Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, earnings, and bridge pathways for every accredited LPN program across New York State.
Where are the most affordable and fastest LPN programs in New York, and what do they actually cost? New York’s hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies rely heavily on licensed practical nurses, yet the price and pace of training vary dramatically. In-state tuition at community colleges like CUNY Borough of Manhattan runs about $5,170, while private options such as Berkeley College approach $29,800. Net price after grants often cuts those figures significantly: some students pay under $5,000 at public two-year schools.
Program lengths range from accelerated 10-month certificates at LaGuardia Community College to 18-month tracks at Medgar Evers College, with evening and weekend schedules available at several campuses. The state’s aging population continues to fuel demand for LPNs in long-term care settings, making the choice of program a calculation of time, cost, and clinical access.
New York offers a variety of LPN programs that balance affordability, rigorous training, and strong NCLEX pass rates. The following ranking highlights ten of the state's best options for 2026, with details on curriculum, clinical placements, and financial considerations to help you choose the right fit.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College | New York, NY | ~$5,000/yr (est.) | NYC commuters needing flexible schedules | |
BMCC's Practical Nursing Certificate blends online coursework with on-campus skills labs and clinical rotations in the NYC metropolitan area, making it a flexible choice for working adults. The 46-credit program offers both four- and five-semester completion tracks, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN through coursework in parent-child, medical-surgical, and mental health nursing. Admission is competitive, requiring prerequisite courses and the HESI A2 exam, and graduates often continue to registered nursing programs.
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| #2 | CUNY LaGuardia Community College | Long Island City, NY | $5,000 – $8,000/yr | Time-conscious learners targeting licensure | |
LaGuardia's fast-paced Practical Nursing Certificate prepares students to pass the NCLEX-PN in just 10 months with a rigorous 48-credit curriculum blending theory and clinical practice. Approved by the New York State Education Department, the program is designed for adult learners and features a cohort model with a fall start. Clinical training requires full-time daytime attendance, and graduates benefit from the school's proven track record of strong NCLEX pass rates.
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| #3 | CUNY Bronx Community College | Bronx, NY | $4,000/yr (net price) | ||
Bronx Community College's LPN certificate is designed for working adults, with evening and weekend classes covering 45 credits and including Nurse Aide Certification after the first semester. The program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN, but is currently suspended due to staffing constraints, so prospective applicants should check for updates. When active, it provides an affordable pathway with a net price under $4,500.
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| #4 | CUNY Hostos Community College | Bronx, NY | $5,000/yr | ||
Hostos Community College's one-year LPN certificate stands out by integrating nursing coursework with liberal arts and sciences, giving graduates a broader academic foundation. The program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN through hands-on care delivery for all age groups under experienced instructors. Admission requires prerequisite courses and a competitive TEAS score, and the program holds New York State Education Department accreditation.
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| #5 | CUNY Medgar Evers College | Brooklyn, NY | ~$6,000/yr (est.) | ||
Medgar Evers College offers an intensive 18-month Certificate in Practical Nursing that boasts a 100% licensure pass rate and 90% job placement within six months of graduation. The 39-credit curriculum includes extensive lab work and clinical rotations in maternal-child health and psychosocial nursing, emphasizing patient-centered care and evidence-based practice. With small cohorts, dedicated faculty advising, and the highest graduate earnings among ranked schools, the program is a strong investment for Brooklyn students able to commit to full-time study.
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| #6 | Monroe Community College | Rochester, NY | $6,000/yr | ||
Monroe Community College in Rochester provides a comprehensive 12-month LPN program with over 1,100 hours of clinical, lab, and classroom instruction. Admission requires TEAS scores, references, and an essay, and grant funding may help reduce already low tuition for eligible students. The campus-based program equips graduates to take the NCLEX-PN and enter the local healthcare workforce.
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| #7 | Suffolk County Community College | Selden, NY | $5,000/yr | ||
Suffolk County Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate is accredited by ACEN and features clinical partnerships with top Suffolk County agencies, ensuring robust hands-on training. The program emphasizes the art and science of nursing and serves as a foundation for advanced placement into RN programs. Learners benefit from a supportive environment and nationally-renowned nurse educators, with strong median earnings and manageable debt after graduation.
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| #8 | Niagara County Community College | Sanborn, NY | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Niagara County Community College's four-semester Practical Nursing certificate combines classroom learning with clinical experiences across three counties, leading to strong NCLEX pass rates and employment outcomes. With a 92% licensure pass rate and 90% job placement, graduates are well-prepared for entry-level roles in long-term care, clinics, and hospitals. The program also provides a clear bridge to an associate degree in nursing for those pursuing further education.
