LPN to RN Online Programs in NJ: Your Guide to Top Schools
If you’re thinking about expanding your nursing career prospects, an LPN to RN Bridge Program in New Jersey can make that journey feasible. This guide has everything you need to know—program options, tuition, licensing requirements, and hands-on clinical training. Whether you’re wondering what to expect or how these programs stack up against traditional courses, you’ll find all the important details here. Keep reading to discover the perfect LPN to RN Bridge Program in New Jersey to fit your needs.
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Best LPN to RN Programs: New Jersey Edition
When picking an LPN to RN program, make sure that it’s accredited and approved by your state’s nursing board to ensure that you’re getting a quality education that matches up with the expectations of your eventual career role. It’s also worth thinking about how long the program will take, what the costs look like, and whether or not it works with your schedule.
As there are no online or hybrid LPN to RN programs in New Jersey, the spotlighted schools below are all in-person, but these schools still fulfill the needs of students looking for a quality education. We’ve got all the info you’ll need, so keep reading to know more about what to look for in an ideal LPN to RN program.
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Essex County College
Essex County College offers an LPN Articulation Option Program designed to help Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) take the next step in their careers. This Associate in Applied Science (AAS) program prepares students to transition to becoming Registered Nurses (RNs) and sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
The program provides a balance of classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience, with evening classes and weekend clinicals available for those juggling work or other responsibilities. It’s accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), which ensures the program meets high educational standards and making this program a strong choice for students advancing in nursing.
Duration: 3 semesters or 66 credit hours
Mode: In-person
Cost:
Tuition per Credit Hour
- In-County Residents: $136.92 per credit
- Out-of-County Residents: $273.86 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old
- Candidates must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
- Applicants need to provide official transcripts from an NLN-accredited Practical Nursing Program
- A current and valid LPN/LVN license is required for admission
- Students must demonstrate college-level proficiency in English and Mathematics, which may require developmental courses
- An overall GPA of 2.5 or higher is mandatory
- Prerequisite courses like Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and English Composition must be completed with a grade of “C” or better
- Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 60 on the ATI TEAS-RN exam, which must be taken at Essex County College
Curriculum:
General Education Requirements:
- College Composition I
- College Composition II
- Anatomy & Physiology I
- Anatomy & Physiology II
- General Psychology I
- Introduction to Sociology
- History Elective
Major Requirements:
- College Chemistry I or General Chemistry I
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology for Health Professions
- LPN Mobility I
- LPN Mobility II
- Complex Health Alterations
- Management of Care
- Professional Issues, Leadership, and Synthesis
Union College Trinitas School of Nursing
The Trinitas School of Nursing at Union College offers an LPN to RN Track designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam with a combination of classroom learning and clinical training. The institution is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Although the program doesn’t offer online courses, it provides flexibility with evening classes and weekend clinicals. This setup is ideal for students managing work or other responsibilities.
What makes Trinitas unique is its close partnership with Trinitas Regional Medical Center. This connection gives students valuable, hands-on experience in a professional healthcare environment.
Duration: four semesters or 65 credit hours
Mode: In-person
Cost:
In-County Residents: $214.00 per credit
Out-of-County Residents: $428.00 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Be 18 years of age or older at the time of admission to the program
- Be a high school graduate or possess a state-approved high school equivalency assessment such as a GED, HiSET, or TASC
- Hold a valid, unencumbered LPN license at the time of application
- Have official transcripts for evaluation of transfer credits
- Complete prerequisite courses, including English, Psychology, Sociology, and Anatomy, with the minimum required grades
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher for eligibility to enroll in Nursing (NURE) courses
- Submit a fully executed Enrollment Agreement and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination
- Complete a nursing entrance exam with acceptable results as determined by the school
- Undergo a criminal history background check with results acceptable to the school’s standards
- Make sure you have a good internet connection and a device that works with the program’s technology needs
Curriculum:
- Anatomy & Physiology I
- Anatomy & Physiology II
- Microbiology
- Organic Chemistry
- English Composition I
- English Composition II
- General Psychology
- Life Span Psychology
- Principles of Sociology
- LPN to RN Transition Course
- Nursing of Adults II
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
- Maternal-Child Health Nursing
- Nursing Seminar
County College of Morris (CCM)
The County College of Morris (CCM) has a great option for LPNs looking to take their career further. Their Advanced Placement Program helps you earn an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Nursing and prepare for the NCLEX-RN.
It’s got the stamp of approval from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the New Jersey Board of Nursing, so you’re getting top-notch training.
While it’s not an online program, they’ve thought about busy schedules: evening classes and weekend clinicals are available, which is perfect if you’re working or managing other responsibilities. If advancing in nursing is your goal and you need flexibility, this program might be a perfect match.
