20 Best New York LPN Programs – 2024


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

If you are looking for a rewarding career with potential for growth in the state of New York, you might want to think about becoming a licensed practical nurse. There is expected to be an increase in LPN jobs by about 18.5% by the year 2030, meaning you will have greater opportunities for securing employment. LPN programs in New York can provide you with the training you need to get your licensure to work in NY. We have ranked the 20 best out of 70 programs that are approved by the New York State Board for Nursing, so you can find an institution that will give you the best training for future employment.



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How long are LPN Programs in New York?


By going to school full time, you can complete your LPN diploma or certificate coursework in as little as 12 months, or 2 years for an Associate's degree.

Type Length
Certificate / Diploma 12 to 18 Months
Associate Degree 2 Years
(Source: In-House Research)


How Much do LPN Programs in New York Cost?


Attending a practical nursing program in NY is an investment. Depending on the facility, you could pay anywhere from around $3,200 up to nearly $74,500.

Type Cost
Certificate / Diploma$3,270 - $51,850
Associate Degree$10,000 - $74,460
(Source: In-House Research)


Why NCLEX-PN Pass Rate is an Important Factor While Selecting an LPN Program in New York?


While location may be important when choosing your educational institution, NCLEX passing rate should be an important factor as well. Passing rates for the licensure testing in this state have been dropping steadily over the past few years. This means that you want to choose a program with a high passing rate to ensure you will receive the best training and education you need to get licensed and start working shortly after graduation. Additionally, institutions that consistently produce graduates who pass the NCLEX are often seen more favorably by potential employers.

NCLEX-PN Pass Rates
YearNew York National
Taken % Passed Taken % Passed
20133,09180.56%58,57584.63%
20142,91479.86%55,49182.16%
20152,86078.60%50,97981.88%
20162,66476.35%47,34583.70%
20172,53976.57%46,94883.85%
2018 2,50279.70%47,04485.93%
20192,44080.37%48,22885.63%
20202,34574.16%45,65683.09%
20212,29170.49%46,35379.60%


WHAT ARE THE BEST LPN PROGRAMS IN NEW YORK (ONLINE & CAMPUS)?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 20 best LPN programs in New York (Online & Campus).


1) Orleans-Niagara BOCES - Niagara Falls


Orleans-Niagara BOCES
Orleans-Niagara BOCES focuses on bringing behavioral change among nursing aspirants through skill development and knowledge creation. The college particularly focuses on career-ready skills that are relevant in the dynamic health care field.

The part-time LPN program offered by O-N BOCES is 13.5 months long with classes scheduled for four days in a week. The program consisting of both theory instructions (726 hours) and practical sessions (510 hours) has been designed skillfully to educate you on providing holistic nursing care to patients. During your training, you will learn to apply the theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. Such practical exercises will prepare you for your future assignments and help you to grow professionally. To successfully earn the certificate, you are required to maintain a 75% grade in all the nursing courses.

2) LaGuardia Community College - Long Island City


LaGuardia Community College
LaGuardia Community College, well-known for its LPN program in New York believes in diversity, equity, and inclusion. The college strongly believes in developing critical learning skills and social accountability among nursing students to meet the changing needs of the healthcare industry.

This 48-credit certificate in practical nursing commences in the fall semester every year. Students are trained in both classrooms and clinical set-ups by a dedicated faculty to complete the course in 54 weeks. The strenuous coursework incorporates all the basic and advanced concepts of nursing in addition to developing effective communication skills in English. Before you begin your core practical nursing coursework, you must complete 16 credits in courses such as English, psychology, anatomy, physiology, and math.

3) Niagara County Community College - Sanborn


Niagara County Community College
Committed to excellence and community service, the LPN program offered by Niagara County Community College could be the right course to kick start your career in the healthcare field. Its student-focused teaching pedagogy trains nursing aspirants to provide competent nursing care to a diverse population.

This 1-year, 45 credit-hour certificate program starts in the fall term each year and trains you in nursing care, social sciences, human anatomy, and psychology. On successful completion of the program, you can start working as a practical nurse in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or private clinics. The college also provides you an option to pursue a registered nurse program, should you choose to continue your study after completing the LPN program.

