2024 - Best LPN Programs in New Jersey

Last Updated/Verified: Dec 4, 2023

The state of New Jersey strives to improve healthcare standards while providing a collaborative work environment for its nurses. By promoting proactive leadership, continued education, and mutual respect, they ensure socially significant work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that by 2031 there will be a 6% increase in licensed practical nurse (LPN) jobs. Individuals interested in a career as an LPN can enroll in one of New Jersey’s many practical nursing programs to get started on this rewarding pathway. LPNs in New Jersey earn approximately $29.80 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $61,990. This is roughly $6,130 per year more than the national average.

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Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in New Jersey? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in New Jersey are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 25 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 10 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

To see all the top ranked LPN programs in New Jersey click here.

Details on New Jersey LPN Schools & Classes

New Jersey offers roughly 30 schools with LPN program options. These range from trade schools to community colleges all across the state. Students should consider whether they want to attend LPN school part-time or full-time, and whether online courses are important to them. Most practical nursing programs can be completed in 1-2 years. LPN programs include curriculum on nursing theory, sciences, humanities and more to provide a solid educational foundation. Lab skills and clinical experiences are included as well. Course titles may include:

  • Human Biology
  • Introduction to Practical Nursing
  • Basic Microbiology
  • Mental Health
  • Maternal/Child Practical Nursing
  • Adult Health
  • Pharmacology

Accreditation

One of the most important things a prospective student can do is to choose a school with a properly accredited practical nursing program. Accredited programs must go through rigorous evaluation on a regular basis, and are generally more respected. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is one accrediting agency to look for, but many others exist. Programs should also be approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.

Admission Requirements

To gain admission into an LPN program in New Jersey, potential students must meet the minimum requirements. For popular programs, exceeding the minimum requirements is recommended. Schools will vary, but many of them include the following:

  • Minimum overall GPA of 2.5
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Completion of any and all prerequisite courses
  • Completion of Accuplacer or college placement exam
  • Provide proof of immunizations and insurance, pass a drug screen and criminal background check

Tuition and Costs

There are many things that factor into the total cost of an LPN program. Tuition, various fees, supplies, books, and more will all affect the price tag. Luckily, students have the option of financial aid in the form of grants, loans, and other payment plans. Keep in mind that online programs may have different costs than classroom-based programs. Jersey College, for example, charges an estimated $28,630 total for its LPN program. This includes tuition, books, fees, background checks, supplies, uniforms, and more.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our New Jersey LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

New Jersey LPN Licensing Requirements

To become an LPN in New Jersey, education, testing, and an application process must be completed. The applicant must first attend a New Jersey Board of Nursing approved program. After graduation, the certification of program completion must be submitted directly to the Board, and he or she must sit for and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The licensure application must be submitted to the New Jersey Board of Nursing, including an identifying photo (passport-style photo), certification and authorization form, as well as the fee of $200. New Jersey LPN licenses expire every 2 years and require a minimum of 30 hours of board-approved continued education within that 2-year period to renew.

NCLEX Exam Information

Practical nursing graduates are required to take the NCLEX-PN examination in order to gain official licensure. This exam covers various practical nursing topics to test the student’s comprehension. For more information on the NCLEX-PN, check out our guide here. We also offer an NCLEX-PN practice test for students to take in preparation for the real exam.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

New Jersey is currently allowing nurses who hold active, unencumbered, multi-state licenses issued by Nurse Licensure Compact member states to practice in New Jersey under their multi-state licenses. Licensed LPNs from non-NLC states can apply for an LPN license in New Jersey by endorsement. These applicants must have completed their home state’s approved education program. The applicant must submit their application with verification of licensure and fee. Applicants educated abroad and looking to acquire an LPN license in the state can qualify to take the NCLEX by submitting their official transcripts and passing an English proficiency exam. The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) must perform a full course-by-course review and the applicant must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam. These documents, along with a criminal background check, Certification and Authorization form, and completed licensure application and fee must be submitted to the New Jersey Board of Nursing.

2024 NJ NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics

  • Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 25
  • Total Number of Test Takers in 2022: 1,506
  • 2022 Average Statewide New Jersey NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 2.4%

Top Ranked New Jersey LPN Programs

1

Salem Community College

460 Hollywood Avenue, Carney's Point, NJ 08069 - (856) 299-2100 - Visit Homepage

Salem Community College (SCC) is a public, two-year comprehensive associate degree granting institution located in Carney's Point, New Jersey. SCC also awards career certifications in a variety of industries, including their 44-week practical nursing program, which exposes students to various clinical experiences and lab simulations.

Overall Score: 94.38 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

Eastwick College - Hackensack

250 Moore Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 - (201) 488-9400 - Visit Homepage

Hackensack's Eastwick College offers an LPN program that provides clinical rotations as part of the curriculum. The program can be completed in 12 months of daytime study, or 21 months of evening courses. Graduates are well-prepared for entry-level positions as LPNs.

