Best LPN Programs in New York

Last Updated/Verified: Mar 29, 2023

The state of New York strives to ensure the delivery of safe, quality care to patients, as well as provide a safe, accessible, and supportive environment for their healthcare teams. An 11% increase in licensed practical nurse (LPN) jobs is predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics through the year 2028. To meet this increase for nursing positions, applicants can attend one of New York’s many practical nursing programs with the goal of gaining PN licensure in the state. LPNs in New York earn approximately $27.67 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $57,560. This is roughly $1,700 per year more than the national average.

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Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in New York? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in New York are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 64 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 20 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

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

Details on New York LPN Schools & Classes

With over 60 schools in New York offering LPN programs, prospective students have many educational options to choose from. Community colleges, state colleges, and trade schools all offer LPN programs. Some are classroom-only, while others incorporate online elements. Some programs even offer night or weekend courses. Total program length falls in the 1-2 year range, depending on part-time or full-time attendance.

Enrolled students can expect to take a mix of nursing courses, labs, and hands-on clinical experiences. Course titles are likely to include:

  • Mental Health Concepts
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Practical Nursing Arts
  • Medical Surgical Nursing
  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Pharmacology

Accreditation

A savvy student knows that a good way to narrow down schools and LPN programs is to search for those with proper accreditation. These accredited schools signify quality and academic excellence. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is one of the main national accrediting agencies to watch out for, though many others exist, and can include regional organizations. The New York Board of Nursing also maintains a list of approved practical nursing programs.

Admission Requirements

Each school and program will have its own unique set of admission requirements, and students are encouraged to look over them carefully to ensure they are eligible to apply. Common requirements include:

  • High school transcript or GED certificate
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum C+ average
  • Minimum GPA of 2.75
  • Proficient score on ATI TEAS exam
  • Pass drug screen and background check

Tuition and Costs

Many potential students can be apprehensive about LPN program expenses. To break it down, students are generally responsible for the costs of tuition, mandatory school fees, and materials (such as textbooks). For students who need assistance paying for their LPN program, financial aid opportunities are available in the forms of grants, loans, and scholarships. Keep in mind that indirect expenses like room and board are typically not included in the college’s main cost breakdown.

To provide an example, tuition for the LPN program at Monroe College in the Bronx runs about $680 per credit, not including additional costs or fees.

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

New York LPN Licensing Requirements

To become an LPN in New York, the applicant must be at least 17 years of age and have a high diploma or GED equivalent. Applicants must also have graduated from a practical nursing program with at least 9 months of coursework and that is approved by New York State Education Department or the US Armed Forces and completed the approved coursework for infection control and barrier precautions.

After graduation, the individual must register and pass the licensure exam—the NCLEX-PN. While graduates of state approved nursing programs can be employed as LPNs for 90 days while becoming licensed, they must apply for a limited permit to do so.

NCLEX Exam Information

The NCLEX-PN exam tests a student’s practical nursing knowledge following the completion of a PN program. A passing grade is needed in order to gain official licensure through the state. A detailed overview on the NCLEX-PN examination can be found here. Additionally, this NCLEX-PN practice test can aid students in studying for the exam.

LPN Reciprocity and eNLC

New York has no current pending legislature to enter into the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to practice in any participating compact state without needing additional licensure. With that said, LPNs transferring from another state can be become licensed in New York by endorsement. All that is required is to provide verification of licensure from previous state of license.

Individuals transferring from foreign countries must verify educational equivalence through the Board based on the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) evaluation before taking the licensure exam.

Top Ranked New York LPN Programs

1

CA BOCES CTE at Belmont

5536 County Route 48, Belmont, NY 14813 - (585) 268-5681 - Visit Homepage

At CA BOCES, nursing theory and patient care lab skills taught in the classroom are combined with supervised clinical experience to develop a knowledgeable and competent Practical Nurse. Those who complete the program are eligible to apply for licensure as a Practical Nurse.

Overall Score: 98.72 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

AMG School of Licensed Practical Nursing

147 Prince St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 - (718) 596-5300 - Visit Homepage

At AMG School of Pratical Nursing, students are empowered for excellence. Students get to enjoy the challenge of learning in a professional environment with dedicated faculty and administration committed to helping them fulfill their highest potential.

