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 offers a fast-track to a nursing career, designed to be completed in just three semesters. This full-time, on-campus program combines basic nursing skills with liberal arts education, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. With a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN in 2017, the program boasts a supportive learning environment and includes clinical and simulation lab experiences for hands-on learning. Admission requires a high school transcript or GED, a GPA of 2.75 or higher, and a proficient score on the ATI TEAS exam. Ideal for those seeking a quick entry into the nursing field.
Brooklyn, NY - Public 4-Year - mec.cuny.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The 18-month Certificate in Practical Nursing at CUNY Medgar Evers College prepares students for a rewarding healthcare career. Students learn comprehensive nursing skills, qualifying to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. The program requires a high school diploma, strong science background, and maintains rigorous academic standards. Graduates benefit from exceptional job placement rates, with over 90% securing employment within six months of licensure. The curriculum combines didactic learning, skills lab training, and clinical experiences to develop competent practical nurses.
Canton, NY - Public 4-Year - canton.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
SUNY Canton's Practical Nursing Certificate provides an intensive one-year pathway to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Students complete comprehensive classroom, laboratory, and clinical training across two semesters, gaining hands-on experience in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health agencies. The program combines essential nursing courses with foundational general education, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare roles. With a focus on mentorship and individual potential, students learn critical skills in patient care across various settings like clinics, hospitals, and home health agencies. Graduates are well-positioned to take the NCLEX-PN licensing exam and enter a growing healthcare profession.
Buffalo, NY - Private 4-year - trocaire.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Trocaire College's Certificate in Practical Nursing prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare in just 18 months. This program, grounded in Mercy traditions, combines hands-on clinical experiences with comprehensive classroom learning. Students gain skills in patient care, health teaching, and counseling, preparing them for roles in long-term care, physician's offices, and home health care. Admission requires a high school diploma with a 75% CGPA or GED score of 165, and a HESI A2 test score of 73 in math, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. The curriculum includes courses in anatomy, physiology, and nursing fundamentals, ensuring graduates are ready to take the National Council Licensure Examination for practical nurse licensure.
Long Island City, NY - Public 2-Year - lagcc.cuny.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing Certificate at CUNY LaGuardia Community College prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing. This campus-based program focuses on hands-on learning and real-world experience, ensuring graduates are ready to meet the demands of the healthcare industry. With a curriculum designed to cover essential nursing skills, students gain the knowledge needed to excel in various healthcare settings. Admissions requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, and the program is structured to be completed in a timely manner, making it an excellent choice for those looking to quickly enter the nursing field. Costs are competitive, offering an affordable pathway to a nursing career.
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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