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| #9 | North Country Community College | Saranac Lake, NY | ~$12,000/yr (est.) | ||
North Country Community College's PN Certificate offers a competitive admission path focusing on biology, English, and mathematics, with up to 17 transfer credits accepted. The campus-based program in Saranac Lake prepares graduates for New York State LPN licensure, though students should note the higher net price and lower projected earnings compared to other options. The December 1 application deadline makes it a good fit for early planners.
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| #10 | Finger Lakes Community College | Canandaigua, NY | $14,000/yr (net price) | ||
Finger Lakes Community College's 12-month LPN certificate immerses students in state-of-the-art simulation labs, HoloLens anatomy virtual reality, and a capstone experience working independently alongside an RN. The program offers a low per-credit cost and no application fee, though the net price is higher than some peers; scholarships and financial aid help offset costs. Graduates also benefit from a student nursing club and seamless transfer pathways to registered nursing programs.
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Before diving into detailed profiles, here’s a quick snapshot of the 18 top-ranked LPN programs in New York. The numbers cover net price, debt, earnings, and other key indicators to help you compare at a glance.
Net price reflects the cost of attendance minus average grant and scholarship aid, giving a clearer picture of what students actually pay. The figures shown are institution-wide averages, not program-specific, and include all undergraduates. Many New York LPN programs offer particularly low net prices for in-state students, with several under $10,000. Pell-eligible students may see even lower costs, schools like CUNY Bronx Community College and CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College serve student bodies where over 95% receive federal Pell Grants.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Effective Net Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Bronx Community College | $5,206 | $8,086 | $4,462 |
| CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College | $5,170 | $8,050 | $4,976 |
| Suffolk County Community College | $6,630 | $12,460 | $5,258 |
| CUNY Hostos Community College | $5,254 | $8,134 | $5,297 |
| CUNY Medgar Evers College | $7,352 | $15,302 | $5,718 |
| CUNY LaGuardia Community College | $5,218 | $8,098 | $6,120 |
| Monroe Community College | $6,006 | $11,056 | $6,353 |
| Niagara County Community College | $6,894 | $12,030 | $6,876 |
| North Country Community College | $6,682 | $9,370 | $11,868 |
| Finger Lakes Community College | $6,258 | $8,442 | $13,898 |
| Monroe College | $18,464 | $18,464 | $14,522 |
| Bryant & Stratton College-Online | $16,274 | $16,274 | $15,187 |
| SUNY College of Technology at Canton | $8,742 | $15,769 | $15,268 |
| SUNY Brockport | $8,752 | $15,822 | $16,353 |
| Trocaire College | $20,640 | $20,640 | $16,636 |
| Mildred Elley-New York Campus | $17,926 | $17,926 | $25,431 |
| Berkeley College-New York | $29,800 | $29,800 | $34,124 |
The push to expand the nursing workforce has made accelerated LPN programs more visible across New York. Several schools now offer tracks that let you complete your practical nursing certificate in 9 to 12 months, compared to the standard 12 to 18 months. This faster timeline appeals to career changers and those eager to enter the workforce quickly.
Keep in mind that other CUNY schools like BMCC follow a 4–5 semester track, so speed varies widely even within the same public system.
Accelerated programs are demanding. In most cases, they require full-time enrollment with little room for outside work. LaGuardia’s 48 credits in 10 months and Hostos’s calendar-year sprint leave minimal downtime. Expect summer classes, back-to-back clinical rotations, and a course load that covers the same material as longer programs in compressed form. Admissions are often competitive, with entrance exams like the TEAS or HESI required, and some programs start only once a year.
If you already hold a Certified Nursing Assistant credential, you may be able to shorten your LPN training even further. Some schools grant advanced standing or credit for documented CNA experience and skills, reducing required clinical hours. While formal CNA-to-LPN bridge tracks are not always listed separately, it is worth asking program coordinators whether your background qualifies for any acceleration. This route is particularly efficient for CNAs already working in healthcare who want to upgrade their license without starting from scratch.
LPN programs in New York blend classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training, following standards set by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions. Because requirements can change, always cross-reference the official NYSED website for the most current details. Typically, coursework covers fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal and pediatric care, and mental health nursing. Clinical rotations start early and run throughout the program, giving you supervised practice in settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and community clinics. The total number of clinical hours varies by school, but a substantial portion of your training will be spent in direct patient care.
