Online Nursing Schools in NJ: Browsing Top Programs
Whether you are a new high school graduate or hold multiple nursing degrees, New Jersey is full of opportunities to further your nursing education. You have the opportunity to study fully or partly online with online and hybrid nursing programs, which can be convenient and help you save time and money as you earn your qualifications. Read on to look at the different online nursing programs in New Jersey to see if one might be a fit for you.
Understanding Different Types of Online Nursing Programs in New Jersey
Even if you know you want to pursue a hybrid or fully online nursing program in New Jersey, you still have major decisions to make. You’ll have to consider everything from the type of program to your budget for tuition, to whether you want an entirely online program or a hybrid format. Additionally, you’ll need to decide whether you will take some classes and/or labs on campus or at a different site for clinical rotations even as an online student, which many New Jersey nursing schools require. Below, you’ll find the wide variety of online and hybrid nursing degrees in New Jersey, supplemented by information and example programs to help you get started in your research.
Online Undergraduate Degree Programs
For recent high school graduates and those looking for a career change to the medical field, undergraduate nursing programs are the best place to start in your nursing education. These can include both degrees and certificate programs. Below are the different types of undergraduate nursing programs offered in New Jersey:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Certified nursing assistants, known as CNAs, assist physicians and nurses in patient care. This often includes helping with activities of daily living (ADLs) like dressing, eating, and movement, as well as taking vital signs and administering medicine. CNA programs can often be completed in one year or less, helping you to become a CNA quickly and conveniently.
Example: Rowan College of South Jersey
- Cost: $200/credit
- Length: 1 Year
- Mode: Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An associate degree in nursing offers a quick and relatively inexpensive introduction to the nursing profession. Usually lasting two years, ADN programs cover general education and foundational nursing topics. Students also gain hands-on clinical experience. You can register to take the NCLEX-RN exam two months before graduation.
Example: Ocean County College
- Cost: $189/credit
- Length: 2 Years
- Mode: Online/Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
RNs with a bachelor’s degree typically earn more and have broader career options compared to RNs with an ADN. Usually requiring four years to complete, BSN degrees use traditional coursework and hands-on clinical experience to prepare you for a nursing career. Graduates can pursue RN licensure per the requirements of their state, and many students make the transition into advanced degree programs.
Example: Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Cost: $1,044/credit
- Length: 4 Years
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Suppose you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated discipline but are interested in a nursing career. In that case, online accelerated BSN programs offer a practical way to earn your nursing degree and licensure. Having previously completed general education requirements, these programs focus solely on nursing topics and allow you to graduate within 18-24 months.
Example: Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Cost: $1,044/credit
- Length: 15 Months
- Mode: Hybrid
Graduate and Post-Graduate Degree Programs
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, you might be ready for a graduate nursing degree. These online and hybrid graduate and postgraduate nursing programs are ideal for trained nurses looking to advance into leadership roles or further specialize within nursing more broadly.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
If you already hold a BSN, an MSN program typically takes around 18 months to complete. Plus, many MSN programs admit students with an unrelated bachelor’s degree and no prior nursing experience. These programs usually take about three years to complete. Common specializations include family practitioner, gerontology, and clinical nursing leadership.
Example: Montclair State University
- Cost: $10,296/semester
- Length: 1 Year
- Mode: Online
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs are designed for professional nurses studying to practice at the top of their field. This track typically takes three to four years to complete. A PhD in nursing is mainly for students focused on research, academia, and policy. An online PhD program in nursing usually takes four to six years.
Example: Rutgers University
- Cost: $1,082/credit
- Length: 3-4 Years
- Mode: Hybrid
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
For students who completed MSNs, post-graduate certificates allow them to focus on a specific nursing topic. Common post-graduate certificates include nursing leadership, nurse education, health policy, pediatric primary care, and women’s health. Post-graduate certificates are often a helpful tool for students interested in leadership positions.
Example: Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Cost: $1,235/credit
- Length: 1 Year
- Mode: Hybrid
Bridge Degree Programs
If you’ve already earned some nursing credentials but want to take the next step towards another qualification, nursing bridge programs can help you utilize your credentials to save time and finish your next degree faster. Take a look at bridge degree programs available at all academic levels.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
If you’ve already become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and know that the nursing profession is for you, earning an RN or BSN is a practical way to enhance your career options and increase your pay. LPN to RN nursing programs in New Jersey typically take 12-24 months; LPN to BSN programs typically take 24-36 months.
Example: Brookdale Community College
- Cost: $158/credit
- Length: 2 Years
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
RN to BSN programs in New Jersey support working nurses who have ADN degrees. This academic track builds on the knowledge and skills accumulated in previous academic work, allowing you to gain specialized knowledge and additional clinical experience. Offered with part-time and full-time options, this degree is often completed in as few as 12 months.
