LPN to RN Online Programs in NJ: Your Guide to Top Schools
If you’re thinking about expanding your nursing career prospects, an LPN to RN Bridge Program in New Jersey can make that journey feasible. This guide has everything you need to know—program options, tuition, licensing requirements, and hands-on clinical training. Whether you’re wondering what to expect or how these programs stack up against traditional courses, you’ll find all the important details here. Keep reading to discover the perfect LPN to RN Bridge Program in New Jersey to fit your needs.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareOnline Learning EditorialSenior CareDementia Care
NursingNursing Ed.Charmaine Robinson has been a nurse for over 10 years. She has a background in medical-surgical nursing and nursing instruction. She received a Master of Science in Nursing Education from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, San Bernardino. Her combined years of nursing experience, education, and writing skills guided her into the field of nurse writing. Charmaine has authored dozens of articles, career guides, courses, and clinical training material for nurses, nursing students, and allied health professionals.
Charmaine Robinson, RN, MSN
Charmaine Robinson has been a nurse for over 10 years. She has a background in medical-surgical nursing and nursing instruction. She received a Master of Science in Nursing Education from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, San Bernardino. Her combined years of nursing experience, education, and writing skills guided her into the field of nurse writing. Charmaine has authored dozens of articles, career guides, courses, and clinical training material for nurses, nursing students, and allied health professionals.
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Best LPN to RN Programs: New Jersey Edition
Finding the best LPN to RN programs in New Jersey begins with knowing the most important features to look for. First, make sure your prospective program is accredited and approved by your state’s nursing board to ensure you’re getting a quality education that matches up with the expectations of your eventual career role.
Other factors worth considering:
- Program length: consider how the number of clinical hours required and your enrollment status (part-time versus full-time) might affect the time it takes to finish
- Costs: determine the total cost of the program including tuition, fees, books, and supplies; also consider how tuition may differ based on state residency
As there are no online or hybrid LPN to RN programs in New Jersey, the spotlighted schools below are all in-person, but these schools still fulfill the needs of students looking for a quality education. We’ve got all the info you’ll need, so keep reading to know more about what to look for in an ideal LPN to RN program.
Essex County College
Essex County College offers an LPN Articulation Option Program designed to help Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) take the next step in their careers. This Associate in Applied Science (AAS) program prepares students to transition to becoming Registered Nurses (RNs) and sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Features:
- Balance of classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience
- Evening classes and weekend clinicals available for those juggling work or other responsibilities
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Duration: 3 semesters or 66 credit hours
Mode: In-person
Cost:
Tuition per Credit Hour
- In-County Residents: $136.92 per credit
- Out-of-County Residents: $273.86 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- LPN/LVN license
- Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher
- High school diploma or a GED certificate
- Official transcripts from an accredited Practical Nursing Program
- Proficiency in English and Math
- Completion of prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better
- TEAS-RN exam, taken at Essex County College
Curriculum:
General Education Requirements:
- College Composition
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Psychology
- Sociology
- History Elective
Major Requirements:
- Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology for Health Professions
- LPN Mobility
- Complex Health Alterations
- Management of Care
- Professional Issues, Leadership, and Synthesis
Union College Trinitas School of Nursing
The Trinitas School of Nursing at Union College offers an LPN to RN Track designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam with a combination of classroom learning and clinical training.
Features:
- In-person evening classes and weekend clinicals, ideal for students managing work or other responsibilities
- Close partnership with Trinitas Regional Medical Center, giving students valuable, hands-on experience in a professional healthcare environment
- Accredited by the ACEN
Duration: four semesters or 65 credit hours
Mode: In-person
Cost:
In-County Residents: $214.00 per credit
Out-of-County Residents: $428.00 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Age 18 or older
- High school diploma or equivalent
- LPN license
- Official transcripts
- Completion of prerequisite courses with minimum required grades
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Proof of immunizations
- Nursing entrance exam scores
- Criminal background check
- Technological requirements, such as internet connection
Curriculum:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Microbiology
- Organic Chemistry
- English Composition
- Psychology
- Sociology
- LPN to RN Transition Course
- Nursing of Adults
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
- Maternal-Child Health Nursing
- Nursing Seminar
County College of Morris (CCM)
The County College of Morris (CCM) has a great option for LPNs looking to take their career further. Their Advanced Placement Program helps you earn an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Nursing and prepare for the NCLEX-RN.
