2024 - Best LPN Programs in New York

Last Updated/Verified: Oct 31, 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 58 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.

2024 NY NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics

  • Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 58
  • Total Number of Test Takers in 2022: 1,913
  • 2022 Average Statewide New York NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 73.6%

Top Ranked New York LPN Programs

1

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: 98.22 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

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: 98.20 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

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: 97.30 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
4

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: 95.19 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
5

Hostos Community College

500 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451 - (718) 518-4444 - Visit Homepage

Hostos Community College, located in the vibrant Bronx, New York, is a public institution renowned for its educational excellence. With a diverse student body and a commitment to quality education, Hostos offers a leading Practical Nursing program, empowering students to excel in healthcare careers.

Overall Score: 94.01 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
6

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: 93.90 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
7

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: 92.39 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
8

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: 91.33 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
9

North Country Community College - Ticonderoga

11 Hawkeye Trail, Ticonderoga, NY 12883 - (518) 585-4454 - Visit Homepage

North Country Community College-Ticonderoga, located in Ticonderoga, New York, with additional campuses in Saranac Lake 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: 90.01 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
10

Rockland BOCES

65 Parrott Road, West Nyack, NY 10994 - (845) 627-4700 - Visit Homepage

Rockland BOCES is located in West Nyack, New York, with an additional location in Haverstraw. Rockland BOCES delivers educational programs that prepare students for job opportunities as well as allow students to upgrade their professional skills, setting the trend of lifelong learning.

Overall Score: 86.99 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
11

Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES

20104 NYS Route 3, Watertown, NY 13601 - (315) 779-7000 - Visit Homepage

At Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES, LPN students are geared up to enter a profession that is rooted to the Hippocratic Oath for doctors and the Florence Nightingale Pledge for nursing. This program enables students to engage in the sacred union between caregiver and patient.

Overall Score: 86.75 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
12

Southern Westchester BOCES

17 Berkley Drive, Rye Brook, NY 10573 - (914) 937-3820 - Visit Homepage

Southern Westchester BOCES, located in Rye Brook, New York, provides high-quality technology assistance, special education, and occupation education programs to help students attain personal and professional goals. Southern Westchester collaborates with the surrounding districts and communities to meet educational challenges for students by providing leadership and high-quality service.

Overall Score: 86.47 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
13

Transitions Career Institute

133-11 20th Avenue , College Point, NY 11356 - (718) 362-9500 - Visit Homepage

Transitions Career Institute is a renowned career school, offering a range of programs to prepare students for success in various healthcare fields. This institution is dedicated to providing high-quality education and hands-on training to help students transition into rewarding healthcare careers.

Overall Score: 85.82 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
14

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: 85.78 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
15

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: 85.56 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
16

Madison-Oneida BOCES - Verona

4937 Spring Road, Verona, NY 13478 - (315) 361-5500 - Visit Homepage

Madison-Oneida BOCES in Verona is a distinguished educational institution that offers a wide range of programs, including career and technical education. With a focus on equipping students with valuable skills and knowledge, it prepares them for success in their chosen career paths.

Overall Score: 85.40 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
17

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: 85.32 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
18

Medgar Evers College

1650 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225 - (718) 270-6000 - Visit Homepage

Medgar Evers College is a prominent institution located in Brooklyn, New York. As part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, it offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as a commitment to serving its diverse student body.

Overall Score: 84.52 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
19

Suffolk County Community College

121 Speonk-Riverhead Road, Riverhead, NY 11901 - (631) 548-2500 - Visit Homepage

Suffolk County Community College (SCCC)-Eastern Campus is the largest community college in New York State located in Riverhead, with additional locations in Selden, Brentwood, Long Island, and New York City. SCCC offers associate degrees and professional certifications in 100 programs of study, encouraging lifelong learning.

Overall Score: 84.32 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
20

Orleans/Niagara BOCES- Niagara Falls

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

Orleans/Niagara BOCES in Niagara Falls is a respected educational institution providing a variety of career and technical education programs. Committed to preparing students for successful careers, it offers a valuable range of educational opportunities in the Niagara County region.

