The Best Nursing Programs in New Jersey
New Jersey hosts various undergraduate programs offering opportunities for aspiring nurses to attain their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and acquire RN licensure. This article delves into the premier nursing programs in New Jersey, considering the state’s advantageous position between Philadelphia and New York City and its status as one of the highest-paying regions for registered nurses (RN), making it an optimal starting point for nursing education.
Accredited BSN programs in New Jersey equip students with the skills necessary to become licensed RNs. Employing a data-driven approach, we employ a methodology that assesses the best nursing programs in New Jersey, streamlining the process of finding a suitable program based on factors such as academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
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Overview of Top New Jersey Nursing Programs:
– The College of New Jersey
– Stockton University
– Rutgers University-New Brunswick
– Montclair State University
– Rowan University
How Do New Jersey Nursing Programs Work?
Nursing programs in New Jersey align with those in other states, requiring either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a BSN for RN licensure. The former takes two years, emphasizing clinical skills, while the latter spans four years with a more comprehensive nursing curriculum and extended clinical experiences.
RNs holding an ADN in New Jersey can pursue an RN-to-BSN program, completing their BSN in two years instead of four, enhancing earning potential and expanding career opportunities. Moreover, an accelerated LPN-to-BSN program enables licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in New Jersey to earn their BSN in 2-3 years.
Admission to New Jersey Nursing Programs:
Several pathways exist for earning a BSN in New Jersey, with the traditional route involving enrollment in an undergraduate program post-high school. Common prerequisites include strong academic and social skills, with job shadowing or volunteer experience in the medical field strengthening applications.
Application requirements typically include:
– Transcripts from previous academic programs
– ACT and/or SAT scores
– Resume
– Personal statement
– Letters of recommendation
GPA Requirement:
– 2.75 GPA or higher
The importance of Accreditation in New Jersey Nursing Programs:
Opting for an accredited institution offers numerous advantages, as highlighted below:
– Accreditation underscores a program’s high standards, ensuring effective preparation for nursing roles.
– Recognized accrediting bodies, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, endorse programs providing top-tier preparation.
– Lack of accreditation may render students ineligible for federal financial aid.
– Accredited programs may not accept transfer credits from non-accredited counterparts.
– Doctoral programs typically mandate applicants to hold a degree from an accredited institution.
– Employers show preference for graduates with degrees from accredited programs.
This information is sourced from publicly available provisional datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and is current as of the article’s publication date, with program-specific details subject to variation.
The Best New Jersey Nursing Programs and Schools
We rely on publicly available provisional datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to provide comprehensive information about the leading nursing programs and schools in New Jersey. The data presented is up-to-date as of the article’s publication date, recognizing that program-specific details may exhibit variability.
#1 The College of New Jersey
Located in Ewing, NJ, The College of New Jersey, established in 1855, offers a distinguished 128-credit RN-to-BSN program with a flexible completion timeline of as few as 2.5 years. The curriculum emphasizes professional development, research, and nursing practice, incorporating in-person learning experiences at renowned healthcare institutions such as Hunterdon Medical Center and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. While some courses are available online, the clinical component mandates in-person participation. TCNJ also provides a traditional BSN program.
Program Details:
– Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Ewing, New Jersey
– Type: Public
– Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $7,070 per semester for full-time students
– Admission Requirements: Associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license in New Jersey; official transcripts
– Minimum Time Commitment: 30 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 96.55%
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $75,946
– Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $13,239; Out-of-state: $25,217
– Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $14,554; Out-of-state: $14,554
– Retention Rate: 94%
– Admission Rate: 51%
– Students Enrolled: 7,783
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 100%
– Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Stockton University
Stockton University, situated in Galloway, NJ, boasts both a traditional BSN pathway and an accelerated BSN program, completing in just 15 months. The accelerated program, requiring 64 credits, covers subjects such as pathophysiology, health assessments, pharmacology, and nursing research methods. Students engage in courses and labs at Stockton’s Manahawkin site and gain practical experience at clinical sites across New Jersey.
