Interested in becoming a nurse in the state of New Hampshire? If you are eager to get going quickly and to start earning a paycheck soon, consider training to become a licensed practical nurse, or LPN, first. Countless RNs around the state start out as LPNs because the training is fairly brief and fairly affordable. Additionally, LPNs in New Hampshire have it pretty good, enjoying excellent compensation and benefits as well as access to thousands of jobs around the Granite State.
Certain steps must be followed to become an LPN in New Hampshire. First and foremost, you must take and pass an LPN training program at a local community college or vocational school. To be eligible to take the licensing exam later, the program must be approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing, so it is important to look carefully. Find recommendations for LPN programs in New Hampshire as well as other pertinent info below.
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Top LPN Programs in New Hampshire
As you have learned, the most important step in becoming an LPN in New Hampshire is enrolling in a state-approved LPN training program. Finding the right one can be daunting because there are so many options out there. To help kick-start your search, here are top recommendations for reputable LPN training programs in New Hampshire:
Harmony Health Care Institute
10 Al Paul Ln, Merrimack, NH 03054 (603) 886-0822River Valley Community College
1 College Pl, Claremont, NH 03743 (603) 542-7744
Neighboring States: Massachusetts | Maine | Vermont
By launching your search with these programs, you can quickly get a feel for what to look for in an LPN training program. In addition to being approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing, it should have competitive NCLEX pass rates. Ideally, your program should have a pass rate of at least 95 percent.
LPN Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire
Before looking for LPN programs in New Hampshire, learn as much as you can about the licensing process. Licensing requirements for LPNs in New Hampshire are enforced by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing, so you can always check with this agency for the most accurate and timely information.
Some of the most important licensing requirements for LPNs in New Hampshire include:
- Completing an LPN program that is approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. It must include at least 600 combined classroom and clinical hours of training. Expect the training to take anywhere from 12 to 18 months to complete.
- Submitting an application for an LPN license by exam to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. With it, include official transcripts directly from your training program; a copy of state-issued driver’s license; and a fingerprint card for a criminal background check.
- Registering for, taking and passing the NCLEX-PN licensing examination for LPNs. It is administered at test locations around the state on dates throughout the year.
New Hampshire belongs to the Nurse Licensure Compact, which means that you can practice here if you have a valid multistate LPN license from another NLC state. Otherwise, you must attempt a transfer via endorsement.
First LPN licenses in New Hampshire expire on the second birthday of the licensee, not exceeding two years. The following expiration dates are every two years on the licensee’s birthday. At the time of renewal, you must show proof of having completed 30 hours of continuing education.
New Hampshire Board of Nursing
You must submit your application for a New Hampshire LPN license to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing, which also handles things like renewals and reinstatements. Keep their contact information handy so you know where to turn if and when you need assistance:
New Hampshire Board of Nursing
121 S Fruit St, Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 271-2152
Fax: (603) 271-2856
LPN Salary & Employment Outlook in New Hampshire
Decent amounts of time, effort and money go into becoming an LPN in New Hampshire, so it stands to reason that you want assurance that you will be able to find work and be fairly compensated for it when you are done. In general, LPNs in the state of New Hampshire do quite well when compared with LPNs in many other states, enjoying competitive pay and access to thousands of great jobs.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in New Hampshire earn an average salary of $63,170 per year, which is equal to $30.37 per hour. On the national level, LPNs earn an average of $54,620 per year, which is equal to $26.26 per hour. Without question, then, LPNs in this state do very well in terms of compensation.
At the same time, the field of licensed practical nursing is exploding across the state of New Hampshire. According to the BLS, this field is expected to grow by 17 percent from 2014 to 2024. This is slightly faster than the national rate, which is 16 percent, and it means that around 100 new LPN jobs will become available per year during that timeframe.
LPN Salaries in New Hampshire by Area
LPNs in New Hampshire enjoy higher salaries than LPNs in many other states. By the same token, LPNs in some parts of the state itself earn more than LPNs in other areas. If getting the highest pay possible is a top priority, it helps to know where to go for the best opportunities.
As you will see, average pay and job availability for LPNs in New Hampshire varies widely:
| Area | Total Employments | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | 540 | $31.39 | $65,290 |
| Portsmouth | 280 | $31.16 | $64,800 |
| Dover-Durham | 130 | $29.39 | $61,130 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2022
Are you ready to become an LPN in New Hampshire? Find a program and enroll in one today!
