Online NP Programs in New Jersey: Guide to Top Schools

Profiling New Jersey NP Programs

As a nurse practitioner, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a competitive salary and gain access to higher-level positions in hospitals, healthcare facilities, schools and colleges, and research centers. The best online NP programs in New Jersey offer multiple specialty options, financial aid for NP students, and flexible study formats.

When deciding to become a nurse practitioner, there are a few different degree paths you can choose. Programs in New Jersey allow registered nurses (RNs) to earn a master’s degree or doctorate, with an extra deep dive into a chosen specialty, such as neonatal nursing or acute care.

Classes can be either 100% online or the more likely “hybrid” option, which mixes online learning with on-site or on-campus labs or clinicals. Below, we look at three different types of online NP degrees and what to expect from each one.

Expert Insight

In recent years, there has been some discussion about the “DNP” becoming the minimum required degree to become a nurse practitioner in the future, but nothing is set in stone right now. This is something to consider when choosing your degree program.

Charmaine Robinson, RN, MSN

FAQs About Online NP Programs in New Jersey

What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and a physician assistant (PA)?

Key differences between NPs and PAs are scope of practice and practice autonomy. An NP’s scope of practice encompasses patient treatment, especially in patient populations with diverse needs. PAs focus on medicine-related care and specific disciplines, such as dermatology or surgery.

Further, nurse practitioners can practice independently as primary care providers in some states while PAs must be supervised by a physician.

What does it mean for an online NP program to be accredited?

Accredited NP programs have been given a stamp of approval by professional organizations that ensure the program meets high standards of quality education. Accreditation aligns with nursing standards that ensure graduates are well-prepared for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) nursing exam and competent to practice after graduation.

Your online NP program in New Jersey should be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

What are some of the specialties for online NP programs?

Online NP program specialties may include:

• Family Health
• Adult-Gerontology
• Neonatal Care
• Pediatrics
• Women’s Health
• Psychiatric / Mental Health
• Acute Care

When choosing a specialty, you should focus on an area of healthcare that interests you, as it can help you focus your career direction.

Expert Insight

Here’s another thing to consider before choosing a nurse practitioner specialty. Unlike RNs, who can switch their specialty anytime they want without needing to go back to school, NPs do not have this luxury. If you start your career as a pediatric NP, you cannot switch to adult-gerontology or psychiatric/mental health without returning to school for a new certification.

Charmaine Robinson, RN, MSN

What kind of financial aid is available for my online NP program?

The three most common forms of financial assistance for online NP students are scholarships, grants, and loans. Scholarships and grants are funded by many groups, including private organizations, professional associations, community groups, and educational institutions. These make for excellent options for NP students looking to minimize their educational debt, since they don’t typically require repayment.

If you’re unable to find funding to fully cover your school expenses, consider student loans or employee tuition repayment programs.

What is an accelerated nurse practitioner program?

An accelerated nurse practitioner program is a special NP program that permits multiple classes at one time so you can finish your studies faster. Some universities offer online accelerated NP programs for nursing professionals who have earned an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Students in accelerated NP programs can earn a master’s degree or doctorate in nursing in a shorter amount of time than those enrolled in a traditional NP program. This is accomplished through transfer credits, fewer general education requirements, and an aggressive learning timeline. Accelerated program graduates still need to be certified in New Jersey after they have earned the degree.

Licensing and Certification as a Nurse Practitioner in New Jersey

Once you graduate from your master’s degree or doctoral program, you can apply to be a nurse practitioner through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs / Board of Nursing. Application requirements include:

• A valid New Jersey RN license
• Proof of degree
• Background check with fingerprinting

After applying, you’ll need to pass a national NP certification test. New Jersey requires that you take an exam from either the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), which is for clinical practice roles, or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), with clinical management, research, and education factors added to its questions about care.

The ANCC test is between $295 and $395, depending on your membership status. For the AANP exam, the cost is between $240 and $315, which also depends on group membership. State licensing costs $200, with an extra $40 to $70 dollars for the fingerprinting and background checking.

Lastly, you’ll need to think about renewal of your New Jersey NP license every two years. The state consumer affairs group also requires 30 continuing education credits.

Salary & Career Outlook for Nurse Practitioners in New Jersey

New Jersey’s Top-Ranked Online NP Programs