New Jersey LPN Programs

Directory of state-approved LPN training classes

Many health care careers require extensive training, high tuition and a long period of time to become licensed to work. As an entry-level health care position, the LPN designation is relatively cheap and accessible for most people. The LPN certification can be completed in about one year and costs can be minimized by attending a training program offered at a local community college. There are several community college LPN programs throughout the state of New Jersey.

After completing the practical nurse education program and passing the NCLEX-PN exam the individual is licensed and able to work as an LPN. The health care sector of the economy is amongst the strongest and fastest growing so LPN employment prospects are above average. Obtaining an LPN certificate should not become a fruitless pursuit, as the demand for qualified LPNs is very high amongst hospitals, long-term care facilities and medical treatment centers. LPNs can also seek employment in private home-care settings where they provide specialized individual care for one patient within that patient’s home. These scenarios often provide flexible scheduling and above average pay rates.

The actual work performed by practical nurses includes hundreds of minor tasks that all revolve around caring for the patient and addressing their most basic needs. The LPN remains in close daily contact with their patients and delivers care in a direct format by helping the patient with bathing, feeding, toileting, personal hygiene, and other basic necessities. This is not a position for the squeamish or faint of heart as LPNs will regularly be called upon to do the “dirty work” and should have a positive attitude about the care that they are providing.

If an LPN decides this is not the career for them they can either pursue something entirely different or take another step further into the nursing field. Outside of nursing, an LPN certificate is nearly worthless as the skills cannot be applied to positions outside of the health care field. To remain in health care and climb the ladder, an LPN can pursue an ADN degree, BSN degree or RN designation. The RN position carries more job responsibilities and higher average salaries, but is still highly focused on providing nursing care to patients.

List of LPN Programs in New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey LPN Schools

Our directory lists all New Jersey schools that currently offer approved practical nursing programs. The New Jersey state board of nursing is the regulatory organization in charge of approving LPN education programs. To gain approval, educational institutions must demonstrate to the board of nursing that their program sufficiently prepares students with the knowledge and skills expected of a licensed practical nurse. The on-going approval of a program depends largely upon their graduation rates and the NCLEX pass rates of their graduates. If a program starts to produce poor results in either of these two categories they can quickly lose their state approval or be placed on probationary approval status until their results improve.

Required LPN Classes in New Jersey

The specific course work required in practical nursing programs can differ from institution to institution. However, there are some subjects that are almost always included in most programs. Typical LPN classes include Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology and Pharmacology. Topics covered within these subjects prepare students with the knowledge base required to perform the work of a licensed practical nurse.

How to Become an LPN in New Jersey

Start the process by researching available education programs to find one that suits your schedule and preferences. The next step is to enroll and complete an LPN training program that is approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Most LPN programs take roughly one year to finish. Upon successful completion of all course requirements you are eligible to challenge the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the test you can register with the state of New Jersey as a licensed practical nurse and begin searching for employment.