LPN Programs in New York City
Discover some of the best LPN programs in NYC, what they cost, what you’ll learn, and what you’ll earn. Get essential info on licensing requirements and online options, too.
Many people consider being a nurse a calling. However, not everyone who feels drawn to nursing can spend several years in school. If that sounds like you and you’re looking for a quicker way to join the nursing profession and make a difference, becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in New York City (NYC) is a great choice. Many schools in NYC have 9 month LPN programs available both on-campus and online.
Most LPN programs in NYC take a hands-on approach with in-person coursework and clinical requirements. However, some schools offer at least some practical nursing coursework online. And as online coursework becomes increasingly popular, it’s likely that these offerings will continue to increase.
This guide summarizes what you need to know about top campus-focused and online LPN programs in New York City. You’ll find details on accredited, state-approved schools and programs as well as information about other LPN training available in New York City. You’ll also get an update about the LPN job market and salary trends for LPNs working in NYC.
Best LPN Programs in New York City for 2024
New York City has lots of schools to choose from, so this rundown of top, state-approved LPN programs in NYC is based on affordability, accreditation, and student support. Finding an accredited LPN program is important because it ensures you are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN leading to eligibility for registration as an LPN. The three standout programs highlighted below are a great place to begin your search for a high-quality, accredited LPN program in New York City.
LaGuardia Community College
LaGuardia’s LPN program is a rigorous, 48-credit program supportive of adult learners from diverse backgrounds. It prepares graduates for work in healthcare facilities, health teaching, and health counseling.
The clinical phase of LaGuardia’s LPN program takes 10-months following completion of preclinical core educational courses (which take 6-12 months). Clinicals begin each September and follow a specific course sequence. The program cost is just under $12,000 if completed in that time frame. Program graduates meet the academic licensure requirements for the state of New York and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN.
To get into the program, students first must apply to LaGuardia Community College and then declare a practical nursing major. Upon successful completion of preclinical education (KEY) courses, which take 6 to 12 months to complete, you will then apply for candidacy to the LPN program. Admittance is based on an acceptable ATI TEAS test score (which measures academic readiness specifically for health science programs) and the student’s ranking (based on grades from preclinical KEY courses) in relation to other program applicants.
Mildred Elley School
The LPN program at Mildred Elley prepares students for work in residential care facilities, hospitals, doctors’ offices, and home healthcare services. Coursework subjects include biology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, and more.
Located at Mildred Elley’s New York Metro campus, this LPN program is taught by instructors from diverse backgrounds within the medical field. The course of study consists of 1,200 clock hours and prepares you for licensure as an LPN in the state of New York. Through nursing leadership and essential instruction, coursework develops the educational foundation needed to successfully take the NCLEX-PN.
Mildred Elley LPN students not only receive a high-quality medical education, they also enjoy access to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, lifetime job placement assistance, and a flexible class schedule. Mildred Elley additionally offers veterans education benefits, provides free career assessment, and welcomes international students.
Monroe College
Monroe College offers a Practical Nurse Certificate in a full-time, on-campus format that you can complete in just three semesters. This LPN program in NYC teaches basic nursing skills in a supportive learning environment that prepares you for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. Clinical and simulation labs provide on-the-job experience before you graduate.
A high school transcript or GED is required for admission, as is a 75% or higher score in high school algebra, biology, and chemistry. Applicants must achieve an ATI TEAS exam score of “proficient” or higher to be admitted.
The program requires 40 credits that include various nursing classes as well as those in human anatomy and physiology and microbiology. You’ll also complete courses in college writing and psychology. Tuition cost is $7,956 per credit (full-time) for 2023-2024 enrollment.
FAQs About LPN Programs in New York City
What skills do you learn in LPN programs in New York City?
Licensed practical nursing programs in New York City give students a solid medical foundation through courses in subjects like pharmacology, psychology, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and maternal/childcare. The quality schools highlighted in this guide prepare you to provide support to hospitals, clinics, home care facilities, and individual practitioners. Transitions School of Nursing, for example, takes a holistic approach and teaches nurses to collaborate with various members of a healthcare team for total patient care. Meanwhile, Medgar Evers College’s Certificate in Practical Nursing provides an upward mobility opportunity through its basic foundations in nursing. Some schools, like Hostos Community College’s LPN Program, also cultivate cultural competency through ethnicity courses.
How much do LPN programs cost in New York City?
In general, LPN training programs in New York City cost about $12,000 to $25,000. Some programs have a per-credit cost while others have a total program cost. Additionally, some schools detail the cost for their LPN programs and note the additional cost of prerequisite classes that must be completed for acceptance. Each program is different, so research thoroughly before committing. Three examples are listed below to give you an idea of the cost of LPN programs in New York City.