Duration: 4 Semesters or 62 credits
Mode: In-person
Cost: In-county residents and out-of-county residents-$164
Admissions Requirements:
- Be a high school graduate or hold an approved high school equivalency (GED, HiSET, or TASC)
- Possess a current, valid LPN license in the state of New Jersey
- Achieve a minimum institutional GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Complete all required prerequisite courses, including English Composition, General Psychology, Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology
- Ensure all science courses have been completed within the last seven years
- Have no previous failures in any nursing courses
- Successfully complete the Nursing Transition course (NUR 012) before starting advanced nursing courses
- Pass a criminal history background check and urine drug screening
- Provide proof of health insurance and up-to-date immunizations, including COVID-19 vaccination
- Obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association
Curriculum:
General Education Requirements:
- Anatomy and Physiology I
- Anatomy and Physiology II
- Microbiology
- Chemistry for Health Sciences
- English Composition I
- General Psychology
- Sociology
Nursing Courses:
- Nursing Transition Course
- Foundations of Nursing
- Basic Medical/Surgical Nursing
- Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing
- Maternal-Child Nursing
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
All You Need to Know: LPN to RN Student FAQs
Starting your journey to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in New Jersey is exciting, but it’s completely normal to feel a little uncertain about what to expect. You’re not alone—so many people have similar questions arise when they start out.
We’ve pulled together clear and helpful answers to some of the most common questions to help you feel more prepared in every step of the way, so take a look below.
Are there financial aid options available for LPN programs?
In New Jersey, there are a few grants that can help with LPN programs. The New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) offers financial help for residents attending approved colleges, while the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
There’s also the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund, which has helped fund healthcare programs. These, along with federal options like Pell Grants, can make a big difference in covering the cost of your LPN education. Financial aid for RN programs can also be explored as some of the same resources apply.
What does the LPN licensure process in New Jersey entail?
To become an LPN in New Jersey, you’ll need to finish a state-approved LPN program, pass the NCLEX-PN exam, and apply for licensure with the New Jersey Board of Nursing. The program usually involves 1,500 hours of instruction.
After graduation, you’ll take the NCLEX-PN, and once you pass, you can apply for your license. Your license will need to be renewed every two years. If you’re looking to advance your career, 6-month accelerated LPN to RN programs are an option to consider for quicker advancement into registered nursing.
Are there flexible scheduling options for LPN programs in New Jersey?
Yes; many LPN programs in New Jersey offer flexible schedules, like part-time, evening, or weekend classes, so you can fit your studies around work or family.
If you’re thinking of advancing your career, LPN to RN programs with no prerequisites are available too, making it easier to transition into registered nursing without having to complete extra courses first. It’s worth checking with schools to see what flexible options they offer.
What are the continuing education requirements for LPNs in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, LPNs need to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to keep their license active. These hours must come from courses approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
The classes can cover various topics like nursing practice, patient care, or professional development. It’s a good idea to keep records of your hours because the Board might ask for proof when it’s time to renew.
If you’re thinking about career growth, consider LPN vs RN careers as continuing education can help you take that next step.
What are the typical duties and responsibilities of an LPN in New Jersey?
As an LPN in New Jersey, you’ll be hands-on with patient care, working closely with RNs or doctors. Your daily tasks include monitoring vital signs, giving medications, helping patients with daily activities, and keeping records up to date.
You’ll also be involved in wound care, patient education, and working with the healthcare team to create care plans. Your duties may look a bit different depending on whether you’re in a hospital, nursing home, or clinic.
If you’re an online student, be sure to check out our guide to clinicals—it’ll help you understand how to meet your fieldwork requirements.
New Jersey LPN vs. RN Salary & Career Comparison
In New Jersey, transitioning from LPN to RN offers significant financial and career benefits. RNs have a median salary of $100,160, representing a 55% increase over the $64,620 median salary for LPNs. RNs in the 10th percentile earn $77,700, which exceeds the median LPN salary and provides competitive pay even at the start of their careers. At the 90th percentile, RNs can earn $127,750, which is over $51,000 more than the highest-earning LPNs.
Job growth in New Jersey is steady for both roles. The projected increase is 6.3% for RNs and LPNs, slightly above national growth rates. However, RNs benefit from a much larger overall number of new positions, with 5,120 additional RN jobs projected in the coming years. This demand, combined with the higher salary, makes the shift to RN rewarding for New Jersey LPNs. Review the tables below to learn more.
| Occupation | Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | New Jersey | $57,940 | $64,620 | $76,510 |
| Registered Nurses | New Jersey | $77,700 | $100,160 | $127,750 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation | Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Registered Nurses | New Jersey | 81,520 | 86,640 | 5,120 | 6.30% | 5,030 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | New Jersey | 16,510 | 17,550 | 1,040 | 6.30% | 1,390 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
