The Top Nursing Schools in New Jersey
The New Jersey State Nurses Association reports that the healthcare sector might witness a departure of 22% of registered nurses (RNs) and 20% of nurse leaders due to the repercussions of COVID-19. 
As the pandemic continues to influence the healthcare industry, there is an anticipated surge in the demand for nurses. This comprehensive overview delves into the essential aspects of becoming a nurse in New Jersey, encompassing insights into the top nursing programs, degree prerequisites, licensing requirements, salary prospects, and the expected job growth. New Jersey is grappling with one of the most severe nursing shortages nationwide, yet it stands out by offering some of the highest average salaries for nurses, surpassing all but nine states. This unique combination positions New Jersey as a prime destination for nurses seeking lucrative and fulfilling employment opportunities. This guide provides detailed information on the process of becoming a nurse in New Jersey, shedding light on salary projections, job outlook, and some of the most distinguished nursing programs in the state.
Post-Pandemic Nursing Shortage: What It Means for Aspiring Nurses
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The Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey
Our Approach: Utilizing a data-driven methodology, we employ metrics that we consider most relevant to students, such as academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings, to rank the best nursing schools in New Jersey. This approach aims to simplify the process for individuals seeking a program that aligns with their needs.
The College of New Jersey
Location: Ewing, NJ
Tuition: $23414
Graduation Rate: 86%
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Program Overview:
The College of New Jersey, recognized as the premier nursing program in New Jersey for nurse practitioners (NPs), provides a registered nurse to master of science in nursing (RN-to-MSN) bridge program and a family nurse practitioner (FNP) specialization. The FNP program entails 47 credit hours and 715 practicum hours. Additionally, the College of New Jersey offers NP certification programs for family nurse practitioners, adult-gerontological primary care nurse practitioners, and FNPs with specialized focuses.
The MSN-NP program holds full accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), while the post-graduate advanced practice registered nurse certificate program is currently pursuing accreditation. Notably, the program mandates all classroom hours to be completed on campus, with uniform tuition fees for all students, irrespective of their place of residence.
Details:
Program(s): MSN-NP; RN-to-MSN
Campus: Ewing, New Jersey
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): CCNE
Tuition: $1,024 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA or a non-nursing bachelor’s for the bridge program; RN license; transcripts; two recommendation letters; an essay; resume/CV; at least one course in statistics and one in health assessment; GRE or existing master’s degree
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.06%
School Site: Tuition | Financial aid
Monmouth University
Location: West Long Branch, NJ
Graduation Rate: 69%
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Program Overview:
Monmouth University, positioned among the top nursing schools in New Jersey for nurse practitioners (NPs), offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) with NP specializations such as family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and adult-gerontological primary care nurse practitioner. For individuals already possessing an MSN, Monmouth presents a post-master’s certificate program.
Monmouth also introduces a registered nurse (RN)-to-MSN direct entry program for RNs lacking a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and a bridge option for RNs holding a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing.
The successful completion of most specialization courses with at least a “B” grade is a requisite for students.
Details:
Program(s): MSN-NP; RN-to-MSN Direct Entry; RN-to-MSN
Campus: West Long Branch, New Jersey
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $1,267 per credit
Admission Requirements: BSN, non-nursing bachelor’s for the bridge program, or nursing diploma or associate degree for direct entry; RN license; one year of experience as an RN; one year of experience in a specialty area; college level course in health assessment; transcripts; two recommendations; an essay
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: No
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 76%
School Site: Tuition | Financial aid
Felician University
Location: Lodi, NJ
Graduation Rate: 46%
View School Profile
Program Overview:
Felician University’s master of science in nursing (MSN) with a nurse practitioner (NP) track specializes in offering a family nurse practitioner (FNP) program. This program mandates 40 credit hours and 650 hours of fieldwork. Essential courses encompass primary care, advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and clinical pathophysiology. Furthermore, Felician provides certificate programs, including the post-master’s adult oncology NP certificate, post-master’s FNP in primary care certificate, post-master’s adult-gerontology NP in primary care certificate, and post-master’s certificate in nursing administration.
Distinguished as one of the top nursing schools in New Jersey for NP programs, Felician stands out as one of the few Franciscan universities in the U.S., and the sole representative in New Jersey.
Details:
Program(s): MSN-NP
Campus: Rutherford, New Jersey
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $1,060 per credit
Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing with at least a 3.0 GPA; New Jersey registered nurse license; college-level courses in health assessment, nursing research, and statistics; transcripts; two recommendations; personal statement
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: No
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.6%
School Site: Tuition | Financial aid
How to Choose a Nursing Program in New Jersey
Navigating the Selection of a Nursing Program in New Jersey
As you embark on the journey of exploring nursing programs in New Jersey, several crucial factors warrant consideration. Thorough research can significantly ease the selection process.
