2024 - Best LPN Programs in New Jersey

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%

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.

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