There is A Future for LPNs
Licensed Practical Nurses, or LPNs, declined 29% from 1991-2000, but this is not a sign that LPNs are no longer needed. In fact, the opposite is true. But before we examine that statistic, we need to understand the reasons behind the decrease.
One reason for this downtrend was that many hospitals underwent staffing cuts that affected LPNs and RNs. The other contributing factor was the nationwide shift from “team nursing,” which included LPNs, to a primary care model. In this model, one nurse is responsible for all of the patient’s healthcare needs instead of “team nursing.” RNs were the best choice because of their extensive training over that of an LPN.
Top 5 LPN Programs in New Hampshire
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Wachusett Community College | Gardner, Massachusetts |
| 2 | Holyoke Community College | Holyoke, Massachusetts |
| 3 | Greenfield Community College | Greenfield, Massachusetts |
| 4 | North Shore Community College | Danvers, Massachusetts |
| 5 | MassBay Community College | Wellesley, Massachusetts |
Despite this setback, The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects an 11% growth for LPNs into 2028. Key states needing more LPNs are:
- Texas
- California
- New York
- Florida
- Ohio
Graduates with an LPN certificate can find careers in the following healthcare professions:
- Outpatient care
- Nursing care facilities
- Home health
- Retirement facilities
Since there will always be a need for healthcare workers, especially as our elderly population increases, students with an LPN degree can find work virtually anywhere in the world.
Lastly, an LPN certificate can be a bridge to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).
Below is our list of the top schools offering lpn programs in nh. Because this state is small with limited schools to choose from, we also included nearby Massachusetts and Vermont.
In the event of a tie, each school received the same placement. Next, we skipped a number to continue the sequence.
Best 12 Schools for LPN in New Hampshire
Mount Wachusett Community College
Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) is located in Gardner, Massachusetts, and is a public institution with around 1,300 undergraduates. MWCC’s 46-credit LPN certificate breaks down into 7-course programs over three semesters. LPN graduates interested in pursuing their RN degree may apply LPN credits towards this degree.
School Overview
Holyoke Community College
Holyoke Community College is a public institution in Holyoke, Massachusetts, with about 2,200 undergraduates. The 46-credit curriculum for the Practical Nursing Certificate covers such topics as human anatomy and physiology, introduction to nutrition, and pharmacology.
School Overview
Greenfield Community College
Greenfield Community College is located in Greenfield, Massachusetts, but students in the LPN program will attend the Northhampton campus. GCC is a public institution with around 500 students and offers a 43-credit LPN program. If LPN graduates from GCC aspire to become RNs, they can apply some of their credits toward this degree.
School Overview
North Shore Community College
At North Shore Community College, students can earn their LPN in 10 months. NSCC is a public college located in the Boston, Massachusetts area and has approximately 1,900 students. The LPN program is 43-credits that start in the fall and wrap up with one summer course.
School Overview
MassBay Community College
MassBay Community College is a public school located in the Boston, Massachusetts area. Enrollment at MassBay Community College is around 1,400 students, and their LPN program is 44-credits. Students will take classes at the Framingham location while clinical courses are held at area healthcare facilities.
School Overview
Vermont Technical College
Vermont Technical College is unique in that they offer their PN (Practical Nursing) certificate at various locations across Vermont and Keene and Lancaster/Littleton, New Hampshire. This 35-credit program is intended to be used as part of their “career ladder” in acquiring the Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) followed by the Bachelor Science in Nursing (BSN.)
School Overview
Quinsigamond Community College
Quinsigamond Community College is a public institution that offers a 46-credit LPN certificate at their Worcester campus in Massachusetts. Students should be aware that they will need to travel to various clinical sites located in the county. LPN graduates from QCC may apply their credits toward receiving their RN degree.
School Overview
Northern Essex Community
Located in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Northern Essex Community College (NECC) is a public college with around 1,600 undergraduates. NECC offers a 47-credit curriculum in LPN at their Lawrence campus but will fulfill clinical work at other nearby healthcare facilities. According to NECC’s website, their LPN is “…an intense, fast-paced 10-month certificate program.”
School Overview
River Valley Community College
River Valley Community College is located in Claremont, New Hampshire, and is a public school with around 150 students. River Valley Community College offers flexible scheduling with online classes or hybrid offerings for students with work and family commitments.
School Overview
Quincy College
Quincy College is located in Quincy, Massachusetts, and is a public school with approximately 1,200 students. Quincy College offers a 44-credit LPN certificate that combines Nurse of the Future concepts with a concept-based curriculum.
School Overview
Harmony Health Care Institute
Harmony Health Care Institute is a small for-profit institution located in Merrimack, New Hampshire. The only degree offered is an LPN, so students will enjoy peers’ camaraderie focused on the same subjects. They offer flexible hours for students who have family or work obligations.
School Overview
American School of Nursing and Medical Careers
Located in Manchester, New Hampshire, the American School of Nursing is a for-profit college with a small enrollment of approximately 115 students. Although currently closed either due to COVID or the recent Change in Ownership, we have provided them in this study in the event they reopen soon.
School Overview
How We Ranked The Schools
We searched community colleges in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and Vermont that offered an LPN or PN degree or certificate. We ranked these institutions based upon the following:
- Yearly in-state tuition
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Months to complete
All of the schools were ranked based upon the lowest:
- Tuition,
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Months to complete
If you’re still uncertain about an LPN or PN certificate or have any other questions regarding colleges or degrees, please contact us for assistance.
Is Your School Misrepresented?
If you work for one of these community colleges but found our data incorrect, please contact us to revise.