Overall Score: 98.35 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

Niagara County Community College

3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn, NY 14132 - (716) 614-6222 - Visit Homepage

Niagara County Community College (NCCC) is located in Sanborn, New York. NCCC offers more than 70 comprehensive degree and certification programs that empower students, providing them with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the workplace, meeting both academic and personal goals for success.

Overall Score: 98.15 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
4

CA BOCES CTE at Olean

1825 Windfall Road, Olean, NY 14760 - (716) 376-8200 - Visit Homepage

Cattaraugus-Allegany-Erie-Wyoming BOCES-Olean is located in Olean, New York, with additional locations in Ellicottville and Belmont. CA BOCES offers a wide variety of programs including special education, career/technical education, and continuing education, as well as labor relations and business office support.

Overall Score: 98.08 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
5

Monroe College

2501 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, NY 10468 - (718) 933-6700 - Visit Homepage

Monroe College is located in Bronx, New York, with additional campuses located in New Rochelle, Saint Lucia, and Flushing. Monroe College provides career oriented higher education to students, offering access to a personalized environment and caring faculty who are dedicated to student success.

Overall Score: 95.54 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
6

Orleans-Niagara BOCES

4232 Shelby Basin Road, Medina, NY 14103 - (716) 731-6800 - Visit Homepage

Orleans-Niagara BOCES offers a part-time practical nursing program for adults. The curriculum combines theory and clinicals to help students understand and integrate quality nursing care. Upon completion of the program, students have the skills, knowledge, and behaviors to find success in the industry.

Overall Score: 95.39 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
7

Samaritan Hospital

2215 Burdett Ave, Troy, NY 12201 - (518) 271-3300 - Visit Homepage

Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing, located in Ashland, New York, promotes health and wellness in the community. Samaritan Hospital provides hands-on, interactive clinical experience in a professional environment, providing the student with access to a comprehensive network of healthcare and community facilities.

Overall Score: 94.70 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
8

Cayuga Onondaga BOCES

1879 West Genesee St. Rd., Auburn, NY 13021 - (315) 253-4899 - Visit Homepage

Cayuga Onondaga BOCES, located in Auburn, New York, offers extensive programs and services to students of all ages. Cayuga-Onondaga promotes a safe, stimulating environment, supporting innovative teaching and learning, providing high-quality personal development and lifelong learning to meet the goals of both the student and the community.

Overall Score: 94.38 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
9

Maria College

700 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208 - (518) 438-3111 - Visit Homepage

Maria College, located in Albany, New York, provides educational programs with high academic standards, flexible scheduling, and in individualized formats to fit each student's needs. Maria College focuses on providing opportunities for growth, allowing students to make valuable contributions to the community.

Overall Score: 94.10 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
10

Bronx Community College

2155 University Avenue, Bronx, NY 10453 - (718) 289-5100 - Visit Homepage

Bronx Community College (BCC) is located in Bronx, New York. BCC offers more than 30 academic programs, preparing students for careers and advanced degrees, with flexible schedules in the evenings and on the weekends, providing high-quality education for the whole community.

Overall Score: 92.34 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
11

North Country Community College - Saranac Lake

23 Santanoni Ave., PO Box 89, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 - (518) 891-2915 - Visit Homepage

North Country Community College-Saranac Lake is located in Saranac Lake, New York, with additional campuses in Ticonderoga and Malone, provides the highest quality public postsecondary education in the region. North Country Community College provides individualized education to its students, ensuring success.

Overall Score: 91.87 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
12

Erie 1 BOCES- Potter Road Center

705 Potter Road, West Seneca, NY 14224 - (716) 821-7336 - Visit Homepage

Erie 1 BOCES-Potter Road Center is part of the New York State Board of Cooperative Educational Services located in West Seneca, New York. Erie 1 BOCES offers a variety of instructional programs as well as workforce development options to ensure occupational success.

Overall Score: 91.40 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
13

Erie 1 BOCES- Kenton Center

151 Two Mile Creek Road, Tonawanda, NY 14150 - (716) 821-7191 - Visit Homepage

Erie 1 BOCES-Kenton Center offers a practical nursing program that is designed to be completed in 12 months. With programs starting in April and October of each year, students can begin their nursing education at their convenience. Roughly 1,100 clock hours are needed in order to graduate.