Program Details:
– Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Galloway, New Jersey
– Type: Public
– Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $6,370 per semester for New Jersey residents; $20,474 per semester for out-of-state students
– Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate; minimum 3.5 GPA; SAT or ACT scores; two letters of recommendation; completed required undergraduate courses
– Minimum Time Commitment: 15 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 93.55%
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $71,947
– Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $12,245; Out-of-state: $19,679
– Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $13,787; Out-of-state: $20,102
– Retention Rate: 85%
– Admission Rate: 77%
– Students Enrolled: 9,893
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 97%
– Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Rutgers University’s School of Nursing, based in New Brunswick, NJ, offers a customizable RN-to-BSN degree, completing in four semesters. The online, asynchronous program encompasses 121 undergraduate credits, allowing students to earn up to 12 graduate credits toward a master’s in nursing degree.
Program Details:
– Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
– Campus: New Brunswick, New Jersey
– Type: Public
– Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $7,550 per semester for New Jersey residents; $13,311 per semester for out-of-state students
– Admission Requirements: Associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license in New Jersey; completed two semesters of nursing curriculum with a minimum 3.2 GPA; personal statement
– Minimum Time Commitment: 14 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 93.75%
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $72,975
– Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $12,230; Out-of-state: $29,012
– Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $17,736; Out-of-state: $30,144
– Retention Rate: 93%
– Admission Rate: 67%
– Students Enrolled: 50,411
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 33%
– Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Montclair State University
Montclair State University, located in Montclair, NJ, offers both a traditional four-year BSN degree and an online RN-to-BSN degree. The 120-credit BSN program, commencing in the fall, integrates in-person clinical rotations and access to the school’s simulation center. The curriculum covers diverse topics, including pathophysiology, health assessments, cross-cultural nursing care, pharmacology, and information technology.
Program Details:
– Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Montclair, New Jersey
– Type: Public
– Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $6,377 per semester for New Jersey residents; $10,732 per semester for out-of-state students
– Admission Requirements: High school transcripts; completed college preparatory courses; two letters of recommendation; personal statement
– Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
– On-Campus Requirements: No
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 77.27%
– Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $12,082; Out-of-state: $20,042
– Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $12,600; Out-of-state: $18,432
– Retention Rate: 83%
– Admission Rate: 83%
– Students Enrolled: 21,005
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 95%
– Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Rowan University
Rowan University’s School of Nursing and Health Profession, situated in Glassboro, NJ, presents a fully online RN-to-BSN program tailored for working nurses. The 120-credit program covers comprehensive health assessments, nursing informatics, research applications, community health nursing, health care policy, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health care ethics.
Program Details:
– Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Glassboro, New Jersey
– Type: Public
– Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $5,357 per semester for New Jersey residents; $10,054 per semester for out-of-state students
– Admission Requirements: Associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license in New Jersey; minimum 2.5 GPA; resume; current CPR card; official transcripts
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $71,015
– Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $9,573; Out-of-state: $18,605
– Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $12,879; Out-of-state: $12,879
– Retention Rate: 84%
– Admission Rate: 78%
– Students Enrolled: 19,678
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 59%
– Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Programs in New Jersey
How can I obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in New Jersey?
To achieve a BSN and attain Registered Nurse (RN) status in New Jersey, your initial step is to enroll in an undergraduate nursing program. Upon successful program completion, you must undertake the NCLEX-RN examination to qualify for state licensure. After passing the exam and undergoing a background check, you can then submit your application to the New Jersey Board of Nursing for approval.
What is the duration of nursing school in New Jersey?
New Jersey provides two educational paths for individuals aspiring to become RNs: an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN). An ADN program typically takes two years to finish, while a BSN program spans four years. Both degrees render graduates eligible to take the NCLEX and apply for RN licensure.
What is the quickest way to obtain a BSN?
The swiftest route to acquiring a BSN without prior college education is by completing a standard four-year program. Alternatively, individuals holding a non-nursing bachelor’s degree can opt for an accelerated BSN program, which can be completed in a condensed timeframe of 16-24 months. Registered Nurses (RNs) with an ADN can pursue an RN-to-BSN program, offering a streamlined completion period of 12-16 months.
Is pursuing a BSN worthwhile in New Jersey?
Pursuing a BSN and practicing in New Jersey can prove advantageous. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs in New Jersey command an annual salary of $89,690, ranking them among the top 10 states in terms of earnings. Furthermore, New Jersey is placed in the top 15 states for RN employment levels, with Newark and Camden standing out as two of the largest metropolitan areas in the country that actively employ RNs.
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