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:
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
| Area ↕︎ | Occupation ↕︎ | 10th Percentile ↕︎ | Median ↕︎ | 90th Percentile ↕︎ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | LPNs/LVNs | $63,210 | $75,160 | $85,400 |
| RNs | $83,060 | $106,500 | $135,170 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
| Area ↕︎ | Occupation ↕︎ | Curr.Jobs ↕︎ | Proj.Jobs ↕︎ | NewJobs ↕︎ | Growth % ↕︎ | Avg. Ann.Openings ↕︎ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | RNs | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| LPNs/LVNs | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 | |
| New Jersey | RNs | 81,520 | 86,640 | 5,120 | 6.30% | 5,030 |
| LPNs/LVNs | 16,510 | 17,550 | 1,040 | 6.30% | 1,390 |
Source: Projections Central
Top Online LPN to RN Bridge Programs in New Jersey
Eastwick College-Ramsey
Program Details
- Location: Ramsey, NJ
- ACCSCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 100%Students W/ Aid
- $3,651Avg. Aid Amount
- 16/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Eastwick College-Ramsey
- Guaranteed clinical rotations at local hospitals provide robust hands-on experience and strong employer exposure.
- Focused, streamlined curriculum eliminates unnecessary general education courses, reducing time and cost to become an RN.
- Automatic Eastwick Book Scholarship and book/laptop grant significantly cut textbook and technology expenses for bridge students.
Program Details
- Location: Ramsey, NJ
- ACCSCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 100%Students W/ Aid
- $3,651Avg. Aid Amount
- 16/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Eastwick College-Hackensack
Program Details
- Location: Hackensack, NJ
- ACCSCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 87%Students W/ Aid
- $9,637Avg. Aid Amount
- 36/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Eastwick College-Hackensack
- The LPN to RN bridge program is approved by the NJ Board of Nursing, enhancing credibility.
- Licensed practical nurses can complete the LPN to RN bridge and earn an RN degree in as little as 18 months.
- Limited seating and strong career demand make admission competitive, signaling strong employer interest and outcomes.
Program Details
- Location: Hackensack, NJ
- ACCSCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 87%Students W/ Aid
- $9,637Avg. Aid Amount
- 36/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus
Program Details
- Location: Vineland, NJ
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 55%Students W/ Aid
- $5,634Avg. Aid Amount
- 19/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus
- Inspira Health employees in the LPN-RN track receive a 50% discount on tuition and fees.
- The LPN-RN program is approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and accredited by ACEN, supporting strong licensure outcomes.
- Students can use the RCSJ–Rowan University 3+1 partnership to complete a BSN with significant tuition savings after the associate degree.
Program Details
- Location: Vineland, NJ
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 55%Students W/ Aid
- $5,634Avg. Aid Amount
- 19/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Passaic County Community College
Program Details
- Location: Paterson, NJ
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 72%Students W/ Aid
- $5,151Avg. Aid Amount
- 14/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Passaic County Community College
- The program offers an acceleration option using the Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE), allowing qualified LPNs to progress more quickly into RN-level coursework.
- The program guarantees clinical placement in real healthcare settings, giving students assured hands-on experience essential for RN roles.
- Specialized admission criteria, including a required minimum NACE score and valid NJ LPN license, create a focused and professionally experienced cohort for advanced nursing education.
Program Details
- Location: Paterson, NJ
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 72%Students W/ Aid
- $5,151Avg. Aid Amount
- 14/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Salem Community College
Program Details
- Location: Carneys Point, NJ
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 50%Students W/ Aid
- $5,706Avg. Aid Amount
- 17/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Salem Community College
- The program offers a fast, one-year LPN-to-RN pathway, letting licensed practical nurses become RNs quickly.
- Students train in high-quality simulated labs and diverse clinical sites, building advanced hands-on skills like IV starts and blood draws.
- The RN program is fully accredited by ACEN and the New Jersey Board of Nursing, preparing graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN and enter the workforce as registered nurses.
Program Details
- Location: Carneys Point, NJ
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 50%Students W/ Aid
- $5,706Avg. Aid Amount
- 17/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus
Program Details
- Location: Sewell, NJ
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 33%Students W/ Aid
- $6,903Avg. Aid Amount
- 24/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus
- The LPN-RN Track offers a clear pathway for licensed practical nurses to advance to registered nurse status, culminating in eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for RN licensure.
- The program is structured as a selective admissions track with a defined application cycle, providing an organized timeline from portfolio submission to admission decision for Gloucester campus candidates.
- Applicants benefit from dedicated selective admissions support at the Gloucester campus, including specialized staff and contact channels to guide them through the portfolio and enrollment process.
Program Details
- Location: Sewell, NJ
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 33%Students W/ Aid
- $6,903Avg. Aid Amount
- 24/1Student/Faculty Ratio
JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools
Program Details
- Location: Plainfield, NJ
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 48%Students W/ Aid
- $3,227Avg. Aid Amount
- 10/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools
- The program lets LPNs enter directly into advanced nursing courses, shortening time to RN completion.
- Successful completion of the LPN transition course awards advanced standing and multiple nursing transfer credits, reducing coursework.
- Designed specifically for working LPNs, the track builds on existing experience and skills to streamline RN preparation.
Program Details
- Location: Plainfield, NJ
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 48%Students W/ Aid
- $3,227Avg. Aid Amount
- 10/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Middlesex College
Program Details
- Location: Edison, NJ
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 41%Students W/ Aid
- $5,504Avg. Aid Amount
- 21/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Middlesex College
- Obtain an RN license in just one year through an accelerated, fast, affordable program.
- Leverage dedicated career mobility support and strong employer partnerships with Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJBarnabas Health.
- Receive eight credits for your existing, unencumbered LPN license, shortening time and cost to complete the degree.
Program Details
- Location: Edison, NJ
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 41%Students W/ Aid
- $5,504Avg. Aid Amount
- 21/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Ocean County College
Program Details
- Location: Toms River, NJ
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 55%Students W/ Aid
- $3,724Avg. Aid Amount
- 22/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Ocean County College
- Career Mobility option lets LPNs test out of the first clinical nursing course, shortening RN completion by one semester.
- Program is approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission, enhancing credential value.
- Clinical experiences use agencies throughout the state, expanding real-world practice settings and professional networking opportunities.
Program Details
- Location: Toms River, NJ
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 55%Students W/ Aid
- $3,724Avg. Aid Amount
- 22/1Student/Faculty Ratio
County College of Morris
Program Details
- Location: Randolph, NJ
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 38%Students W/ Aid
- $5,388Avg. Aid Amount
- 17/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected County College of Morris
- Exemptions from NUR 121 let qualified LPNs advance directly into NUR 123, shortening the path to RN coursework.
- Advanced placement students continue with the same day or evening cohort, preserving peer support and continuity.
- The program recognizes prior LPN experience through ranked admission criteria and transition preparation for a smoother start.
Program Details
- Location: Randolph, NJ
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 38%Students W/ Aid
- $5,388Avg. Aid Amount
- 17/1Student/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
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