Today's Best RN to BSN Programs in New Jersey
With flexible schedules, online and on-campus options, and various scholarships, the best RN to BSN programs in New Jersey offer you many options. Explore your choices and settle on the program that’s right for you.
If you’re looking to increase your nursing responsibilities—and boost your pay as well—earning your BSN will do both. The skills you gain in your RN to BSN program in New Jersey enable you to hold leadership roles, earn promotions, and use managerial skills, whether working in a community clinic, private office, or hospital. The average registered nurse earned almost $45 per hour in New Jersey in 2022, nearly $90,000. Whether you decide to earn your BSN on campus, online, or a combination of both depends upon your lifestyle, work schedule, and time commitments. This guide highlights top RN to BSN programs in New Jersey as a starting point to help you find the program that is the best fit for you.
Rutgers University-Camden
Camden, New Jersey
Public
Rowan University
Glassboro, New Jersey
Public
William Paterson University
Offering one of the lowest tuition rates, William Paterson University offers an online RN to BSN program in New Jersey. The online program can be completed on a full-time schedule in 10 to 12 months. Each course lasts seven weeks, allowing you to focus on just one or two classes at a time. The program comprises nine core courses (27 credits) and one mandatory elective (three credits). For the elective, you’ll choose a 500- or 600-level course to get a head on graduate coursework. This online RN to BSN program in New Jersey is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The total tuition is $9,075, which breaks down to $302.50 per credit. Requirements include an associate degree or diploma from an accredited university with a minimum 2.5 GPA and a valid, unencumbered RN license.
Online students get full access to the university’s library, including research materials, databases, citations, and multimedia resources. Online students also have access to all information technology resources. Financial aid is available. The average NCLEX-RN pass rate for this New Jersey online RN to BSN program is 89.5%.
Bloomfield College
With a fast-track program in a hybrid format, Bloomfield College offers an accelerated RN to BSN program in New Jersey. Classes are offered on a 12-month calendar, combining in-person and online course options. Earn a BSN in 15 to 18 months by attending a weekly class and completing the online coursework for 32 credits. Requirements for this program include proof of RN licensure in New Jersey (or an associate of science degree), a minimum GPA of 2.5, and copies of liability/malpractice insurance with minimum coverage of $1 million/$3 million. Tuition is $1,960 per course or about $650 per credit. Bloomfield College offers resources such as an NCLEX study guide and the opportunity to become a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nursing. The program is CCNE-accredited; the NCLEX-RN pass rate is 94%.
Felician University
Another option for those seeking an RN to BSN program in New Jersey is offered by Felician University. The 15-month fast-track program is designed for working nurses and is offered fully online, on campus, or at a number of locations throughout the state. The program requires 48 credits, broken down into 27 nursing credits and 21 liberal arts credits. Each eight-week session enables you to earn six credits. Whether you take online or on-campus classes, you’ll move through the courses with the same group of students. Graduates with a 3.0 GPA are automatically accepted into Felician University’s MSN program without any testing or further admission fees. The university offers nursing skills and simulation labs, and program participants complete more than 850 clinical rotation hours in a number of practice areas. Felician University is CCNE-accredited.
FAQs about RN to BSN Programs in New Jersey
What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an RN to BSN program in New Jersey?
After completing a New Jersey RN to BSN program, you’ll learn leadership, research, and safety and quality assurance—plus be poised to expect a salary increase of $8,000 to $10,000 (or more) per year. You’ll be able to dispense medications to patients and take blood and patients’ vitals. Because of higher demands on doctors and their time, nurses are spending more critical care time with patients and taking on more responsibilities. Patient advocacy is highly in demand because of the aging baby boomer population and longer life spans.
How long does it take to complete an RN to BSN program in New Jersey?
On average, it takes a part-time student three years and a full-time student two years to complete their RN to BSN degree in New Jersey. The program at Rutgers University School of Nursing–Camden can be completed in a year. Ramapo College offers an 18-month program for full-time students, though you can also take courses independently. Your time availability and schedule will determine how quickly you’ll be able to complete an RN to BSN online program in New Jersey.
How much do RN to BSN programs in New Jersey cost?
On average, you can expect to pay about $10,000 for an online or hybrid RN to BSN program in New Jersey. The least expensive programs cost about $8,000; the more costly programs can exceed $12,000. This list offers the least expensive program we found, plus two higher-cost programs. Online courses are often cheaper than hybrid or on-campus programs.
Rutgers University School of Nursing–Camden (online and hybrid)
RN to Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing
Total Credits: 33
$502/credit in state, $968/credit out of state
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my RN to BSN program in New Jersey?
