LPN Programs in New Hampshire 2026
New Hampshire’s state-approved LPN programs are offered by community colleges and private career schools. Most require active LNA licensure for admission and lead to NCLEX-PN eligibility upon completion. The NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification maintains the current list of approved entry-level programs.
Sponsored School(s)
Choosing an LPN program in New Hampshire takes more than picking the closest school. Program availability has expanded in recent years, with River Valley Community College now operating through multiple campus partnerships across the state. Admission requirements have also tightened: most NH programs require active Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) licensure before you can apply. Here’s what to evaluate before you commit.
Use the links below to jump to program listings, admission requirements, NCLEX pass rates, and salary data for New Hampshire LPNs.
- Approved LPN programs in New Hampshire
- Accreditation
- Admission requirements
- NCLEX-PN pass rates and program quality
- LPN-to-RN bridge options
- LPN salary and job outlook in New Hampshire
- Financial aid and program costs
Approved LPN Programs in New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) approves all entry-level LPN programs in the state. The OPLC currently lists three approved entry-level programs:
- Harmony Health Care Institute (Merrimack)
- LNA Health Careers (Manchester and Meredith)
- River Valley Community College (Claremont, Keene, and Lebanon, with additional locations through community college partnerships)
The RVCC program reaches well beyond its main Claremont campus. RVCC runs the LPN curriculum at its own Keene and Lebanon academic centers, and through partnerships with four additional community colleges: Manchester Community College, Nashua Community College, White Mountains Community College (Littleton), and Lakes Region Community College (Laconia). Students at partner campuses apply through RVCC and are taught by RVCC faculty, though classes and labs are held on the partner campus. This model has increased seat availability across the state considerably.
Program offerings can change. For the current official list, check the NH OPLC entry-level LPN programs page directly. For licensing requirements after graduation, see our guide to LPN licensing requirements in New Hampshire.
Accreditation
State approval from the OPLC is the minimum requirement for a program to qualify you for the NCLEX-PN. Accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is a separate voluntary recognition. It isn’t required to sit for the NCLEX-PN, but it signals that a program has been reviewed against national standards by an independent body.
At least one RVCC-affiliated program in New Hampshire holds ACEN candidate status. You can search for current accredited and candidate programs at acenursing.org. Accreditation status does change, so verify directly with the program and the ACEN before making a decision based on it.
Admission Requirements
NH LPN programs are selective. Meeting minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee admission. The RVCC program, which runs across most of the state’s community college campuses, requires the following for consideration:
- Active New Hampshire LNA licensure (a waiver may be available for applicants currently working in allied health)
- Official high school and college transcripts submitted to the admissions department
- TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) score from ATI Assessment Technologies
- CPR certification at the American Heart Association Basic Life Support level
- Health insurance that meets the program clinical site requirements
- COVID and flu vaccination compliance before clinical placement begins
The LNA requirement is specific to New Hampshire programs. If you don’t hold an active NH LNA license, you’ll need to complete an LNA program first. This adds time to your path but also gives you clinical experience that strengthens your LPN application and your readiness for the program itself.
The RVCC program typically starts in January. Admission decisions are usually communicated by October 31 each year. Private programs may have different schedules and requirements.
Background history matters too. The OPLC’s licensing regulations may restrict candidates with prior civil or criminal legal proceedings from obtaining licensure even after completing a program. It’s worth reviewing the OPLC’s standards before you enroll.
NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Program Quality
The NCLEX-PN is the national licensing exam required for LPN licensure in every state. NH programs must maintain pass rates that meet or exceed national benchmarks. The RVCC program commits publicly to first-time pass rates at or above the national average.
Pass rates reflect both program quality and the selectivity of admissions. Programs that require LNA experience tend to enroll students who already have clinical experience. That affects outcomes. When comparing programs, look at both the first-time pass rate and the program completion rate. Some students who start practical nursing programs don’t finish them. A program with a strong pass rate but a low completion rate carries a different risk profile than its headline number suggests.
The OPLC and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) both publish data that can help you compare programs. The NCSBN provides first-time candidate pass rates by program through its annual reports.