Features:
- Ideal program for those working or managing other responsibilities
- Evening classes and weekend clinicals available
- Accredited by the ACEN and approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing
Duration: 4 Semesters or 62 credits
Mode: In-person
Cost: In-county residents and out-of-county residents-$164
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- LPN license in the state of New Jersey
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Completion of prerequisite courses (all science courses completed within the last seven years)
- No previous failures in any nursing courses
- Criminal background check
- Drug screening
- Proof of health insurance and immunizations
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association
Curriculum:
General Education Requirements:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Chemistry for Health Sciences
- English Composition
- Psychology
- Sociology
Nursing Courses:
- Nursing Transition Course
- Foundations of Nursing
- Basic Medical/Surgical Nursing
- Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing
- Maternal-Child Nursing
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
All You Need to Know: LPN to RN Student FAQs
Starting your journey to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in New Jersey is exciting, but it’s completely normal to feel a little uncertain about what to expect. You’re not alone—so many people have similar questions arise when they start out.
We’ve pulled together clear and helpful answers to some of the most common questions to help you feel more prepared in every step of the way, so take a look below.
Are there financial aid options available for LPN programs?
In New Jersey, there are a few grants that can help with LPN programs. The New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) offers financial help for residents attending approved colleges, while the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
There’s also the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund, which has helped fund healthcare programs. These, along with federal options like Pell Grants, can make a big difference in covering the cost of your LPN education. Financial aid for RN programs can also be explored as some of the same resources apply.
What does the LPN licensure process in New Jersey entail?
To become an LPN in New Jersey, you’ll need to finish a state-approved LPN program, pass the NCLEX-PN exam, and apply for licensure with the New Jersey Board of Nursing. The program usually involves 1,500 hours of instruction.
After graduation, you’ll take the NCLEX-PN, and once you pass, you can apply for your license. Your license will need to be renewed every two years. If you’re looking to advance your career, 6-month accelerated LPN to RN programs are an option to consider for quicker advancement into registered nursing.
Are there flexible scheduling options for LPN programs in New Jersey?
Yes; many LPN programs in New Jersey offer flexible schedules, like part-time, evening, or weekend classes, so you can fit your studies around work or family.
If you’re thinking of advancing your career, LPN to RN programs with no prerequisites are available too, making it easier to transition into registered nursing without having to complete extra courses first. It’s worth checking with schools to see what flexible options they offer.
What are the continuing education requirements for LPNs in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, LPNs need to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to keep their license active. These hours must come from courses approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
The classes can cover various topics like nursing practice, patient care, or professional development. It’s a good idea to keep records of your hours because the Board might ask for proof when it’s time to renew.
If you’re thinking about career growth, consider LPN vs RN careers as continuing education can help you take that next step.
What are the typical duties and responsibilities of an LPN in New Jersey?
As an LPN in New Jersey, you’ll be hands-on with patient care, working closely with RNs or doctors. Your daily tasks include monitoring vital signs, giving medications, helping patients with daily activities, and keeping records up to date.
You’ll also be involved in wound care, patient education, and working with the healthcare team to create care plans. Your duties may look a bit different depending on whether you’re in a hospital, nursing home, or clinic.
If you’re an online student, be sure to check out our guide to clinicals—it’ll help you understand how to meet your fieldwork requirements.
New Jersey LPN vs. RN Salary & Career Comparison
In New Jersey, transitioning from LPN to RN offers significant financial and career benefits. The median salary for RNs is $100,160, compared to $64,620 LPNs.
RNs in the 10th percentile earn $77,700, which exceeds the median LPN salary and provides competitive pay even at the start of their careers. At the 90th percentile, RNs can earn $127,750, which is over $51,000 more than the highest-earning LPNs.
Job growth in New Jersey:
- Projected increase in job growth is 6.3% for RNs and LPNs, slightly above national growth rates.
- RNs benefit from a much larger overall number of new positions, with 5,120 additional RN jobs projected in the coming years.
This demand, combined with the higher salary, makes the shift to RN rewarding for New Jersey LPNs. Review the tables below to learn more.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | New Jersey | $57,940 | $64,620 | $76,510 |
| Registered Nurses | New Jersey | $77,700 | $100,160 | $127,750 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Registered Nurses | New Jersey | 81,520 | 86,640 | 5,120 | 6.30% | 5,030 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | New Jersey | 16,510 | 17,550 | 1,040 | 6.30% | 1,390 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Top Online LPN to RN Bridge Programs in New Jersey
Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus
Vineland, NJProgram Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $1,702 Avg. Aid Amount
- 41% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus
- The LPN to RN Bridge program offers a shortened 1.5-year, 3.5-semester schedule that accelerates completion compared to traditional RN programs, enabling faster career advancement.
- Students in the program are eligible for a 3+1 pathway with Rowan University, allowing them to complete their BSN with significant tuition savings through this collaborative transfer option.
- The program maintains a high NCLEX-RN pass rate consistently above 90% since 2000, reflecting strong academic quality and thorough exam preparation.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $1,702 Avg. Aid Amount
- 41% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $2,277 Avg. Aid Amount
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Salem Community College
- The Salem University LPN to RN Bridge program can be completed in just 20 months combining 8 months online and 12 months in-person, offering flexibility for working students.
