Hannah Pierce, BSN
June 4, 2025
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are an integral part of the direct patient care team in a variety of health care settings in New York. The nursing staff under registered nurse or physician supervision enables patients to receive assistance with daily tasks while performing vital sign assessments, medication distribution and emotional support. Urban and rural areas of New York are experiencing growing health care needs that are being addressed through the efforts of LPNs who fill in the gaps in health care. New York’s health services rely heavily on LPNs who are still on the job to deliver essential care as the state faces persistent health care workforce shortages.
Bronx, NY - Private 4-year - monroecollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Monroe College's Practical Nurse Certificate Program is a full-time, on-campus offering that can be completed in just three semesters, providing a fast track to a nursing career. It prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam with a 100% pass rate in 2017 and includes hands-on clinical and simulation lab experiences. Admission requires a high school transcript or GED, a minimum GPA of 2.75, and a proficient score on the ATI TEAS entrance exam. Accredited by ACEN, it features a supportive learning environment and integrates liberal arts education for comprehensive training.
Brooklyn, NY - Public 4-Year - mec.cuny.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY Medgar Evers College offers an 18-month Certificate in Practical Nursing, approved by NYSED, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam. The program requires a high school diploma, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7, and science courses with a B- grade or better completed within the last five years. It includes 39 credits of didactic learning, skills lab training, and clinical experiences, focusing on comprehensive nursing skills. Graduates benefit from a 100% job placement rate within six months of licensure, making it a strong choice for aspiring practical nurses in New York.
Canton, NY - Public 4-Year - canton.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
SUNY College of Technology at Canton offers a one-year Practical Nursing Certificate program, preparing students to become Licensed Practical Nurses. The program includes comprehensive training in classrooms, labs, and clinical settings such as hospitals and long-term care facilities. It is ACEN accredited and emphasizes mentorship, hands-on experience, and NCLEX-PN exam readiness, enabling graduates to enter diverse healthcare roles without requiring an entrance exam.
Buffalo, NY - Private 4-year - trocaire.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Trocaire College's 18-month Certificate in Practical Nursing program, rooted in Roman Catholic Mercy traditions, offers a campus-based education that combines rigorous classroom instruction with extensive hands-on clinical training. Students develop essential skills in patient care, health education, and counseling, preparing for roles in long-term care, physician's offices, and home health settings. Admission requires a high school diploma with a 75% CGPA or GED score of 165, along with a HESI A2 test score of at least 73 in math, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, and nursing fundamentals, ensuring graduates are ready to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. As a military-friendly institution, it emphasizes values-based healthcare education.
Long Island City, NY - Public 2-Year - lagcc.cuny.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY LaGuardia Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate is a campus-based program that emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world healthcare experience. It covers essential nursing skills through a curriculum designed for timely completion, preparing graduates for rewarding careers in various healthcare settings. Admissions require a high school diploma or equivalent, with competitive tuition costs making it an affordable pathway into nursing.
Nursing education requires practical training which prevents students from completing LPN programs fully online throughout New York State. These programs now use hybrid learning models as their main delivery approach. The educational programs deliver theoretical coursework through online platforms while students must attend classes in person for both clinical labs and practice sessions. The educational format allows students to study while managing their work and family responsibilities. Most nursing programs continue to operate traditionally on-campus especially those which operate from community colleges and vocational schools.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Monroe College |
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| CUNY LaGuardia Community College |
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| CUNY Medgar Evers College |
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| Certifying Board | New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions – State Board for Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from a NYSED-approved practical nursing program with official transcript and School Certification Form |
| Application & Fees | $80 application fee, $200 NCLEX exam fee, $100 license issuance fee, plus $95.75 fingerprint-based background check |
| Processing Time | Authorization to Test issued within 1–2 weeks, permanent license typically granted within 4–6 weeks after passing NCLEX and clearance |
| License Renewal | Biennial renewal on the last day of your birth month, $143 renewal fee |
| Continuing Education | 36 contact hours of Board-approved CE required every three-year cycle |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $180 endorsement fee, NURSYS verification of current unrestricted license, fingerprint check, proof of recent practice or board-approved refresher. |
The nursing profession of LPN in New York State provides both good salary benefits and strong job market prospects. There is a high demand for LPNs in long-term care facilities, home health services, and outpatient clinics. Rehabilitation centers as well as schools and physician offices also employ LPNs. The annual job market is projected to have thousands of openings available that new graduates can easily find positions in. This role presents both stability and high demand which makes it an attractive career choice for individuals who want a reliable and fulfilling career in healthcare. The path of becoming an LPN in New York opens doors to long-term job opportunities and career development in the healthcare industry.
| Header | New York | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $66,561 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $32.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$74,388 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $66,561 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$60,001 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 5% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~1100 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| CUNY Bronx Community College |
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| CUNY LaGuardia Community College |
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| Finger Lakes Community College |
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LPNs in New York State can advance their careers through several different paths. One of the most common choices for LPNs who want to advance their careers is to enter an LPN-to-RN bridge program that uses their prior nursing knowledge to get an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. The programs usually provide advanced standing credit for previous classes and some programs are available on a part-time or flexible basis. Having an RN license allows nurses to pursue more job possibilities and higher pay. The LPNs may choose to obtain certifications in specialized areas such as IV therapy, gerontology or wound care which can lead to advanced responsibilities in healthcare teams.
Additional Nursing Programs in New York
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