Best LPN Programs in New York
New York is one of the states with the most licensed practical nurses. Even so, the demand for LPNs continues to rise. In addition to a promising job outlook, LPNs in New York enjoy annual wages above the national average.
Check out our ranking of the best LPN programs. Learn about the steps to becoming a licensed practical nurse, the industry growth projections, and specific requirements to practice in New York.
Top 10 Online LPN Programs in New York
Niagara County Community College
Sanborn, NY- 2 year
- Campus + Online
A public institution, Niagara County Community College helps learners prepare for the workforce through associate and certificate programs in nursing. Many of the school's programs are available in on-campus and online formats. Many online learners complete coursework on evenings and weekends so as not to interfere with their work schedule.
Nursing-specific coursework and training in associate and certificate programs help participants understand the field and gain practical skills. With the skills gained from their training, individuals can apply for entry-level nursing roles. To qualify for more advanced positions with higher earning potential, many graduates of associate or certificate programs pursue a bachelor's degree.
Niagara County Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 81
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 7
Number of Certificate Programs: 57
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 3
- In-State$4,560
- Out-of-state$9,120
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,997
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
Veeb Nassau County School of Practical Nursing
- Hicksville, NY
- Campus
Learners can obtain an associate degree or certificate from Veeb Nassau County School of Practical Nursing, a public school located in New York. While completing an associate or certificate program, students undergo technical training and gain the nursing-specific skills employers value. Many graduates pursue a bachelor's degree to qualify for more advanced positions.
Enrollees not located near Hicksville can pursue the school's programs remotely, without relocating. Online learning is also ideal for students who work full time and need flexible scheduling options. Before choosing a program, applicants should consider their personal interests and professional goals.
Veeb Nassau County School of Practical Nursing at a Glance:
Number of Certificate Programs: 1
- In-State$18,000
- Out-of-state$18,000
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled190
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
North Country Community College
- Saranac Lake, NY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
A public institution, North Country Community College delivers nursing programs at various academic levels. The Saranac Lake-based school offers courses online and on campus, providing opportunities for students located in New York and elsewhere. Online programs typically feature flexible scheduling options, allowing busy learners to complete coursework around other responsibilities.
Nursing programs at the associate and certificate levels provide coursework and training that allow participants to develop a strong foundation in the field. These programs often lead to entry-level employment in the nursing field. To expand their career options, graduates of associate or certificate programs can complete a bachelor's degree before applying for positions in the field.
North Country Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 27
Number of Certificate Programs: 7
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 1
- In-State$5,076
- Out-of-state$11,972
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,893
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
The College of Westchester
- Valhalla, NY
- 2 year
- Campus
Learners can earn an associate degree or certificate from The College of Westchester, a public school delivering online and in-person programs from its New York campus. An associate degree or certificate qualifies graduates for many positions in the nursing field. Rather than entering the workforce immediately, many graduates pursue bachelor's studies to qualify for more advanced roles and higher salaries.
Enrollees not located near Valhalla can pursue the school's programs remotely, without relocating. Additionally, online programs allow students to maintain employment while pursuing their degree. Prospective applicants should look into the associate and certificate programs offered and see if any meet their needs.
The College of Westchester at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 55
Number of Certificate Programs: 30
- In-State$4,580
- Out-of-state$11,770
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,121
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
SUNY Canton
- Canton, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Learners interested in nursing can pursue a certificate or an associate degree from SUNY Canton, a public school. An associate degree or certificate qualifies graduates for many positions in the nursing field. To increase their career options, graduates can transfer into a bachelor's program.
Enrollees living outside of Canton benefit from these programs being available online. Online learning also benefits working professionals, who need to schedule their studies around full-time employment. Before selecting a program, applicants should research the education requirements for positions they plan to pursue.
SUNY Canton at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 21
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 6
Number of Certificate Programs: 5
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$13,534
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled3,223
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
SUNY Delhi
- Delhi, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
SUNY Delhi delivers associate and certificate programs to prepare learners for nursing careers. With online and on-campus options, the school educates students in New York and other parts of the country. Online learning eliminates the need to relocate or commute.
Associate and certificate programs in nursing feature coursework covering crucial theories and practical knowledge. After completing their program, individuals can qualify for entry-level jobs related to nursing. Graduates can also transfer their credits into a four-year program and obtain a bachelor's degree before seeking employment.
SUNY Delhi at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 36
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1
Number of Certificate Programs: 9
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$10,840
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$13,570
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled3,086
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Maria College of Albany
- Albany, NY
- 4 year
- Campus
At Maria College of Albany, learners can obtain a certificate or associate degree by enrolling online or on campus in New York. Associate and certificate programs in nursing prepare students for entry-level roles. To improve their job prospects and earning potential, graduates can continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree.
The school's online programs allow enrollees not located near Albany to pursue studies without relocating or commuting. Students with personal and professional responsibilities often choose online programs because of their increased flexibility. Before enrolling, applicants should review their prospective program's requirements and graduate outcomes.