- The program includes a personal virtual mentor and a 3-day live NCLEX-RN review to enhance licensure exam preparedness through individualized support.
- Students benefit from clinical preceptorships tailored to their interests, expanding practical experience and professional networking opportunities.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $2,277 Avg. Aid Amount
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Atlantic Cape Community College
Mays Landing, NJProgram Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $2,096 Avg. Aid Amount
- 29% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Atlantic Cape Community College
- The LPN to RN Bridge program offers advanced placement by crediting successful LPNs with eight additional nursing credits, accelerating their path to RN licensure.
- Admission includes a mandatory nursing transition course (NURS109), ensuring personalized faculty guidance and readiness for RN-level courses.
- The program collaborates with regional health facilities for faculty-supervised clinical placements, enhancing practical experience and job readiness in diverse healthcare settings.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $2,096 Avg. Aid Amount
- 29% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Raritan Valley Community College
Branchburg, NJProgram Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $1,358 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Raritan Valley Community College
- The LPN to RN Bridge program offers significant financial support, including full scholarships of $7,500 and additional funds to offset textbooks and program expenses, reducing the economic burden for nursing students.
- The program is accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), ensuring a high-quality education recognized by employers and licensing bodies.
- Graduates enjoy strong employment prospects, with many securing positions at major healthcare facilities throughout the tri-state area due to established college and employer partnerships.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $1,358 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Mercer County Community College
West Windsor, NJProgram Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $1,796 Avg. Aid Amount
- 28% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mercer County Community College
- The LPN to RN Bridge program at Mercer County Community College offers a competitive advantage by giving recent MCCC Practical Nursing graduates priority admission before past graduates or community applicants, ensuring smoother progression for current students.
- The program admits only 24 students per cycle, maintaining a focused cohort size that supports personalized attention and strong faculty-student engagement.
- Applicants can earn points towards admission based on prior academic achievements, such as holding an associate or bachelor degree or being a recent MCCC PN graduate, increasing their chances of selection in a competitive process.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $1,796 Avg. Aid Amount
- 28% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ
Cranford, NJProgram Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $1,964 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ
- The program offers a seamless RN to BSN pathway, allowing graduates to efficiently pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree through academic affiliates during breaks.
- It provides flexible clinical scheduling options with day, evening, and weekend sections, accommodating diverse student needs and work-life balance.
- Qualified students have access to financial aid and support programs, including tutorial services, counseling, and potential laptop loaners to facilitate digital learning requirements.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $1,964 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Passaic County Community College
Paterson, NJProgram Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $1,221 Avg. Aid Amount
- 20% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Passaic County Community College
- The LPN to RN Bridge program at Passaic County Community College offers a Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) that places students at the correct level by evaluating prior practical nursing knowledge, accelerating their progression.
- The program guarantees clinical placement opportunities in real healthcare settings, enhancing hands-on experience essential for RN roles.
- Students benefit from specialized admission criteria including a minimum NACE score and valid NJ LPN license, ensuring a focused and qualified cohort for advanced nursing education.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $1,221 Avg. Aid Amount
- 20% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $1,768 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Ocean County College
- Qualified LPNs can test out of the first nursing course, skipping a semester and reducing tuition costs in the Career Mobility program at Ocean County College.
- The program requires successful employment as an LPN for at least six months, ensuring students have practical experience before advancing to RN coursework.
- The Career Mobility path offers an accelerated RN completion by allowing LPNs to begin directly in Nursing II after passing a Challenge Exam, shortening the program to three semesters.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $1,768 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $3,440 Avg. Aid Amount
- 22% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 24/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Essex County College
- The Essex County College LPN to RN Bridge program awards 6 nursing credits for prior LPN education, accelerating degree completion and reducing total coursework.
- The program is accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), ensuring high academic and clinical quality standards.
- Students complete advanced nursing leadership and clinical courses preparing them to sit for the NCLEX-RN and qualify for a wider scope of nursing roles with increased responsibility.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $3,440 Avg. Aid Amount
- 22% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 24/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Hudson County Community College
Jersey City, NJProgram Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $2,626 Avg. Aid Amount
- 22% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Hudson County Community College
- The LPN to RN Bridge program offers a required web-enhanced Bridge component that includes on-site clinical skills testing, providing focused preparation tailored to LPNs advancing to RN studies.
- Students benefit from entering flexible nursing divisions—Day, Evening, or Weekend—after Bridge completion, accommodating diverse schedules for accelerated RN program progression.
- Prior nursing credits and relevant non-nursing college courses may be transferred with approval, reducing time and cost to degree completion for LPNs transitioning to RN.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $2,626 Avg. Aid Amount
- 22% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online Undergraduate Bridge Program Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
*Metrics #1-2 and #3-5 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
