Top LPN Programs in New Jersey
New Jersey LPN Schools and License Requirements, Salary, and Job Outlook
Nursing is a growing field with huge job opportunities in the United States of America. According to the prediction of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment level of licensed practical nurses is going to rise 16% (which is much faster than the average rate) from 2014-2024. Thus, there is a bright future scope for the aspirants of LPN. Besides this, the salary of the LPNs all over the country is very good, which is another reason that makes it an alluring profession among the nursing students.
High-quality classroom course, as well as technical training, is essential for becoming a successful licensed practical nurse. There are about 40 accredited nursing schools in New Jersey; some of these are vocational high schools, some are community colleges, while others are technical centers. All these colleges and universities are approved by the board of nursing in the state and provide high-quality education.
Here is the detailed information about the LPN schools, licensure, salary, and employment outlook in New Jersey.
Given below is the list of top nursing schools in New Jersey that offer approved practical nursing programs –
1
Rank
Cumberland County College
Type of Course:Licensed Practical Nursing Program
Cumberland County College is an approved, co-educational community college that was established in 1966. It is located in a 100-acre area with nine buildings. This institute is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
100.00 %
-
Address:
3322 College Drive, Vineland, New Jersey 08360
-
Contact Number:
856-691-8600
-
-
Type of Course:
Licensed Practical Nursing Program
-
2
Rank
Union County College
Type of Course:Four Semesters, full-time certificate program for Practical Nursing
Founded in 1933, Union Community College is one of the oldest nursing colleges in New Jersey. More than 80 programs in different streams are offered here. There are four campuses of the institute located in Elizabeth, Plainfield, Scotch, and Cranford. This college strives to offer advanced and trending programs and courses that match the requirements of a rapidly developing society.
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
97.68 %
-
Address:
1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, New Jersey 07016
-
Contact Number:
908-709-7000
-
-
Type of Course:
Four Semesters, full-time certificate program for Practical Nursing
-
3
Rank
Academy of Allied Health and Science
Type of Course:11-Month Classroom/ Clinical Experience Course
Established in the year 1996, Academy of Allied Health and Science is a small magnet public high school in Neptune, New Jersey. It is administered by the Monmouth County Vocational School District in Freehold. The institute aims to persuade the students to attain high educational qualifications to make a great career in medical sciences. For accomplishing its aim, the college uses its community-based partnership and rigorous specialized curriculum.
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
97.40 %
-
Address:
2325 Heck Avenue, Neptune, New Jersey 07753
-
Contact Number:
732-775-0058
-
-
Type of Course:
11-Month Classroom/ Clinical Experience Course
-
4
Rank
Hudson County Community College
Type of Course:Certificate Program for Practical Nursing
Hudson County Community College is an accredited co-educational, two-year public community college in New Jersey. It was established in 1974. This college offers off-campus classes at Hoboken, Kearny, and Bayonne. Students are provided with 50 different programs and certificates, including nursing programs and flagship culinary. Online programs are also available for those, who find it difficult to attend the regular classes.
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
96.66 %
-
Address:
70 Sip Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
-
Contact Number:
201-714-7100
-
-
Type of Course:
Certificate Program for Practical Nursing
-
5
Rank
Middlesex County Vocational & Technical School
Type of Course:15-Month Day Time Practical Nursing Program
Middlesex County Vocational & Technical School (MCVT) is situated in East Brunswick in New Jersey with its other campuses in Woodbridge, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, and Edison. This institute offers several undergraduate as well as graduate programs in distinct fields. MCVT provides top-notch education and concentrates on career preparation by using a well-structured learning environment infused with technology.
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
94.74 %
-
Address:
112 Rues Lane, East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816
-
Contact Number:
732-257-3300
-
-
Type of Course:
15-Month Day Time Practical Nursing Program
-
6
Rank
Burlington County Institute of Technology
Type of Course:10-Month Program
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
94.54 %
-
Address:
695 Woodlane Road, Westampton, NJ 08060
-
Contact Number:
609-267-4226
-
-
Type of Course:
10-Month Program
-
7
Rank
Salem Community College
Type of Course:A 4-Semester Practical Nursing Certificate Program (36 credits)
Salem Community College is a co-educational community college at Salem County, New Jersey. It was established in 1958 and has 11 acres campus in Carneys Point Township. This college offers Associate Degrees in Science, Fine Arts, and Applied Sciences. It also offers certificate courses in more than 40 technical courses.
