Online LPN to BSN Programs in New Jersey: See Top NJ Schools

Inside Online LPN to BSN Programs in New Jersey

A benefit of online LPN to BSN programs in New Jersey is convenience, making it easy for you to continue working as you get the quality education you need to move up in your career. In some cases, schools make this education accessible by offering online asynchronous classes. This means you don’t have to attend lectures during a set schedule, so you can watch course content during the times that are best for you.

While these online nursing bridge programs are a good choice for working licensed practical nurses (LPNs), it’s important to understand that the work is not all virtual. Although you can take some online classes, you will still be required to participate in some in-person experiences. To prepare students for the realities of being a registered nurse, LPN to RN programs require clinical rotations, as well as regular laboratory simulations. Through this hybrid combination of online learning and on-site instruction, you will have the knowledge and skills needed to get an RN license and land a job.

For further insight into how hybrid online courses work, take a look at the spotlighted schools below.

Student Support: FAQs About LPN to BSN Programs

Advancing your nursing education is a big step, so it’s likely that you still have a lot of questions about earning a bachelor’s degree. The good news is, we have the answers. Below you will find responses to some of the most pressing questions about LPN to BSN programs in the state of New Jersey, so read on for information that can help you better understand these degrees.

What additional nursing skills will I gain in an LPN to BSN program in New Jersey?

By earning a bachelor’s degree, you learn advanced skills that make up an RN’s expanded scope of practice. These advanced duties include recording patient histories, evaluating patient symptoms and conditions, performing diagnostic tests and analyzing results, and helping to formulate diagnoses.

In addition, RNs must demonstrate the communication skills necessary to educate patients and their families about procedures, as well as provide information on how to prevent injuries and illnesses. RNs will also gain the leadership skills needed to supervise the work of LPNs.

Along with higher pay and the added prestige of being a registered nurse comes a full range of new nursing duties above and beyond those of an LPN, elevating your skill set and opening up more job opportunities.

What should I look for in an LPN to BSN program in New Jersey?

First and foremost, you need a program that qualifies you to take the NCLEX-RN exam and for RN licensure eligibility in New Jersey, or any other jurisdiction you plan to practice. This means program recognition by the New Jersey Board of Nursing, and program accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), should be a top priority. Another important quality to look out for in a program is a high NCLEX-RN exam pass rate.

Also, you’ll need to find a program that is close enough to make attending on-campus classes, labs, and clinical rotations practical. However, not all LPN to BSN programs in New Jersey will have all of these elements, so make your decision using a combination that suits your needs the best.

Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN to BSN program in New Jersey?

Yes; many common types of financial aid are available to students in LPN to BSN programs in New Jersey. These include RN scholarships and grants; work-study programs; employer tuition reimbursement opportunities; and benefits for veterans, active duty military, and qualifying family members. The U.S. government is a big source of nursing education financial aid. Potential federal government resources include scholarships, loan repayment programs, and student loans. Another major funding source is the State of New Jersey’s Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

Not all resources (especially federal programs) are available for all New Jersey LPN to BSN programs, however. The key to knowing what’s available is to speak with a financial aid officer at each of the schools you’re considering.

Will earning my LPN to BSN degree online or through a hybrid program impact my ability to get licensed?

Absolutely not; completing your nursing bachelor’s degree from a hybrid program will have no impact on your ability to obtain an RN license. As long as you meet the standards of the New Jersey Board of Nursing, or the nursing board of any other state you intend to practice, you will be able to qualify for your license.

In other words, as long as you graduate from a school that has been approved by the state board, it doesn’t matter if the program delivered courses partially online. Also, your LPN to BSN program should qualify you for the NCLEX-RN exam, so it would be properly accredited by the CCNE or ACEN.

Will employers care if I took some of my LPN to BSN classes online?

Probably not, but hiring standards will differ from one individual employer to the next. That being said, given the wide acceptance of online programs today, it’s highly unlikely that any healthcare organization or facility would be concerned. In fact, employers would be hard pressed to find any prospective employees today whose degree program didn’t include any online components at all.

Furthermore, employers provide clinical opportunities for students who are enrolled in online and hybrid programs. This means these companies not only support the schools they partner with, but they also help train those who may be part of their future workforce.

LPN vs. BSN Salary Career Path in New Jersey

Thanks to a number of advanced skills that you learn in an LPN to BSN program, you can take on more responsibilities and demonstrate increased value to your employer. Furthering your education can qualify you for higher-level nursing positions, including leadership roles.

And as you open more career doors for yourself, you can expect to earn more money. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed practical nurses around the state earn an average salary of $66,620 per year. When you move up into a registered nursing position, you will earn $101,960 on average. By comparison, the wages for New Jersey nurses are somewhat higher than the national averages. LPNs and LVNs around the country earn $59,730 annually, while RNs make $86,070.

Furthermore, earning a bachelor’s degree and working as a registered nurse is a great move to boost your job security. In New Jersey, both licensed practical nurses and registered nurses can expect job growth of 6.3 percent from 2022 to 2032. To put that in perspective, the nationwide growth for LPNs and RNs is 5.3 percent and 5.6 percent respectively. These numbers translate into 5,030 annual openings for registered nurses across the state.