Best LPN Programs in New York City 2026
Discover Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in New York City with information on schools, classes, tuition, and clinical training. Review licensing requirements and nursing career opportunities across the five boroughs.
2026 Best LPN Programs in New York, NY
Monroe College
Bronx, NY - Private 4-year - monroecollege.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nurse Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
Monroe College's Practical Nurse Certificate Program provides an accelerated pathway to nursing, completing in just three semesters on campus. This full-time program integrates fundamental nursing skills with liberal arts education, equipping students for the NCLEX-PN exam. With a 100% pass rate in 2017, it features clinical rotations and simulation labs for practical experience. Admission requires a high school transcript or GED, a minimum 2.75 GPA, and a proficient ATI TEAS exam score. ACEN accredited, it offers a supportive environment ideal for quick entry into the nursing profession.
- Full-time, on-campus program.
- Complete in three semesters.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
- 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate (2017).
- Includes clinical, simulation labs.
- ACEN Accredited.
- Supportive learning environment.
- High school transcript or GED required.
- GPA of 2.75 or higher needed.
- Proficient ATI TEAS exam score.
CUNY Medgar Evers College
Brooklyn, NY - Public 4-Year - mec.cuny.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Certificate in Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY Medgar Evers College offers an 18-month Certificate in Practical Nursing that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. This NYSED-approved program requires a high school diploma, a 2.7 cumulative GPA, and science courses with a B- minimum completed within five years. The curriculum integrates didactic learning, skills lab training, and clinical experiences across 39 credits to develop comprehensive nursing skills. Graduates benefit from a 100% job placement rate, with most securing employment within six months of licensure, making it an excellent choice for aspiring practical nurses in New York.
- 18-month certificate program
- NYSED approved nursing program
- 100% job placement rate
- NCLEX-PN exam preparation
- 39 total program credits
- High school diploma required
- Science courses grade B- minimum
- Cumulative GPA 2.7 required
- Clinical, skills lab components
- Science courses within 5 years
CUNY LaGuardia Community College
Long Island City, NY - Public 2-Year - lagcc.cuny.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY LaGuardia Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate program is a campus-based option that emphasizes hands-on clinical training to prepare students for direct entry into nursing roles. The curriculum covers essential skills like patient care, medication administration, and health assessment, with no concentration specified. As a certificate-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT exams for admission, only a high school diploma or equivalent. Designed for timely completion, it offers affordable tuition and is military-friendly, making it ideal for those seeking a fast-track to a nursing career in New York's diverse healthcare settings.
- Campus-based program.
- Hands-on learning focus.
- Prepares for nursing career.
- Affordable tuition costs.
- High school diploma required.
- Real-world healthcare experience.
- Timely completion structure.
- Essential nursing skills covered.
- Competitive program costs.
- Rewarding career preparation.
CUNY Bronx Community College
Bronx, NY - Public 2-Year - bcc.cuny.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Licensed Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY Bronx Community College's campus-based Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate program equips students with essential practical nursing skills and comprehensive patient care knowledge for a swift entry into healthcare careers. This program is particularly suitable for career changers and individuals at various life stages, emphasizing hands-on training without requiring entrance exams. Students are advised to explore financial aid options, as the program focuses on opening doors to diverse opportunities in nursing and allied health sectors through a commitment to educational excellence.
- Campus-based program.
- Focuses on practical nursing.
- Prepares for healthcare careers.
- Ideal for career changers.
- Encourages financial aid exploration.
CUNY Hostos Community College
Bronx, NY - Public 2-Year - hostos.cuny.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY Hostos Community College offers a fast-track Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate completed in two semesters, focusing on comprehensive patient care skills for diverse healthcare environments. The program blends technical nursing training with liberal arts to foster a holistic approach, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam and immediate job placement. Accredited by the State Education Department, it emphasizes healthcare team collaboration and requires the ATI TEAS exam for admission, ensuring students meet academic standards without needing ACT or SAT exams.
- Two-semester nursing certificate
- NCLEX-PN exam preparation
- State Education Department accredited
- Healthcare team skills training
- Comprehensive patient care curriculum
New York LPN Program Overview
Licensed Practical Nurses play a hands-on role in New York City’s healthcare system, delivering bedside care, monitoring vital signs, administering medications under appropriate supervision, and supporting care coordination across diverse patient populations. In a city with high patient volumes and complex health needs, LPNs contribute to safe, efficient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, and patients’ homes.
