Last Updated/Verified: November 15th, 2024

New York state promises a huge variety of employment opportunities in the nursing field and the healthcare industry as a whole.

Becoming an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) is a smart way to enter the industry without committing to the 4-year educational requirements to become a Registered Nurse.  Graduates of LPN classes find ample opportunities for flexible, rewarding work all over the state.

LPN’s in New York Quick Facts

• LPN school typically takes 9 to 12 months to complete
• LPNs in New York state earn an average of $28.35/hr and an annual income of $50,891
• The LPN job outlook is bright with an 11% increase by 2028
• LPNs make up 21% of New York’s nursing population

Further, options for LPN training programs at nursing schools, universities, and other educational institutions are plentiful across the state of New York. The cities of New York, Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, Poughkeepsie, and Buffalo offer the greatest potential opportunities for both training and employment as an LPN.

Overview of LPN Schools in New York

New York state has over 60 schools offering LPN courses. With so many options, potential LPN students should find a course that meets their unique needs. However, all schools have a similar curriculum comprising text-based learning plus labs and clinical studies.

LPN programs cover the following topics:

• Nursing ethics
• Science
• Patient care
• Nursing skills
• Infection control
• Additional specialist courses such as neonatal or geriatric care courses

Accreditation

An LPN program must be accredited, whether regionally by an organization like the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), nationally by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or a combination of the two. In New York, it is also wise to attend a course approved by the New York Board of Nursing.

LPN Admissions Requirements

Specific admissions requirements vary from program to program, so potential students should contact individual institutions for details. Most will require at a minimum:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent certificate
• Completion of prerequisite courses with a C+ average
• GPA of 2.75+
• Proficient score on ATI TEAS exam
• Pass a background check
• Pass a drug test

Tuition & Costs

The costs for LPN classes vary widely among schools. For example, one credit costs $650 at Maria College and $176 at Niagara County Community College (both listed below). Students are typically responsible for tuition, school supplies, and cost-of-living expenses. Some programs offer grants or financial aid to students who qualify.

LPN Licensing Requirements in New York

In New York, the practical nursing program is the quickest route to becoming a nurse. Earning an LPN degree full-time takes one year, after which graduates can immediately apply for licensure.

Checklist to become a New York LPN:

1. Earn your LPN Degree (1 year of courses and hands-on practice)
2. Apply for licensure with the New York Board of Nursing – have your school send your transcript to them as well
3. Obtain a CPR card and pass the NCLEX-PN exam

New York-licensed RNs and LPNs are required to renew their licenses every four years. All nurses must attend a three-contact hour course on infection control.

NCLEX-PN Exam

Graduates of an LPN course who are applying for licensure in New York must pass the NCLEX-PN exam, which is administered by the National Council Licensure Examination. The exam’s content covers four main categories including medical procedures and safe, effective patient care. A passing grade is required for all new nurses.

LPN Reciprocity

LPNs entering New York from other states can become licensed in New York through endorsement. Candidates must show proof of licensing in another state. Individuals entering New York from outside the US must complete the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) evaluation before taking the licensure exam.

LPN Salaries in New York

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) in New York state earn an average of $28.35/hr and an annual income of $50,891, higher than the national average of $48,820.

Here are the average salaries of LPNs in New York’s major metropolitan areas according to the BLS:

• New York, Newark, Jersey City: $55,640
• Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Niagara Falls: $42,920
• Rochester: $42,210
• Albany, Schenectady, Troy: $42,980
• Syracuse: $42,300

The field of nursing in which an LPN works also influences salary. For example, nurses working in medical and surgical hospitals typically earn more than those working in physicians’ offices. LPNs working in geriatric health care are in high demand due to an aging population. Nurses with more experience can expect higher salaries, and those working night and weekend shifts usually earn more.

