImages-601798627.jpg)