New York City’s healthcare landscape includes a large public hospital network, major academic medical centers, community health clinics, rehabilitation and long-term care facilities, and a robust home health sector. LPNs commonly find opportunities in nursing homes, subacute and post-acute units, primary and specialty clinics, and home care, where demand is sustained by an aging population and ongoing needs in chronic disease management, rehabilitation, and transitional care.
Most NYC LPN programs are state approved certificate or diploma pathways designed to be completed in approximately 10 to 12 months of full-time study. Many schools also offer evening or part-time schedules that typically take 18 to 24 months, depending on course load and clinical scheduling. Curricula generally include fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, medical-surgical, maternal and child health, mental health, gerontology, and supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long-term care, and community settings across the five boroughs.
Graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN to obtain licensure in New York. Programs in the city align coursework and clinical experiences to NCLEX-PN test plans and often incorporate practice examinations and remediation support. In New York, LPN education programs require approval from the New York State Education Department, which, working in conjunction with the State Board for Nursing, oversees licensure and state-specific requirements. Applicants should review current guidance on licensure eligibility, approved programs, and required trainings such as infection control and child abuse identification and reporting.
- Common employment settings: hospitals, nursing and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, community clinics, and physician practices
- Typical timelines: about 1 year full-time; about 18 to 24 months part-time or evening schedules
- Licensure: graduation from a New York approved LPN program and passing the NCLEX-PN under the oversight of the New York State Education Department
Employment Opportunities for LPNs in New York
The healthcare employment landscape for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in New York City is dynamic and robust, with a projected increase in demand across various facilities. National LPN employment is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032. New York State anticipates a 16.5% growth in LPN employment between 2020 and 2030, translating to an average of 1,180 annual job openings statewide.
Compensation for LPNs is competitive in the region. As of May 2023, the average annual wage for LPNs statewide in New York was $60,200, which translates to approximately $1,158 per week. For New York City and its surrounding metropolitan area, the average hourly pay for an LPN was $29.86, with most salaries falling between $25.86 and $33.68 per hour (25th to 75th percentile).
Types of Facilities Hiring LPNs in New York City
LPNs are integral to a wide array of healthcare settings throughout New York City, providing essential skilled nursing services. Common employers include:
- Hospitals:LPNs play a crucial role in acute care settings. Historically, a significant portion of LPNs in New York City worked in hospitals.
- Nursing and Long-Term Care Facilities:These facilities, including skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, are major employers, offering care for residents requiring extended support.
- Home Health Agencies:LPNs provide vital in-home care, particularly for the elderly and individuals with chronic conditions.
- Public Health:Opportunities exist within agencies like the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, supporting various public health initiatives.
- Centers for the Developmentally Disabled:Specialized care is provided by LPNs in these facilities.
- Senior Living and Assisted Living Facilities:LPNs ensure the well-being and care of residents in these communities.
- Schools:LPNs are employed in educational institutions across the five boroughs.
- Plasma Donation Centers:Facilities such as BioLife hire LPNs for roles involving donor qualification and adverse event management.
- Clinical Research:LPNs can also find roles as clinical research coordinators in various research settings, including with organizations like The IMA Group.
- Remote Positions:A growing number of employers offer remote LPN/LVN roles, including for specialized services.
Major Healthcare Employers and Networks in New York City
New York City is home to numerous large healthcare systems and facilities that actively seek LPNs. Key employers and networks include:
- NYC Health + Hospitals: This comprehensive public healthcare system encompasses 11 acute care hospitals, 5 post-acute/long-term care facilities, Gotham Health Centers, and Correctional Health Services.
- Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Facilities:Several specialized centers frequently hire LPNs, such as Bronx Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare, Far Rockaway Center, Northern Manor Center, Northern Metropolitan Center, Bushwick Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare, Healthcare Nursing of Brooklyn, and Meridian Nurse (for facilities in Gravesend and Flushing).
- State and Government Agencies:The New York State Department of Health and StateJobsNY list positions for LPNs at various state-run facilities, including Veterans Homes and Addiction Treatment Centers. Other government-affiliated organizations like AHRC NYC and Rising Ground, Inc. also employ LPNs.
- Specialized Healthcare Providers:This category includes organizations like PM Pediatrics Management Group (for pediatric urgent care), Aaron School LLC (for school nurse positions), and Flagler Health (for remote LPN/LVN roles).
- Healthcare Staffing Agencies:These agencies serve as crucial conduits for LPN employment, connecting professionals with opportunities across various facilities. Prominent staffing agencies include Horizon Healthcare Staffing, the Workforce1 Healthcare Career Center (which partners with top NYC healthcare providers), and ATC Healthcare.
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