In order to work as a New Jersey LPN, residents are required to both complete a state-approved LPN program and pass the national licensure examination (NCLEX-PN).
Every state is required to regulate official, accredited LPN education and training programs. The New Jersey Board of Nursing – which is under the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs – is responsible for approving and regulating LPN NJ schools available throughout the state.
This article clearly explains where to find state-approved NJ LPN programs, and describes the state's LPN licensure requirements.
LPN NJ Licensing Requirements
For those who do not a formal nursing educational background, the following requirements must be met in order to work as an LPN in New Jersey:
- Complete a state-approved NJ LPN program
- Pass the national licensure examination
- Pass a criminal history background check
The State of New Jersey does not participate in the National Licensure Compact (NLC) – a group of 23 states which have agreed to automatically recognize LPN licenses from member states. However, individuals who have an active, out-of-state LPN license can still apply for endorsement by contacting the New Jersey Board of Nursing at (973) 424-8149 and requesting an endorsement application.
NJ LPN School Curriculum
While individual New Jersey LPN programs will contain slightly different courses, all state-approved programs must contain the following educational elements:
- Be taught by a licensed nurse
- Be at least 44 weeks in length
- Offer both theory and clinical learning throughout the program
- Offer equal learning time between the theoretical and clinical components
In the theoretical, classroom portion of LPN programs, New Jersey students learn a number of important skill areas, including:
- Restorative care
- Pain management
- Maternity nursing
- Pediatric nursing
- Nursing for the elderly
- General nursing practice
- Pharmacology
In addition to the theoretical learning, students concurrently work in clinical setting with patients under the supervision of a nurse educator. This clinical practice, often performed in a hospital, both trains students for future LPN NJ careers and prepares them for the licensure examination.
Finding a New Jersey LPN School
The Board of Nursing approves several NJ LPN schools throughout the state, most of which are found in community colleges and vocational schools.
For a complete list of programs in New Jersey specifically approved for practical nursing certification, reference the approved LPN school list.
Benefits of LPN NJ Training
Those who complete a state-approved New Jersey LPN program, and who subsequently are able to pass the NCLEX-PN exam, are able to legally work in the State of New Jersey as an LPN.
With New Jersey's aging population, LPN jobs are expected to be in high demand in the coming years, making the profession ideal for those looking to launch a nursing career.
For information on additional nursing career options, see also:
The Best Nursing Programs Online
David Harris-Gershon - David Harris-Gershon – a blogger for Tikkun magazine and a freelance writer on Israel, the Middle East and America’s role in ...
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