Essential Information
Multiple schools, including community and county colleges and vocational and technical centers, offer practical nursing certificate programs that prepare students for licensure as licensed practical nurses (LPN) in New Jersey. Many programs are offered at the undergraduate certificate level and require students to complete 34-57 credit hours. There are also a few programs designed for existing LPNs who would like to gain training to work as registered nurses.
LPN program applicants may need to pass a criminal background and drug screening as well as undergo a physical exam. Prior to enrolling in the program, they may also need to obtain malpractice insurance and be CPR certified. LPNs can work in various health care facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Read on to learn more about the schools and LPN programs available in New Jersey.
Cumberland County College
Located in Vineland, the college provides a 34-credit hour CPN program, which full-time students can complete in one year. Graduates of this program have an 85% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-PN exam. Coursework for the program consists of English composition, psychology, nutrition, and nursing classes.
Essex County College
Newark's Essex County College administers a 49-credit hour practical nursing certificate program. Students satisfy general education requirements, including college composition and psychology, as well as required nursing courses. The CPN program typically requires four semesters of full-time study. Additionally, Essex County College offers a registered nursing (RN) Associate in Applied Science program designed for LPNs who wish to pursue further credentials.
Holy Name Medical Center School of Nursing
Located in Teaneck, this school offers a 57-credit hour CPN program. A complete application for admission will include letters of recommendation and official transcripts. Furthermore, prospective students must interview with the school and complete assessment testing. Holy Name Medical Center School of Nursing also offers an LPN-to-RN degree program, which culminates with an Associate in Applied Science in Health Science.
Monmouth County Vocational School District
Neptune's Monmouth County Vocational School District operates a CPN program for Monmouth County residents only. Additional admission requirements include possessing a high school diploma or GED as well as passing assessment testing, a physical examination, and criminal background check. Students must also obtain CPR certification and malpractice insurance.
Morris County Vocational School District
Morris County Vocational School District is located in Denville. Its CPN curriculum includes mental health, nursing, pediatrics, pharmacology, and obstetrics coursework. Also, students obtain CPR certification during the CPN program.
Ocean County Vocational - Technical School
Waretown's Ocean County Vocational - Technical School offers a 44-week CPN program. Admission requires students to submit an application, proof of a high school diploma or GED, and a written essay. Candidates must also pass a pre-nursing exam, a drug test, and a criminal background check. Clinical experience, which makes up 60% of the curriculum, is performed in area hospitals and medical facilities.
Salem Community College
Carneys Point Township is home to Salem Community College. The college provides a two-semester CPN program as well as an associate's degree program in practical nursing. The associate's degree program in practical nursing is designed for students who currently hold an LPN and are seeking additional credentials.
Union County College
Located in Cranford, this college administers a 53-credit hour CPN program. Students complete traditional coursework, including clinical experience, through day, evening, or weekend classes. Students must complete CPR certification, pass a criminal background check, and obtain malpractice insurance before participating in clinical coursework.
Career Requirements
In addition to completing an accredited practical nursing program, students must apply for licensure with the New Jersey Board of Nursing and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN).
School Comparison: At a Glance
| School Name | School Type and Setting | LPN Programs Offered | Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (2019-2020) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumberland County College | 2-year, public; rural fringe | Certificate in Practical Nursing | $4,560 in-district residents; $4,860 in-state residents; $8,820 out-of-state residents* |
| Essex County College | 2-year, public; large city | Certificate in Practical Nursing, Associate in Applied Science in Nursing - LPN Articulation Program | $4,995 in-district residents; $8,790 in-state and out-of-state residents* |
| Holy Name Medical Center School of Nursing | 2-year, private not-for-profit; large suburb | Certificate in Practical Nursing, LPN-to-RN Articulation Program (Associate in Applied Science in Health Science) | $24,230* |
| Monmouth County Vocational School District | Less than 2-year, public; large suburb | Certificate in Practical Nursing | $9,000* |
| Morris County Vocational School District | Less than 2-year, public; large suburb | Certificate in Practical Nursing | $11,279* |
| Ocean County Vocational - Technical School | Less than 2-year, public; large suburb | Certificate in Practical Nursing | $10,160* |
| Salem Community College | 2-year, public; rural fringe | Certificate in Practical Nursing, LN-to-RN Articulation Program (Associate in Applied Science in Nursing) | $5,400 in-district residents; $6,210 in-state residents; $6,960 out-of-state residents* |
| Union County College | 2-year, public; large suburb | Certificate in Practical Nursing | $5,281 in-district residents; $10,562 in-state and out-of-state residents* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator.