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
92.82 %
-
Address:
460 Hollywood Avenue, Carneys Point, New Jersey 08069
-
Contact Number:
856-299-2100
-
-
Type of Course:
A 4-Semester Practical Nursing Certificate Program (36 credits)
-
8
Rank
Avtech Institute of Technology
Type of Course:Licensed Practical Nursing Program
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
88.57 %
-
Address:
50 Cragwood Road, Suite 350, South Plainfield, NJ 07080
-
Contact Number:
908-222-2833
-
-
Type of Course:
Licensed Practical Nursing Program
-
9
Rank
Berkeley College – Dover
Type of Course:Practical Nursing Certificate Program
Berkeley College-Dover has its other campuses in Newark, Woodland Park, Woodbridge, and Paramus. It also has some branches in New York. Berkeley College aims to empower the students to accomplish their professional and personal goals. The institute offers a supportive and comprehensive educational environment that inspires for lifelong learning.
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
88.46 %
-
Address:
1 West Blackwell Street, Dover, NJ 07801
-
Contact Number:
973-366-6700
-
-
Type of Course:
Practical Nursing Certificate Program
-
10
Rank
Lincoln Technical Institute– Moorestown
Type of Course:1500 Clock Hours Program
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
87.06 %
-
Address:
308 West Route 38, Moorestown, NJ 08057
-
Contact Number:
856-722-9333
-
-
Type of Course:
1500 Clock Hours Program
-
11
Rank
Essex County College
Type of Course:Undergraduate Certificate (2 years)
Essex County College is a two-year public college located in Essex County, New Jersey. It was established in 1966. This institute is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. For operating and awarding the associate degrees and certificates, it is licensed by the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education.
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
86.27 %
-
Address:
303 University Avenue, Newark, NJ 07102
-
Contact Number:
973-877-3000
-
-
Type of Course:
Undergraduate Certificate (2 years)
-
12
Rank
Universal Training Institute
Type of Course:12-Month Program
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
85.15 %
-
Address:
174 Jefferson Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
-
Contact Number:
732-826-0155
-
-
Type of Course:
12-Month Program
-
13
Rank
Eastwick College– Ramsey
Type of Course:Diploma Program
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
84.23 %
-
Address:
10 South Franklin Turnpike, Ramsey, New Jersey 07446
-
Contact Number:
201-327-8877
-
-
Type of Course:
Diploma Program
-
14
Rank
Best Care Training Institute
Type of Course:1-Year Licensed Practical Nursing Program
Best Care Training Institute is a well-known institute of practical nursing. It is located in East Orange, New Jersey, and nurtures its students for professional and healthcare services. The objective of this college is to prepare the students to attain competency in their chosen field.
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
83.65 %
-
Address:
68 South Harrison Street, East Orange, New Jersey 07018
-
Contact Number:
973-673-3900
-
-
Type of Course:
1-Year Licensed Practical Nursing Program
-
15
Rank
Mercer County Tech College
Type of Course:11-Month Full-time Program
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
82.77 %
-
Address:
1085 Old Trenton Road, Trenton, New Jersey 08690
-
Contact Number:
609-586-2129
-
-
Type of Course:
11-Month Full-time Program
-
16
Rank
Jersey College
Type of Course:Certificate Program
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
81.71 %
-
Address:
546 U.S. Highway 46, Teterboro, New Jersey 07608
-
Contact Number:
201-489-5836
-
-
Type of Course:
Certificate Program
-
17
Rank
Morris County School of Technology
Type of Course:1-Year Practical Nursing Program
Morris County School of Technology is a vocational school in Morris County, New Jersey. It was established in 1969 and has two other satellite campuses in Rockaway and Butler. The aim of this college is to offer outstanding learning experience and vocational programs that inspire students to give their best and gain success in their employment. This vocational school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools and the Council on Occupational Education.
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
80.40 %
-
Address:
400 East Main Street, Denville, New Jersey 07834
-
Contact Number:
973-627-4600
-
-
Type of Course:
1-Year Practical Nursing Program
-
18
Rank
Eastwick College– Hackensack
Type of Course:Diploma Program
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
79.77 %
-
Address:
250 Moore Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
-
Contact Number:
201-488-9400
-
-
Type of Course:
Diploma Program
-
19
Rank
Atlantic County Institute of Technology
Type of Course:Diploma
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
77.84 %
-
Address:
5080 Atlantic Avenue, Mays Landing, NJ 08330
-
Contact Number:
609-625-2249
-
-
Type of Course:
Diploma Program
-
20
Rank
Holy Name Medical Center
Type of Course:12-Month Practical Nurse Diploma Program
Holy Name Medical Center is a healthcare facility located in Teaneck, New Jersey, with its additional off-site locations in Passaic Counties, Bergen County, and Hudson. Since 1972, this medical center is sponsoring practical nursing program accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Holy Name Medical Center is committed to offering a high level of quality education along with traditional Catholic ethics.