Many aspiring LPNs juggle jobs or family responsibilities, so flexible scheduling can make all the difference. Several New York schools offer evening, weekend, or part-time LPN tracks. Evening classes often meet three or four nights a week, while some programs condense sessions into full-day Saturday formats. Part-time options may extend the program from the standard 12 months to 18 or 24 months, easing the weekly time commitment. Since availability shifts, search individual school websites or reach out to admissions offices directly to verify current offerings. When you contact a program, ask not just about class times but also about when clinical rotations occur, but some still require daytime hours regardless of your class schedule.
It is a common question: can I start working as an LPN while still enrolled? In New York, the answer is generally no. You must complete an approved program that meets LPN education requirements and pass the NCLEX-PN exam before you can legally practice as a licensed practical nurse. There are narrow exceptions, such as supervised student roles during a final clinical capstone, but these do not give you full LPN status and depend on employer policy. Always confirm directly with your program and with NYSED if you are unsure. Attempting to work without licensure can put your future eligibility at risk.
Beyond your school, professional associations like the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) can help you navigate the path to licensure. While NYSNA does not set curriculum standards, it offers guidance on education requirements, advocates for the profession, and can connect you with mentors or networking events. Checking resources like NYSNA early in your journey gives you a clearer sense of the nursing career paths ahead and where to turn with questions.
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in New York follows a clear, multi-step process regulated by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). From meeting prerequisites to passing the NCLEX-PN, each stage has specific requirements and timelines.
LPN admission requirements vary from one program to the next, but the NCLEX-PN licensing exam is the same for every candidate. Understanding both ends of this process helps you plan a smooth journey from application to practice.
Expect most New York LPN programs to ask for a high school diploma or GED. Prerequisite coursework often includes biology, math, and English, with some schools requiring a minimum GPA (a C+ is a common threshold). Entrance exams are standard: many programs use the TEAS, while others accept the HESI. As an example, the ISAHC Practical Nursing Program requires the TEAS, along with a professional interview, references, a physical exam, CPR certification, up-to-date immunizations, and a criminal background check. Always verify details with each school, because requirements can differ significantly.
After graduating from an approved program, you apply to the New York State Education Department (NYSED) for licensure. The process includes submitting an application, paying fees, and registering for the NCLEX-PN with Pearson VUE. As of 2026, the NYSED application fee is $143 and the test vendor fee is $200, totaling $343. The computer-adaptive exam draws from a pool of questions (minimum 85, maximum 205) and allows up to five hours. Candidates who do not pass receive a diagnostic profile to guide further study, and you can retake the exam 45 days after a failed attempt.
New York also offers a limited permit that lets graduates practice under supervision while waiting for official results. To qualify, you must submit a limited-permit application and fee along with your licensure application, and you must work under a registered nurse or licensed physician. This bridge between graduation and full licensure can be a valuable way to gain experience and income immediately.
Pass rates are a reliable signal of how well a program prepares its students. The national NCLEX-PN pass rate for 2025 was 77.3%, but many New York programs far exceed that benchmark. For instance, Maria College in Albany reported a 94.59% pass rate in 2025. While rates fluctuate from year to year, consistently high outcomes suggest strong curriculum and clinical training. NYSED publishes program-level pass rates regularly, so you can compare schools and make an informed choice. Prioritize programs with a history of meeting or exceeding the state average.
Understanding what you can expect to earn and the demand for Licensed Practical Nurses in New York is essential when choosing an LPN program and planning your nursing career. While wages and opportunities vary by location and employer, New York offers a sizable job market with thousands of annual openings.
Statewide, LPNs in New York earned a mean annual wage of $57,560 in 2022, equating to about $27.67 per hour. For perspective, the national median annual wage for LPNs in 2024 was $62,340, with the lowest 10 percent earning below $47,960 and the highest 10 percent above $80,510. These figures suggest that LPNs in New York may earn somewhat less than the typical national median, though local demand and cost of living heavily shape actual take-home pay.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports state-level earnings, but precise metropolitan breakdowns for New York are not available in this dataset. Generally, LPNs working in the New York City metropolitan area tend to see higher wages than those in upstate regions like Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, or Syracuse. When comparing offers, factor in the dramatically different living costs across the state, a salary that stretches well in Buffalo may be tight in Manhattan.
LPN compensation also depends on the work environment. National data show that nursing care facilities and home health care services historically offer some of the strongest wages for LPNs, while physicians’ offices and outpatient clinics often fall in the middle. Within New York, LPNs can also find competitive pay in state government facilities and specialized residential care centers. Experience, shift differentials, and union membership can further boost earnings.