Narrow down your options by scrutinizing features such as tuition rates, program duration, and curriculum. An effective measure of an institution’s commitment to preparing students for the workforce is reviewing the nursing program’s National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates and ensuring accreditation.
Why Become a Nurse in New Jersey
By the year 2030, New Jersey anticipates a requirement for over 11,000 nurses to meet the projected demand. With the state bracing for a nursing shortage over the next decade, New Jersey emerges as a hub for numerous job opportunities in the field. The state’s elevated average salary for nurses further enhances its appeal.
Additionally, New Jersey actively participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), streamlining the licensure process for RNs. As a nursing compact state, New Jersey adheres to a set of rules and procedures that all licensed RNs must follow. The NLC simplifies the qualification process for out-of-state licensure in other participating states, minimizing paperwork.
Nurses holding an NLC license enjoy benefits such as exemption from license renewal fees and the ability to provide telehealth care as virtual nurses to patients across state lines.
Salary and Career Prospects for Nurses in New Jersey
New Jersey stands out by offering RNs one of the highest average annual salaries in the country. While California tops the list with the highest average salary for RNs ($120,560), New Jersey secures the 10th position ($85,720), surpassing Connecticut ($84,850) and trailing Nevada ($89,750).
Nurse practitioners in New Jersey enjoy even more substantial compensation, with an average annual income of $130,890. Only their counterparts in California earn more, with an annual average of $145,970.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ranks New Jersey third in nursing shortages, estimating a need for an additional 11,400 nurses by 2030. Texas and California are the only states projected to face more significant shortages. Consequently, New Jersey presents a plethora of employment opportunities for nurses.
The table below highlights the metropolitan areas in New Jersey with the highest salaries for RNs. Most of these are situated in the southern region of the state, with the exception of Trenton. Southern New Jersey is also the primary employment hub for RNs in the state.
| Top Paying Metropolitan Areas | Average Salary for RNs |
|---|---|
| Atlantic City — Hammonton | $83,900 |
| Trenton | $83,050 |
| Vineland — Bridgeton | $82,070 |
| Ocean City | $77,280 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Steps to Embarking on a Nursing Career in New Jersey
Prospective nurses in New Jersey should initiate their journey by selecting a program aligned with their chosen career path and nursing specialization. Both RNs and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) must successfully complete a nursing program approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
Post-licensure, RNs must fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain their status as licensed nurses in the state.
RN Requirements
To become an RN in New Jersey, candidates must follow these steps:
1. Enroll in an accredited nursing program and earn either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
2. The duration of ADN and BSN programs may vary among institutions. Typically, ADN programs take two years, while BSN programs require approximately four years.
3. After completing an undergraduate nursing program, students must pass the NCLEX-RN and undergo a criminal background check before applying for a state nursing license. RNs are required to earn 30 continuing education credits every two years to maintain licensure.
APRN Requirements
Prospective APRNs in New Jersey should fulfill the following steps:
1. Earn a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice from an accredited nursing program.
2. Students who have not taken a pharmacology course within five years before applying are required to do so.
3. Before earning an APRN license, RNs must pass a certification exam in a state-recognized specialty. The New Jersey licensing board accepts certifications from agencies accredited through the American Board of Nursing Specialties and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.
4. APRNs must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain licensure.
Additional Noteworthy Nursing Programs in New Jersey
Top New Jersey RN to MSN + Online Program Requirements
Is there a demand for nurses in New Jersey?
As projected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, New Jersey is poised to experience one of the most significant nursing shortages in the nation by the end of this decade. The state is estimated to have around 90,800 nurses while requiring over 102,000. New Jersey trails only Texas and California in terms of nursing shortages.
How can I become a nurse in NJ?
Prospective nurses in New Jersey must obtain an ADN or a BSN and pass the NCLEX-RN to secure licensure as RNs. Those aspiring to APRN roles can complete an MSN or a DNP program and pursue certification in a specialized area.
How can I transfer my nursing license to New Jersey?
RNs licensed in another state or territory can seek New Jersey licensure through endorsement. Individuals who graduated from an approved nursing education program in the U.S. and remain in good standing in their current state may obtain a New Jersey nursing license.
How long does it take to obtain a nursing license in New Jersey?
Typically, students spend between 2-4 years completing undergraduate nursing programs in New Jersey, depending on the degree pursued. Full-time learners can earn an ADN in about two years, while a BSN typically requires four years. Part-time study extends graduation timelines for both degrees.
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