Top LPN to RN Bridge Programs in New Jersey: Online & Campus
Unlock your nursing career potential by enrolling in an LPN to RN program in New Jersey. Keep reading to discover what these bridge programs offer and what they can do for your earning potential.
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You’ve already laid the foundation for your fulfilling future by becoming a licensed practical nurse, but now’s the perfect time to level up your career as a registered nurse. It’s a simple story of supply and demand: According to the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing, New Jersey is among the states with the greatest RN shortage, and with 10,000 more nurses retiring soon, opportunities for new RNs should be high.
In-person and online LPN to RN programs in New Jersey provide a quick path to earning your associate degree and becoming an RN. You’ll build upon the knowledge you’ve gained as a practical nurse and prepare for the increasing responsibilities and pay that come with registered nursing.
In this comprehensive guide to LPN to RN programs in New Jersey, you’ll learn all about these bridge programs and how they can help advance your nursing career. Keep scrolling to discover top programs, as well as detailed information about the curriculum, admissions, future job prospects, and more.
The Best LPN to RN Programs in New Jersey for 2024
Enrolling in a high-quality program is the first step toward your future success as a registered nurse. To help you choose, we’ve ranked the top LPN to RN bridge programs in New Jersey for 2024.
Each school on this list is accredited by theAccreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) orCommission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. You’ll also find affordable tuition, outstanding student support services, and high student success rates at each school.
Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC)
Raritan Valley Community College’s LPN to RN Nursing Bridge Program offers you a comprehensive educational route to becoming a registered nurse. This highly immersive, in-person program combines nursing and non-nursing academic coursework, ensuring a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in their future careers.
Taking the two-year core clinical nursing courses in sequence is mandatory, but students can choose between day and evening programs to accommodate their busy schedules. Additionally, non-nursing courses may be taken any semester, allowing students the flexibility to fit general education courses into their schedule however it best fits their unique needs. Upon graduation, students have the opportunity to further their nursing education with a bachelor of science degree program at Kean University.
RVCC boasts impressive graduate success rates. In 2022, the NCLEX-RN pass rate was 93.06%, and 90% of students in the class of 2021 secured a job upon graduation. Raritan Valley Community College should be a top contender for students looking for a solid start to their RN careers.
Salem Community College (SCC)
Salem Community College’s Associate Degree in Nursing program is perfect if you’re seeking a transition from LPN to RN in just one year. With a rigorous curriculum encompassing general education courses and nursing program classes, SCC’s program provides students with a comprehensive associate degree education.
To prepare students for entering the field as an RN, courses include topics such as concepts in nursing practice and leadership in healthcare systems. SCC’s nursing program is dedicated to guiding students every step of the way, providing clear communication of program requirements and deadlines, and offering several scholarships to nursing students each year.
With an impressive NCLEX-RN pass rate of 87.5%, Salem Community College’s LPN to RN program is the perfect choice for students seeking a well-planned, fast-track path to becoming a registered nurse.
Ocean County College (OCC)
If you’re looking for hybrid-online LPN to RN programs in New Jersey, you should consider Ocean County College’s On-Site Online Nursing Program. This full-time program was built to provide students with a flexible option for pursuing their nursing degree, even if they’re unable to commit to on-campus study for multiple days each week.
Didactic coursework and lectures are available to attend or view online, meaning students can easily access classes from any convenient location with an internet connection. Assignments can be completed at the student’s own pace, while lab skills practice is flexible and can be performed whenever students have time during open laboratory hours. Clinical requirements are fulfilled with a faculty supervisor during a 12–14-hour intensive shift, one day per week, rounding out students’ educational experience with real-world nursing experience.
OCC’s average NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2022 was 89%, making this program the ideal choice for those seeking a flexible yet well-qualified program that can help them reach their nursing career goals.
