Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in New Jersey

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NJ

Median Salary
$71,180
New Jersey (2024)
National Median
$62,340
All states
License Fees
$375
Exam + application
Time to Complete
1-2 years
From start to licensed

How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in New Jersey

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in New Jersey, you must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The licensing body is the New Jersey Board of Nursing. A criminal history background check, including fingerprinting, is required, and applicants must be at least 18 years old. New Jersey is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice in New Jersey.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Requirements in New Jersey

DetailNew Jersey
Licensing BodyNew Jersey Board of Nursing
State License Required Yes
EducationCompletion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam NCLEX-PN ($200)
Application Fee$175
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing Education30.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age 18. A criminal history background check, including fingerprinting, is required. CE must include 1 hour on opioid prescription. New Jersey is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another NLC state to practice in New Jersey. New Jersey residents can apply for a multistate license.

Source: New Jersey Board of Nursing

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary in New Jersey

The median licensed practical nurse salary in New Jersey is $71,180 per year, which is 14.2% above the national median of $62,340.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$60,110
25th$64,590
50th (median)$71,180
75th$77,270
90th (experienced)$79,980

New Jersey employs approximately 15,210 licensed practical nurses.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+2.6%
Average
Annual Openings
54.4
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
651.4
Nationwide

AI Impact on Licensed Practical Nurses

Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.51/1.00)

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

Is Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in New Jersey Worth It?

Factors to consider: New Jersey's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get certified as a licensed practical nurse in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, becoming a licensed practical nurse requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($175 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a licensed practical nurse in New Jersey?
New Jersey mandates state licensure for licensed practical nurses. New Jersey Board of Nursing oversees the process, which includes passing the NCLEX-PN.
What is the average licensed practical nurse salary in New Jersey?
licensed practical nurses in New Jersey earn a median of $71,180 annually. — 14% higher than the $62,340 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $60,110, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $79,980.
How expensive is licensed practical nurse licensing in New Jersey?
Between exam fee ($200) and application fee ($175), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How long does it take to become a licensed practical nurse in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, becoming a licensed practical nurse generally takes 1-2 years, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.
What are the continuing education requirements for licensed practical nurses in New Jersey?
Yes — licensed practical nurses in New Jersey must complete 30.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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