2 Best LPN Programs in New Hampshire – (Online & Campus-Based)
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
The national nursing shortage has hit New Hampshire particularly hard, providing exceptional employment opportunities for those who wish to become licensed to practice in this state. There is expected to be a 8 percent increase in job openings, which is very close to the national 9 percent as provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Because there are only two LPN programs in New Hampshire that are approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing, we are providing you with information on both of these institutions. Although location may be an important factor when making your decision, we hope that the information we are providing will help you to make an informed decision to choose the right school.
LPN Program Length in New Hampshire
One of the great things about becoming an LP in NH is that it can take as little as a year to obtain your diploma or certificate and two years for an associate degree.
| Type | Length |
| Certificate / Diploma | 12 to 18 Months |
| Associate Degree | 2 Years |
| (Source: In-House Research) | |
LPN Program Cost in New Hampshire
For less than $2,600 you can get your certificate or diploma to become a PN. However, if you would prefer a degree, this will cost you at least $7,950 to complete it.
| Type | Cost |
| Certificate / Diploma | $2,600 - $41,250 |
| Associate Degree | $7,950 - $59,240 |
| (Source: In-House Research) | |
Why NCLEX-PN Pass Rate is an Important Factor While Selecting an LPN Program in this State?
According to the most recent statistics we have found, passing rates for the NCLEX-PN are a little lower for graduates in this state when compared to the national average. In fact, passing rates have dropped significantly in the past few years. Therefore, it is important to do your research when selecting a practical nursing program in NH. The higher the passing rate, the more likely it is that you will receive all of the training and education you will need to become a competent LPN.
| NCLEX-PN Pass Rates | ||||
| Year | New Hampshire | National | ||
| Taken | % Passed | Taken | % Passed | |
| 2013 | 182 | 91.21% | 58,575 | 84.63% |
| 2014 | 180 | 93.89% | 55,491 | 82.16% |
| 2015 | 156 | 91.67% | 50,979 | 81.88% |
| 2016 | 91 | 92.31% | 47,345 | 83.70% |
| 2017 | 139 | 80.58% | 46,948 | 83.85% |
| 2018 | 165 | 91.52% | 47,044 | 85.93% |
| 2019 | 165 | 84.24% | 48,228 | 85.63% |
| 2020 | 163 | 92.64% | 45,656 | 83.09% |
| 2021 | 112 | 91.96% | 46,353 | 79.60% |
WHAT ARE THE BEST LPN PROGRAMS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE (ONLINE AND CAMPUS)?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 2 best nursing schools for LPN programs in New Hampshire.
1) Harmony Health Care Institute – Merrimack
The 13-month, full-time practical nursing program consists of 1,173 clock hours which have been further divided into classroom teaching (606 hours), laboratory exercises (196.5 hours), practicum under faculty supervision (340.5 hours), and externship (30 hours). You will be required to attend classes four days a week, and for the practical training, the institute has arranged clinical sessions under expert supervision in a variety of healthcare settings. Upon graduation, you become eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
2) Salter School of Nursing & Allied Health - Manchester
The 48-week practical nursing program contains 1,200 clock hours which has been divided into general courses (90 clock hours), disciplinary courses (195 clock hours), and core practical nursing courses (915 clock hours). You will receive education on a number of nursing subjects, including physiology and psychology, diet and nutrition, pharmacology, and child nursing, among others. The curriculum is delivered through a mix of pedagogical techniques and for hands-on training; a number of clinical sessions are scheduled in a variety of healthcare centers such as hospitals, nursing homes, wellness centers, and private clinics. To graduate, you must score at least "C+" grade in every nursing subject.
How to Obtain My LPN License in New Hampshire?
The following list of steps will give you a better understanding of the process to earn your practical nurse license in the state of New Hampshire.
• Graduate from an accredited practical nursing program.
• Apply to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing for licensure.
• Register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-PN.
• Wait for your authorization t test, often referred to as ATT.
• Schedule and pass your NCLEX.
• Pass a background test and obtain your license.
How Much Will I Earn?
The average LPN salary in New Hampshire is around $63,500 for those with some experience and who work full time. This is almost 14 percent greater than the national average. However, even when you first become employed in the field, you can expect to make no less than around $24 an hour.
| Type | Salary Range | Average Salary |
| Hourly | $24.21 - $36.43 | $30.55 |
| Monthly | $4,200 - $6,310 | $5,300 |
| Annual | $50,360 - $75,770 | $63,550 |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) | ||
LPN Earnings in this State vs National Average
| New Hampshire | National | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $63,550 | $55,860 | +$7,690 | +13.77% |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) | |||
Job Outlook for LPN Graduates in New Hampshire
This state is seeing an increase in the elderly population because people are living longer. With this longevity comes an increase in health problems as well as the technological advances in the health field to handle many of these issues. This means that more people than ever before are going to need continuing medical care. In fact, there is estimated to be nearly a 8 percent increase in new jobs in NH over the next several years. When combined with the job openings that become available as many LPNs plan to retire, you have an excellent chance of getting a job in the specialty of your choice once you graduate from your program and obtain your license.
| Employment | 10 Year New Job Growth Projection (2020-2030) | ||
| 2020 | 2030 | Number | % |
| 2,100 | 2,260 | 160 | 7.62% |
| (Source: careeronestop) | |||
Projected LPN Annual Job Openings in New Hampshire (2023-2027)
| Year | New Jobs | Replacement Jobs | Annual Job Openings (New + Replacement) |
| 2023 | 16 | 164 | 180 |
| 2024 | 24 | 172 | 196 |
| 2025 | 30 | 178 | 208 |
| 2026 | 30 | 178 | 208 |
| 2027 | 40 | 188 | 228 |
| Total Job Openings in the Next 5 Years | 1,020 | ||
| (Source: In-House Research) | |||
3 Best Metro Areas in New Hampshire to Work as an LPN
With New Hampshire being a small state, there are limited metro regions. While you may prefer to work in a suburban or rural area, there are three major metropolitan regions where you may wish to find viable employment.
There are nearly 540 LPNs working the Manchester area. Dartmouth-Hitchcock and Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock are highly rated places where you may like to work. If you prefer a smaller facility or would rather work in home health care, you might want to look into opportunities with The Courvilles at Manchester or Interim HealthCare.
If you're in the Portsmouth area, you can look into jobs at places like Home Instead Senior Care, The Edgewood Centre, or Portsmouth Regional Hospital. While there are less than 150 LPNs currently hired in the Dover area, some places you might enjoy working include Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, The Residence at Silver Square, or Atlantic Homelife Senior Care
| Rank | Metro Area | Current Employment | Average Salary | ||
| Hourly | Monthly | Annual | |||
| 1 | Manchester | 540 | $31.39 | $5,440 | $65,290 |
| 2 | Portsmouth | 280 | $31.16 | $5,400 | $64,800 |
| 3 | Dover-Durham | 130 | $29.39 | $5,090 | $61,130 |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) | |||||
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