How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in New York
Licensed Practical Nurses, also known as LPNs, are nurses who are supervised by Registered Nurses (RNs) and doctors. As an LPN, you can work in the healthcare field without having to spend a long time in school. Most practical nursing programs can be completed in a year or less. And once licensed, you can continue your education and become an RN, or keep working as an LPN. With the current national nursing shortage, any career in the nursing field is a wise choice.
Responsibilities of an LPN include basic patient care such as monitoring a patient’s blood pressure, heart rate and temperature, giving medication and treating wounds. They communicate with patients, get their medical histories and keep records. If changes in a patient’s condition occur, the LPN will report these changes to either the RN in charge or the doctor.
LPN Requirements in New York
There are a few steps that you will need to follow to become an LPN in New York. You must be at least 17 years of age and have either a high school diploma or a GED. Then you must enroll in and complete a post-secondary practical nursing program that has been approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). The program that you complete must consist of at least nine months of classroom and hands-on coursework. Once you have completed an approved nursing program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), which is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). You will also need to pass a background check.
To work as an LPN in New York, you must be licensed and registered. After you have met the requirements above, you can apply for licensure and registration through the NYSED. After you have graduated from a nursing program, you can apply for a limited permit to practice nursing in New York until you become officially licensed. A fee applies for license, registration and limited permits. A limited permit allows you to practice nursing for 90 days while you obtain your license.
Once you are licensed through the state, that license will never expire. Your registration must be renewed by paying a fee every three years to continue working as an LPN in the state. If you are licensed in another state, you can become licensed in New York by paying the license fee and verifying your education and license through the Nursys system.
New York Practical Nursing Programs
There are over 60 community colleges, technical centers and trade schools in the state of New York that offer practical nursing programs that are NYSED approved. Here are a few options to consider:
- The AMG School of Licensed Practical Nursing. Located in Brooklyn, the AMG School offers a 12-month daytime program, or a 14-month program for those who need to work and take classes in the evenings. This program has an onsite clinical lab in which students can practice procedures. Students who complete this program will receive job placement assistance. This program also has a 100 percent pass rate for students who take the NCLEX the first time.
- Niagara County Community College. This program can be completed in four semesters (fall, spring and two summers). Graduates of this program will receive a certificate in Practical Nursing. Students will be prepared to take the NCLEX and apply for licensure.
- Monroe College. Monroe College has campuses located in the Bronx, New Rochelle and St. Lucia. The Practical Nursing program consists of nursing courses and clinical practice. This program can be completed in three semesters and graduates will receive a certificate in Practical Nursing. This program has a 100 percent pass rate for students who complete it and take the NCLEX.
- Several NYC colleges offer LPN to BSN programs
Employment and Salary Outlook for LPNs in New York
The projected national growth rate for LPNs is 12 percent in the 10-year period between 2016 and 2026, according to the Projections Managing Partnership. In 2016, there were 51,490 LPNs employed in the state of New York. In 2026, it is predicted that there will 60,950 LPNs at work. That is an 18 percent increase, which is great news for aspiring LPNs in the state.
The salary for LPNs in New York is also good. In 2017, the average hourly wage for Licensed Practical Nurses in the state was $22.92. Their average annual rate was $47,670. More experienced LPNs in the state were making $62,050 annually.
Working as an LPN in New York
New York ranks fourth in the U.S. for the employment of LPNs. Therefore, you should find plenty of job opportunities throughout the state. The main places you can find employment as an LPN are hospitals, nursing homes and home health settings. Work may also be available in doctors’ offices, correctional facilities, rehab centers and schools. Be prepared to work long hours and to have to stand for extended periods of time, no matter what setting you choose to work in.
The highest paying areas in the state include New York City and White Plains. Other areas in the state that have high employment rates for LPNs include Brooklyn, The Bronx, Glens Falls, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island and Suffolk County. If you are looking for a stable job in the healthcare field that pays well, working as an LPN in New York is a great career choice.
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FAQs
How much do licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earn in the state of New York?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in the state of New York made an average of $49,860 per year in 2019. Entry-level licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earned around $36,030 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $63,230.