4) Maria College - Albany


Maria College
Since its inception in 1958, personalized attention and career-oriented approach have remained the working pillars of the LPN program at Maria College. The 6500 square-feet of its sprawling facility boasts one of the most advanced simulation lab, which is equipped with 3-D technology and software for virtual patient care. What’s more, the college has been recognized as the most affordable college in New York and offers a host of support services to students including career guidance and counseling.

The 16-month practical nursing program comes with the flexibility of weekend classes for working professionals. The session begins in the spring semester and prepares you to take up an entry-level nursing position in the healthcare field and comprises both theory classes and practical sessions for providing a holistic learning experience. The program is a 44-credit course (28 – Nursing and 16 – Liberal Arts and Sciences), and you can use these credits to pursue a higher degree in nursing.

5) Cattaraugus-Allegany-Erie-Wyoming BOCES – Belmont & Olean


Cattaraugus Allegany Erie Wyoming BOCES
Cattaraugus-Allegany-Erie-Wyoming BOCES has dedicated itself to serve the educational needs of the southwestern counties in the state of New York. The institute offers a cost-effective LPN program and thanks to the support of its illustrious faculty, caring administrative staff, and a state of art facility, the college has carved a distinctive place among nursing aspirants.

CABOCES offers this two-year LPN program at its Belmont and Olean campuses. The 1300-hours course is flexible and allows you to continue your job or fulfill other responsibilities along with taking the classes. A 3-hour class in the morning and a 2.5-hour class in the afternoon are scheduled in the first and second year of the course respectively. To help you develop professional skills, this training program also includes 520 hours of comprehensive hands-on clinical experience. Post successful completion of the course you will be eligible to take the national council licensure examination.

6) AMG School of Licensed Practical Nursing - Brooklyn


AMG School of Licensed Practical Nursing
Located in the city of Brooklyn, the AMG School of Licensed Practical Nursing follows the principle of providing accessible education to a multicultural community. The college is home to spacious classrooms and a high-end simulation lab, meant for imparting hands-on training to nursing aspirants.

The college offers an LPN course with two flexible options. The traditional day course takes one year to complete with classes held on weekdays. Working students can avail the 14-month part-time program with classes held during the evening on weekdays. Close partnerships with various healthcare providers across Brooklyn provide students an opportunity to gain real-world experience and further their expertise in dealing with critical patient-care situations.

*To apply for this program, you must pass the entrance exam which tests students in reading, math, biology, and critical thinking.

7) Samaritan Hospital – Troy


Samaritan Hospital
Located on the hospital campus, Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing has a distinct advantage of offering real-world training experience. The school is affiliated with St Peter’s Health Partners (a chain of community centers and healthcare services) and offers students a unique opportunity to undergo extensive experiential learning.

The 1-year practical nursing program offered by SH begins in the fall semester each year. This 37-credits course is well-rounded with 13 credits in liberal art courses and 24 credits in practical nursing courses. The education you gain thoroughly prepares you with the theoretical knowledge and skills required to provide safe, compassionate and professional nursing care to individuals, families and the community. For those seeking broader career avenues, the college offers a PN to RN transition program, that allows transfer of certain credits from the PN course towards your RN degree, thereby helping you save time and tuition costs.

8) Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer BOCES - Watertown


Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer BOCES
Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer BOCES is well-known for its highly employable nursing education. To impart employment-oriented training, the college continuously updates its curriculum according to changing requirements of the healthcare industry. Further, the long industry experience of the nursing faculty comes as an added advantage to the students.

This 10-month LPN program in NY educates you on important aspects of nursing care. The course starts twice a year – January and September. The curriculum is skillfully designed and focuses on imparting theoretical knowledge and practical learning to students. You will study basics and advanced courses in nursing, surgery, healthcare, food and nutrition, leadership, pharmacology, and communication skills. You will be trained in a variety of healthcare settings under the professional guidance of well-trained mentors. On successful completion of the program, you become eligible for taking the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

9) Monroe College – Bronx


Monroe College
Monroe College was established in 1933 in a bustling commercial area of the Bronx. The campus encompasses seven buildings and houses the one-of-a-kind Human Patient Simulation Center for training nursing students to face demanding patient-care scenarios.

