2026 New Jersey Guide

Top LPN Programs & Schools in New Jersey

Compare accredited LPN programs, tuition costs, and salary data. Find the right nursing school to launch your career in New Jersey.

$71,300 Avg. Annual Salary
$34.28 Avg. Hourly Wage
3% Job Growth (10-yr)
~1,800 Annual Openings

🎓 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

New Jersey offers several accredited LPN programs through community colleges, technical centers, and vocational schools. Most programs can be completed in 11 to 14 months and include both classroom instruction and supervised clinical rotations. The table below lists top programs — tuition shown is approximate in-state/in-district and does not include books, fees, or supplies.

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

LPN programs require hands-on clinical training, so no program is 100% online. However, many schools in New Jersey now offer hybrid formats that let you complete didactic coursework (anatomy, pharmacology, nursing theory) online while attending in-person clinicals at local healthcare facilities.

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:

View Online LPN Programs in New Jersey →

Requirements to Enroll in a New Jersey LPN Program

Admission requirements vary by school, but most LPN programs in New Jersey share these common prerequisites:

Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in New Jersey

Licensing Exam NCLEX-PN
Regulatory Board New Jersey Board of Nursing
Min. Education State-approved LPN program (typically 12–18 months)
Background Check Required

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: