Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in New Jersey (NJ)
Want to advance your nursing career? Online nurse practitioner programs in New Jersey offer multiple specialty options, financial aid, and flexible formats.
Are you an experienced registered nurse interested in a leadership role? Maybe you want to have a greater effect on healthcare policy, or you want to develop more specialized skills. Regardless of the reason, online nurse practitioner programs in New Jersey are a great way to fulfill your potential and reach your goals. As a nurse practitioner, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a higher salary and gain access to higher-level positions in hospitals, health agencies, public health departments, schools and colleges, and community health centers.
From adult-gerontology, to family, acute care, women’s health, and pediatric nursing, online nurse practitioner programs in New Jersey allow you to dive deep into the nuances of your chosen specialty and graduate with the expertise you need to provide even more skilled care.
In this guide, we spotlight three quality online nurse practitioner programs in New Jersey and explain the key factors to look for when choosing one. We also discuss degree options and explore the job outlook and earning potential. By the end, you’ll be well on your way to finding the right online nurse practitioner program for you. Keep reading to get started.
School Spotlights: New Jersey Nurse Practitioner Programs
As you’ve begun to research online nurse practitioner programs in New Jersey, you’ve no doubt realized that there are seemingly countless options. To help you narrow and refine your search, we found a few top schools that meet our criteria for a quality education. Although we haven’t ranked these schools in any way, they serve as top examples of programs worth considering.
Felician University
Felician University offers a nurse practitioner program that consists of online courses and 650 on-site clinical hours. During the three-year program, students earn 40 credits while working under clinical preceptors and receiving guidance from experienced faculty members. This program equips students for leadership positions in healthcare that allow them to improve patient-centered care and quality standards. Key areas covered include pharmacology, women’s primary care, adult-gerontology, and pediatric primary care.
The university is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The online master’s of nursing program is individually accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Rolling admissions make it easier to submit the required application, $40 application fee, official transcripts, and optional test scores. Incoming freshman can take advantage of generous financial aid and scholarships. Every freshman who fills out a FAFSA receives aid; the Felician Scholarship alone is worth $15,000.
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Prospective nurse practitioners who are looking to specialize will appreciate the four tracks in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Ramapo College of New Jersey. Students can choose from family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, nursing administration, and nursing education. The program is primarily online with some hybrid aspects. Ramapo’s program is designed for affordability and individual attention for each student.
The family nurse practitioner track consists of a 90% online format and 49 credits that take three years to complete with a part-time schedule. With a slightly shorter timeframe, the adult-gerontology nurse practitioner track takes two and a half years with a part-time schedule. It requires 43 credits.
Tuition for both courses is $851.82 per credit, so the adult-gerontology program costs $36,628.26, and the family nurse practitioner program costs $41,739.18. Students fill out and submit a FAFSA to be eligible for financial aid.
Seton Hall University
For those who want to work with the elderly, the Seton Hall University online Master of Science in Nursing Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program may be a good fit. Students choose an acute or primary care track. Graduates will be ready to take the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care or Primary Care certification exams through the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. For five years, primary care graduates have had a 100% pass rate, and acute care graduates have had a 95% pass rate.
Each track can be completed in three to four years and requires 48 credits. This nurse practitioner program is nationally ranked and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The program includes mentoring and career support from faculty members.
Admissions requirements include holding a BSN, a current nursing license, a minimum GPA of 3.0 (for the primary care track) or 3.2 (for the acute care track), reference letters, insurance, a $75 application fee, and an interview.
Qualities of a Top Nurse Practitioner Program in NJ
What should you look for when considering online nurse practitioner programs in New Jersey? Below, we explore key features that set quality programs apart from the rest. Keep reading to learn what these features are, how they affect your education, and how they influence your career as a nurse practitioner.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a crucial component of quality online nurse practitioner programs. It confirms that the program content meets quality standards set by professional and educational organizations. It also aligns with nursing standards that ensure graduates are competent to practice. Potential employers will know that you’ve received a quality education and are equipped to do your job. Last but not least, accreditation is necessary for federal financial aid eligibility. Most institutions clearly state their accreditation status. If the program you’re looking at does not, be sure to inquire before you apply.
Affordable Tuition & Fees
Affordable tuition can be the deciding factor when choosing between online nurse practitioner programs in New Jersey. In addition to tuition, you must also factor in fees for books, supplies, and other miscellaneous costs. It’s wise to look at what financial aid options are available at different schools. Some institutions, such as Felician University, have their own scholarships that new students may qualify for. Others, such as Rutgers, offer aid to active military members or veterans.
