How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in New Jersey

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To become a licensed practical nurse(LPN), you must first attend a New Jersey Board of Nursing Program.

After graduation, the certificate of program completion is forwarded to the Board, and you will have to sit and pass the National Council Licensure Examination(NCLEX-PN).

The training program depends on your schedule but typically takes around 12-18 months.

If you want to become a licensed practical nurse, enroll in an approved school.

Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in New Jersey

Below are the top five New Jersey nursing schools that offer the training program accredited by the State Board of Nursing.

1. Eastwick College – Hackensack

Eastwick College - Hackensack Logo

Eastwick College – Hackensack has a supportive learning environment that prepares one to become a licensed practical nurse.

The diploma program is 12 months for day studies and 21 months for evening studies.

Recently ranked in the top 3% of the nation’s nursing schools by Nursing Almanac, Eastwick college – Hackensack has specialized lab setting classrooms.

They are designed to mirror conditions and procedures you will likely encounter as a nurse.

Graduates are ready to become LPN in an entry-level position.

The tuition fee for 12 months is $18,000.

Full-time undergraduates can receive financial aid through scholarships, grants, and fellowships from the institution, federal, state, or local government agencies.

2. Holy Name Medical Center

Holy Name Medical Center Logo

Holy Name Medical Center embraces traditional Catholic principles to provide holistic care in the pursuit of professional excellence.

The learning methodology involves finding the balance between medical science with compassion and healthcare.

The LPN program lasts  60 weeks, combining hands-on clinical training and foundational nursing concepts.

In addition, students earn 17 credits of transferable college credit through Saint Peter’s University, which is in conjunction with Holy Name Medical Center.

Program admission procedures can be online or in-person.

For online admission through a form, you will need to pay a non-refundable fee of $75.

After registering online, you must attend a mandatory School of Nursing Information Session that lasts 90 minutes.

To become a student with Holy Name Medical Center, you have to have a minimum composite score of 50% on The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).

The examination is a standardized nursing entrance examination that tests science knowledge, reading comprehension, and math skills.

3. Best Care College

Best Care College Logo

Best Care College (BBC) is a post-secondary institution that offers a 50-week LPN program.

The entire program consists of 1488 hours of clinical and academic coursework.

Upon completing the program, an LPN graduate is eligible to sit and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to obtain a Practical Nursing license.

The total program cost is $26,346, which is paid in the following methods:

  • $2,000 during registration catering for uniform, books, and lab fees
  • $6,086.50  for the first day of the program tuition
  • $6,086.50  for the first day of level 2 of the program tuition
  • $6,086.50  for the first day of level 3 of the program tuition
  • $6,086.50 for the first day of level 4 of the program tuition

4. Monmouth County Vocational School District

Monmouth County Vocational School District Logo

The practical Nursing program in Monmouth County, vocational school district, assigns each qualified class to an affiliating nursing home or hospital for clinical experience.

The tuition fee is  $10,000, payable in three payments.

In addition, grants and financial aid are available for qualified applicants.

Upon entering the program, applicants must be 18 years old, pass the qualifying test ($65 fee), and have a high school diploma or an Adult Basic Education certificate.

The classes are classified into three phases, which take 14 months to complete.

5. Jersey College – Teterboro

Jersey College - Teterboro Logo

Jersey College‘s main campus in Teterboro offers the LPN program within 12 – 15 months.

The campus has connected classrooms with modern learning technology, learning centers where students can work and consult with the faculty, and high-fidelity simulation for hands-on training.

The estimated program and tuition fees are $31,254 for both day and night students.

With the help of Stafford loans and Pell Grant, you can finance your education at Jersey College if you qualify for federal student aid.

Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in New Jersey – Summary Table

Top 5 Schools in New Jersey

School NameAddress
Eastwick College - Hackensack250 Moore St, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Holy Name Medical Center 718 Teaneck Rd, Teaneck, NJ 07666
Best Care College68 S Harrison St, East Orange, NJ 07018
Monmouth County Vocational School District105 Neptune Blvd, Neptune City, NJ 07753
Jersey College - Teterboro546 US-46, Teterboro, NJ 07608

Salary Estimate for a Licensed Practical Nurse in New Jersey

As of June 28, 2022, the average salary for a licensed practical nurse in New Jersey is $55,951 but often ranges between $50,805 and $62,237.

However, this amount varies depending on the city and other factors, including additional skills, education, certification, and experience.

Annual Salary Range:
$50K
$56K
$62K

Average Salary of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s in New Jersey

City NameSalary
Newark$57,800
Jersey City$60,900
Paterson$58,400
Elizabeth$57,800
Edison$56,800
Woodbridge$56,800
Dover$58,100
Atlantic City$54,500
Trenton$54,700
Camden$54,300
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in New Jersey

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ520$60,830$29.24$69,810$52,730
Ocean City, NJ160$62,240$29.92$72,300$55,090
Trenton, NJ860$66,080$31.77$72,860$57,920
Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ400$63,950$30.74$72,770$54,230
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, OCC Code 29-2061, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of an LPN?

A licensed practical nurse’s primary function is to provide routine care for disabled, injured, and sick patients.

Working alongside registered nurses(RNs) and physicians, LPN’s duties include monitoring patients, feeding infants, dressing wounds, and performing administrative tasks.

Where do LPNs work in New Jersey?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the following is the area of employment for LPNs:

  • 38% – Nursing homes and residential care facilities
  • 15% – Hospitals
  • 13% – Physicians’ offices
  • 13% – Home healthcare services
  • 6%- Government and military facilities

What will I study in an LPN Program?

The courses in the LPN program include:

  • Patient care
  • Geriatric nursing
  • Science courses
  • Introduction to nursing courses
  • Specialty and population courses

What training do I need to become an LPN in New Jersey?

To become an LPN, you must complete an accredited program that takes 12-15months to complete.

Most programs are found in colleges and vocational schools in the state.

How do LPNs differ from RNs, CNAs?

A registered nurse(RN) provides an in-depth level of nursing with job descriptions, including analyzing results, performing diagnostic tests, and determining treatment plans.

A certified nursing assistant(CNA)offers entry-level care for patients after completing a four-week training program.

The licensed practical nurse(LPN) performs the same duties as a CNA but more extensive ones.

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