Your Guide to Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in New Jersey
Want to advance your nursing career? The best 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. Read on to explore the schools that made their way onto our list as the top choices for potential students like you.
Felician University
Lodi, New Jersey
Private
Seton Hall University
South Orange, New Jersey
Private
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.
Featured Programs:
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.
Featured Programs:
New Jersey Nurse Practitioner Career and Salary Potential
After completing your nurse practitioner education in New Jersey, it's time to begin your job search. It's natural to start this phase of your career journey wondering about your job prospects and the kind of salary you can expect. Nurse practitioners are in high demand and are expected to remain so, with job openings projected to grow by 44.5% nationally over the next decade. In New Jersey, that number is even higher, with a remarkable 50.7% job growth projected over the next ten years. Furthermore, if you look at the table below, you can see details about the salary you can expect as a New Jersey nurse practitioner. While this varies depending on location, experience, and specialization, and you can consult the table for more specifics, you can expect to earn a good living, with the median NP in NJ making $142,950 in 2023.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| New Jersey | 6,790 | 10,230 | 3,440 | 50.70% | 720 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $100,110 | $142,950 | $178,300 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $61,380 | $128,190 | $177,880 |
| Ocean City, NJ | $106,450 | $128,870 | $158,740 |
| Trenton, NJ | $89,950 | $136,880 | $179,400 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | $82,660 | $133,970 | $163,200 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
