How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in New Jersey (2026)
New Jersey employs about 17,410 licensed practical nurses earning a median $75,160 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Licensed Practical Nurse here means completing a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure, then applying through Department of Law and Public Safety - Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Nursing.
Compare Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in New Jersey
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morris County Vocational School District | 68.9 | Contact school for pricing | Not reported | 88% | — | 20 mi |
| 2 | CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College | 60.0 | $5,170 in-state / $8,050 out-of-state | $46,157 | 25% | Yes* | 17 mi |
| 3 | AMG School of Nursing | 58.4 | Contact school for pricing | Not reported | 79% | — | 18 mi |
| 4 | UCNJ Union College of Union County, New Jersey | 58.1 | $5,280 in-state / $9,500 out-of-state | Not reported | 35% | Yes* | 3 mi |
| 5 | Best Care College | 52.2 | Contact school for pricing | $89,155 | 64% | — | 11 mi |
| 6 | Essex County College | 43.1 | $5,415 in-state / $9,523 out-of-state | $48,042 | 20% | Yes* | 11 mi |
| 7 | Hudson County Community College | 38.8 | $5,384 in-state / $9,248 out-of-state | $44,020 | 26% | Yes* | 15 mi |
| 8 | Mildred Elley-New York Campus | 27.8 | $17,926 | $44,844 | 32% | — | 17 mi |
| 9 | Lincoln Technical Institute-Iselin | 25.1 | Contact school for pricing | $42,316 | 54% | — | 4 mi |
| 10 | Universal Training Institute | 25.0 | Contact school for pricing | Not reported | 58% | — | 8 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
New Jersey employs approximately 17,410 licensed practical nurses according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $75,160 1. Nationally, licensed practical nurse employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 54,400 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in New Jersey, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: state-approved practical or vocational nursing program (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure
- Licensing authority: Department of Law and Public Safety - Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Nursing
- Exam: NCLEX-PN
- Median wage (New Jersey): $75,160 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in New Jersey
How to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in New Jersey? Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Apply through Department of Law and Public Safety - Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Nursing.
How long does it take? Most people finish a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Confirm current hour totals with the program and Department of Law and Public Safety - Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Nursing.
Do I need a license in New Jersey? Yes. New Jersey credentials this role through Department of Law and Public Safety - Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Nursing 3. See the licensing section below.
What do licensed practical nurses earn in New Jersey? The median annual wage for licensed practical nurses in New Jersey is $75,160 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $63,210 and experienced professionals can earn $85,400 or more 1.
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in New Jersey
- Meet program entry rules. Approved practical or vocational nursing programs in New Jersey typically require a high school diploma or GED. Confirm current age and prerequisite rules with the program and Department of Law and Public Safety - Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Nursing.
- Complete a state-approved PN or VN program. Finish a board-approved practical or vocational nursing program in New Jersey. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Apply to Department of Law and Public Safety - Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Nursing for authorization to test, then pass the NCLEX-PN. An RN exam does not substitute.
- Apply for LPN or LVN licensure. Obtain the practical or vocational nursing license from Department of Law and Public Safety - Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Nursing before practicing. Confirm reciprocity with the board.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Licensed Practical Nurse License Requirements in New Jersey
New Jersey licenses practical and vocational nurses through Department of Law and Public Safety - Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Nursing. The path is an approved PN or VN program, the NCLEX-PN, and a state LPN or LVN license. Some states use the LVN title; others use LPN. See Department of Law and Public Safety - Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Nursing 3.
Typical path
Meet the program’s entry rules.
Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program.
Pass the NCLEX-PN.
Apply to Department of Law and Public Safety - Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Nursing for LPN or LVN licensure.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with Department of Law and Public Safety - Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Nursing before you enroll.
Licensed Practical Nurse Wages by Metro Area in New Jersey
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Wages by Metro Area in New Jersey
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses wages in New Jersey vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | 32,410 | $75,910 | $75,020 | $62,570 | $87,420 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | 15,920 | $70,710 | $70,900 | $60,620 | $79,690 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | 2,230 | $64,050 | $65,370 | $56,070 | $75,360 |
| Trenton-Princeton | 880 | $75,380 | $75,220 | $62,840 | $80,890 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton | 750 | $69,150 | $70,220 | $59,910 | $81,470 |
| Vineland | 370 | $71,410 | $68,930 | $58,080 | $74,910 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for licensed practical nurses in New Jersey? New Jersey currently employs approximately 17,410 licensed practical nurses 1. Nationally, licensed practical nurse employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a licensed practical nurse in New Jersey with an out-of-state license? Contact the Department of Law and Public Safety - Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Nursing for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in New Jersey? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in New Jersey.
How much do licensed practical nurses earn in New Jersey compared to the national average? The median annual wage for licensed practical nurses in New Jersey is $75,160, which is $12,820 above the national median of $62,340 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In New Jersey
Related trades & nearby areas
- Best Carpenter Schools in New Jersey (2026)
- Best Electrician Schools in New Jersey
- Best HVAC Schools in New Jersey (2026)
- Best Plumber Schools in New Jersey
- Best Plumbing Schools in New Jersey (2026)
- Best Welder Schools in New Jersey
Explore More Trades in New Jersey
- Electrician in New Jersey
- Plumber in New Jersey
- HVAC Technician in New Jersey
- Welder in New Jersey
- Carpenter in New Jersey
- Solar Installation Technician in New Jersey
- Auto Mechanic in New Jersey
- CNC Machinist in New Jersey
- Certified Nursing Assistant in New Jersey
- Medical Assistant in New Jersey
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Department of Law and Public Safety - Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Nursing - Licensing Information: http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/medical/nursing.htm ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |