🎓 Find Accredited LPN Schools Near You
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.
Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in New Jersey
Bergen CC, Camden County College, Middlesex College, and other county colleges run LPN programs at $5,000–$9,000 tuition with flexible scheduling including evening tracks. Fortis Institute in Wayne provides a private no-waitlist option at premium pricing. Clinical placements span the NJ hospital network from Hackensack Meridian to Cooper University Health.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bergen Community College | Paramus | Community College | 12 months | $8,200 |
| Camden County College | Blackwood | Community College | 12 months | $7,400 |
| Middlesex College | Edison | Community College | 12 months | $7,800 |
| Passaic County Community College | Paterson | Community College | 12 months | $7,200 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in New Jersey
No New Jersey LPN program is fully online — clinical training at approved facilities is required. Several county colleges offer hybrid coursework options. NJ's dense geography means clinical sites are always close by — an advantage that reduces the need for extensive online components.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to New Jersey residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a New Jersey LPN Program
NJ programs use competitive admissions. NJ STARS covers county college tuition for top 15% of graduating classes. The Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) provides additional state aid. New Jersey is an NLC compact state, making licensure particularly valuable for the NYC-Philadelphia corridor.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in New Jersey
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
🎓 Compare LPN Programs Accepting Students Now
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.
LPN Salary & Job Outlook in New Jersey
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in New Jersey earn an average of $71,300 per year ($34.28/hour). This places New Jersey above the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in New Jersey typically range from $53,400 for entry-level positions to $88,200 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in New Jersey
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Newark | $74,200 |
| Jersey City | $73,800 |
| Trenton | $70,400 |
| Camden | $69,800 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in New Jersey is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 1,800 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in New Jersey
The majority of LPNs in New Jersey work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in New Jersey is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
🎓 Find LPN Programs Near You
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.
Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in New Jersey
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
New Jersey
New Jersey LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
New Jersey LPNs are regulated by the New Jersey Board of Nursing under N.J.A.C. 13:37. New Jersey is an NLC state (joined the compact relatively recently).
You Can Direct Patient Care
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments and ongoing monitoring
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to care plans
- Supervising CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy
- LPNs may perform IV therapy after completing a Board-approved IV therapy course
- Must work under direction of an RN or physician
- Peripheral IV starts and IV fluid/medication administration permitted
- LPNs CANNOT administer blood products, chemotherapy, or manage central lines
- LPNs CANNOT perform IV push medications without specific facility authorization
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Comprehensive assessments
- Creating or modifying care plans
- IV push medications (without specific authorization)
- Blood product or chemotherapy administration
- Central line management
- Triage
- Independent practice
New Jersey LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers University | On-campus + clinical | 18–24 months | LPN-to-BSN bridge at multiple NJ campuses |
| Bergen Community College | On-campus + clinical | 12–16 months | ADN bridge in north Jersey |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
New Jersey Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur
- Phone: (973) 504-6430
- Address: 124 Halsey St, Newark, NJ 07102
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →