Maria Delgado, RN
June 26, 2025
New Jersey provides a comprehensive suite of nursing programs designed to support learners at every career stage. Whether you’re starting as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), advancing from Registered Nurse (RN) to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), obtaining Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credentials, or specializing as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), the state’s colleges and health systems combine rigorous academic coursework with immersive clinical experiences. With options for hands‑on practicum placements in accredited medical facilities and flexible online modules to suit varied schedules, New Jersey’s nursing education prepares graduates with evidence‑based skills, professional credentials, and competitive salary prospects needed to thrive in today’s dynamic healthcare environment.
Galloway, NJ - Public 4-Year - stockton.edu
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Stockton University's Prelicensure BSN program offers an exceptional pathway for aspiring nurses to launch their healthcare careers. This comprehensive four-year program prepares students to become registered nurses through a rigorous curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experiences. Students develop critical skills in patient care, medical technologies, and professional nursing practices. Admission is highly competitive, requiring strong academic credentials including a minimum 3.5 GPA, high SAT/ACT scores, and comprehensive science and math backgrounds. The program emphasizes ethical practice, cultural competence, and holistic patient care across diverse healthcare settings.
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Stockton University's Accelerated BSN program is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in another field who aspire to become registered nurses. This campus-based program emphasizes critical thinking, health promotion, and disease prevention, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN and future specialization. Admission requires a 3.5 GPA, specific science courses with grades of B or higher, and successful completion of a criminal background check and drug screen. The program focuses on professional RN skills, integrating ethics and communication throughout the curriculum. Clinical experiences are integral, with requirements including immunizations and CPR certification. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, this program is a stepping stone to a rewarding nursing career.
Camden, NJ - Public 4-Year - camden.rutgers.edu
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The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Rutgers University-Camden blends a rigorous liberal arts education with hands-on clinical experiences and high-tech simulation practices. This program prepares students for entry-level nursing careers and advanced studies in clinical practice, research, administration, and policy. With opportunities for civic engagement and global study in countries like Guatemala and South Africa, students gain a unique perspective on healthcare. The program offers three paths: traditional for first-year students, and internal and external transfer options. Competitive tuition rates and a supportive campus environment make this program an excellent choice for aspiring nurses.
Wayne, NJ - Public 4-Year - wpunj.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
William Paterson University's online RN to BSN program empowers working nurses to advance their careers through a flexible, affordable pathway. With a total tuition of $9,892.50 and a curriculum designed for practicing professionals, students can complete the 30-credit program in as few as 10 months. The program focuses on developing advanced nursing skills, including critical thinking, leadership, research application, and culturally sensitive care delivery. Admission requires an associate degree in nursing, an unencumbered RN license, and a minimum 2.5 GPA, making it accessible for working healthcare professionals seeking career growth.
Ewing, NJ - Public 4-Year - tcnj.edu
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TCNJ's Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers a comprehensive four-year program preparing students for professional nursing practice. Students gain advanced beginner practitioner skills through state-of-the-art instruction, emphasizing patient-centered care and clinical competence. The curriculum integrates liberal learning, sciences, and nursing principles, with clinical experiences starting in the sophomore year. Graduates are fully qualified to take the NCLEX-RN licensing examination and enter the nursing profession with robust preparation across various healthcare settings.
Bloomfield, NJ - Private 4-year - bloomfield.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Bloomfield College's B.S. in Nursing program prepares students for licensure as registered nurses, boasting high NCLEX pass rates and state rankings. The 3-year baccalaureate program includes prerequisite courses and requires a 2.75 GPA for admission. Clinical practice is integral, with a 90% licensure rate over the past decade. Accredited by CCNE and the NJ Board of Nursing, the program emphasizes hands-on experience in healthcare settings. Admission requires a TEAS exam score of at least 58.7 and a background check. Graduates pursue careers as registered nurses, medical and health services managers, and health education specialists, with median salaries ranging from $62,860 to $110,680.
New Jersey’s LPN programs prepare students with fundamental nursing knowledge and hands‑on skills through targeted coursework and supervised clinical experiences in hospitals, long‑term care facilities, and community clinics. After completing clinical rotations and passing the NCLEX‑PN exam to earn licensure, graduates step into roles administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with patient recovery under RN supervision. By reducing staffing shortages and improving access to quality care across both metropolitan areas like Newark and Jersey City and the state’s rural communities, these programs bolster New Jersey’s practical nursing workforce.
New Jersey’s CNA courses run six to twelve weeks, merging interactive modules on patient hygiene, infection control, and vital‑sign recording with supervised clinical practicums. Learners practice essential care tasks, such as feeding support, mobility assistance, and personal hygiene, while refining communication with nursing teams. Upon certification, CNAs become indispensable members of care settings across the state. Their role underpins efficient care workflows and enhances patient comfort.
New Jersey’s RN to BSN programs combine self-paced online courses in nursing leadership, population and community health, informatics and policy with hands-on clinical rotations across diverse healthcare settings. Offered in part-time and accelerated tracks, they let working RNs seamlessly integrate study with their existing roles. Earning a BSN deepens skills in evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary coordination, meets employer and accreditation standards for degree-prepared nurses, and unlocks opportunities in specialty certification, management and public health. By advancing their education, nurses help strengthen New Jersey’s healthcare workforce and better address patient needs throughout the state.
New Jersey’s Nurse Practitioner programs transform a BSN foundation into advanced-practice expertise through a blend of rigorous graduate coursework and hands-on clinical immersions, typically completed in two to four years, in specialties such as family health, pediatric care, and psychiatric-mental health. Delivered via on-campus cohorts, hybrid schedules, and fully online formats at universities and health systems statewide, these MSN and DNP tracks equip nurses for APRN credentialing and New Jersey licensure. Graduates move into roles as primary care clinicians, chronic disease managers, and telehealth providers in urban centers like Newark and Jersey City, suburban practices, and underserved Shore and rural communities. By injecting highly skilled practitioners into areas facing provider shortages and broadening access to comprehensive care, NP programs are instrumental in fortifying New Jersey’s healthcare landscape.
Degree | Typical Length | Prerequisites | Outcome / Notes |
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Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) | ~2 years | High school diploma or GED | Still available, but BSN preferred/required by most hospitals |
RN Diploma | 2-3 years | High school diploma or GED | No longer offered in New Jersey |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 4 years (12-18 months accelerated) | High school diploma or ADN transfer | BSN-in-10 state, BSN-prepared nurses strongly preferred statewide |
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | 2 years (post-BSN) | BSN + RN license | Prepares for advanced roles, NPs require physician collaboration |
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 3-6 years (post-BSN or post-MSN) | BSN or MSN + RN license | Highest degree, NPs limited by reduced practice authority laws |
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