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
77.82 %
-
Address:
718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666
-
Contact Number:
201-833-3000
-
-
Type of Course:
12-Month Practical Nurse Diploma Program
-
21
Rank
Camden County College
Type of Course:Certificate Program
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
77.27 %
-
Address:
200 North Broadway, Camden, New Jersey 08102-1185
-
Contact Number:
856-338-1817
-
-
Type of Course:
Certificate Program
-
22
Rank
Cape May County Technical School
Type of Course:11-Month Practical Nursing Program
Cape May County Technical School offers technical as well as vocational education to the students and is situated in Cape May County, New Jersey. It is a part of Cape May County Technical School District. It was established in 1991 and is spread over an area of 84 acres. It offers the programs in both the day and evening school.
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
74.45 %
-
Address:
188 Crest Haven Road, Cape May Court House, New Jersey 08210
-
Contact Number:
609-380-0200
-
-
Type of Course:
11-Month Practical Nursing Program
-
23
Rank
Passaic County Tech Institute
Type of Course:1 Year-Long Full-time Day Program
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
64.75 %
-
Address:
45 Reinhardt Road, Wayne, NJ 07470
-
Contact Number:
973-790-6000
-
-
Type of Course:
1 Year-Long Full-time Day Program
-
24
Rank
Prism Career Institute
Type of Course:Practical Nursing Program
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
63.73 %
-
Address:
3 Executive Campus, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002
-
Contact Number:
856-317-0100
-
-
Type of Course:
Practical Nursing Program
-
25
Rank
Pinelands School of Practical Nursing
Type of Course:46-Week Full-time Program
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
63.63 %
-
Address:
1333 Route 9, Pleasant Plaza, Suites 4-6, Toms River, NJ 08755
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Contact Number:
732-228-7290
-
-
Type of Course:
46-Week Full-time Program
-
26
Rank
Sierra Allied Health Academy
Type of Course:Practical Nursing Program
-
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
47.16 %
-
Address:
120 West Seventh Street, Plainfield, New Jersey 07060-1643
-
Contact Number:
908-753-2400
-
-
Type of Course:
Practical Nursing Program
-
License Requirements for LPNs in New Jersey
Gaining a license is essential to practice as a licensed practical nurse in New Jersey. The process of acquiring the license in the state is regulated by the Nursing Board of New Jersey. To become a licensed LPN/LVN in the state, every student has to meet certain requirements as asked by the state board. One can get the license either by examination or endorsement.
Step 1. Complete the LPN Program
The very first step that students need to take to practice as an LPN is to gain a certificate, diploma, or degree in licensed practical nursing from an accredited school, university, or college. There are numerous schools approved by the New Jersey Nursing Board that offer LPN programs.
Step 2. State Exam
Soon after completing an LPN educational program from an accredited institute, candidates must send the certificate of completion of their program to the Board. After this, you are required to sit for the state exam (NCLEX-PN). It is mandatory to pass this exam. Once you clear the test, you are eligible to apply for the licensure to the state Board.
Step 3. Application of Licensure
Once you score passing marks in the state exam, send an application form to the New Jersey Nursing Board. Along with the application, you are also required to send the Certificate and Authorization Form, an identifying photo (passport-style), and $200 as the fee.
Step 4. Verification
The Board will verify all your transcripts and documents and issue your license in some weeks or months. Also, after this, the Board will include your name in the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry, and you will be considered eligible to work as an LPN in the state.
Step 5. Maintenance of the Licensure
It is important for an LPN to maintain the license; otherwise, it may lead to hindrance in your job. So, before the expiration of the licensure period, nurses should renew their license.
Methods to Obtain License in New Jersey
Licensure by Examination
If you are an out-of-state LPN and want to practice in the state of New Jersey, you can gain licensure by examination, since New Jersey is not a compact state.
