There are a number of LPN programs available out there. In fact, there are hundreds, which could make it difficult for you to choose which program to enroll in. There are a few key aspects that you have to consider when looking at LPN programs by state. You need to remember that there tends to be significant differences in programs from state to state, especially with regards to aspects such as the requirements for getting into the program in the first place. In addition, it may be better to attend LPN programs in certain states rather than others because of the varied salaries offered and the job opportunities available.
Requirements
One key difference that you will note when looking at LPN programs by state is that different states have subtly different requirements for allowing students into the programs. For example, in Utah you need to be older than 18, you need to have a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification, you need to be able to pass the basic skills test that will be administered to you, and you need to pass a background and health check. In Wyoming on the other hand you must meet all of these requirements and get a C grade or a 2.5 GPA in prerequisite courses, and have WY CNA certification.
Exam
In all states you will have to write the NCLEX-PN exam in order to become qualified as an LPN nurse, and the fee for the exam tends to be the same for all states, which is $200 to Pearson Vue, the company that administers the exam. However, there are also other fees which may differ from state to state and that need to be considered when looking into the cost of LPN programs. For example, in Georgia, you pay $40 to the State Board of Nursing and renew your license every two years for $60.
Salary Expectations
The average that you can expect to earn as an LPN once you have completed an LPN program is in the region of about $13.26 – $23.25 on an hourly basis and $27,659 – $50,674 on a monthly basis. The average overtime rate is $14.53 – $34.26 and the average bonus rate is $0.00 – $1,045. However it is important to remember that these rates differ enormously from state to state and may therefore affect which state you choose to do an LPN program in.
Highest Paying States
The highest paying states are:
- Connecticut = $24.39
- Massachusetts = $22.72
- New Jersey = $22.50
- Maryland = $21.89
- District of Columbia = $21.85
- Rhode Island = $21.82
- Delaware = $21.20
- California = $21.19
- Alaska = $20.76
- Nevada = $20.33
Lowest Paying States
The lowest paying states are:
- North Dakota = $15.41
- Missouri = $15.38
- Louisiana = $15.14
- Montana = $14.85
- Arkansas = $14.72
- Oklahoma = $14.49
- South Dakota = $14.37
- Alabama = $14.34
- Mississippi = $14.15
- West Virginia = $14.15
Financial Aid
Most states offer specific financial aid options to help their students get through their LPN studies. To find out more about these options you will have to do some of your own investigation. Most states will offer loans that you have to repay, but there are often also grants, given to students who have a severe financial need, and scholarships, given to students who have proven to be above the rest academically. These do not need to be repaid. In addition specific schools offer aid and even your employer may be willing to help you study further if you promise to work for them in return.
Best States To Be An LPN
There are a lot of differences in LPN programs by state. Often students are limited to studying in the state where they live. However if you are able to pick and choose you may find that there are some states that are better to work in than others. This is due n part to the salary you can earn there. Often it has to do with the number of schools that are available in that state. Some of the best states are mentioned below and should be considered for those students who have a choice about where they can study.
The Most Job Openings
The states that have the most job openings for LPNs are:
- Florida = 2,400 average annual job openings
- California = 2,300 average annual job openings
- Pennsylvania = 1,450 average annual job openings
- Ohio = 1,200 average annual job openings
- Georgia = 960 average annual job openings
- Tennessee = 870 average annual job openings
- New Jersey = 800 average annual job openings
- Illinois = 750 average annual job openings
- North Carolina = 720 average annual job openings
- Indiana = 710 average annual job openings
The Least Job Openings
The states with the least number of job openings for LPNs are:
- New Hampshire = 110 average annual job openings
- South Dakota = 80 average annual job openings
- Hawaii = 70 average annual job openings
- North Dakota = 70 average annual job openings
- Rhode Island = 70 average annual job openings
- Delaware = 60 average annual job openings
- Maine = 50 average annual job openings
- Vermont = 50 average annual job openings
- Wyoming = 5 average annual job openings
- Alaska = 20 average annual job openings
The basic information you may need about the programs in each of these states are contained below. Further research will however be required to make a good decision.
California
To enter an LPN program in California, which is the best state to be an LPN in, you will need to have a GED or high school diploma. In addition your grades form school need to be very good. You must also pass a background test adequately.
To write the NCLEX-PN exam you will need to pay $75. In order to renew your license once every two years you will pay $85 and prove that you have done 30 hours of continuing education.
The average annual salary in California is $39570. There are more than 50 schools that offer LPN programs in California.
Florida
In order to enroll in an LPN program in Florida you will need to hold a high school diploma or an equivalent thereof. In addition you will have to pass both a health check and a background check.
To write the NCLEX-PN exam you will need to pay $200. In order to renew your license once every two years you will pay $145 and prove that you have done 24 hours of continuing education.
The average annual salary in Florida is $39520. There are more than 60 schools that offer LPN programs in Florida.
New York
To enroll in an LPN program in New York you are required to be 17 years old or older. You also need to hold a high school diploma. In addition you will have to pass both the health check and the criminal background check required.
To write the NCLEX-PN exam you will need to pay $200. In order to renew your license once every two years you will pay $50. You do not have to prove that you have done any continuing education.
The average annual salary in New York is $34380. There are almost 70 schools that offer LPN programs in New York.
Ohio
To be eligible to enroll in an LPN program in Ohio you need to be older than 18 and hold a high school certificate. In addition you will need to pass the required background checks and the health check.
To write the NCLEX-PN exam you will need to pay $200. In order to renew your license once every two years you will pay $65 and prove that you have done 24 hours of continuing education.
The average annual salary in Ohio is $33860. There are only 3 schools that offer LPN programs in Ohio.
Pennsylvania
To enroll in an LPN program in Pennsylvania you need to be 17 years old or older. You also need t have a high school diploma. In addition to passing the health check and background check you also need to have achieved an appropriate grade on the prerequisite courses that are required by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
To write the NCLEX-PN exam you will need to pay $200. In order to renew your license once every two years you will pay $60 and prove that you have done 30 hours of continuing education.
The average annual salary in Pennsylvania is $34950. There are more than 60 schools that offer LPN programs in Pennsylvania.
You should now be in a better position to decide which states you would prefer to do an LPN program in. the differences are fairly significant, but in some cases certain states are very similar in a number of ways to certain other states. Basically the bottom line s that you will have to some research yourself into which of the states are better than others. A close analysis of LPN programs by state will be required here, and it is important that you do this research as required.