Certification Exam Pass Rates
A school’s certification exam pass rate tells prospective students how successfully a program prepares them to earn their requisite licensure. You may have looked for similar statistics — namely NCLEX pass rates — when applying to nursing school the first time. Although preparing for exams like is your responsibility, some programs prepare prospective nurse practitioners more adequately for exams like the ANCC and AANP.
Comprehensive Curriculum & Clinical Options
A comprehensive curriculum in a top nurse practitioner program provides a well-rounded education that equips you with excellent clinical skills and the ability to navigate healthcare systems, advocate for patients, and contribute to the nursing profession. When you’re learning online, expect to learn critical information using formats such as simulations, interactive modules, case studies, and multimedia resources.
A variety of clinical options allows you to gain hands-on experience in multiple settings. It also accommodates the needs of students in different locations.
Flexibility in Format & Enrollment
In today’s busy world and ever-changing schedules, flexibility is a must in a program’s format and enrollment requirements. Online education has made advanced learning more accessible for working professionals and those with families.
Enrollment requirements can also be a make-or-break factor when choosing between programs. Rolling admissions provides more convenience with a much longer application window that minimizes the pressure to submit required materials.
Specialization Options
Specialization options, such as becoming a family nurse practitioner, primary adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, or psychiatric nurse practitioner, allow you to tailor your education to your career needs and goals. Different nursing tracks, such as those at Ramapo College of New Jersey, help you gain expertise that leads to greater innovation.
NP Degree Types: Discover the Academic Path for You
When deciding to become a nurse practitioner, there are a few different degree paths to choose from. Which one is best for you will depend on your prior schooling and career goals. Below, we look at three different types of degrees, what’s involved in each one, and schools in New Jersey that offer them.
MSN
An MSN degree typically takes two to three years to complete, although this varies among schools, depending on their structure and study schedules (part-time or full-time). Some universities also offer accelerated programs.
Coursework covers advanced nursing practice, healthcare policy, and research. Usually, these programs include specialty tracks that focus on specific areas, such as family, adult-gerontology, mental health, neonatal, and acute care. Admissions requirements consist of a BSN, a current nursing license, recent clinical experience, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Some schools offer an RN to MSN bridge program or a direct-entry program to streamline the process.
Featured Programs:
Certificate
A nurse practitioner certificate program is for those who already hold an MSN and want to specialize in a particular area of advanced practice nursing. A certificate program doesn’t result in another degree, but it allows graduates to sit for the exam of their chosen specialty. To enroll in a certificate program, applicants must have an MSN or DNP (doctor of nursing practice), a current nursing license, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Some schools may require a certain amount of clinical experience. Certificate programs focus on individual specialties and usually take one to two years to complete, depending on the structure and part-time or full-time enrollment.
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DNP
A DNP program prepares students for leadership roles, evidence-based practice, and specialized care. These programs typically take three to four years to complete, depending on the structure, format (online, hybrid, accelerated), enrollment (part-time or full-time), and starting point.
Students can choose a BSN to DNP program or an MSN to DNP program. The latter commonly focuses on specialization, while the BSN to DNP route involves master’s-level work in the first part of the program.
For acceptance into a DNP program, applicants must have a BSN or MSN, an active nursing license, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, recent clinical experience, and, in some cases, GRE scores.
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New Jersey Nurse Practitioner Career and Salary Potential
The projected job growth rate for nurse practitioners in New Jersey is a whopping 61.3%, far above average and significantly higher than the national rate of 52.2%. Experts estimate that 800 new nurse practitioner jobs will become available in New Jersey every year through 2030. High demand for nurse practitioners across the country means that if you end up moving out of state, you should be able to easily find another job.
Even so, you may discover that other states don’t pay as well — New Jersey’s median salary for nurse practitioners is $136,480, while the national median salary is $121,610. The most profitable location to work in for median and 90th percentile earners is the capital city of Trenton — the median salary is $135,880, and the 90th percentile is an impressive $191,270. Interestingly enough, the lowest pay in Trenton is $100,800, is less than that in both Ocean City and Vineland-Bridgeton. Atlantic City is the only area that drops below $100,000 for the 10th percentile range. To summarize, although some cities have a wider salary range, New Jersey pays well overall, with Trenton being the most lucrative area.
| Area | Employment (2020) | New Jobs (2020-2030) | Job Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings (’20-’30) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 6,150 | 3,770 | 61.3% | 800 |
| U.S. | 220,300 | 114,900 | 52.2% | 26,000 |
Source: Projections Central
| Location | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $87,340 | $121,610 | $165,240 |
| New Jersey | $111,560 | $136,480 | $170,940 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $96,170 | $125,940 | $166,700 |
| Ocean City, NJ | $101,730 | $127,500 | $152,580 |
| Trenton, NJ | $100,800 | $135,880 | $191,270 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | $103,170 | $125,880 | $164,230 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
