Jake Flannigan, NP
June 4, 2025
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible for providing basic nursing care to patients under the direction and supervision of registered nurses. In New Hampshire, LPNs are vital to delivering health care, especially in long term care, rehabilitation, and community health. Because of this aging population and consistent nursing shortage, demand for LPNs continues to grow to support patient care. They also monitor patient health, help them with activities of daily living, administer medications, and offer support to families.
Berlin, NH - Public 2-Year - wmcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
White Mountains Community College's Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program, offered through a partnership with River Valley Community College, is a one-year certificate that combines classroom instruction, simulation labs, and clinical experiences in the White Mountains Region. It prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and provides a pathway to RN education. Entry requires New Hampshire LNA licensure, with possible waivers for allied health professionals. Graduates benefit from high demand in NH's healthcare settings, including long-term care and hospitals, and financial aid is available for eligible students.
Claremont, NH - Public 2-Year - rivervalley.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
River Valley Community College's LPN program delivers a one-year certificate across multiple New Hampshire campuses, emphasizing hands-on training via simulation labs and clinical experiences. Students prepare for the NCLEX-PN exam with a curriculum covering evidence-based practices, leading to diverse roles in hospitals, long-term care, and home health. Admission requires a high school diploma, TEAS test, and prerequisite courses. The program boasts a 100% job placement rate, offering a fast-track entry into nursing with 36 total credits and no concentration focus.
Manchester, NH - Public 2-Year - mccnh.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Manchester Community College's campus-based Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program in New Hampshire provides a swift entry into healthcare, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam through a blend of theoretical learning and hands-on clinical practice. With an emphasis on patient care, medication administration, and teamwork, the program requires a high school diploma or GED and prerequisite courses for admission. Affordable tuition and financial aid options make it accessible, equipping graduates for roles in diverse healthcare settings.
Nashua, NH - Public 2-Year - nashuacc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Nashua Community College's LPN Certificate program, offered in partnership with River Valley Community College, is a one-year campus-based course designed to meet New Hampshire's high demand for practical nurses. It combines classroom instruction, simulation labs, and clinical experiences in the Greater Nashua Region, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam. Admission requires a high school diploma, TEAS test scores, and current New Hampshire LNA licensure, with exceptions for allied health workers. Additional prerequisites include CPR certification, criminal background checks, drug tests, medical insurance, and vaccinations. The program is a candidate for accreditation and starts in Spring 2025, offering a fast-track to a healthcare career.
The state of New Hampshire does not currently have online LPN programs because nursing education requires hands-on training. Some institutions offer hybrid programs that combine online classes with mandatory in-person laboratory work and clinical requirements. Students in these programs use virtual platforms to take theoretical classes including anatomy, pharmacology and nursing ethics while gaining flexibility. On-campus attendance remains necessary for simulations and clinical training. Community college programs are typically face-to-face but use online tools to help students learn. Some private institutions provide evening and weekend classes for students who are working.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Nashua Community College |
|
|
| White Mountains Community College |
|
|
| Manchester Community College |
|
|
| Certifying Board | New Hampshire Board of Nursing, Office of Professional Licensure and Certification |
|---|---|
| Certification | NCLEX-PN via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from a NHBON-approved practical nursing program with official transcript and program verification |
| Application & Fees | $148 application fee (includes $28 Professional Health Program fee), $200 NCLEX-PN exam fee, $48.25 fingerprint/background check fee |
| Application Processing Time | NCLEX results in up to 96 hours, criminal background checks up to 8 weeks, licensure issued once all requirements are met, applications expire after 180 days |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal every two years in your birth month with a $116 renewal fee, renewal notices sent 60–15 days before expiration |
| Continuing Competency | 30 contact hours per renewal cycle, must have 400 practice hours in the preceding four years or have passed the NCLEX within two years of renewal, first-time renewals exempt from CE if NCLEX passed within two years |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $148 endorsement fee, Nursys verification of active license, fingerprint/background check, proof of 400 practice hours or completion of a board-approved refresher, Declaration of Primary State of Residency. |
New Hampshire provides LPNs with satisfactory wages along with promising job market possibilities. LPNs in New Hampshire typically receive an average salary of $60,000 each year which exceeds the national standards for this profession. The amount of money LPNs earn depends on their work experience along with their location and employment environment. The hospital sector now welcomes LPNs as they help alleviate the workload from RN staff members. The employers recognize LPNs because they demonstrate practical abilities and maintain reliable behavior alongside strong connections with patients. The rising healthcare needs of New Hampshire will sustain steady LPN job market expansion which creates a stable profession with both financial security and career development opportunities.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Nebraska | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $54,110 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $26.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$60,472 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $54,110 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$48,777 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 5% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~5,950 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| White Mountains Community College |
|
|
| Manchester Community College |
|
|
| River Valley Community College |
|
|
The state of New Hampshire provides LPNs with multiple career advancement possibilities which enable them to build their professional futures. Practical nurses can transition to RNs by completing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through the LPN-to-RN bridge. Most programs accept previous education and clinical hours which shortens the path to earning a higher degree. After becoming RNs they obtain expanded job opportunities, increased compensation, greater professional responsibilities. LPNs who pursue specialized certifications in IV therapy or wound care develop particular competencies that improve their employment prospects in particular care environments. The progression of LPNs into leadership positions such as team leaders and charge nurses occurs frequently in long-term care facilities. Healthcare organizations in New Hampshire offer continuing education support through tuition reimbursement benefits combined with flexible work arrangements. The career advancement opportunities enable LPNs to advance their professional skills and generate new organizational value while establishing rewarding long-term nursing careers.
Additional Nursing Programs in New Hampshire
LEARN MORE
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