Maria College of Albany at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 5
Number of Certificate Programs: 2
- In-State$15,150
- Out-of-state$15,150
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled796
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
Hostos Community College
- Bronx, NY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Learners who plan to pursue careers in nursing can earn an associate degree or certificate from Hostos Community College, a public institution. While the school's campus is located in the Bronx, students can complete online programs from anywhere. The flexibility of online learning often appeals to working professionals who prefer not to relocate.
Along with field-specific knowledge, participants pursuing an associate degree or certificate in nursing gain practical skills in the field. These programs often lead directly to entry-level nursing positions. To qualify for more advanced positions and higher earning potential, many graduates of associate or certificate programs pursue a bachelor's degree.
Hostos Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 30
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1
Number of Certificate Programs: 5
- In-State$4,800
- Out-of-state$7,680
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,120
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
LaGuardia Community College
- Long Island City, NY
- 2 year
- Campus
LaGuardia Community College, a public school in New York, is a great choice for learners in search of an associate or certificate degree in nursing. Students who plan to pursue careers in nursing can earn an associate degree or certificate to obtain technical training. An associate degree can also prepare graduates for advanced study, such as bachelor's programs.
Enrollees not located near Long Island City can pursue the school's programs remotely, without relocating. Online learning is also ideal for students who work full time and need flexible scheduling options. For specific information about the institution's programs, prospective applicants can consult an admissions counselor.
LaGuardia Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 45
Number of Certificate Programs: 7
- In-State$4,800
- Out-of-state$7,680
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled18,555
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment5%
- AccreditationYes
Suffolk County Community College
- Selden, NY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Learners can earn an associate degree or certificate in nursing from Suffolk County Community College. The school provides on-campus and online programming to support students located in New York and throughout the country. Flexible online programs allow learners to attend classes without relocating.
While earning an associate degree or certificate in nursing, participants examine core concepts in the field. With the skills gained from their training, individuals can apply for entry-level nursing roles. To increase their earning potential, graduates can pursue bachelor's studies after earning their associate degree or certificate.
Suffolk County Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 72
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1
Number of Certificate Programs: 24
- In-State$5,470
- Out-of-state$10,940
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled25,230
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
Getting an LPN License in New York
Like other states, LPNs in New York must obtain a license for employment. The New York State Board of Nursing, an agency that regulates the nursing profession, issues these credentials. Find out more about the licensure process, from education to license renewal.
Basic Eligibility for Licensure
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Complete a high school diploma or equivalent
Licensure Education and Training Requirements
Licensed practical nurses must complete a state-approved program that lasts at least nine months. In addition, license applicants must take an infection control course approved by the New York State Board of Nursing to ensure they understand how to prevent the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis B.
Additional Requirements for Licensure
- Complete a licensing application and submit it to the Board
- Pay the required $143 licensing application fee
- Successfully take the NCLEX-PN examination
- Submit to a criminal background check
- Have school transcripts sent to the Board to verify education
Renewal
The New York State Board of Nursing requires LPNs to renew their licenses every two years. To renew their credentials, LPNs must take continuing education classes covering infection control and child abuse. When applying to renew a license, LPNs pay a $50 fee.
Salaries for LPNs in New York
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary of LPNs in New York is $63,020. However, salaries vary depending on where they work. This section details the top-paying locations for LPNs in New York.
| Location | Employment | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 32,460 | $68,520 |
| Kingston, NY | 290 | $59,400 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | 2,330 | $57,170 |
| Ithaca, NY | 190 | $57,100 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY | 3,460 | $56,370 |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area | 1,270 | $56,140 |
| Rochester, NY | 2,890 | $55,320 |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area | 1150 | $55,180 |
| Glens Falls, NY | 320 | $54,990 |
| Syracuse, NY | 2,040 | $54,700 |
Resources for LPNs in New York
ANA-New York
The New York State chapter of the American Nurses Association (ANA) allows professionals to take advantage of the benefits and use resources tailored to nurses in the state. The association offers publications— like Nursing Insider, The American Nurse, and American Nurse Today — and meetings and conferences addressing the challenges nurses in New York face. Members also can sign up for discounted liability insurance and receive access to professional tools like PubMed Citations and the Drug Name Error Finder Tool.
Mandated Training Related to Infection Control
All licensed practical nurses in New York State must get training in infectious disease prevention and control. This page of the New York State Education Department’s website includes information on what this training entails and where it is conducted.
National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service
This association provides education and certifications for LPNs.
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses
Founded in New York in 1949, the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses promotes quality patient care by providing services to LPNs and LVNs. Members receive access to certification programs and continuing education courses. The group also provides legislative support.
New York State Nurses Association
The New York State Nurses Association provides professionals around the state with the tools they need to do their work. The organization’s benefits include nursing education, journals with evidence-based nursing research, news about the industry, and events where nurses can build camaraderie with colleagues.
New York State of the Professions: Nursing
NYSED’s Office of the Professions offers lots of information for New York LPNs, including comprehensive details on licensure and FAQs. LPNs can also find interesting statistics about the state’s nursing field, scholarships, grants, and nursing programs.
New York State PN NCLEX Results: 2013-2017
Prospective students can use this data to make their decision when considering an LPN program. Compiled by the New York State Board of Nursing, this site has information about the NCLEX pass rate from schools around New York.
