Help! I need help finding the right LPN programs in NJ

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Dec 20, 2012

There is a list of approved nursing programs on the board of nursing website. What part of NJ are you in? Most counties offer a reasonable cost, well respected LPN program via the county college or county vocational school. You can also view NCLEX pass rates on the BoN website. Ocean & Monmouth offer a PN program via the county vocational school.

mrslogan · Dec 20, 2012

Thanks for the tips. I don't live in NJ, I live in Rhode island and the wait list here is another story, trying to relocate when I find an LPN school.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Dec 20, 2012

there is a link to all state boards of nursing at tge bottom of this site go to consumer information for links to approved programs and nclex pass rates

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Dec 21, 2012

Here's a link to the NJ BoN website:

New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - Board of Nursing

There are links to the approved programs. Many are private schools that have higher tuition costs but less waiting list and often less pre-requisites than public schools. The program reports are the NCLEX pass rates for the past 5 years which are ONE indicator of a program's reputation. The minimum pass rate for a program was at 75% but I believe there is a move to move the bar up to 80%.

Be aware that the cost of living in NJ is pretty high in most areas. There are not many jobs in NJ for new graduate practical nurses and since there are more new LPN's than jobs it affects the rate of pay (lower pay if so many are desperate for a job). Good luck in your educational endeavors.

mrslogan · Dec 21, 2012

Thanks, the link was very helpful. Also the living and jobs conditions got me wondering.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Dec 21, 2012

There are many LPNs who graduated a year or more ago searching for their first nursing job in NJ as well as many who took per diem jobs without benefits just to work as a nurse. Especially in the aftermath of TS Sandy, property taxes will be going up for rebuilding and thus living expenses but salaries won't do the same in most jobs. Unemployment in NJ is around 10% and even RNs are having a hard time finding jobs. Just something to think about.

mrslogan · Dec 22, 2012

Im not planning on staying, getting my education than move back home

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Dec 22, 2012

I would just ensure that the programs in NJ meet the educational requirments of the board of nursing in RI. States have different requirements. Some NJ programs exceed the state and NLN recommendations for classroom and clinical hours while other programs meet the bare minimum. (This was an issue for someone I know who tried to endorse to GA, GABON has very specific clinical & classroom hour requirements and simply graduating & passing the NCLEX was not sufficient to endorse to GA. Fortunately this individual attended one of the programs that exceeded the minimum requirements and endorsement was granted once the nursing transcript was reviewed and deemed equivalent to GA requirements.)

Good luck in your quest. Some county programs restrict admission to county residents while others will accept non-residents but at a higher rate. Such is life in NJ.