Top LPN Programs in New Hampshire

Top LPN Programs in New Hampshire
Jake Flannigan, NP

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. 

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2026 Top LPN Programs in New Hampshire

At TopNursing.org, we've carefully evaluated the best Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs across New Hampshire to help aspiring nursing professionals make informed educational choices. Our comprehensive rankings consider factors like program accreditation, clinical training opportunities, student success rates, and overall academic quality. New Hampshire offers several exceptional LPN programs that prepare students for rewarding careers in healthcare, with options ranging from community colleges to specialized nursing schools. These programs provide rigorous training that equips students with essential skills needed to excel in various medical settings, from hospitals to long-term care facilities. By focusing on practical experience and comprehensive medical knowledge, these top-tier LPN programs set students up for professional success. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

White Mountains Community College

Berlin, NH - Public 2-Year - wmcc.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Nursing-Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program at White Mountains Community College, in partnership with River Valley Community College, offers a fast-track to a rewarding healthcare career. This one-year certificate program combines classroom learning with hands-on simulation labs and clinical experiences in the White Mountains Region. Designed for those eager to enter the healthcare workforce, the program prepares students for the national licensing exam and offers a pathway to further nursing education. With high demand for LPNs in New Hampshire, graduates can look forward to opportunities in long-term care, hospitals, and outpatient centers. The program requires a New Hampshire Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) licensure for entry, with potential waivers for allied health professionals. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

  • One-year certificate program.
  • Combines classroom and simulation labs.
  • Clinicals in White Mountains Region.
  • Pathway to LPN to RN track.
  • High demand for LPNs in NH.
  • Requires NH LNA licensure.
  • Potential waivers for allied health.
  • Financial aid available.
  • Prepares for national licensing exam.
  • Opportunities in various healthcare settings.
#2

River Valley Community College

Claremont, NH - Public 2-Year - rivervalley.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Nursing-Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

River Valley Community College's Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program offers a fast-track pathway into healthcare, completing in just one year across multiple New Hampshire locations. Students gain comprehensive training through classroom learning and simulation laboratories, preparing for diverse healthcare settings like long-term care, hospitals, and home health. The program boasts an impressive 100% job placement rate and combines rigorous academic preparation with clinical experience. Admission requires a high school diploma, TEAS test, and specific prerequisite courses. Students benefit from hands-on training, preparing to take the NCLEX-PN licensing exam and launch a rewarding nursing career.

  • One-year nursing certificate
  • Multiple NH campus locations
  • 100% job placement rate
  • Simulation laboratory training
  • NCLEX-PN exam preparation
  • Diverse healthcare career paths
  • 36 total program credits
  • TEAS test required
  • Clinical site experiences
  • Evidence-based curriculum
#3

Manchester Community College

Manchester, NH - Public 2-Year - mccnh.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Manchester Community College in NH offers a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program designed for students aiming to enter the healthcare field quickly. This campus-based program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience. Affordable tuition makes it accessible, with financial aid options available. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, along with prerequisite courses. The program emphasizes patient care, medication administration, and teamwork skills, equipping graduates for roles in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and more. Start your nursing career with a solid foundation at Manchester Community College.

  • Campus-based LPN program.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
  • Affordable tuition options.
  • High school diploma required.
  • Focus on patient care.
  • Hands-on clinical experience.
  • Financial aid available.
  • Emphasizes teamwork skills.
  • Medication administration training.
#4

Nashua Community College

Nashua, NH - Public 2-Year - nashuacc.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Certificate

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Certificate at Nashua Community College, in partnership with River Valley Community College, offers a fast-track to a rewarding career in healthcare. This one-year program combines classroom learning with simulation labs and clinical experiences in the Greater Nashua Region. Designed to meet the high demand for LPNs in New Hampshire, the program prepares students for the national licensing exam and a variety of healthcare settings. Admission requires a high school diploma, TEAS test scores, and current New Hampshire LNA licensure, with some exceptions. Start your journey to becoming a licensed practical nurse today and make a difference in the healthcare field.

  • One-year program duration.
  • Combines classroom and lab learning.
  • Clinicals in Greater Nashua Region.
  • Prepares for national licensing exam.
  • High demand for LPNs in NH.
  • Partnership with River Valley CC.
  • TEAS test admission requirement.
  • Current NH LNA licensure needed.
  • Exceptions for Allied Health workers.
  • CPR certification required.
*Data provided by: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 collection.

Program Curriculum & Length

Length

Curriculum

Anatomy & Physiology
Nursing Fundamentals
Pharmacology
Medical-Surgical
Maternal Health
Mental Health

Clinical Rotations

Are Online LPN Programs Available in New Hampshire

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. 