Some instructions that a candidate needs to follow for obtaining a license by examination are as follows:
- At first, you must register with Pearson Vue at https://home.pearsonvue.com/
- Completely fill the application form for licensure by examination. As you are applying for a licensed practical nursing license, mention it there and answer all the questions.
- Sign the form in the presence of a notary public.
- A 2" x 2" full-face, clear, and original passport size photograph from your head to shoulders is required to be attached with the application form. Your photograph must not be older than 6 months. Do not forget to sign the back of the photo (photocopies and selfies are strictly prohibited).
- If your birthplace is in the U.S., you have to submit a copy either of your U.S. passport or birth certificate.
- If you are naturalized citizen of the United States of America, submission of your certification of naturalization or the U.S. passport is required.
- If you are a legal alien in the country or having any other immigration status, you have to submit your USCIS immigration documents (copy of both the front and back sides of your card is required).
- If you have changed your name legally, submit a proof of it. It can be a marriage license, court order, or divorce decree (if your name differs in it from that of your birth certificate).
- For criminal history background check, submit a completely filled Certification and Authorization Form.
- If you do not reside in metropolitan New Jersey, log in to http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur/Pages/contactus.aspx and request for fingerprint cards. Fill the Morpho Trust Universal Form and two fingerprint cards- a black (New Jersey), and a blue (F.B.I.). With this, you have to submit a check or money order of $58.69, payable to Morpho Trust.
- If you reside in the metropolitan area of the state, you will get the digital fingerprint information via mail. Schedule your appointment soon after you receive the information.
- If you have a criminal background, submit all the documents related to your criminal history.
- Attach a money order or check of $200 payable to the Nursing Board of New Jersey.
- Once the board receives a letter of completion or complete transcript (for the non-state nursing program) from your school, college, or university, an original colored photograph, and proof of your legal name change, you will be considered eligible to sit for the licensing examination.
- If you have completed an out-of-state nursing program, you have to arrange for the complete transcript that states the degree conferred to you and the conferral date. It has to be directly sent to the state Board.
For online application, click here.
Note- If you previously had a nursing licensure in the state of New Jersey, then instead of completing an exam application, you should consult the Reinstatement/ Renewal Department for completion of the form for reinstatement.
Licensure by Endorsement
Certain steps and instructions that a candidate needs to follow while applying for licensure by endorsement are as follows –
- Attach a 2" x 2" full-face, passport size photograph that displays your head and shoulders. It should not be older than past 6 months. At the back of the picture, write your name (selfies and photocopies are not allowed).
- Fill the application form and sign it in the presence of a notary public (question 6, page 2, 3 and 7, and the Affidavit).
- If you are born in the United States of America, submit a photocopy of your U.S. passport or birth certificate.
- If you are a naturalized citizen of the U.S., you are required to submit a copy of your certificate of naturalization or the U.S. passport.
- If you are having an immigration status, such as a legal alien, you have to submit USCIS immigration documents (photocopy of both the sides of the card).
- If you have ever undergone a name change, you have to submit a proof of your name change (divorce decree, marriage license, or court order) in which, your name is different from the one on your birth certificate.
- For a criminal history background check, you have to complete the Certification and Authorization Form.
- If you live out of the metropolitan area of New Jersey, log in to http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur/Pages/Fingerprint-Request.aspx and request for fingerprint cards. Along with this, complete the Morpho Trust Universal Form and two (2) fingerprint cards- one blue (F.B.I.) and a black (New Jersey). Also, the candidate is required to submit a money order or check of $61.44, payable to Morpho Trust.
- If you reside in the metropolitan area of New Jersey, you will get digital fingerprint information on mail. Once you receive the information, schedule your appointment.
- If you have any criminal background, you are required to submit the criminal history documents related to it.
- Properly written verification of licensure in good standing from the state where you are currently licensed or were originally licensed, or from any state where you were licensed. You need to submit the verifications and transcripts directly to the Nursing Board of New Jersey from the boards of the state(s) that are not enlisted in NURSYS License Verification Form.
- Pay $200 to the New Jersey Board of Nursing either in the form of a money order or a check (non-refundable Application Fee of $75, mandatory non-refundable Alternative to Discipline Fee of $5, and $120 as License Fee).
- You also have to submit the completed "Checklist for Endorsement", and sign at the bottom.
Click here for applying online for licensure by endorsement.
