7 Best LPN Programs in New Jersey | Accredited Online LPN Programs 2025
New Jersey community colleges offer students hybrid and in-person LPN programs to prepare them for their NCLEX-PN exams and earn their nursing licenses.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are invaluable to the healthcare sector. They can find work in various healthcare settings, from hospitals and long-term care facilities to physicians' offices and home care. Aspiring nurses in New Jersey can work toward their LPN license via programs offered by community colleges, technical schools, or private institutions before earning their license from the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
While many of the best LPN programs are entirely in-person, some offer hybrid options�allowing students to take online courses for LPN certifications at their own pace. Read on for a list of the top online accredited LPN programs offered by community colleges in New Jersey as well as more information about careers in nursing.
Accredited LPN Programs Online in New Jersey
If you're looking for an online LPN program in New Jersey, choose an accredited school that offers a flexible schedule, academic support, and a high-quality experience. Here's our list of the top LPN schools online in the Garden State.
1. Union County College
As one of the many affordable online colleges that accept FAFSA, Union County College offers a four-semester practical nursing program with some classes being available both online and in-person. Clinical rotations are available on weekdays, nights, and weekends, allowing students to fulfill their program requirements with ease.
Tuition for in-county students is typically $203 per semester�depending on how many credits they take�while out-of-county students can expect to pay $365. Upon successful completion of the program, students will have their LPN Certificate as well as 52 college credits.
2. Essex County College
Accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing, Essex County College offers a one-year LPN program at $136.92 per credit for county residents and $273.86 for non-residents. Essex County College's program prepares students for entry-level positions in addition to allowing them to take the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure.
Plus, students have access to LPN online classes and state-of-the-art laboratories on campus, such as a nursing simulation lab, to get hands-on experience that supplements their classroom learning.
3. Camden County College
Camden County College's 46-week practical nursing program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam to receive their LPN certificate. Prospective students can attend this nursing school for $273 per credit.
One of the best features of the practical nursing program at CCC is the school's partnership with Rutgers New Brunswick, which allows students to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing while remaining on the Camden County College campus.
4. Salem County College
Located in Carneys Point, Salem County College's practical nursing program is one of the quickest LPN programs in New Jersey. At $355 per credit hour, students can complete this program in just 44 weeks.
Salem County College teaches students about disease processes, pharmacology, and the theories behind nursing care, offering a unique insight into the field. Students will also learn in a state-of-the-art simulation lab that replicates the clinical setting, whether that be physicians' offices or nursing homes.
5. Hudson County Community College
Preparing students for careers as LPNs or serving as the starting point toward more advanced nursing licenses, Hudson County Community College's School of Nursing program costs $354 for in-county residents, $503 for in-state students, and $645 for non-residents. However, federal financial aid and student grants can lower these costs.
What's most impressive about HCCC's LPN program is the school's NCLEX-PN exam pass rate. In 2023, over 87% of students passed the exam with 80% going on to find jobs in the field.
6. Rowan College of South Jersey
Offering the shortest completion time on our list, students can complete Rowan College of South Jersey's practical nursing program in just two semesters. The certification is also on the cheaper side, costing in-county students $126 per credit and out-of-county students $154.
While students can complete their general education requirements at either the Gloucester or Cumberland campuses, they must choose one location for their nursing education courses. Students will graduate with clinical experience that will prepare them for their future careers.
7. Atlantic Cape Community College
The LPN program at Atlantic Cape Community College gives students the tools they need to succeed in their future endeavors, whether they want to become registered nurses or earn a BSN degree. This certificate program provides in-class instruction paired with simulated clinical situations to give students a well-rounded experience.
Atlantic and Cape May county students can enroll in the LPN program for $166, while out-of-county New Jersey residents will pay $216 and non-state-residents will pay $266. Students can also take their general education courses online at their own convenience.
Our Selection Criteria
To select the top LPN programs offered by New Jersey community colleges, we prioritized:
- Accreditation: All of the schools on our list have received accreditation by the New Jersey Board of Nursing, ensuring students receive a quality education.
- Flexibility: While students will have in-person requirements in nearly every LPN program, we aimed to include institutions that allowed for a hybrid schedule. LPN online classes help students work toward a nursing career at their convenience.
- Unique offerings: Whether it be simulated labs or unique course loads, we prioritized schools that covered the fundamentals of nursing while offering something special.
What To Expect From a Licensed Practical Nurse Program
Online accredited LPN programs offer students a combination of general education classes and focused healthcare coursework that emphasizes all aspects of nursing. Nearly all programs require students to pass some type of English and math class in addition to healthcare-specific classes. There may also be career development courses that focus on skills such as time management and problem-solving.
Additionally, there may be admission requirements and prerequisites. Students must have a high school diploma or GED, and some schools require students to pass a criminal background check before enrolling.
Fast-Track LPN Programs in New Jersey
Accelerated LPN programs prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam faster than traditional programs. Some schools offer a six-month LPN program while others offer a nine-month LPN program. However, none of the schools on our lists offer certificates so quickly.
Camden County College, Essex County College, and Salem Community Colleges each offer a 12-month LPN program.
FAQs About Online LPN Programs With Accreditation in New Jersey
Below are some frequently asked questions about the best LPN programs in the state of New Jersey.
What Is the Fastest LPN Program in New Jersey?
According to My Career NJ, an official site of the state of New Jersey, there are currently around 720 LPN job openings. To take advantage of these open positions, you can enroll in the fastest LPN program in New Jersey, offered by the Ocean County Vocational School at just 10 months. However, there are comparable programs offered by other technical schools and New Jersey colleges.
Read More: Shortest Time To Becoming An LPN
What Courses Are Typically in an Online LPN Program in New Jersey?
The typical courses required for an LPN program include a combination of general education courses, science courses, and nursing courses. Some of the courses you can expect to take include:
- English
- math
- biology
- anatomy and physiology
- mental health care
- patient care
- pediatric nursing
How Long Is an Online Practical Nursing Program in New Jersey?
The duration of full-time online practical nursing programs in New Jersey is anywhere from 10 to 15 months. However, this can change if you're in a part-time LPN program.
Find Online LPN Programs
Students looking for online accredited LPN programs in New Jersey have multiple options to earn their certificates. While there are some online courses for LPN certification, others must be completed in person. Whether you're looking for full-time or part-time LPN programs, your nursing career is just around the corner. If you're ready to enroll in an online LPN program, check out the schools on Learn.org.