What You’ll Learn in an LPN to RN Bridge Program in NJ
As a student of one of these LPN to RN bridge programs in New Jersey, you’ll start with general education courses commonly required in any associate degree program. You’ll also participate in specialized nursing courses that will expand your nursing skill set, deepen your knowledge, and prepare you to take on a more direct role in performing and managing patient care. You’ll also gain supervised, hands-on experience in laboratory and clinical settings.
By graduation day, you’ll be prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for licensure as a registered nurse in the state. If you’d like to see an example of what to expect, Passaic Community College’s LPN Mobility Program is a good representation typical of course requirements and progression of LPN to RN bridge programs in NJ. We’ve also included a list of nursing courses commonly included in these programs below.
Common Classes
Anatomy & Physiology
This foundational course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the human body’s structure and function. Students learn about organ systems, tissues, cells, and their roles in the human body.
Microbiology
Students explore the world of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and parasites and their roles in human health and disease. They also learn the principles of infection control and prevention, disease transmission, and the body’s immune response.
Fundamentals of Nursing
A series of courses that focus on providing compassionate and effective patient care at all stages of life. Students learn essential clinical skills, patient assessment techniques, and evidence-based nursing interventions.
Issues in Nursing
This class examines contemporary nursing challenges and trends in ethics, healthcare policy, patient relations, and technology. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and advocacy skills for better patient care and professional practice.
Transition to Practice
This course prepares students for professional RN roles by emphasizing communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills. The curriculum covers real-world nursing concepts, patient safety, and teamwork. Students also prepare to successfully take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Inside Look at Online LPN to RN Programs in New Jersey
While there are no fully online LPN to RN programs in New Jersey due to laboratory and clinical requirements, you’ll still have plenty of options for hybrid programs. Even if a program isn’t officially marketed as an online or hybrid program, in many cases, you can still take non-clinical classes online. For these online or hybrid classes, students can complete most coursework and attend lectures online at their own convenience.
As with any nursing program, you’ll still need to plan to attend clinical and hands-on training classes in person, which will likely take place on campus at your chosen school and at a nearby healthcare facility. If you can attend classes in person but still prefer flexible meeting times, an evening program, like the one offered at Jersey College, might be a good fit.
Even if you attend the majority of your classes online, LPN to RN bridge programs in NJ are immersive and intensive programs that are demanding on students’ time. Take an honest assessment of your available time and other obligations before choosing between a full- or part-time program.
To learn more about what you can expect from online LPN to RN programs in New Jersey, check out EduMed’s main page on online LPN to RN programs.
Examples of LPN to RN Programs in NJ with Online Courses
FAQs About LPN to RN Programs in New Jersey
How long does it take to finish an LPN to RN bridge program in New Jersey?
The time it takes to graduate from an LPN to RN program in New Jersey can vary based on several factors, including if you attend a traditional or accelerated program or if you can participate in classes full- or part-time.
Entering an RN program as a licensed practical nurse shortens the overall time spent in the program since you’ll receive credit for your existing knowledge and skillset. Most LPN to RN bridge programs in NJ can be completed in 12 to 18 months, though some programs take as long as two years.
What are the admissions requirements for LPN to RN bridge programs in New Jersey?
Each school will have unique admission criteria. However, some aspects of the process are the same across most traditional and online LPN to RN programs in New Jersey. These requirements include:
- Proof of high school graduation or GED
- Transcripts from your LPN program and any other schools you’ve attended
- A valid, unencumbered LPN license
- Minimum GPA in previous coursework (typically between 2.5-3.0)
- Proof of vaccinations
- Permission to run a criminal background check and drug screening
Always check with prospective schools to confirm if they have any additional requirements. For example, Atlantic Cape Community College requires a minimum C grade in specific courses. Other schools, like Jersey College, conduct interviews as part of the application process. Many schools also ask for Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) scores to assess student readiness.
How much do LPN to RN bridge programs in New Jersey cost?
The costs associated with LPN to RN programs in New Jersey can vary depending on the school and the year. In addition to tuition, here are some of the most common expenses you’ll encounter:
- Lab, technology, and activity fees
- Books and lab supplies
- Uniforms, shoes, and equipment such as stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs
- NCLEX-RN exam and licensing fees
The following can help you better understand the total tuition you’ll pay in LPN to RN bridge programs in NJ.