Reinstatement of the LPN Licensure
For reinstatement of the license in New Jersey, nurses are supposed to follow these instructions –
- Complete the application form and attach the important documents like Certification and Authorization for a Criminal History (if applicable), passport size photo with full-face and shoulders and your signature on the back of the photograph (the photo should not be older than 6 months) and submit it with the required fee to:
New Jersey Board of Nursing
124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor
P.O. Box 45010, Newark, NJ 07101
- Certification of Employment - Candidates need to submit a properly signed and dated Certification of Employment that shows you were in the profession during the period your LPN license has been inactive. With this, it must also comprise the name, phone number, and address of every employer with whom you have worked. Also, you have to provide detailed information about the kind of projects and work that you handled during the period
- Proof of Competency - With the application form, you have to attach a proof of maintaining proficiency by completing the education credits or hours that is essential for renewing an active license or certificate of registration or certification (N.J.A.C 13:37-5.2(i) 2).
Duplicate License
In case; your license has been stolen, or you have lost it somewhere, you can apply for a duplicate license to the State Board of Nursing. For this, you have to pay a fee of $35 in the form of a check or money order and have to fill a form. You can get this form for a duplicate license here.
Temporary License
If you want to gain a temporary license in the state of New Jersey, you need to pay a fee of $140, including initial license, surcharge, and application fee. For more information and application form for a temporary license, click here.
Average Annual Salary of a Licensed Practical Nurse in New Jersey
As per the statistics of indeed.com, the average salary of a licensed practical nurse in New Jersey was $55,000 (as of September 2, 2016). Whereas, according to the bls.gov, mean hourly wage and annual salary of LPNs were $25.62 and $53,500, respectively.
Various Job Titles for LPNs/LVNs With Average Annual Salaries
| Job Titles |
Salary |
| Long Term Care LPN |
$35,000 |
| Renal Dialysis Nurse |
$57,000 |
| LPN Ambulatory |
$37,000 |
| Nurse RN LPN |
$53,000 |
| CNA Medical Surgical |
$29,000 |
| Nar Nursing Assistant Hope |
$27,000 |
| Clinical Nurse LPN |
$40,000 |
| LPN Primary Care |
$50,000 |
| Patient Care Technician Student |
$18,000 |
| Medical Assistant Family Practice |
$31,000 |
| Correctional Prison Facility LPN |
$25,000 |
| LPN Cma Rma |
$33,000 |
| LPN Long Term Care |
$35,000 |
| LPN LVN |
$44,000 |
| Psychiatric Nurse |
$62,000 |
Information Source: indeed.com (as of September 2, 2016)
According to the above data, the salary of the Psychiatric Nurses was the highest (i.e., $62,000), while the Patient Care Technician Students were paid the least (i.e., $18,000).
Salaries of LPN/LVN in Different Cities of New Jersey
| Name of the City |
Salary |
| Atlantic City |
$39,370 |
| Bayonne |
$40,417 |
| Bergenfield |
$39,140 |
| Bloom Field |
$43,657 |
| Camden/th>
$42,341 |
| Clifton |
$42,971 |
| East Brunswick |
$42,341 |
| East Orange |
$42,975 |
| Edison |
$42,971 |
| Elizabeth |
$42,971 |
| Hackensack |
$42,971 |
| Hoboken |
$42,971 |
| Irvington |
$42,971 |
| Jersey City |
$42,971 |
| Lakewood |
$42,971 |
| Middlesex |
$42,971 |
| New Brunswick |
$42,971 |
| Newark |
$42,971 |
| Paramus |
$42,971 |
| Passaic |
$42,971 |
| Paterson |
$42,971 |
| Perth Amboy |
$42,971 |
| Plainfield |
$42,971 |
| Sayreville |
$42,971 |
| Somerset |
$42,971 |
| Toms River |
$42,971 |
| Trenton |
$42,971 |
| Union |
$42,971 |
| Union City |
$42,971 |
| Vineland |
$42,971 |
| Wayne |
$42,971 |
| West New York |
$42,971 |
| West Orange |
$42,971 |
Information Source: salary.com (as of August 2016)
From the above table, we can conclude that licensed practical nurses earned the least, i.e., $46,946 per annum, in Camden, while in 15 cities of New Jersey, these professionals received $53,126 per annum.
Job Outlook for Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses in New Jersey
According to the statistics of the bls.gov, New Jersey was the 5th top-paying state in the United States of America (as of May 2015). The state also has a high employment level for Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses. Employers like Correct Care Solutions, Rutgers University, Kennedy Health System, Noble Care Staffing, etc., offer jobs to these professionals.
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