How to Become an LPN in New Hampshire – A Simple Guide

New Hampshire is a state currently experiencing a shortage of nurses.

Given the high demand for nurses in this state, now is the perfect time for you to pursue your career in nursing.

And no, you don’t have to graduate from a 4-year college program.

Becoming an LPN or Licensed Practical Nurse is generally faster and easier than becoming an RN or a Registered Nurse.

But this doesn’t mean that there are immediate guarantees on getting a license.

You need to obtain all the requirements mandated by the state and the New Hampshire Board of Nursing.

Wondering what these are?

Then you’ve come to the right place!

This article will list down everything you need to know about how to become an LPN in New Hampshire. 

And don’t worry because we’ve summarized everything for you!

We’ll also answer common questions that people ask, such as:

• Is New Hampshire an NLC state?
• How much does an LPN license cost in New Hampshire?
• How do I renew my LPN license in New Hampshire?

Ready?

Let’s get to it.

How to Become an LPN in New Hampshire in 4 Simple Steps

• Step #1: Enroll in a state-approved LPN training program
• Step #2: Apply to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing for licensure and register to take the NCLEX-PN
• Step #3: Pass the NCLEX-PN
• Step #4: Obtain your license and practice as an LPN

Step #1: Enroll in a State-Approved LPN Program

Since you are getting into the medical field and will be dealing with people’s lives in the future, the Board of Nursing will only allow applicants who finished state-approved programs.

This ensures that all applicants have received the minimum training required for LPNs. 

For students, enrolling in an approved program is not just necessary, but is also beneficial because you are assured that the school has met the standards maintained by the state. This will also help you pass the exams on your first try. 

Here in New Hampshire, there are only 2 schools with state-approved programs, the River Valley Community College in Claremont and Lebanon, and the Harmony Health Care Institute in Merrrimack. 

To give you a comparison between these 2 schools, here’s a table you can refer to.

What Do You Learn in LPN Training Programs?

Aside from providing compassionate and assistive care, LPNs are eligible to record medical histories, do assessments, and even administer medication.

To help LPNs prepare for these roles, here are the general courses and topics:

• Nursing Fundamentals
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Assessment of Health History and Physical Examination
• Documentation
• Growth and Development
• Patient Safety
• Infection Control and Prevention
• Medication Administration
• Basic Patient Needs
• Adult Medical Nursing
• Emergency Nursing Care
• Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
• Grief and Loss
• Rehabilitation and Restorative Care
• Maternal and Natal Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing
• Gerontology Nursing
• Intravenous Medications

You will also be exposed to different healthcare settings to get real-life training under the supervision of an RN. 

Admission Requirements

These are some of the requirements you will need to be admitted to an LPN program:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or a GED
• Prepare a personal essay or goal statement
• Three references (2 professional references and 1 personal reference)
• Current resume or CV (This depends on the school)

Step #2: Apply to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing for Licensure and Register to Take the NCLEX-PN

Once you’ve finished a training program with at least 600 hours, you can take your NCLEX-PN. However, you need to apply to take the exam through the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. 

The Board will evaluate if you qualify for the exam. 

To apply, you must submit the following:

• Official transcript from the school where you took the training program; should be sent directly from the Registrar
• Proof of registration with Pearson Vue to take the NCLEX-PN
• Fingerprint and criminal background check documents
• Copy of state-issued driver’s license 

How to Register for the NCLEX-PN?

1. Head over to Pearson Vue to register. 
2. Pay for the $200 examination fee.
3. Wait to receive your ATT or your “Authorization to Test.” 
4. Follow the details indicated on your ATT, such as your applicant number and the date of examination expiry. 

Once your application is approved and you receive your ATT, you can schedule for your exam within 90 days. 

While waiting for your test date, you can prepare for the exam by reviewing what you learned in your LPN program and taking review courses or practice exams. There are many resources available online. 

Step #3: Pass the NCLEX-PN

To pass your NCLEX-PN, you need to know what to expect and what topics will come out.

What is NCLEX-PN?

The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses or the NCLEX-PN is the Board of Nursing’s official test required to be passed in all states. Passing this examination means you are ready to fulfill your duties as an LPN in the state.

The exam usually has 85 to 205 questions. Since it can reach up to 205 questions, states including New Hampshire allow examinees to answer for up to 5 hours. This gives them enough time to answer all and even study their input.

Here’s how the exam is usually arranged:

Different Parts of the NCLEX-PN

Part 1: Safe and Effective Care Environment

• Coordinated Care
• Safety and Infection Control

Part 2: Health Promotion and Maintenance

• Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
• Data Collection Techniques
• Lifestyle Choices and Self Care
• Health Promotion Programs
• Developmental Stages and Transitions
• Disease Prevention
• Immunizations

Part 3: Psychosocial Integrity

• Coping Mechanics and Grief and Loss
• Stress Management
• Support Systems
• Chemical Dependency
• Behavioral Management
• Crisis Intervention
• End of Life Care

Part 4: Physiological Integrity

• Basic Care and Comfort
• Pharmacological and Parental Therapies
• Reduction of Risk Control
• Physiological Adaptation

Questions also come in the form of multiple choice, fill-in-the-blanks, and chart answers. 

Memorization is not enough to pass. You need to be able to think critically and make good decisions based on the situations they’ll present.

Step #4: Obtain Your License and Practice as an LPN

If you pass the NCLEX then you will finally get your license! Congratulations!

Now the question is, where can you find a job? Where do LPNs go?

The top 3 places where LPNs go to find employment are long-term healthcare facilities, private homes, and office and school clinics.

Depending on which set-up you are most comfortable with and most eager to explore, that’s where you should try applying first.

How Much Do LPNs Earn in New Hampshire?

Even if New Hampshire is a small state, they pay their nurses pretty well. 

For LPNs, the average annual salary is around $59,140. That’s higher than the national average of $51,850. And this is because the state is in shortage of nurses right now.

Not bad!

FAQs about Becoming an LPN in New Hampshire

Is New Hampshire an NLC State?

Good news! New Hampshire is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means, if you’re from another NLC state, you don’t have to fulfill additional licensing requirements. 

If you have a mutlistate license, you can practice in New Hampshire without getting another LPN license. 

How Much Does an LPN License Cost in New Hampshire?

Here is a breakdown of the fees you’ll have to pay to get an LPN license in New Hampshire: 

• Application Fee via Examination: $120
• Application Fee via Endorsement: $148
• Criminal Background Check: $48.25
• Renewal Fee: $108

How Do I Renew My LPN License in New Hampshire?

If your LPN license is about to expire, here’s what you need to do:

• Renew your license every 2 years on this online renewal page.
• Compile and submit the following documents:
  • Proof showing 400 working hours in the past 2 years
  • Proof of 30 continuing education hours within 2 years of application
  • Completed NCLEX exam within 2 years of application date
  • Registration code (This was emailed to you 60 days prior to the expiration date)
• Pay $108 for the renewal fee

Conclusion

Becoming an LPN is one of the faster and simpler routes to being part of the healthcare and medical industry.

Though you don’t need to have a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to complete the required training and documents to get your license.

We hope this article helps your journey to becoming an LPN in New Hampshire!