Example: Montclair State University
- Cost: $14,790/semester
- Length: Varies (self-paced and accelerated learning available)
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
After earning an ADN degree and RN licensure, an RN to MSN bridge degree program is a great way to boost your professional options and increase your pay. This academic track allows you to bypass a BSN degree’s traditional requirements, enabling you to secure an MSN more quickly than if you earned the degrees separately. These programs take 30-36 months to complete.
Example: William Paterson University
- Cost: $26,058.05
- Length: 18 Months
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
If you’re done with your BSN and know that you want to earn a doctorate as soon as possible, a BSN to DNP program might be a good fit. These accelerated professional doctorate programs allow you to go directly from your bachelor’s to earn your DNP as quickly as possible.
Example: William Paterson University
- Cost: $851.9/credit
- Length: 3 Years
- Mode: Online/Hybrid
Direct-Entry MSN
While traditional MSN programs are designed for BSN holders, direct-entry MSN programs are a little different in that they’re open to all students who hold a bachelor’s degree, even for those in non-nursing studies. These programs are ideal for those looking for a career change into nursing after finishing a degree in a different field.
Example: Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Cost: $1,235/credit
- Length: 2 Years
- Mode: Online/Hybrid
New Jersey Licensing Information & Requirements for Registered Nurses
Finishing your degree is only one portion of becoming a registered nurse in New Jersey. Because nursing comes with so many responsibilities, the process of becoming a nurse is fairly thorough. Here is a step-by-step overview of what it takes to become a New Jersey nurse:
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
First things first: completing your state-approved nursing program not only prepares you with the skills needed when entering the field, but the best nursing programs in New Jersey make sure you’re ready to ace your NCLEX-RN exam. It’s important to make sure that you choose a program that has both regional accreditation for the school as a whole, and programmatic accreditation for the nursing program specifically.
2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
You will have studied for the NCLEX as part of your program, and likely independently as well by employing some essential study skills. Once you have received your ATT, schedule a time for the NCLEX-RN exam and review essential testing materials. If you need special ADA accommodations, submit a letter from your physician with the diagnosis and diagnosis code, a letter from your program laying out accommodations offered, and a personal letter describing what assistance is needed during testing.
3 – Apply for State Licensure
After passing your NCLEX, it’s time to apply for your New Jersey nursing license. Requirements for nursing licensure vary from state to state, and in New Jersey, you’ll need to apply through the New Jersey Board of Nursing, which is a division of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. They will also handle the process of transferring your out-of-state nursing license, if applicable. Full details of the licensure process and requirements are available on their website.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
Once you’ve passed the NCLEX and are a licensed nurse in New Jersey, remember that New Jersey RNs must renew their licenses every two years. Continuing education requirements play a significant role in keeping you up-to-date with trends in the field. You must complete 30 continuing education credits throughout your two-year licensure period, including one contact hour of continuing education focusing on alternatives to opioids for treating and managing pain.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
Even once you’ve attained and maintained your license for a few years, you may want additional certification. These can include finding a nursing specialization, such as nurse leadership, nursing education, healthcare informatics, and more. To attain specialized qualifications and be eligible to apply for relevant jobs, you may need to go back to school for a diploma, certificate, or advanced degree, although this will depend on the specialization in question.
Ranking New Jersey’s Best Online Nursing Programs
While the “best” online nursing program in New Jersey will be highly dependent on your personal circumstances, the ranking system we use takes multiple factors into account. While the full details can be viewed in the methodology tab, the ranking system factors in availability and ease of online learning, student services and resources, tuition and financial aid opportunities, and graduation rates and time to completion. So, without further ado, here are New Jersey’s top online nursing programs:
Rutgers University-Camden
Camden, New Jersey
Public
Rowan University
Glassboro, New Jersey
Public
Felician University
Lodi, New Jersey
Private
Seton Hall University
South Orange, New Jersey
Private
Saint Peter’s University
Jersey City, New Jersey
Private
Caldwell University
Caldwell, New Jersey
Private
Career & Salary Potential for New Jersey’s Registered Nurses
According to the data below, there will be a 6.30% increase in registered nursing positions in New Jersey. This means that if you're on the fence about getting this training, you don't have to worry about getting a job after graduation. In fact, there will be 5,030 additional jobs added to the profession every year. The percentage of job growth nationally is slightly less at 5.60%, or 193,100 new positions created annually. If you're wondering about how much money you can make as a registered nurse, consider the data below. New Jersey nurses make between $77,700 and $127,750, with the average salary being $100,160. You may earn more or less, however, depending on where in the state you work. In the Vineland-Bridgeton area, RNs make between $79,250 and $114,740. The average is $101,620. Ocean City registered nurses, on the other hand, make $64,570 to $96,850, with a $94,390 average.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $77,700 | $100,160 | $127,750 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $75,740 | $92,410 | $109,010 |
| Ocean City, NJ | $64,570 | $94,390 | $96,850 |
| Trenton, NJ | $79,160 | $97,060 | $120,770 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | $79,250 | $101,620 | $114,740 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| New Jersey | 81,520 | 86,640 | 5,120 | 6.30% | 5,030 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