Overall Score: 58.73 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

Best Care College

68 South Harrison Street, East Orange, NJ 07017 - (973) 673-3900 - Visit Homepage

Best Care College, located in East Orange, New Jersey, prepares students for comprehensive professional care and healthcare services. Students enrolled in the practical nursing program complete 75 credit hours on a semester system and enjoy the benefits of small class sizes.

Overall Score: 57.42 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
4

Holy Name Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing

333 Hudson Terrace, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 - (551) 248-4600 - Visit Homepage

Holy Name Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing, located in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey is dedicated to holistic care while embracing traditional Catholic principles in the pursuit of professional excellence. Their program is committed to implementing new technologies and finding the balance of healthcare and medical science with compassion.

Overall Score: 57.41 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
5

Jersey College - Teterboro

546 US-46, Teterboro, NJ 07608 - (201) 489-5836 - Visit Homepage

Jersey College's Teterboro campus serves students through its LPN program, which consists of four 12-week terms. The curriculum weaves theory and classroom lectures with clinical experiences, and offers both daytime and evening classes to give students a flexible, well-rounded education.

Overall Score: 56.88 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
6

Monmouth County Vocational School District

4000 Kozloski Road, Freehold, NJ 07728 - (732) 431-7942 - Visit Homepage

Monmouth County Vocational School is located in Freehold, New Jersey. Their goal is to prepare and motivate students to further their education in medical science through intense specialized curriculum in practical nursing, including community partnerships designed to inspire compassion, skill, and vision.

Overall Score: 56.75 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
7

Jersey College - Ewing

1001 Spruce St., Ewing Township, NJ - 08638 - Visit Homepage

Jersey College’s Ewing campus offers a practical nursing program for aspiring LPNs. With day and evening classes available, students can complete their education in as little as four 12-week terms. The curriculum takes a holistic approach, with courses focused on theory, safety, and ethical principles.

Overall Score: 55.36 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
8

Pinelands School of Practical Nursing & Allied Health Inc.

11 History Ln, Jackson, NJ 08527 - (732) 905-5057 - Visit Homepage

Follow the link to learn more about the .

Overall Score: 54.46 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
9

Camden County College

200 N. Broadway, Camden, NJ 08102 - (856) 338-1817 - Visit Homepage

Camden County College’s board-approved practical nursing program prepares students to provide quality, holistic, safe nursing care. Just 4 semesters is all it takes to complete the training necessary to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, and through the program’s curriculum, students are armed with knowledge in science, social science, humanities, nursing theory, lab skills, clinical experiences and more.

Overall Score: 53.33 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
10

Merit Technical Institute - Harrison

620 Essex St, Harrison, NJ 07029 - (201) 434-7878 - Visit Homepage

Merit Technical Institute is located in Harrison, NJ. With a commitment to their students, they boast a high graduation rate. Merit's LPN program was created on the foundation of preparing students with the knowledge and skills needed to to find success on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Overall Score: 53.18 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in New Jersey

RankedProgramScore
#11 Universal Training Institute
174 Jefferson Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
(732) 826-0155
50.46
#12 Burlington County Institute of Technology
695 Woodlane Road, Westampton, NJ 08060
(609) 267-4226
50.32
#13 Lincoln Technical Institute - Paramus
240 Bergen Town Ctr, Paramus, NJ 07652
(201) 845-6868
50.18
#14 Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools
112 Rues Lane, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
(732) 257-3300
49.26
#15 Prism Career Institute - Egg Harbor
8025 E Black Horse Pike, Pleasantville, NJ 08232
(609) 407-7476
48.36
#16 Lincoln Technical Institute - Iselin
675 U.S. 1 South, 2nd Floor, Iselin, NJ 08830
(732) 548-8798
48.31
#17 Lincoln Technical institute - Moorestown
308 W. Route 38, Moorestown, NJ 08057
(800) 556-4624
48.07
#18 Union County College
1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
(908) 709-7000
47.90
#19 Cape May County Technical Schools
188 Crest Haven Road, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 465-2161
45.73
#20 Essex County College
303 University Ave, Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 877-3000
45.61
#21 Berkeley College - Woodland Park
44 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park, NJ 07424
(973) 278-5400
45.02
#22 Prism Career Institute - Cherry Hill
3 Executive Campus, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
(856) 317-0100
42.03
#23 Passaic County Technical Institute
45 Reinhardt Road, Wayne, NJ 07470
(973) 790-6000
41.57
#24 Atlantic County Adult Education
5080 Atlantic Avenue, Mays Landing, NJ 08330
(609) 625-2249
38.22
#25 Rowan College of South Jersey Cumberland
3322 College Dr, Vineland, NJ 08360
(856) 468-5000
35.00

Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.

Additional NJ Nursing Resources

 

LPN Salary in New Jersey

The table below lists career information obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in New Jersey. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Trenton800$28.98$60,280
Atlantic City, Hammonton650$26.88$55,920
Vineland, Bridgeton350$27.74$57,690
Ocean City180$27.77$57,760

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)