If you want to pursue an LPN program in New York, you should budget between $3,200 to over $70,000 depending on the qualification you want to go for. There are also other ways to make the cost cheaper by applying for grants and scholarships. In this blog post, you will find a list of LPN programs in NYC that are free then you can make a decision on which one fits you best.
LPN stands for Licensed Practical Nurse. LPN are nurses that provide basic nursing care and work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). LPN can work across variety of healthcare facilities including clinics and hospitals. If you want to become an LPN, then you will need to pursue an academic program that will instill in you the qualities, skills, and experience of an LPN.
A bachelor’s degree in nursing will make you an RN but a certificate, diploma, or associate degree in nursing will qualify you to become an LPN. And you won’t even be allowed to practice until you sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and pass the aggregate score as required by the state for you to become a fully-fledged LPN.
It takes between 15 to 24 months to become an LPN depending on the qualification you wish to go for, the associate’s degree takes the longest amount of time and, of course, requires more money. If you want it to be quicker, then you can apply for an accelerated program like the accelerated nursing programs in New York and graduate in 12 months or less.
The program is typically offered by vocational schools, community colleges, and private institutions. The cost of the program varies across these institutions, the qualification you wish to go for whether a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree, and student’s residency status.
During the LPN training program, prospective nurses learn basic nursing skills through a combination of coursework and clinical experiences. If you wish to enter the LPN training course, you must satisfy all entry requirements as requested by the institution or program. Although the requirements may vary, they typically require the following:
- You must have completed high school or have a GED
- Transcripts from high school or other institutions attended
- Minimum of 18 years old
- Meet the minimum score of standardized test score
When you complete the program and start working as an LPN, it will be much easier and faster to transition into a BSN degree because you have some nursing experience and qualifications, any nursing program would love to accept you. So, from LPN, you can grow your nursing career into RN.
If the cost of the LPN program will become a major setback hindering you from pursuing the program, there are ways to make them affordable such as looking for a cheaper college, applying for scholarships and grants, or applying for a student loan which you can begin repaying when you start working.
LPN Programs In NYC For Free
There are many institutions in NYC offering LPN programs and they are costly as you may have already known. However, there are several LPN programs in NYC that offer financial aid like scholarships, grants, bursaries, and low-interest student loans to help offset the cost of tuition, it is unlikely to find an LPN program in New York City that is completely free.
The following are LPN programs in NYC that offer financial aid to students:
- LaGuardia Community College Free LPN Program
- The 1199SEIU Funds LPN Scholarship
- New York State Memorial Scholarship
- Dutchess Community College
- New York City HHC
- Foundation of the Student Nurses Association – Bronx Community College
- Hudson Valley Technology Development Center
1. LaGuardia Community College Free LPN Program
LaGuardia Community College is a public community college located in Long Island City and is one of the top three community colleges in the US. The college offers academic majors in nursing, computer, business administration, biology, and many others to international and domestic students.
The LPN program at LaGuardia is offered for free through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) in New York. The free LPN program prepares graduates to sit for the National Council of State Boards Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). It takes 2 years to complete the program.
2. The 1199SEIU Funds LPN Scholarship
The 1199SEIU Funds program is designed to provide educational funds for individuals who want to pursue a LPN program whether in the state of New York or anywhere in the US. The fund is provided annually to a limited number of students and it is provided through the Educational Benefits Administer. The fund covers tuition, uniform, and books & supplies.
To be eligible for The 1199SEIU Funds scholarship, you must have been accepted or already enrolled in an accredited LPN program with a good academic record.
3. New York State Memorial Scholarship
The NYS Memorial Scholarship is a financial aid program that provides free funding to children, spouses, and financial dependents of deceased firefighters, police officers, and public health workers who died in the line of duty in New York state.
If you fit into the category, you can apply for this scholarship and direct the funding towards your tertiary education such as the LPN program for instance.
4. Dutchess Community College
Dutchess Community College is a public community college in Dutchess County, New York. The college offers over 60 academic programs and certificates to residents and non-residents. Among its programs is the LPN program which one can take for free thanks to the Workforce Investment Act that provides free funding to eligible candidates.
The LPN program at Dutchess combines coursework and hands-on clinical experience to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN. You will have to maintain excellent academic performance to keep getting the funding to complete your program.
5. New York City HHC
The New York City HHC is one of the providers of free LPN programs in NYC. If you want to pursue an LPN program in NY and don’t have the funds or you are simply looking for funding support, then you can apply for the New York City HHC funding to get free funding for your studies. The funding is provided to the HHC through the Mayor’s center for economic opportunity.
NYC HHC accepted only 40 students per academic session for the LPN program which takes 11 months to complete. To be eligible for this free training, meet all the entry requirements and apply early to increase your chances of getting into the free program.
6. Foundation of the Student Nurses Association – Bronx Community College
If you want to study nursing or a nursing-related course like LPN at Bronx Community College, you can get free educational funding through the Foundation of the Student Nurses Association. To be eligible for the funding, you must be a student that is actively involved in community services that are healthcare-related.
The free funding covers tuition, uniforms, books & supplies. To apply for the scholarship, you must pay a $10 fee.
7. Hudson Valley Technology Development Center
Hudson Valley Technology Development Center offers a wide range of hands-on training programs that prepare graduates to be job ready. One of the many training courses the technology center offers is the LPN program and you can do it for free thanks to its participation in the Workforce Investment Act and other workforce programs.
The free LPN program offered by Hudson Valley Technology Development Center is one of the LPN programs in NYC for free but you need to meet the requirements to enable you to qualify for the free funding.
From this list, you can find a suitable school where you can get your LPN training in NYC for free. It is important to research and compares different LPN programs in NYC to find the one that best fits your needs and budget.
How long is LPN program in NYC?
It takes between 9 months to 2 years to complete an LPN program in NYC.