Online LPN Programs in New Jersey: See Top Schools

New Jersey’s Online LPN Programs Uncovered

While most LPN programs require in-person training, lots of nursing schools today offer online programs featuring hybrid options that combine online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences.

Before enrolling in any online LPN program, however, it’s important to understand exactly how these programs work in terms of their balance of on-campus and online components, content delivery methods, etc.

To get you started, here are spotlights of three current hybrid LPN programs in NJ. These spotlights will give you a good idea of what you can expect to find during your program search.

FAQs from Future LPNs

While the school spotlights offer considerable insights about how LPN programs in New Jersey work, they’ve likely raised a few questions as well. To help with that, here are the answers to five of the most frequently asked questions by prospective New Jersey LPN students.

What skills do you learn in LPN programs in New Jersey?

LPN programs in New Jersey prepare students for competent nursing practice through the development of skills in three major areas:

• Theory-based instruction that includes patient assessment methods, the fundamentals of the human body (anatomy and physiology), and medical care.
• Practical skills needed to perform specific clinical tasks under the direct supervision of an RN, physician, or other supervisory personnel. These are the skills you’ll develop through the hands-on practice in your program’s simulation labs and clinical training.
• Professional principles and soft skills in areas such as critical thinking and decision making, written and oral communication, and professional ethics.

How much do LPN programs in New Jersey cost?

LPN programs in New Jersey differ in cost — sometimes substantially — due to a number of factors, the most impactful including:

• Credential type
• Total program length
• Whether the school is public or private (with private schools often more expensive than public schools)
• Student’s place of residence (with out-of-county or out-of-state residents often charged a higher tuition rate)

The figures quoted in the school spotlights offer ballpark estimates for tuition and fees in public school programs. However, these figures may or may not include additional costs for such items as:

• Textbooks and study materials
• Uniforms and medical equipment
• Registration fee for the NCLEX-PN exam

Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN program in New Jersey?

A wide variety of financial aid options are available to qualifying LPN students, including:

• Scholarships and grants
• Student loans
• Tuition discounts
• Employer tuition reimbursement
• Tuition deferment and installment plans

The key here is to contact the financial aid offices at each of the schools you’re considering to get detailed and up-to-date information on the funding help you may be eligible for.

Also, be sure to check out the financial aid opportunities offered through the State of New Jersey’s Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

How long do LPN programs in New Jersey take to finish?

As with costs, the lengths of LPN programs in New Jersey vary depending on the specific program and credential offered. And while there are accelerated LPN programs that offer six-month program lengths, students in New Jersey can expect to spend from one year to 18 months full-time or up to two years or more part-time completing their LPN programs.

Students opting for full-time study will, in most cases, attend class sessions either on campus or via live stream during weekdays or evenings, while most part-time students will attend classes on the weekends.

In-person clinicals may be scheduled at practically any time (days, nights, weekends) depending on the specific program.

How do I know that the New Jersey LPN program I’m considering is a quality program?

Word of mouth is a great way to get the lowdown on the quality of academics at LPN programs in New Jersey. But there are some more reliable indicators of program quality.

First, consider those LPN programs that are:

• Approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing
• Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Another sign of program quality and effectiveness is a program’s NCLEX-PN pass rate, which is often listed on program websites.

Licensing Requirements for LPNs in New Jersey

Before you begin your practical nurse training, it’s important to understand the requirements for LPN licensure. Here is a look at the steps you’ll take to acquire your initial New Jersey LPN license:

• Education and Training. The first major requirement is to complete a state-approved and properly-accredited practical nurse education program.
• LPN Licensing Application. You’ll apply for your LPN license and pay the application fee (currently $75) and initial licensing fee (currently $120) via this New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs MyLicense website. Application submittals include the official transcripts from your LPN program and information needed to complete a criminal history background check.
• NCLEX-PN. Once you’ve applied for your LPN license and received your Authorization to Test (ATT) from the New Jersey Board of Nursing, you will register for and take the NCLEX-PN, the exam you must pass for licensure eligibility. Full information on preparing for, applying to, and taking the exam can be found on the official NCLEX website.
• License Renewal and Continuing Education. You must renew your New Jersey LPN license every two years. Renewal requirements include paying the renewal fee (currently $125) and completing a minimum of 30 continuing education contact hours.

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