Yes, but hospital roles for LPNs are less common than in long-term care or clinics. Some hospital departments, such as medical-surgical units, outpatient surgery, and extended care, may hire LPNs. However, New York restricts certain IV therapy tasks for LPNs, which can limit acute-care assignments. Employers often prefer RNs for complex bedside care, so LPNs interested in hospital nursing should target facilities known for hiring practical nurses or consider bridging to an RN program.
The state projects an 18.5% growth in LPN positions from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the national projected growth of 3% over a comparable period. That translates to roughly 4,920 annual openings in New York, including both new jobs and replacement needs. An aging population and continued demand for long-term care are key drivers, keeping the market favorable for newly licensed LPNs.
LPN programs offer a fast track into nursing, but the price tag can be a barrier even for short-term certificates. In New York, a mix of state grants, federal aid, and targeted scholarships makes the path more affordable than it first appears, if you know where to look.
New York's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is a key resource because it covers approved certificate programs, not just degree programs. For the 2025-2026 aid year, eligible students could receive up to $5,665 through TAP, and the program remains available for LPN certificates that meet state requirements. In addition, many LPN programs receive workforce development grants or partner with BOCES adult education centers, which often subsidize tuition for in-demand healthcare training. If you are a New York resident, always check the TAP application link on your program's financial aid page.
The top-ranked LPN programs on our list actively serve students who qualify for federal aid. Data from the U.S. Department of Education shows that Pell Grant participation rates exceed 95% at several CUNY community colleges offering LPN certificates, for example, CUNY Hostos Community College (96%), CUNY LaGuardia Community College (96%), and CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College (95%). These high shares reflect affordable net prices and a commitment to accessible training. Even at private institutions like Monroe College (88% Pell) and Mildred Elley (89%), the majority of LPN students receive federal grants.
Don't assume a short certificate program won't qualify for aid, both federal and state programs recognize LPN training as an approved pathway, and the financial support can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
How can an LPN in New York become an RN without starting over in a traditional two-year or four-year nursing program?
An LPN-to-RN bridge program recognizes the education and clinical experience you already hold as a licensed practical nurse, allowing you to earn an associate degree (ADN) or bachelor's degree (BSN) in nursing in less time than a standard prelicensure program. While a traditional ADN typically takes two years and a BSN four years, a bridge program can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months of full-time study. You skip redundant foundational content and dive directly into advanced nursing concepts, clinical reasoning, and leadership skills. Most programs require you to hold a current, unencumbered LPN license and may ask for a minimum number of work hours or a specific GPA.
New York offers two main LPN-to-RN bridge pathways: LPN-to-ADN at community colleges and LPN-to-BSN at four-year institutions. Community college bridges are the most common and cost-effective route, preparing you for the NCLEX-RN and an associate degree that qualifies you for staff nursing roles in many settings. LPN-to-BSN programs, available at some public and private universities, provide a direct path to a bachelor's degree, which is increasingly preferred by hospitals and opens doors to management, public health, and graduate study. Many SUNY and CUNY campuses, as well as private schools, host these bridge options, making them accessible across the state.
SUNY Orange offers a well-structured LPN-to-RN bridge that leads to an A.A.S. in Nursing. Applicants need a minimum 2.75 GPA, scores from the ATI TEAS exam, and completion of prerequisites such as English Composition I, Elementary Algebra, Anatomy & Physiology I, Microbiology, and Chemistry. The program grants 14 advanced standing credits for your LPN background, then requires a bridge course and three semesters of full-time nursing coursework. You must also submit a CPR certification and pass a background check. Application deadlines are May 1 and November 1 for the fall and spring semesters. Many other public and private colleges in New York have similar bridge programs, check individual school requirements carefully.
Using your LPN experience as a stepping stone to RN lets you earn a steady income while you study, then unlock significantly higher earning potential and a broader scope of practice. New York RNs earn a median annual wage well above that of LPNs, the national median for LPNs is about $60,790, while RNs earn roughly $86,070 (most recent BLS data). Beyond the pay bump, RNs can assess patients independently, administer a wider range of medications, and pursue specialized certifications. An LPN-to-RN bridge turns your existing license into an asset, saving you time and tuition while advancing your nursing career.
Thinking about becoming a licensed practical nurse in New York? Whether you're just starting out or planning your next steps, these answers cover the most common questions about LPN programs, costs, timelines, and career options. Here's what you need to know to make informed decisions about your nursing education in the Empire State.
This statewide directory moves beyond the basic NYSED list by adding cost and outcome context, so you can compare practical nursing programs across New York with more than just the school name. Browse programs by region to find one that fits your budget and career goals.