LPN-to-RN Bridge Options in New Hampshire
River Valley Community College offers two LPN-to-RN pathways at its Claremont and Keene campuses: a Direct Entry track for recent RVCC LPN graduates (within two years of completion) and a Bridge program open to licensed LPNs from any school. White Mountains Community College and Manchester Community College also offer LPN-to-RN options for students in their regions.
Completion typically takes about one year for a full-time student who holds an active LPN license. Some programs offer hybrid formats with a mix of online coursework and in-person clinical requirements.
If advancing to RN is part of your longer-term plan, confirm that your chosen LPN program is designed to articulate into a bridge track before you enroll. Not all LPN programs feed into RN bridge pathways at the same institution, and transferring between schools can add time and cost.
LPN Salary and Job Outlook in New Hampshire
New Hampshire LPNs earn above the national median. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in New Hampshire earned a median annual wage of $77,110 as of May 2025, compared to a national median of $64,400.
| Location | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $77,110 |
| National | $64,400 |
| NH Job Outlook (2022–2032) | Figure |
|---|---|
| Projected growth | 5.1% |
| Avg annual openings | 180 |
New Hampshire projects 5.1% LPN employment growth from 2022 to 2032, with an average of 180 annual job openings statewide, according to Projections Central. Healthcare is one of the state’s largest industries, and demand for LPNs in long-term care and community health settings has remained consistent.
Financial Aid and Program Costs
LPN program costs vary by institution. Community college programs through the Community College System of New Hampshire generally cost less than private career schools, though total costs include tuition, fees, books, uniforms, and clinical supplies. Contact the admissions office at each program for current figures, since tuition rates change year to year.
Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the standard first step for financial aid at community colleges. Eligible students may qualify for Pell Grants, federal work-study, and subsidized loans. Submit the FAFSA as early as possible before your program’s start date.
Workers displaced from other industries may qualify for additional support. Some LPN programs are approved for funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Qualifying for WIOA doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive funding, but it’s worth contacting your local NH Employment Security office to find out what’s available in your area.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an LPN program in New Hampshire take?
Most state-approved LPN programs in New Hampshire take about one year to complete. The RVCC program and its partner campus programs are structured as one-year certificates. Private programs may have different schedules.
Do I need an LNA license to get into an LPN program in New Hampshire?
Yes, for most programs. River Valley Community College, which runs LPN programs at multiple NH campuses, requires active NH LNA licensure for admission. A waiver may be available if you’re currently working in an allied health role. Contact the individual program to confirm its current requirements.
How do I verify that an NH LPN program is state-approved?
The NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) maintains the official list of approved entry-level LPN programs at oplc.nh.gov. State approval is required for graduates to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN and apply for licensure in New Hampshire.
Can I go from LPN to RN in New Hampshire without starting over?
Yes. River Valley Community College offers both a Direct Entry track (for its own recent LPN graduates) and a Bridge program (open to licensed LPNs from any school) at its Claremont and Keene campuses. White Mountains Community College and Manchester Community College also offer LPN-to-RN pathways. Confirm articulation requirements with your target school before enrolling in an LPN program.
What do LPNs earn in New Hampshire?
According to BLS state data, LPNs in New Hampshire earned a median annual wage of $77,110 as of May 2025. That’s above the national median of $64,400. Wages vary by employer type and location within the state.
Key Takeaways
- LNA licensure is an admission requirement — most NH LPN programs, including all RVCC-affiliated campuses, require you to hold an active NH LNA license before applying.
- RVCC now reaches much of the state — through partnerships with Manchester, Nashua, White Mountains, and Lakes Region community colleges, the RVCC LPN program is available at multiple locations statewide.
- Verify program approval with the OPLC — only graduates of state-approved programs are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN and apply for NH licensure. Check the current list at oplc.nh.gov.
- NH LPNs earn above the national median — the state median annual wage for LPNs is $77,110, compared to $64,400 nationally (BLS, May 2025).
- LPN-to-RN pathways exist in-state — several NH community colleges offer bridge programs that let working LPNs complete an RN degree without repeating foundational coursework.
Use the tool below to find LPN and nursing programs in New Hampshire, compare options, and get application information for approved schools.
Employment and wage data for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in New Hampshire are drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program (bls.gov) and the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Job growth projections are from Projections Central and cover 2022–2032. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.