10 Best LPN Programs in New York | Accredited Online LPN Programs 2025

Virtual classes and accredited online LPN programs are popular with busy nontraditional learners. Many colleges offer online degree programs identical to degrees earned on campus. However, nursing programs usually require in-person attendance for labs and clinical experiences.

Finding 100% online accredited LPN programs in New York is not entirely possible because LPNs need in-person clinical experience. Students who do want the ability to learn online can enroll in programs that offer online general education courses or hybrid courses, letting them become a licensed practical nurse in only a few months. In the future, LPNs can use this education as a starting point for becoming a registered nurse (RN) or earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Accredited LPN Programs Online in New York

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are licensed healthcare professionals who have completed a practical nursing certificate program and passed the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses). They work under registered nurses, doctors, or dentists, but cannot triage, diagnose, or create care plans. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions licenses graduates of LPN schools online and in person. Consider these options:

1. LaGuardia Community College

LaGuardia Community College, one of the colleges in the City University of New York system, offers a practical nursing (LPN) certificate. This 10-month certificate program is one of the best in New York because 100% of the graduates have passed the NCLEX-PN in the last three years. With tution being around $300 per credit hour, students can affordably become an LPN after finishing 48 credits. Plus, if a student's family income is below $125,000 they are eligible for free tuition.

Although most of the clinical courses will be in-person, students may be able to take the pre-clinical courses online if they meet the college's requirements of having finished one semester with a GPA of 2.0 or getting permission from their department.

2. Maria College

An LPN certificate from Maria College, a private institution, requires that students complete many of the same classes that registered nurse candidates must take. LPN students can complete some required LPN courses remotely. However, in-person weekend classes are required by the LPN certificate program. The cost of attending Maria College is $9,000 per semester.

3. SUNY-Niagara

Even though SUNY-Niagara does not offer an online LPN program, high school students who want to become an LPN can begin classes early with the College Acceleration Program (CAP). CAP classes are $86 per credit hour, making SUNY-Niagara one of the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA. Transferring these credits into the LPN program will help students graduate quickly since the LPN program usually takes two summers, a fall, and a spring semester to finish.

4. Borough of Manhattan Community College

Borough of Manhattan Community College's (BMCC) accredited LPN program let students enroll in prerequisite classes that may be taken online in synchronous settings (online at a specific day and time). The BMCC campus provides a unique nursing skills laboratory where students practice newly learned skills like basic life support on simulated patients. Academic support can also be accessed online. Tuition for New York City residents is $210 per credit hour while nonresidents pay $320 per credit hour.

5. Finger Lakes Community College

Core courses in nursing fundamentals, such as anatomy and physiology, English, and psychology, are available partially online for students enrolled in the online accredited LPN programs. However, required nursing courses take place in person on campus. Students also travel to medical facilities as part of their education. The Finger Lakes program includes a simulated care facility that teaches realistic, hands-on skills. State residents pay $2,688 per semester.

6. North Country Community College

Online courses fulfill some requirements for North Country Community College's (NCCC) LPN certificate, particularly math, biology, and English requirements. These flexible synchronous LPN online classes allow NCCC students to watch and participate in real-time or take a class asynchronously, making it one of the best online LPN programs in New York. State residents pay $5,400 in tuition each year for full-time attendance.

7. Hostos Community College

Hostos Community College, part of the CUNY system, holds day and evening LPN classes. Convenient for students from Long Island, Brooklyn, and other boroughs, some credits for prerequisite courses can be transferred from other CUNY schools. Tuition at HCC is $265 to $320 per credit hour, but students enrolled in online accredited LPN programs may search for scholarships on the financial aid database.

8. Monroe University

Monroe University, a private suburban school, boasts an NCLEX-PN pass rate of 100% for LPN certificate students getting their New York LPN license. Monroe's basic LPN program requirements, including classes in statistics, English, and psychology, are offered online. Tuition costs for full-time attendance is $8,172 per semester.

9. Genessee Community College

Genessee Community College in Batavia waives application fees for students interested in its accredited partially online LPN program. The Genesee Promise Plus financial aid package pledges to remove financial barriers to education for residents of surrounding communities, making GCC one of the best LPN programs in the region. Full time tuition is $5,250 per semester.

General education requirements include online options in asynchronous, synchronous, hybrid, and partially synchronous modes. Nursing classes require in-person attendance.

10. Board of Cooperative Educational Services

Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) programs offer adult education in 38 locations. These educational opportunities level the playing field for non-traditional students. BOCES has two location in New York: Watertown and Glenfield, providing the best LPN programs in northern New York, with classes for online accredited LPN programs potentially fulfilling many program requirements. The total cost of the program is $23,082.

Our Selection Criteria

Students seeking LPN licensure through schools with state accreditation take identical classes. Programs with exclusively LPN online classes are rare, as are part-time LPN programs. For this list, we selected the most affordable, flexible opportunities that will result in an LPN license.

• Online: We chose accredited colleges that offer online course options for LPN students.
• Hybrid: The listed institutions allow students to pace their classes by providing in-person and on-campus options.
• Accredited: Colleges whose LPN curricula meet or exceed state and national standards for medical education were given priority.

What To Expect From an Online Licensed Practical Nurse Program in New York

If you want to enroll in a licensed practical nurse program in New York, you should first expect to attend some in-person classes. Some colleges may claim to offer an online LPN program, but usually only pre-clinical courses can be taken online. Since the program usually lasts around a year, you can expect to be busy attending lectures, practicing in labs, and receiving real training at clinicals.

Some of the courses you will take include:

• nursing fundamentals
• anatomy and physiology
• introduction to psychology
• medication simulation
• introduction to sociology

Fast-Track LPN Programs in New York

Fast-track LPN programs can help students graduate at a much faster pace. In New York, LaGuardia Community College and Finger Lakes Community College offer 10-month LPN programs, but those are not labeled ''fast track.'' Several others are 12-month LPN programs, letting you start your nursing career in a year.

Mesa Community College in Arizona offers a fast-track certificate that is a nine-month LPN program and costs $66,047. Gateway Community College in Maricopa County, AZ, has a three-term fast-track LPN. If you are interested in a six-month LPN program, you may need to go out-of-state, however, you'll need to look into those credentials as they will likely apply to that particular state.

FAQs About Accredited Online LPN Programs in New York State

As you can see from our list of the best LPN programs in New York, not all LPN programs are alike. Learn more about the basics before deciding if an LPN certificate is for you.

How Long Does It Take To Become an LPN in New York?

Most LPN programs take 15 to 18 months. The fastest way to become an LPN is to maximize your course load by combining online and in-person classes. Before enrolling in a program, see if there's a way to complete your program in a year.

What Licensure Is Needed To Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in New York?

Becoming a licensed practical nurse in New York requires passing a TEAS test of basic proficiency with a minimum grade to enter a certificate program. Upon completion, the student must pass the NCLEX-PN state board licensing exam.

What Is the Easiest LPN Program To Get Into in New York?

BOCES programs are convenient to communities around the state and, therefore, most accessible. Small, local classes and personal attention may make these easy to get into and complete, but minimum grades are still required.

What Careers Are Available for LPN Students?

Licensed LPNs can work in full-time patient care, including facilities offering mental health, pediatric, or long-term care, hospital healthcare teams, and dental offices. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics shows job growth of 3% per year for the next decade.

Find an Online LPN Program

New York's extensive public education system offers many full-time and part-time LPN certificate opportunities. Check out the programs on Learn.org and contact any college with a program that interests you.