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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in New York
LaGuardia CC, BMCC, Bronx CC, and other CUNY campuses run LPN programs in NYC. SUNY campuses serve upstate regions. St. Paul's School of Nursing provides a private option with multiple start dates. All programs must be approved by the New York State Education Department — which uniquely oversees nursing education rather than a separate nursing board.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUNY Erie Community College | Buffalo | Community College | 12 months | $5,800 |
| Trocaire College | Buffalo | Private College | 12 months | $16,800 |
| BOCES programs | Various (statewide) | Vocational (BOCES) | 10–12 months | $6,000–$12,000 |
| Isabella Graham Hart School of Practical Nursing | Rochester | Hospital-Based | 12 months | $11,200 |
| SUNY Broome Community College | Binghamton | Community College | 12 months | $5,600 |
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 York State Education Department – Office of the Professions.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in New York
No New York LPN program is fully online — the State Education Department requires in-person clinical hours. Some programs offer hybrid coursework components. CUNY's ASAP program provides additional support including free MetroCards and textbook vouchers for qualifying students.
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 York residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a New York LPN Program
New York's regulatory framework is unique — the State Education Department (not a nursing board) oversees program approval. This creates stricter oversight than most states. Prerequisites include entrance exam scores, background check, and health screening. New York is NOT an NLC compact state — your license works only in New York.
- 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 York
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the New York State Education Department – Office of the Professions. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in New York
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in New York earn an average of $66,380 per year ($31.92/hour). This places New York above the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in New York typically range from $49,200 for entry-level positions to $82,600 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in New York
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New York City | $72,800 |
| Buffalo | $62,400 |
| Rochester | $61,800 |
| Albany | $64,200 |
| Syracuse | $60,400 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in New York is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 4,200 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 York
The majority of LPNs in New York 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 York 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.
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in New York
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
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 →New York
New York LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
New York LPNs are regulated by the New York State Board for Nursing under the Education Department (NYSED). New York is NOT an NLC state — you need a NY-specific license. New York issued detailed IV therapy guidance in March 2025.
You Can Direct Patient Care
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused data collection 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 developed by the RN
- Supervising CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy (Detailed 2025 Guidance)
New York issued comprehensive IV therapy guidance for LPNs in March 2025. IV training is mandatory in most health facilities. Key rules:
- LPNs may start peripheral IVs (PIVCs), administer IV fluids and approved medications, draw blood from peripheral lines, change IV dressings, and discontinue IVs
- Must work under continuous on-site supervision of an RN, physician, NP, dentist, or podiatrist
- The supervising clinician must be available to personally intervene
- Annual IV therapy refresher training is required by law in most facilities
- Scope varies by setting — dialysis LPNs may have broader IV responsibilities than general care LPNs
- In long-term care: RN must be on-site at all times that IV therapy is being provided by an LPN, and must document patient assessment every shift
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Patient assessments (NY Education Law explicitly prohibits LPNs from interpreting or evaluating clinical data)
- Creating or modifying care plans
- IV push/bolus medications
- Blood products, chemotherapy, or anesthesia administration
- Central line access of any kind
- Compounding or preparing IV drugs
- Triage
- Independent practice
New York LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUNY Downstate Health Sciences | On-campus + clinical | 18–24 months | LPN-to-BSN bridge in Brooklyn |
| LaGuardia Community College | On-campus + clinical | 12–18 months | ADN bridge in Queens/NYC |
| Monroe Community College | On-campus + clinical | 12–16 months | ADN bridge in Rochester |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Headquartered in Albany, NY — online + local clinicals |
New York Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: op.nysed.gov — LPN
- Phone: (518) 474-3817 ext. 120
- Address: 89 Washington Ave, 2nd Floor West Wing, Albany, NY 12234