The 1-year training in practical nursing is divided into three semesters. The curriculum is strategically designed utilizing a combination of science and liberal arts to impart skills like critical thinking, observation, and communication. Knowledge gained in classrooms is further strengthened in clinical set-ups where skills are put to test on effectively identifying and solving patient problems in real-life situations. Additionally, you will be assisted by a career counselor who will help shape a clear career path.

10) Eastern Suffolk BOCES – Bellport & Brentwood


Eastern Suffolk BOCES
Eastern Suffolk School of Practical Nursing, with campuses located in Bellport and Brentwood, nurtures the ideals of respect and care and strives on imparting high-caliber education to the diverse community of New York.

This practical nursing program starts each year in September. The college offers two flexible options for both full-timers and part-timers. The course duration for full-timers is 11 months where classes are scheduled during the day on weekdays. For those who want to get enrolled into the part-time course, the college offers a 17-month long program scheduled during the evenings on weekdays. After completing the program, you will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and seek employment opportunities at various patient care settings.

11) Hunter Business School - Levittown


Hunter Business School
Quality placements, small class size, and flexible timings are some of the important factors that make Hunter Business School a good destination to pursue your nursing education. Its LPN program has been designed in partnership with the industry which further adds to its credentials. Well-designated labs, simulation rooms, and medical assistance facilities in the campus provide a real-world learning experience to students.

This 11-month long, full-time program offered by HBS prepares you for a rewarding career in the nursing field. The 1,332 hours of curriculum is thoughtfully divided into theory (705 hours) and clinical sessions (627 hours) to create a fine balance between classroom teachings and lab practicals. Both classes and practical sessions are scheduled throughout the week from Monday to Friday.

12) North Country Community College - Saranac Lake


North Country Community College
If you want to become an LPN in New York, you can opt for the practical nursing course at North Country Community College. The college houses its nursing department in the picturesque Saranac Lake Campus. With its firm-rooted belief in maintaining clarity and responsibility in the educational process, the college strives to nurture the academic goals of its students.

This 1-year program includes theory classes and clinical practicum consuming 210 and 240 hours respectively. The curriculum is well-balanced incorporating subjects such as human biology, nursing pharmacology, psychology, microbiology and English composition, which prepare students to face nursing challenges efficiently. After finishing your training as a practical nurse, you can opt for a two-semester RN course which will give you career a leg up and take up work as a registered nurse in a variety of medical settings.

13) Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES – Auburn


Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES
Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES is well-recognized for its academic legacy. The college's practical nursing program has many distinctions to its kitty, including strong placement record, high retention rate, and superior student support services among others. Behind these distinctions lie the arduous efforts of well-trained instructors who are willing to go the extra mile to deliver extraordinary results.

This 11-month LPN program enrolls students once a year during the fall semester. The curriculum is 1250-hours long and boasts a well-thought combination of theory (606 hours), lab practical (99 hours), and clinical sessions (505 hours). During the training, you will be exposed to a variety of subjects on nursing care including human body structure, health and nutrition, microbiology, psychological well-being, and surgical operations among others. You have to maintain a minimum average score of 76% to complete the program successfully.

14) Erie 1 BOCES, Southtowns Academy - Buffalo, Potter Career Technical Center & Workforce Development Center


Erie 1 BOCES, Southtowns Academy
Located in Buffalo, Erie 1 BOCES, Southtowns Academy aspires to provide accessible and affordable education to the community. The academy offers LPN courses at its three campuses in New York- Workforce Development Center in Cheektowaga, Gerard Place in Buffalo and Potter Technical and Career Center in West Seneca.

This 48-week practical nursing program starts twice a year in April and October. The course which includes a total of 1,100 hours of instruction has two flexible scheduling options. Morning classes are held from Monday to Thursday at two locations, namely- Workforce Development Center and Gerard Place, whereas evening classes are conducted at Potter Career & Technical Center.