2026 Fastest LPN Program Options in New Hampshire

For nursing students seeking to launch their healthcare careers quickly in New Hampshire, exploring the fastest LPN program options can be a game-changing strategy. With opportunities spanning from Manchester to Portsmouth, aspiring nurses can find certificate and associate degree programs designed to minimize time investment while maximizing professional preparation. These compact programs recognize the urgent need for skilled healthcare professionals across the state's medical facilities. By choosing shorter training pathways, students can enter the workforce faster, addressing critical nursing shortages and positioning themselves for rapid career advancement. The programs highlighted below showcase efficient educational routes that balance comprehensive clinical training with accelerated timelines, helping motivated individuals transform their career goals into real-world nursing credentials.
School NameHighlightsRetention & Grad Rates
Nashua Community College
  • One-year program duration.
  • Combines classroom and lab learning.
  • Clinicals in Greater Nashua Region.
  • Prepares for national licensing exam.
  • High demand for LPNs in NH.
  • Partnership with River Valley CC.
  • TEAS test admission requirement.
  • Current NH LNA licensure needed.
  • Graduation Rate: 30%
  • Retention Rate: 61%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
White Mountains Community College
  • One-year certificate program.
  • Combines classroom and simulation labs.
  • Clinicals in White Mountains Region.
  • Pathway to LPN to RN track.
  • High demand for LPNs in NH.
  • Requires NH LNA licensure.
  • Potential waivers for allied health.
  • Financial aid available.
  • Graduation Rate: 60%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Manchester Community College
  • Campus-based LPN program.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
  • Affordable tuition options.
  • High school diploma required.
  • Focus on patient care.
  • Hands-on clinical experience.
  • Financial aid available.
  • Emphasizes teamwork skills.
  • Graduation Rate: 37%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
*Data obtained from: NCES IPEDS 2023 database. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Admission Requirements

High School Graduate
GPA of 2.5 or higher
Prerequisite Courses
Including: Biology, Medical Terminology
TEAS
Test of Essential Academic Skills Entrance Exam
Background Checks
Screening for patient safety.
CPR Certification
Preparedness to serve patients.
Immunization records
TB test results, proof of Hepatitis B vaccination and other required vaccines

Certification and Licensing

Certifying BoardNew Hampshire Board of Nursing, Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
CertificationNCLEX-PN via Pearson VUE
Educational PrerequisiteGraduation 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 TimeNCLEX 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 PeriodBiennial renewal every two years in your birth month with a $116 renewal fee, renewal notices sent 60–15 days before expiration
Continuing Competency30 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.

Salary and Job Outlook

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 OutlookNebraskaUSA
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

2026 Affordable LPN Program Options in New Hampshire

Nursing students in New Hampshire seeking practical and affordable pathways to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) have several promising options across the state. From the seacoast regions like Portsmouth to inland areas near Manchester and Nashua, aspiring healthcare professionals can find low-cost certificate and associate degree programs designed to launch their careers. These programs provide crucial training at economical rates, making nursing education more accessible to diverse students. By offering flexible schedules and competitive tuition ranges, these educational opportunities help address the growing healthcare workforce needs in New Hampshire. Prospective students can explore various programs that balance quality instruction with financial feasibility, ensuring a strong foundation for their nursing career.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
White Mountains Community College
  • One-year certificate program.
  • Combines classroom and simulation labs.
  • Clinicals in White Mountains Region.
  • Pathway to LPN to RN track.
  • High demand for LPNs in NH.
  • Requires NH LNA licensure.
  • Potential waivers for allied health.
  • Financial aid available.
  • $5,600 - $8,500 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $12,200 - $18,400 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Manchester Community College
  • Campus-based LPN program.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
  • Affordable tuition options.
  • High school diploma required.
  • Focus on patient care.
  • Hands-on clinical experience.
  • Financial aid available.
  • Emphasizes teamwork skills.
  • $5,700 - $8,500 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $12,300 - $18,400 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
River Valley Community College
  • One-year nursing certificate
  • Multiple NH campus locations
  • 100% job placement rate
  • Simulation laboratory training
  • NCLEX-PN exam preparation
  • Diverse healthcare career paths
  • 36 total program credits
  • TEAS test required
  • $5,600 - $8,300 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $12,200 - $18,200 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
*Based on: NCES IPEDS 2023 data collection. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Advancement Pathways

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.

List of LPN Programs in New Hampshire

Jump to City:

Berlin, NH

White Mountains Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nursing-Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • One-year certificate program.
    • Combines classroom and simulation labs.
    • Clinicals in White Mountains Region.
    • Pathway to LPN to RN track.
    • High demand for LPNs in NH.
    • Requires NH LNA licensure.
    • Potential waivers for allied health.
    • Financial aid available.

Claremont, NH

River Valley Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nursing-Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • One-year nursing certificate
    • Multiple NH campus locations
    • 100% job placement rate
    • Simulation laboratory training
    • NCLEX-PN exam preparation
    • Diverse healthcare career paths
    • 36 total program credits
    • TEAS test required

Manchester, NH

Manchester Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based LPN program.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
    • Affordable tuition options.
    • High school diploma required.
    • Focus on patient care.
    • Hands-on clinical experience.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Emphasizes teamwork skills.

Nashua, NH

Nashua Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Certificate

    Campus Based - Website

    • One-year program duration.
    • Combines classroom and lab learning.
    • Clinicals in Greater Nashua Region.
    • Prepares for national licensing exam.
    • High demand for LPNs in NH.
    • Partnership with River Valley CC.
    • TEAS test admission requirement.
    • Current NH LNA licensure needed.
*Data obtained from: IPEDS 2023 survey (NCES).