Overall Score: 90.19 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
14

La Guardia Community College

31-10 Thomson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 - (718) 482-7200 - Visit Homepage

LaGuardia Community College, located in Long Island City, New York, provides affordable education that prepares students to face challenges and become productive leaders. LaGuardia is dedicated to educating students and producing critical thinkers that are socially responsible and help to shape a rapidly evolving society.

Overall Score: 88.20 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
15

Rochester Regional Health IGH School of Practical Nursing

100 Kings Highway South, Rochester, NY 14617 - (585) 922-1400 - Visit Homepage

Isabella Graham Hart School is part of the Rochester General Health System, located in Rochester, New York. Isabella Graham Hart offers a 10-month full-time Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program as well as a part time program that requires 2 years.

Overall Score: 88.15 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
16

Champlain Valley Educational Services

1585 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 - (518) 561-0100 - Visit Homepage

At Champlain Valley Educational Services, students receive preparation for entering a health career in Practical Nursing. Their program is a great start for continuing in a postgraduate health profession career pathway. Students gain the skills and knowledge that will allow them to deliver safe and effective nursing care.

Overall Score: 87.98 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
17

Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing

196 North St, Geneva, NY 14456 - (315) 787-4005 - Visit Homepage

Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing is part of Finger Lakes Health, located in Geneva, New York, providing a one-year, daytime program to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Marion D. Whelan is one of three hospital-based practical nursing programs in the state.

Overall Score: 86.87 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
18

Broome Tioga BOCES

435 Glenwood Road, Binghamton, NY 13905 - (607) 763-3300 - Visit Homepage

Broome Delaware Tioga BOCES is an innovative educational institution located in Binghamton, New York, with additional locations in Endicott, Johnson City, and Apalachin. Broom Delaware Tioga BOCES provided personalized learning environments designed to fit student needs, providing career opportunities and work experiences through hands-on training in the classroom.

Overall Score: 86.80 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
19

Erie 1 BOCES- Southtowns Academy

4540 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg, NY 14075 - (716) 821-7191 - Visit Homepage

Erie 1 BOCE-Southtowns Academy is part of the New York State Board of Cooperative Educational Services located in Hamburg, New York. Erie 1 BOCES has a variety of career-minded programs and workforce development options to help students reach their personal and professional goals.

Overall Score: 85.96 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
20

North Country Community College - Malone

75 William Street, Malone, NY 12953 - (518) 483-4550 - Visit Homepage

North Country Community College provides an exceptional LPN department. NCCC offers students the ability to learn in a challenging and supporting educational community. LPN graduates are ready to enter the field with knowledge and confidence.

Overall Score: 85.53 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in New York

