2024 - Best LPN Programs in New York
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. A 5% increase in licensed practical nurse (LPN) jobs is predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics through the year 2032. 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.
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 57 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
Learn more about New York's BOCES LPN Programs.
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 $724 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: 57
- Total Number of Test Takers in 2022: 1,912
- 2022 Average Statewide New York NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 73.6%
Top Ranked New York LPN Programs
La Guardia Community College
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.
Niagara County Community College
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.
CA BOCES CTE at Belmont
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.
Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing
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.
Hostos Community College
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.
Samaritan Hospital
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.
AMG School of Licensed Practical Nursing
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.
Maria College
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.
North Country Community College - Ticonderoga
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.
Rockland BOCES
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.
Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES
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.
Southern Westchester BOCES
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.
Transitions Career Institute
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.
Cayuga Onondaga BOCES
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.
Champlain Valley Educational Services
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.
Madison-Oneida BOCES - Verona
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.
CA BOCES CTE at Olean
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.
Medgar Evers College
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.
Suffolk County Community College
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.
Orleans/Niagara BOCES- Niagara Falls
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.
Continued List of All Programs in New York
Ranked | Program | Score |
---|---|---|
#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 |
Rochester Regional Health IGH School of Practical Nursing
100 Kings Highway South, Rochester, NY 14617
(585) 922-1400 | 59.10 |
#46 |
Capital Region BOCES
Suite 102, 900 Watervliet-Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12205
(518) 862-4900 | 57.79 |
#47 |
Mildred Elley School - New York City
25 Broadway, Floor 16, New York, NY 10004
(212) 380-9004 | 57.16 |
#48 |
Trocaire College
360 Choate Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14220
(716) 826-1200 | 55.92 |
#49 |
Madison-Oneida BOCES - Utica
502 Court St, Utica, NY 13502
(315) 793-8505 | 51.48 |
#50 |
Erie 2 BOCES - Buffalo
175 Jefferson Street, Buffalo, NY 14210
(716) 947-9056 | 37.42 |
#51 |
The Greater Southern Tier BOCES - Coopers Education Center
9579 Vocational Drive, Painted Post, NY 14870
(607) 962-3175 | 34.50 |
#52 |
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
- New York State Board of Nursing
89 Washington Avenue, Education Bldg.
2nd Floor West Wing
Albany, NY 12234
Phone: (518) 474-3817
- New York State Nurses Association
131 West 33rd Street, 4th Fl.
New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 785-0157
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.
Area | Total Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|
New York, Newark, Jersey City | 32,620 | $30.31 | $63,050 |
Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Niagara Falls | 3,250 | $24.90 | $51,790 |
Rochester | 2,630 | $24.94 | $51,870 |
Albany, Schenectady, Troy | 2,360 | $24.91 | $51,800 |
Syracuse | 2,140 | $24.45 | $50,860 |
Utica, Rome | 1,050 | $24.07 | $50,060 |
Binghamton | 590 | $23.94 | $49,790 |
Watertown, Fort Drum | 360 | $22.38 | $46,540 |
Glens Falls | 320 | $23.66 | $49,210 |
Kingston | 280 | $26.10 | $54,280 |
Elmira | 210 | $21.96 | $45,680 |
Ithaca | 190 | $25.11 | $52,230 |
Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)