Maria Delgado, RN
June 4, 2025
The fundamental role of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) involves providing basic nursing care for patients while under the direction of Registered Nurses or physicians. The population of New Jersey depends on LPNs to deliver patient care especially in long-term care facilities and home healthcare services and outpatient clinics. The state’s demographic shift towards aging populations alongside diverse communities maintains an ongoing requirement for skilled LPNs who deliver compassionate hands-on support.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ - Private 2-year - holyname.org
Campus Based - Visit Website
Holy Name Medical Center-Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing offers a 60-week Practical Nursing program that integrates theory, hands-on labs, and clinical experiences to prepare students for LPN licensure. Approved by the New Jersey State Board of Nursing and ACEN-accredited, it emphasizes patient-centered care, safety competencies, and teamwork. Graduates are equipped for diverse healthcare settings, with 17 transferable college credits and financial aid options available. The program does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, as it is focused on practical nursing training.
Teterboro, NJ - Private 2-year - jerseycollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Jersey College's LPN Program in Teterboro, NJ, provides a robust education blending academic learning with clinical practice to ready students for the NCLEX-PN exam. Emphasizing holistic patient care, it offers hands-on experience in diverse healthcare environments. Admission is open to those with a high school diploma or GED, and the program is accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Flexible scheduling supports students at various life stages, ensuring a comprehensive and adaptable path to becoming a practical nurse.
Cranford, NJ - Public 2-Year - ucc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ offers a Practical Nursing Certificate program through a four-semester curriculum. This campus-based program integrates biological and social sciences with hands-on clinical rotations, available during the day with varied schedules for diverse healthcare experiences. Enrollment requires CPR certification, malpractice insurance, health documentation, a criminal background check, and an official uniform. It focuses on applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and is pursuing accreditation by NLN CNEA, with details on the TEAS Exam provided. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this practical nursing level.
Woodland Park, NJ - Private 4-year - berkeleycollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Berkeley College's Practical Nurse Certificate program in Woodland Park, NJ, offers a comprehensive 60-week day or 75-week evening track, blending humanistic theory with extensive clinical practice. Students learn essential nursing skills, including basic care and administrative duties, preparing them for the NCLEX-PN exam and careers in diverse healthcare settings like clinics and nursing homes. No entrance exam is required for this certificate-level program, focusing on hands-on experience for LPN licensure.
Sewell, NJ - Public 2-Year - rcsj.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus offers a one-year Practical Nursing program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and LPN licensure. The curriculum includes theoretical coursework and hands-on clinical experiences, with placements within a 90-minute radius requiring student-provided transportation. Admission is competitive, and graduates receive an Academic Certificate, with general education courses being transferable for future educational pursuits.
The hands-on nature of nursing education makes it challenging for New Jersey to offer fully online LPN programs. Some educational institutions provide hybrid programs which enable students to finish theoretical portions through online learning but require in-person completion of clinical and laboratory requirements. The blended educational approach enables students to achieve educational flexibility when they need to manage their responsibilities between work and family obligations. Multiple institutions provide evening and weekend classes which extend program accessibility to students who do not follow a traditional academic schedule. The demand for nursing education is growing while accelerating online-only programs remain scarce but flexible scheduling options are increasing in availability.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester |
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| Holy Name Medical Center-Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing |
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| Berkeley College-Woodland Park |
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| Certifying Board | New Jersey Board of Nursing, Division of Consumer Affairs, Department of Law & Public Safety |
|---|---|
| Certification | NCLEX-PN via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Completion of a Board-approved practical nursing program with official transcript |
| Application & Fees | $75 application, $120 initial license, $200 NCLEX exam, $5 discipline surcharge, $66 background-check fee, photo and proof of U.S. legal presence required |
| Processing Time | Authorization to Test in 1–2 weeks, permanent license typically issued within 4–6 weeks after exam and background clearance |
| License Renewal | Biennial renewal every two years with a $125 fee |
| Continuing Education | 30 contact hours of board-approved CE per renewal cycle |
| Licensure by Endorsement | Same application and fees, verification of current unrestricted license, fingerprint check, and proof of recent practice or board-approved refresher |
The state of New Jersey provides LPNs with satisfying remuneration together with promising career prospects. The yearly compensation for LPNs throughout New Jersey exists between $65,000 and $70,000 while considering their work history along with their employment site and geographic location. The cost of living in urban centers together with elevated demand results in better pay for LPNs who work in Newark and Jersey City. The beginning salary for new LPNs tends to be lower but they can earn more after gaining experience along with specialized training. New Jersey’s healthcare sector maintains its expansion because of two main factors: an aging population and expanded healthcare services.
| Salary & Career Outlook | New Jersey | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $62,254 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $30.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$69,574 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $62,254 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$56,118 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 5% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~54,000 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus |
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| Holy Name Medical Center-Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing |
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| Salem Community College |
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The LPN license provides an opportunity for nurses to advance their careers toward higher nursing positions. LPNs throughout New Jersey pursue LPN-to-RN bridge programs to earn their Associate Degree in Nursing which enables them to take the NCLEX-RN test for registered nursing licensure. The programs grant students credit for their existing LPN coursework and clinical hours which helps them complete their education more quickly. Individuals who wish to expand their career possibilities typically pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. LPNs who gain specialized certifications in IV therapy, wound care, or gerontology develop both expertise and wider job possibilities. LPNs who gain experience usually shift into leadership positions that include charge nurse or clinical coordinator roles. Professional growth for LPNs relies heavily on continuing education because they pursue workshops and courses and enroll part-time in university programs to develop their skills. LPNs working in New Jersey can use formal education and workplace progression to build their careers.
Additional Nursing Programs in New Jersey
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