Hostos Community College
Total Credits: 45.5 (23 preclinical and 22.5 clinical)
$2,400/semester full-time (12-18 credits) or $210/credit part-time
Transitions Career Institute School of Nursing
Licensed Practical Nurse Program
Total Credits: 1,300 clock hours
$27,000 total estimated tuition and fees
Medgar Evers College
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Total Credits: 39
$3,465 per semester for full-time New York residents; $305 per credit for part-time New York residents; $620/credit for full-time or part-time out-of-state residents
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN program in New York City?
LPN students in New York City can get financial aid to help pay for their programs. Traditional financial aid options, including federal grants and loans, are accessible through the FAFSA. Students may also be eligible for an Excelsior Scholarship, which provides tuition awards to eligible students attending a New York State public college or university. Additional grants, scholarships, and other financial assistance programs can be found at the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC); the New York State Education Department’s Postsecondary Access, Support & Success page; Fastweb; and individual schools’ financial aid offices. Be sure to check out EduMed’s own LPN scholarships guide and main financial aid guide for more valuable information and advice on funding your LPN education.
How long do LPN programs in New York City take to finish?
The time it takes you to finish your LPN program in New York City will depend on whether you attend part-time or full-time, and on the structure of your program. For example, Hostos Community College offers a four-semester plan, while Medgar Evers gives students up to three years to complete its LPN program. Some programs include prerequisite coursework that may add to your total time. This is the case with LaGuardia Community College, which estimates a 10 month program length after completing 6-12 months of preclinical core educational courses for an estimated two-year total. Some NYC colleges offer 9-month LPN programs, as well.
Inside Look at Online LPN Programs in New York City
Hybrid and online LPN programs in New York City are not widely available. Most LPN programs are in-person due to the high level of practical experience required. While there aren’t many LPN programs offering online components, certain programs may still offer some nonclinical classes online or incorporate online elements. Additionally, some programs began offering more of their classes online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That trend has continued for some schools as more students discover the flexibility of online learning. Reach out to individual schools to find out about any online options that may be available for their LPN programs.
Common Questions About Online LPN Programs in New York City
Will earning my credential from an online LPN program in New York City impact my ability to get certified or licensed?
Online classes do not have a negative impact on certification or licensing as long as they’re from an approved and accredited program. Online programs for LPNs in New York City can be just as rigorous as any campus-based program, especially when they meet standards of accreditation.
Will employers care if I took some of my LPN classes online?
As long as a program is approved and accredited, employers find the completion of online courses acceptable. In other words, employers care more about the reputation of an institution than they do about whether a program is delivered online or in person. Some may even look favorably on online coursework as it requires increased self-discipline on the part of the student to be completed successfully.
Are online LPN programs more affordable than campus programs in New York City?
Most LPN programs in New York City have significant in-person requirements and few, if any, online options. However, if the school you choose offers components online, you will likely save money over a fully on-campus program simply through reduced commuting time and expenses.
Can I complete my LPN training in New York City faster by taking classwork online?
Most LPN training programs in New York City have significant in-person requirements for clinicals and coursework. However, courses such as general education prerequisites may be available online for some LPN programs in New York City. Programs like the Practical Nurse Certificate at Monroe College, for example, offer only a fully on-campus program. Regardless, most programs have a set time frame for completion, especially for the clinical portion, so taking coursework online probably will not impact your overall completion time.
LPN Licensing Information and Requirements in New York City
LPNs must be licensed and registered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). In addition to paying the $143 for licensure and first-time registration fee (or $35 for a limited permit), a prospective LPN must meet the following requirements:
- Having good moral character demonstrated by answering a variety of questions related to any criminal background or other imposed restrictions
- Being a high school graduate and a graduate of a state-approved LPN program
- Completing NYSED-approved infection control coursework every 4 years
- Passing the NCLEX-PN
Out-of-state and international LPNs, as well as graduates of U.S. Armed Forces LPN programs, have additional licensure requirements. Please visit the NYSED page for details.
How Much You Can Earn as an LPN in New York City
Overall salary potential for LPNs in New York City is significantly higher than for other areas of the state and the nation overall. The highest earners in New York City make over $10,000 more than LPNs in other areas of the state due primarily to differences in the cost of living. See the table below for additional earnings information for LPNs in New York City compared to state and national figures.
Annual Earnings for Licensed Practical Nurses in New York City
| Location | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2019