Individual universities offer scholarships and financial aid to RN to BSN students in New Jersey. Additionally, general nursing scholarships are available statewide for those pursuing nursing degrees. Learn more about available scholarships from the New Jersey League For Nursing, New Jersey State Nurses Association, American Legion Auxiliary Department of New Jersey, and FAFSA-based financial aid programs. Explore more options using our nursing scholarship guide and main financial aid guide, which offer a starting point for your search for financial assistance.
What are the admission requirements for RN to BSN programs in New Jersey?
Admission requirements for RN to BSN programs in New Jersey vary from school to school. However, most programs require the following:
- Proof of an associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma
- Valid, unencumbered RN license in the state of New Jersey
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Proof of immunizations, a negative TB test, and proof of COVID vaccine
For example, Rutgers School of Nursing requires all of the above with a GPA requirement of 3.2 or higher, while Ramapo College of New Jersey requires a 2.5 GPA. The College of New Jersey accepts applicants with a nursing diploma or associate degree in nursing who are licensed RNs in New Jersey. Applicants must submit a short essay.
What should I look for in a quality RN to BSN program in New Jersey?
When researching which hybrid or online RN to BSN program in New Jersey is best for you, there are a few qualifying items to look at. Contact the admissions office and ask about financial and scholarship programs available to nursing students. The following are absolute musts when considering a program.
- Make sure the program is approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
- Make sure the program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or CCNE.
- Look at the school’s NCLEX-RN pass rates in recent years and find those with high percentages.
Online Learning Details for RN to BSN Students
Compared to a traditional BSN program, which can take up to three years, the RN to BSN programs available in New Jersey offer students a wide variety and timeline to pursue their program and further their career paths. The biggest benefit to online learning is being able to do so from home or anywhere with a laptop. Most programs offer you the opportunity to work on projects and coursework at your own pace within the stipulated time of the class (usually six weeks to eight weeks).
As working nurses, students generally take classes in the evenings. Each campus offers clinical nursing opportunities and works to match students to convenient locations. Some programs have the same students in the course, providing support and study groups. Other programs are more free-form. While it’s challenging to work on your own, learning online enables you to set a schedule that works best for you. If you enjoy working in group settings and classroom environments, consider a hybrid program.
The traditional learning environment of living on or near campus, attending classes daily, being part of campus life, and working part-time is usually not viable for the student in an RN to BSN program in New Jersey or elsewhere. Challenges you may face include unpredictable clinicals; time limitations; competing responsibilities (work, family, class time); and simply being capable of persevering through the process. However, with the advancements in online learning and hybrid opportunities, most of these challenges can be met and exceeded. Visit EduMed’s guide to online RN to BSN programs for more information on what you can expect as a nursing student getting your BSN degree.
In New Jersey, How Do I Go from Being an RN to a BSN Nurse?
The following requirements must be met to go from being a licensed RN to BSN in New Jersey:
- Graduate from a New Jersey Board of Nursing-approved registered nursing program
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
- Pass a background check
- Apply for a state nursing license
- Maintain your licensure
To apply for a New Jersey nursing license, submit your documentation to the New Jersey Board of Nursing, including a criminal background check, several forms of identification, your nursing program transcripts, and a passing NCLEX-RN score.
New Jersey requires that nurses complete at least 30 continuing education credits every two years. This can include online or live classes, attending professional conferences, webinars, and being tested on self-study readings. Learn more by visiting the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
RN to BSN Salary and Employment Trends in New Jersey
While the initial cost of earning your BSN can be daunting, with a higher salary, you’ll pay yourself back quickly. Nurses with a BSN in New Jersey make an average of $95,000/year (according to ZipRecruiter)—about $46/hour. Keep reading for salary comparisons. The type of nursing you pursue will also determine your salary and opportunities, along with what part of the state you work in, what benefits you receive, if you’re interested in management, and what promotions you qualify for.
How much more can I make going from an RN to BSN in New Jersey?
While the average RN in New Jersey earns approximately $69,842 annually, those with their BSN command an average of $95,975 (as of August 2022). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, New Jersey nurses earn 8% more than the national average. Nurses who work in metro areas such as Ocean City average $80,020 per year compared to a smaller city such as Camden. The salary range can be broad. In Trenton, the difference between the lowest percentile annual earnings and the highest percent annual earnings average is more than $45,000.
| Location | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021
What’s the job market like for BSN nurses in New Jersey?
Nationally, there is a nursing shortage. For those looking for a job as a registered nurse in New Jersey, according to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, at least 3,000 nurses will be hired within the next five years. Some of the most common specialized roles are nurse manager, intensive care nurse, operating room nurse, case manager, home health nurse, pediatric nurse, and dialysis nurse.