Overall Score: 84.30 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in New York

RankedProgramScore
#21 Eastern Suffolk BOCES
350 Martha Avenue, Bellport, NY 11717
(631) 286-6585
83.49
#22 Broome Tioga BOCES
435 Glenwood Road, Binghamton, NY 13905
(607) 763-3300
82.90
#23 Monroe College
2501 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, NY 10468
(718) 933-6700
82.87
#24 Erie 1 BOCES- Potter Road Center
705 Potter Road, West Seneca, NY 14224
(716) 821-7336
82.61
#25 SUNY Canton
34 Cornell Drive, Canton, NY 13617
(315) 386-7011
82.21
#26 Erie 1 BOCES- Harkness Career and Technical Center
99 Aero Drive, Cheektowaga, NY 14225
(716) 632-1076
80.02
#27 Hunter Business School
Nassau Mall, 3601 Hempstead Turnpike #9, Levittown, NY 11756
(516) 796-1000
79.23
#28 The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership School of Practical Nursing
8250 State Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 344-7711
79.16
#29 Otsego-Northern Catskills BOCES
31 Center Street, 3rd Floor, Oneonta, NY 13820
(607) 588-6291
78.41
#30 Dutchess BOCES
5 BOCES Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 486-4800
78.31
#31 Herkimer-Hamilton-Fulton-Otsego BOCES
352 Gros Blvd, Herkimer, NY 23219
(315) 867-2023
74.24
#32 North Country Community College - Saranac Lake
23 Santanoni Ave., PO Box 89, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
(518) 891-2915
73.38
#33 Madison-Oneida BOCES - Rome
4937 Spring Rd, Rome, NY 13440
(315) 334-8000
73.30
#34 Curtis High School
105 Hamilton Ave, New York, NY 10011
(212) 229-5471
72.80
#35 Vocational Education and Extension Board of Nassau County
899-A Jerusalem Ave, Uniondale, NY 11803
(516) 572-1700
71.96
#36 Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES- Rochester
435 E. Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620
(315) 332-7374
70.64
#37 Erie 2 BOCES - Cassadaga
8115 Glasgow Road, Cassadaga, NY 14718
(716) 595-4293
69.70
#38 OCM BOCES - Liverpool
4500 Crown Road, Liverpool, NY 13090
(315) 453-4455
69.03
#39 DCMO BOCES Chenango Campus
6678 County Road 32, Norwich, NY 13815
(607) 335-1200
68.70
#40 The Greater Southern Tier BOCES - Elmira
459 Philo Road, Elmira, NY 14903
(607) 739-3581
68.21
#41 Mildred Elley School - Albany
855 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206
(518) 786-0855
67.81
#42 Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES- Hudson Falls
1051 Dix Ave, Hudson Falls, NY 12839
(518) 746-3400
67.48
#43 North Country Community College - Malone
75 William Street, Malone, NY 12953
(518) 483-4550
63.55
#44 Orange-Ulster BOCES
53 Gibson Road, Goshen, NY 10924
(845) 291-0100
60.60
#45 Putnam-Westchester BOCES
200 Boces Drive, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
(914) 245-2700
60.20
#46 Rochester Regional Health IGH School of Practical Nursing
100 Kings Highway South, Rochester, NY 14617
(585) 922-1400
59.10
#47 Capital Region BOCES
Suite 102, 900 Watervliet-Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12205
(518) 862-4900
57.79
#48 Mildred Elley School - New York City
25 Broadway, Floor 16, New York, NY 10004
(212) 380-9004
57.16
#49 Trocaire College
360 Choate Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14220
(716) 826-1200
55.92
#50 Madison-Oneida BOCES - Utica
502 Court St, Utica, NY 13502
(315) 793-8505
51.48
#51 Erie 2 BOCES - Buffalo
175 Jefferson Street, Buffalo, NY 14210
(716) 947-9056
37.42
#52 The Greater Southern Tier BOCES - Coopers Education Center
9579 Vocational Drive, Painted Post, NY 14870
(607) 962-3175
34.50
#53 Rochester Educational Opportunity Center
161 Chestnut St, Rochester, NY 14604
(585) 232-2730
30.74

Programs Not Included In Rankings

Program
Clara Barton High School
901 Classon Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
(718) 636-4900
Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus-BOCES
8685 Erie Road, Angola, NY 14006
(716) 549-4454
Orleans-Niagara BOCES
4232 Shelby Basin Road, Medina, NY 14103
(716) 731-6800
The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership School of Practical Nursing - Mount Morris
27 Lackawanna Ave, Mount Morris, NY 14510
(585) 658-7900
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

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