RankedProgramScore
#21 North Country Community College - Ticonderoga
11 Hawkeye Trail, Ticonderoga, NY 12883
(518) 585-4454
85.07
#22 Otsego-Northern Catskills BOCES
31 Center Street, 3rd Floor, Oneonta, NY 13820
(607) 588-6291
85.05
#23 Hunter Business School
Nassau Mall, 3601 Hempstead Turnpike #9, Levittown, NY 11756
(516) 796-1000
84.51
#24 Erie 1 BOCES- Harkness Career and Technical Center
99 Aero Drive, Cheektowaga, NY 14225
(716) 632-1076
84.38
#25 Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES- Hudson Falls
1051 Dix Ave, Hudson Falls, NY 12839
(518) 746-3400
84.12
#26 Southern Westchester BOCES
17 Berkley Drive, Rye Brook, NY 10573
(914) 937-3820
83.63
#27 Eastern Suffolk BOCES
350 Martha Avenue, Bellport, NY 11717
(631) 286-6585
82.64
#28 Dutchess BOCES
5 BOCES Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 486-4800
82.12
#29 Putnam-Westchester BOCES
200 Boces Drive, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
(914) 245-2700
81.98
#30 Orange-Ulster BOCES
53 Gibson Road, Goshen, NY 10924
(845) 291-0100
80.98
#31 Suffolk County Community College
121 Speonk-Riverhead Road, Riverhead, NY 11901
(631) 548-2500
80.83
#32 Vocational Education and Extension Board of Nassau County
899-A Jerusalem Ave, Uniondale, NY 11803
(516) 572-1700
80.15
#33 Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus-BOCES
8685 Erie Road, Angola, NY 14006
(716) 549-4454
79.29
#34 OCM BOCES - Liverpool
4500 Crown Road, Liverpool, NY 13090
(315) 453-4455
79.23
#35 The Greater Southern Tier BOCES - Elmira
459 Philo Road, Elmira, NY 14903
(607) 739-3581
79.13
#36 Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES
20104 NYS Route 3, Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 779-7000
78.66
#37 Madison-Oneida BOCES - Verona
4937 Spring Road, Verona, NY 13478
(315) 361-5500
77.13
#38 Curtis High School
105 Hamilton Ave, New York, NY 10011
(212) 229-5471
76.70
#39 The Greater Southern Tier BOCES - Coopers Education Center
9579 Vocational Drive, Painted Post, NY 14870
(607) 962-3175
76.68
#40 Clara Barton High School
901 Classon Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
(718) 636-4900
75.35
#41 Transitions Career Institute
30-50 Whitestone Expressway, Ste 400, Flushing, NY 11354
(718) 362-9500
74.64
#42 Erie 2 BOCES - Cassadaga
8115 Glasgow Road, Cassadaga, NY 14718
(716) 595-4293
73.97
#43 SUNY Canton
34 Cornell Drive, Canton, NY 13617
(315) 386-7011
73.87
#44 Rockland BOCES
65 Parrott Road, West Nyack, NY 10994
(845) 627-4700
73.64
#45 Hostos Community College
500 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
(718) 518-4444
73.51
#46 The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership School of Practical Nursing
8250 State Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 344-7711
73.29
#47 Madison-Oneida BOCES - Utica
502 Court St, Utica, NY 13502
(315) 793-8505
71.30
#48 Capital Region BOCES
Suite 102, 900 Watervliet-Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12205
(518) 862-4900
71.00
#49 Madison-Oneida BOCES - Rome
4937 Spring Rd, Rome, NY 13440
(315) 334-8000
69.38
#50 Medgar Evers College
1650 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
(718) 270-6000
68.79
#51 Herkimer-Hamilton-Fulton-Otsego BOCES
352 Gros Blvd, Herkimer, NY 23219
(315) 867-2023
68.55
#52 DCMO BOCES Chenango Campus
6678 County Road 32, Norwich, NY 13815
(607) 335-1200
66.46
#53 The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership School of Practical Nursing - Mount Morris
27 Lackawanna Ave, Mount Morris, NY 14510
(585) 658-7900
65.81
#54 Mildred Elley School - Albany
855 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206
(518) 786-0855
62.29
#55 Rochester Educational Opportunity Center
161 Chestnut St, Rochester, NY 14604
(585) 232-2730
61.71
#56 Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES- Rochester
435 E. Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620
(315) 332-7374
61.63
#57 Trocaire College
360 Choate Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14220
(716) 826-1200
59.97
#58 Mildred Elley School - New York City
25 Broadway, Floor 16, New York, NY 10004
(212) 380-9004
57.17
#59 Erie 2 BOCES - Buffalo
175 Jefferson Street, Buffalo, NY 14210
(716) 947-9056
54.21

Programs Not Included In Rankings

Program
Erie 1 BOCES- Niagara Lutheran Home
64 Hager Street, Buffalo, NY 14208
(716) 886-4377
Orleans/Niagara BOCES- Niagara Falls
4232 Shelby Basin Road, Medina, NY 14103
(716) 731-6800
The Greater Southern Tier BOCES - Hornell
1126 Bald Hill Road, Hornell, NY 14843
(607) 324-7880
Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES- Saratoga Springs
27 Gick Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 581-3670
Western Suffolk BOCES
507 Deer Park Ave, Huntington Station, NY 11746
(631) 549-4900

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

Additional NY Nursing Resources

LPN Salary in New York

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

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
New York, Newark, Jersey City32,620$30.31$63,050
Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Niagara Falls3,250$24.90$51,790
Rochester2,630$24.94$51,870
Albany, Schenectady, Troy2,360$24.91$51,800
Syracuse2,140$24.45$50,860
Utica, Rome1,050$24.07$50,060
Binghamton590$23.94$49,790
Watertown, Fort Drum360$22.38$46,540
Glens Falls320$23.66$49,210
Kingston280$26.10$54,280
Elmira210$21.96$45,680
Ithaca190$25.11$52,230