Essex County College
Nursing: LPN Articulation Option – AAS
Total Credits: 66
$191.38/credit in-county | $325.63/credit out-of-county
Union College Trinitas School of Nursing
LPN to RN Track for Licensed Practical Nurses
Total Credits: 65
$214/credit Union County resident | $385 out-of-state
County College of Morris
Total Credits: 62
$184/credit in-county | $328/credit out-of-county | $454 out-of-state
What should I look for in an LPN to RN program in New Jersey?
Whether you’re looking for in-person or online LPN to RN programs in New Jersey, thoroughly research programs to ensure they align with quality educational standards. Here are some aspects to consider when choosing a program:
- Approval by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
- Accreditation by a regional accrediting agency, such as ACEN or CCNE.
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates. You can check a school’s NCLEX-RN pass rates through the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
Are There 6 Month LPN to RN Programs in NJ?
Being a licensed practical nurse can be rewarding, but you may be at the point in your career where you’re ready to advance and become a registered nurse. Taking this step will not only open up job opportunities and increase your earning potential, it can also increase your skill sets so you can provide more advanced care to patients—which ultimately lays the groundwork for more career fulfillment.
But to take advantage of these benefits, you have to find the right training program. Although you may have heard that 6-month LPN to RN programs are a good option, New Jersey schools don’t offer any programs that you can complete this fast. But you can get the training you need by enrolling in the school below, which we picked because it has a top accelerated program for LPNs aspiring to advance their careers.
Berkeley College offers an accelerated LPN to BSN program, which takes about three years to complete, designed for licensed practical nurses who have worked at least 2,080 clinical hours. Students enrolled in this program take general education courses in writing, statistics, and psychology, as well as nursing-specific classes covering community health nursing, nursing leadership and management, and advanced nursing pharmacology.
Berkley College charges $890 per credit. In addition, nursing students are charged fees that are specific to the department, which includes malpractice insurance, scrubs, immunizations, and the cost of the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. These additional fees are about $1,216.50 total.
LPN vs. RN in New Jersey: Earnings and Job Demand Comparison
Enrolling in one of the LPN to RN bridge programs in NJ is a significant investment, and no doubt it’s one you’d hope to gain substantial returns on. In this section, we’ll examine how much you can earn as an RN and your future career prospects.
How much more can I earn going from an LPN to RN in New Jersey?
Overall, New Jersey RNs’ median wage is $34,620 higher than that of LPNs, which is an increase of almost 60 percent. While we find the highest-earning LPNs and RNs in the New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area, that’s also where the wage gap between these two professions is most significant.
According to the table below, RNs in Atlantic City-Hammonton earn the lowest median annual wage, but that’s still 40% more than LPNs in the area earn. The following chart provides more in-depth data on state-wide nurse wages.
| LPN Median Annual Wage | RN Median Annual Wage | Earnings Increase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $60,070 | $94,690 | 58% |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $56,430 | $79,100 | 40% |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $60,130 | $98,950 | 65% |
| Ocean City, NJ | $58,790 | $80,020 | 36% |
| Trenton, NJ | $59,120 | $79,950 | 35% |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | $57,710 | $79,360 | 38% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021
What’s the job market like for RNs in New Jersey vs. LPNs?
New Jersey’s nursing workforce is aging. More than two-thirds of the nurses in the state are 56 or older. Due to this and the rising demand for care, the US Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration has identified New Jersey as one of seven states projected to have an RN shortage by 2030.
While all nurses are in high demand in the state, the table below indicates that the job market for RNs in New Jersey will outpace the demand for LPNs in average annual openings and growth rate.
| New Jobs (2020-2030) | Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPNs in New Jersey | 1,350 | 8.5% | 1,380 |
| RNs in New Jersey | 7,190 | 8.6% | 5,240 |
Source: Projections Central