*Applicants need to score a minimum of 63% in the Diagnostic Entrance Test to qualify for this program.

*The college also houses a Placement Specialist for helping students explore better job opportunities.

15) Broome Tioga BOCES – Binghamton


Broome Tioga BOCES
Broome Tioga BOCES is an ideal destination for students looking for quality nursing education at an affordable cost. The college offers a host of professional development services to students and boasts of an impressive infrastructure to support a wide range of training exercises for nursing students.

If you want to enter into the nursing field by becoming an LPN in NY, the following programs offered by BT-BOCES could be considered:

1) 10-month full-time LPN program with classes and clinical sessions scheduled from Monday to Friday

2) 20-month part-time LPN program starting September every year with classes on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday while clinicals on alternate weekends.

The course curriculum is 1208-hour long and provides you extensive training in wide areas of nursing care including surgical processes, health and nutrition, psychological well-being among others. On successful completion of the program, you can start your professional career as a practical nurse in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers among others.

16) Southern Westchester BOCES – Harrison


Southern Westchester BOCES
Founded in 1948, the Southern Westchester BOCES offers a cost-effective, practical nursing program without compromising on quality.

If you are an LPN aspirant, you can choose from the following two options –

• Classes for the traditional day classes designed for full-timers are held on weekdays and takes ten months to complete.

• The 20-month part-time course incorporates evening classes during weekdays and can be availed by working professionals.

The intensive coursework that includes nursing theory, anatomy, medical-surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics and administration of medication, combines classroom learning, practical lab sessions, and hands-on training in a variety of health care settings in Harrison.

17) Vocational Education and Extension Board – Hicksville


Vocational Education and Extension Board
Nestled cozily within Hicksville, Vocational Education and Extension Board recognizes the individual requirements of every learner as unique and believes in imparting customized education to a diverse society. The institute has been engaged in producing competent practical nurses since the start of this program in 1963.

The 48-week PN coursework applies a collaborative teaching-learning framework with special focus on adaptability to the constantly changing technological community. Three trimesters of fall, spring and summer make up the curriculum wherein each trimester takes at least 16 weeks to complete. You will be attending didactic sessions on weekdays, with clinical sessions scheduled every alternate week. Apart from gaining knowledge in classrooms, students can seek additional guidance from their mentors once every week from 1-2 p.m.

18) Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES – Liverpool


Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES
Armed with a noble mission to provide effective nursing education, Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES has carved a niche for itself in the field of healthcare. The academy has an experienced faculty that guides and supports students at every step.

The college offers a 47-week course in practical nursing where you can opt for either the morning or evening classes based on your convenience. The curriculum includes both classroom learning and clinical sessions consuming a total of 1290 hours of learning. It trains you with nursing skills and knowledge that will help you to work as an entry-level nurse in a variety of clinical settings. Once you successfully graduate from the course, you can take the NCLEX-PN Exam.

19) Schuyler-Steuben-Chemung-Tioga-Allegany BOCES – Cooper and Elmira


Schuyler Steuben Chemung Tioga Allegany BOCES
Schuyler-Steuben-Chemung-Tioga-Allegany BOCES has designed its nursing program keeping in mind the students' need to have a progressive career in the healthcare field. Regular industry interactions, career planning focus, and a-number-of student support services further help students in maximizing their potential.

The 1200 hours long LPN program offered by the institute provides you the following options to choose from:

• A full-time course which begins in August at Cooper and Elmira campuses with classes scheduled throughout the week.
• A part-time 18-month course which begins in September at the Elmira campus location with classes scheduled thrice in a week.

Your training will consist of both theoretical instructions and practical labs. In addition, you will receive first-hand professional experience in nursing care through extensive clinical sessions. Upon graduation, you can start your professional career as an entry-level nurse in hospitals, private clinics, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers among others.

20) Isabella Graham Hart School – Rochester


Isabella Graham Hart School
Located in Rochester within the Rochester Regional Health Learning Center, the Isabella Graham Hart School is a well-known LPN school in NY. The school was inaugurated in 1964 with a vision to train nurses for the rapidly evolving world of healthcare.

