New York City LPN Schools
Individuals who want to pass the National Council Licensure Exam for practical nursing (NCLEX-PN) and become LPNs have several options for education in the New York City area, primarily at schools that are part of the City University of New York (CUNY). Read about three of these schools, which are all just a short drive from downtown New York City. Located near the end of the article is a table comparing the schools, as well as a short section mentioning a couple other school options.
- CUNY Hostos Community College is 10 miles from downtown New York City in the Bronx. It offers a practical nursing certificate program.
- Located 8 miles from downtown New York City in Queens, CUNY LaGuardia Community College also offers a practical nursing certificate program.
- CUNY Medgar Evers College is located 5 miles from downtown New York City in Brooklyn and offers a practical nursing certificate program as well.
Comparison of Schools
Check out the following table for information on enrollment numbers, tuition rates, graduation rates and more.
| CUNY Hostos Community College | CUNY LaGuardia Community College | CUNY Medgar Evers College | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | Two-year; public | Two-year; public | Four-year; public |
| Total Enrollment (2021)* | 5,441 | 14,919 | 4,134 |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Large city | Large city |
| Tuition & Fees (2021-2022)* | $5,208, in-state $8,088, out-of-state | $5,218, in-state $8,098, out-of-state | $7,352, in-state $15,302, out-of-state |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021)* | 89% | 83% | 75% |
| Acceptance Rate (2021)* | N/A - Open admissions | N/A - Open admissions | 86% |
| Retention Rate (2020-2021)* | 52% full-time, 34% part-time | 60% full-time, 36% part-time | 39% full-time, 33% part-time |
| Graduation Rate (for students who began in Fall 2016)* | 21% (13% transfer-out rate) | 29% (10% transfer-out rate) | 22% (27% transfer-out rate) for those who started in Fall 2013 |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
CUNY Hostos Community College
In addition to their healthcare courses, students in the practical nursing program at Eugenio Maria de Hostos Community College take college-level courses in expository writing, psychology and mathematics. The school also offers a transition program for LPNs who want to earn an associate's degree and become licensed as registered nurses.
Certificate in Practical Nursing
This program requires four semesters of study and consists of 45.5 credits. During the first two semesters, courses include mathematics for allied health sciences, expository writing, anatomy and lifespan behavior development. The clinical portion of the program begins in the third semester. Students gain experience in client care and take courses including mother/child care and microbiology. Admission to the program is competitive, and applicants must pass skills tests and earn an acceptable score on the National League of Nursing (NLN) Pre-Nursing exam.
CUNY LaGuardia Community College
Coursework in the LPN Certificate Program includes pharmacology and nutrition, human biology, psychology, medical dosage mathematics, fundamental nursing concepts, medical surgical nursing, maternal child health nursing and mental health nursing. After completing the program and passing the NCLEX-PN, students may be eligible for the RN transition program at LaGuardia.
Practical Nursing Certificate
The 48-credit certificate program consists of pre-clinical and clinical phases. In addition to classroom instruction, students gain hands-on experience in campus laboratory settings and local healthcare facilities. Prerequisite courses include English composition, psychology, mathematics for medical use and two biology courses. Field experiences take place in settings such as community health facilities, nursing homes and hospitals located throughout the greater NYC area.
CUNY Medgar Evers College
This is a college-based program that requires courses in English composition and biology as well as courses in nursing. The final course prepares students for the NCLEX-PN with computer and didactic exercises.
Practical Nursing Certificate
This program consists of three semesters of study, comprising 18 months. Admission requirements include passing basic skills tests and the NLN Pre-Nursing exam. Students learn about nutrition, pharmacology and nursing for various types of clients. Some courses include labs, and others have clinical components which are completed at healthcare facilities around the city.
Other School Options
CUNY Bronx Community College, about 8 miles from downtown NYC, offers a certificate program for LPNs. Farther from the city, about 21 miles away, the Southern Westchester BOCES has a certificate program.
