Best Nursing Programs in New Jersey (NJ): Online & Campus
Explore top nursing programs in New Jersey and find the one best-suited for your career goals and learning style. Browse the best programs, learn where to find financial aid, and more in this guide.
Whether you’re starting your academic journey toward a nursing career or looking to add to a seasoned nursing resume, you’ll find countless nursing programs in New Jersey to fit your needs. Like most states, nursing professionals are in high demand in New Jersey. By getting or upgrading your nursing degree, you’ll be poised to join this field or seek better opportunities and higher salaries.
The key is finding the nursing program in New Jersey that’s right for you. This guide walks you through different types of programs, highlights some of the state’s top-rated schools, examines the difference between on campus and online nursing programs in New Jersey, and answers some of your most pressing questions. Keep reading to see which New Jersey schools made it onto our list as the best options for prospective students like you.
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
Common Qualities of the Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey
The best nursing programs in New Jersey provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences to provide outstanding patient care. To achieve that goal, look for these essential attributes when considering your nursing program:
- Nationally Accredited and State Approved
Your nursing program must be accredited and state-approved; don’t consider a program that is not. Attending a school that meets these requirements ensures that you’re receiving a quality, peer-endorsed education that leads to RN licensure and provides essential career training. The two accrediting bodies to look for are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The New Jersey Board of Nursing provides a helpful list of state-approved nursing programs. - NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
One of the distinguishing factors of top nursing programs in New Jersey is their ability to effectively prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam. Required for licensure, this exam is often the last hurdle before working in the field. The best nursing programs in New Jersey boast high exam pass rates, showing that the curriculum, instruction, and institution adequately prepare nursing students. - Hands-on Clinical Experience
While some training during nursing programs in New Jersey occurs in labs or through simulations, that doesn’t diminish the value of real, hands-on experience. The best nursing programs have robust working relationships with medical institutions, allowing students to gain necessary skills, apply classroom knowledge, and build professional relationships. The value of working with seasoned nursing professionals can’t be overstated and connects you with a long history of nurses providing an essential service to their community
Types of Nursing Programs Available in New Jersey
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or a nursing veteran, you’ll find that New Jersey is home to many online and on-campus nursing programs that could be right for you. From associate degrees to PhD programs, plenty of options are out there to help meet your academic and professional goals. Below are the most common paths for advancing your career and credentials.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in New Jersey
ADN Programs
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.
Examples of New Jersey Nursing Schools with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
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 (both on campus and online) and hands-on clinical experience to prepare you for a nursing career. Graduates can pursue RN licensure, and many transition into advanced degree programs.
Examples of New Jersey Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Suppose you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated discipline but are interested in a nursing career. In that case, an accelerated BSN program is 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.
Examples of New Jersey Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in New Jersey for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Bridge Programs
If you’ve spent time working as 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.
Examples of New Jersey Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
An 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 more specialized knowledge and additional clinical experience. Offered as both part-time and full-time options, this degree is often completed in as few as 12 months.
Examples of New Jersey Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
After earning an ADN degree and RN licensure, an RN to MSN degree 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.
Examples of New Jersey Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in New Jersey
MSN Programs
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.
Examples of New Jersey Nursing Schools with this Program
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. A PhD in nursing usually takes four to six years.
Examples of New Jersey Nursing Schools with this Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
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.
Examples of New Jersey Nursing Schools with This Program
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in New Jersey
Can I earn my nursing degree in New Jersey completely online?
With the popularity of online learning, it’s no surprise that you’ll find many hybrid and online nursing programs in New Jersey. Structured to allow working students the chance to earn their degree while keeping up with personal and professional obligations, the best online options mimic an in-person experience wherever possible. Keep in mind that clinicals require hands-on, in-person learning, so not every aspect of your New Jersey online nursing program may actually be completed online.
Will my online New Jersey nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?
Absolutely not. Diplomas don’t highlight whether a New Jersey nursing program was online, and the most critical factor is that your nursing program is properly accredited. You should also feel confident that completing an online degree means you have the time management skills and self-discipline to effectively manage your work without much instructor oversight.
Are online nursing programs in New Jersey more affordable than campus programs?
While tuition costs for online New Jersey nursing programs are the same as on-campus programs, that doesn’t mean you won’t save money in other ways. As transportation costs and campus-based fees add up, online students often save considerably. The flexibility of online programs also allows students to work their usual schedule while completing program requirements at their own pace.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in New Jersey
Securing financial aid for your nursing degree may seem complicated, but funding is more accessible than you may think with so many nursing scholarships available. Many professional organizations and nonprofits provide generous scholarships and grants to help offset educational costs. Groups like the New Jersey State Nurses Association and the New Jersey League for Nursing both offer annual scholarships for nursing students.
In addition to checking for state and local funding, make sure to reach out to your specific nursing program and inquire about financial assistance options. If scholarships and grants can’t meet your financial needs, all state-approved nursing programs are eligible for federal student loans.
How to Become an RN in New Jersey: Licensing Information and Requirements
While similar from state to state, it’s essential to know the RN licensing requirements specific to New Jersey. Make sure to review the licensing rules outlined by the state’s Board of Nursing. Additionally, familiarize yourself with common roadblocks to licensure. We’ve laid out a step-by-step list detailing the licensing requirements for first-time RNs below.
Complete State-Approved Nursing Program
First things first. Completing your state-approved nursing program not only prepares you with the skills needed when entering the field of professional nursing, but the best nursing programs in New Jersey make sure you’re ready to ace your NCLEX-RN exam.
Submit Application and Required Documentation
New Jersey students can begin their licensing process two months before graduation. In addition to completing the application, you must submit a color passport-style photo, birth certificate, and documentation that you completed an accredited nursing program. Once you’ve submitted all required materials, along with the test fee of $200, you are granted an Authorization to Test (ATT).
Take the NCLEX-RN Exam
Once you 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.
License Renewal
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.
Salary and Career Outlook for RNs in New Jersey
| 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: 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.
New Jersey Nursing Resources
New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA)
Representing over 110,000 registered nurses in New Jersey, the NJSNA is dedicated to advocating for all nurses, regardless of specialization. This professional organization offers countless networking opportunities, scholarships, and continuing education classes.
The central hub for all your nursing license needs, the New Jersey Board of Nursing offers the tools to help you earn and maintain state licensure. Additionally, this arm of the state’s Office of Consumer Affairs keeps an up-to-date list of accredited nursing programs and access to required continuing education contact hours.
Scholarships and Resources for Nursing Students
Take advantage of this comprehensive toolkit as you’re searching for financial or academic resources for your nursing program in New Jersey. Along with a list of nursing-specific scholarships, this page offers tips for securing scholarships and finding academic and professional support by highlighting groups like the National Black Nurses Association and the American Association for Men in Nursing.
New Jersey State Nurses LPN Forum
Created as a helpful resource for LPN-related questions, this private Facebook group offers LPNs advice on topics from academic problems to job searches. Dedicated to providing a valuable and safe space for both students and professionals, this group is guided by rules that keep the focus solely on topics related to the field.
Advocating for both public health nurses and quality of life for all New Jersey residents, this professional organization promotes and supports community action. The group works tirelessly to organize programs focused on preventative health efforts and emergency preparedness.