This 10-month practical nursing course is for full-time students. Students must complete 1200 hours of learning to be eligible for the NCLEX-PN. The curriculum is divided into three levels spread across two semesters, each one framed meticulously to develop specific learning outcomes. The first level lays the foundation of nursing, the concepts of which are meant to be utilized by students throughout their career. With a focus to provide relief in critical patient-care scenarios, the second level trains students to apply their judgment-making skills in demanding situations effectively. The third level mainly assimilates previously acquired skills in addition to preparing students to display teamwork and leadership skills.

Special note: IGH will also start offering an LPN program with evening classes for working professionals, from August 2019 onward.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY


How to Obtain My LPN License in New York?


You will need to complete a series of steps in order to receive your license to work as a practical nurse in this state.

• Graduate from an approved LPN program.
• File for licensure with the New York Board for Nursing.
• Register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-PN.
• Receive your ATT, then schedule and complete your exam.
• Get a background check and obtain your CPR card.
• Obtain your license to work as a PN in NY.


How Much Will I Earn?


LPN salary in New York can vary based on experience, the facility where you work, and even on the geographical area in which you are employed. You can expect to make at least $22 per hour. The average yearly salary is around $57,000, which is about 3 percent more than the national average.

Type Salary Range Average Salary
Hourly$22.23 - $34.43$27.67
Monthly$3,850 - $5,970$4,800
Annual$46,240 - $71,610$57,560
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


LPN Earnings in this State vs National Average


New York National Difference
Number %
$57,560$55,860+$1,700+3.04%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


Job Outlook for LPN Graduates in New York


As a newly licensed graduate from an LPN program in this state, you can expect to have many job opportunities available in a range or work settings. An aging population means that there will be an increasing need for healthcare professionals, especially considering the increase in chronic health concerns that include obesity, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

While many of these health concerns are handled at physician's offices, many health problems will require admittance into a hospital, a long-term care facility, or a nursing home. Home health care is an increasingly viable career choice in New York, with more people wishing to remain in the comfort of their own homes while receiving vital nursing care services.

Employment 10 Year New Job Growth
Projection (2020-2030)
2020 2030 Number %
48,73057,740+9,010+18.49%
(Source: careeronestop)


Projected LPN Annual Job Openings in New York (2023-2027)


Year New Jobs Replacement Jobs Annual
Job Openings
(New + Replacement)
2023 901 4,019 4,920
2024 989 4,107 5,096
2025 1,110 4,228 5,338
2026 1,240 4,358 5,598
2027 1,380 4,498 5,878
Total Job Openings in the Next 5 Years 26,830
(Source: In-House Research)


6 Best Metro Areas in New York to Work as an LPN


As you may have guessed, the New York City metro area has the most employment opportunities for LPNs with more than 32,600 positions. Bellevue Hospital Center, New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, and The Rockefeller University Hospital are just a few of the major hospitals where you may wish to seek employment. If you would prefer long-term care or home health care work, you might want to check out places such as Village Care of New York, ArchCare at Mary Manning Walsh Home, or BAYADA Nursing.

If you do not live in the great NYC area, you still have ample opportunities for employment. In the Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls region, you might want to check out places like ECMC, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Terrace View Long-Term Care, Goodcare Home Health Services, or All Metro Health Care.

Just a few of the places you might find to work in the Rochester region include Interim HealthCare, Baird Nursing Home, or Highland Hospital.

Rank Metro Area Current
Employment
Average Salary
Hourly Monthly Annual
1 New York-Newark-Jersey City 32,620 $30.31 $5,250 $63,050
2 Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls 3,250 $24.90 $4,320 $51,790
3 Rochester 2,630 $24.94 $4,320 $51,870
4 Albany-Schenectady-Troy 2,360 $24.91 $4,320 $51,800
5 Syracuse 2,140 $24.45 $4,240 $50,860
6 Utica-Rome 1,050 $24.07 $4,170 $50,060
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)



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