Job Outlook for LPNs in New York

Population trends and other issues reflected in the New York healthcare industry result in a solid job outlook for LPNs. Employers are increasingly offering enticements such as flexible schedules, educational benefits, sign-on bonuses, and student loan reimbursement to attract recruits in the nursing field.

New York offers LPNs many opportunities to continue their education and advance their careers. This might mean becoming a registered nurse or entering advanced practice specialties such as midwifery or anesthesiology. These specialties are expected to remain in high demand, especially in medically underserved areas such as inner cities and rural areas.

Overall, the future for New York healthcare workers and those in nursing is very bright. A career as an LPN in this state can provide many opportunities for advancement and long-term job security.

Top LPN Schools in New York

Maria College
700 New Scotland Ave,
Albany, NY 12208
518-438-3111

College Factual’s Mid-Atlantic ranking lists Maria College as a top school in the state of New York for its high NCLEX-PN pass rate. Its LPN program is accredited by the New York State Board of Regents. Students experience a modern teaching facility that allows for top-notch hands-on learning in the classroom.

CA BOCES CTE at Belmont
5536 County Route 48
Belmont, NY 14813
716-376-8200

CA BOCES CTE at Belmont boasts substantially higher exam pass rates than the average LPN program in New York. Students complete 520 clinical hours and a range of academic courses in preparation for a job in the field of nursing.

Bronx Community College
2155 University Ave
Bronx, NY 10453
718-289-5100

Bronx Community College offers a part-time, evening, and weekend course that requires 56 credits for completion. This makes it a top choice for adult learners. Students may take the Nurse Aide Competency Examination after completing their first semester of the program.

Monroe College
2501 Jerome Ave
Bronx, NY 10468
800-556-6676

With multiple options for pursuing an LPN certificate, Monroe College is a good fit for those who need a flexible approach to education. The curriculum focuses on real-world learning and includes specialty areas of practice like obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and mental health.

Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing
1300 Massachusetts Avenue
Troy, NY 12180
877-525-2227

Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing has a high graduation rate along with above-average exam scores for the NCLEX-PN. Students tackle diverse coursework that focuses on hands-on practical nursing.

AMG School of Licensed Practical Nursing
110 Bridge Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-596-5300

Both local and regional boards accredit the LPN program at AMG. It offers obstetrics, pediatric, geriatric, emergency, and critical care with clinical opportunities at several facilities throughout NYC.

LaGuardia Community College
31-10 Thomson Ave
Long Island City, NY 11101
718-482-5000

LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City offers a 48-credit Practical Nursing Certificate Program. Graduates of the program are fully prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN.

Isabella Graham Hart School of Nursing
1630 Portland Ave
Rochester, NY 14621
585-922-4000

The Isabella Graham Hart School of Nursing offers a full-time course that can be completed in just 10 months. Students are mentored by experienced faculty and receive exceptional hands-on training in a top facility.

Niagara County Community College
3111 Saunders Settlement Rd.
Sanborn, NY 14132
716-614-6200

Employers of graduates who attended the Niagara County Community College practical nursing program report extreme satisfaction with the knowledge and skill set of their entry-level LPNs. With small class sizes, students receive plenty of one-on-one attention.

Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing
19 North Street
Geneva, NY 14456
315-787-4005

Founded in 1956, the Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing has educated thousands of nurses. The school focuses on introducing students to the clinical side of nursing in the first semester and requires an intense 1,080-hour program.

Additional Resources

Explore the following resources for more information on becoming an LPN in the state of New York:

New York State Board of Nursing: The New York State Board of Nursing is the authority for licensure and certifications regarding various nursing professions.
Office of the Professions, Registration Unit, State Education Building
2nd Floor, Albany, NY 12234
518-474-3817

New York State Nurses Association: The New York State Nurses Association is the state’s largest union and professional association for registered nurses.
131 West 33rd Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10001
(212) 785-0157

National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): This organization is responsible for developing the NCLEX and other exams required for those in the nursing industry to receive licensing.