Online Nursing Schools in New Jersey: Exploring Top Programs
Whether you are a new high school graduate or hold multiple nursing degrees, New Jersey is full of opportunities to further your nursing education. You have the opportunity to study fully or partly online with online and hybrid nursing programs, which can be convenient and help you save time and money as you earn your qualifications. Read on to look at the different online nursing programs in New Jersey to see if one might be a fit for you.
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NursingNursing Ed.Types of Online Nursing Programs in New Jersey
Even if you know you want to pursue an online nursing program in New Jersey, you still have to consider the type of program, your budget for tuition, and whether you want an entirely online program or a hybrid format. Though classes may be offered online, any required labs are generally held on campus and many New Jersey nursing schools require you to attend in-person clinical rotations even as an online student.
To get started, discover these online and hybrid nursing degree programs in New Jersey.
Undergraduate Nursing Programs in NJ
For recent high school graduates and those looking for a career change to the medical field, undergraduate nursing programs are the best place to start in your nursing education. These can include both degrees and certificate programs. Below are the different types of undergraduate nursing programs offered in New Jersey.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Certified nursing assistants, known as CNAs, assist physicians and nurses in patient care. This often includes helping with activities of daily living (ADLs) like dressing, eating, and movement, as well as taking vital signs and administering medicine. CNA programs can often be completed in one year or less, helping you to become a CNA quickly and conveniently.
Example: Rowan College of South Jersey
- Cost: $200/credit
- Length: 1 Year
- Mode: Hybrid
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Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An associate degree in nursing offers a quick and relatively inexpensive introduction to the nursing profession. Usually lasting two years, ADN programs cover general education and foundational nursing topics, and offer students hands-on clinical experience. You can register to take the NCLEX-RN exam two months before graduation.
Example: Ocean County College
- Cost: $189/credit
- Length: 2 Years
- Mode: Online/Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
RNs with a bachelor’s degree typically earn more and have broader career options compared to RNs with an ADN. Usually requiring four years to complete, BSN degrees use traditional coursework and hands-on clinical experience to prepare you for a nursing career. Graduates can pursue RN licensure per the requirements of their state, and many students make the transition into advanced degree programs.
Example: Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Cost: $1,044/credit
- Length: 4 Years
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Suppose you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline but are interested in a nursing career. Online accelerated BSN programs offer a practical way to earn your nursing degree and licensure. Having previously completed general education requirements, these programs focus solely on nursing topics and allow you to graduate within 18-24 months.
Example: Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Cost: $1,044/credit
- Length: 15 Months
- Mode: Hybrid
Graduate Nursing in New Jersey
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, you might be ready for a graduate nursing degree. These online and hybrid graduate and postgraduate nursing programs are ideal for trained nurses looking to specialize or advance into leadership roles.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
If you already hold a BSN, an MSN program typically takes around 18 months to complete. MSN programs can take up to three years to complete for students with an unrelated bachelor’s degree and no prior nursing experience. Common MSN specializations include family practitioner, gerontology, and clinical nursing leadership.
Example: Montclair State University
- Cost: $10,296/semester
- Length: 1 Year
- Mode: Online
Expert Insight
There are many MSN specializations to choose from. If you want to treat patients, you can become a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or clinical nurse specialist. Like the idea of teaching? You can become a nurse educator. Prefer to work behind a desk? Becoming a nurse researcher or nurse informaticist could be an option. Evaluate your interests before applying to an MSN program.”
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs are designed for professional nurses who want to continue clinical practice, but in a leadership role. This track typically takes three to four years to complete.
A PhD in nursing is mainly for students focused on research, academia, and policy. An online PhD program in nursing usually takes four to six years.
Example: Rutgers University
- Cost: $1,082/credit
- Length: 3-4 Years
- Mode: Hybrid
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
For students who completed MSNs, post-graduate certificates allow them to focus on a specific nursing topic. Common post-graduate certificates include nursing leadership, nurse education, health policy, pediatric primary care, and women’s health. Post-graduate certificates are often a helpful tool for students interested in leadership positions.
Example: Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Cost: $1,235/credit
- Length: 1 Year
- Mode: Hybrid
Bridge Degree Programs in NJ
If you’ve already earned some nursing credentials but want to take the next step towards another qualification, nursing bridge programs can help you utilize your credentials to save time and finish your next degree faster. Take a look at bridge degree programs available at all academic levels.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
If you’ve already become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and know that the nursing profession is for you, earning an ADN or BSN is a practical way to enhance your career options and increase your pay. LPN to RN nursing programs in New Jersey typically take 12-24 months, awarding you an ADN at completion. LPN to BSN programs typically take 24-36 months.
Example: Brookdale Community College
- Cost: $158/credit
- Length: 2 Years
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
RN to BSN programs in New Jersey support working nurses who have ADN degrees. This academic track builds on the knowledge and skills accumulated in previous academic work, allowing you to gain specialized knowledge and additional clinical experience. Offered with part-time and full-time options, this degree is often completed in as few as 12 months.
Example: Montclair State University
- Cost: $14,790/semester
- Length: Varies (self-paced and accelerated learning available)
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
After earning an ADN degree and RN licensure, an RN to MSN bridge degree program is a great way to boost your professional options and increase your pay. This academic track allows you to bypass a BSN degree’s traditional requirements, enabling you to secure an MSN more quickly than if you earned the degrees separately. These programs take 30-36 months to complete.
Example: William Paterson University
- Cost: $26,058.05
- Length: 18 Months
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
If you’re done with your BSN and know that you want to earn a doctorate as soon as possible, a BSN to DNP program might be a good fit. These accelerated professional doctorate programs allow you to go directly from your bachelor’s to earn your DNP as quickly as possible.
Example: William Paterson University
- Cost: $851.9/credit
- Length: 3 Years
- Mode: Online/Hybrid
Direct-Entry MSN
While traditional MSN programs are designed for BSN holders, direct-entry MSN programs are a little different in that they’re open to all students who hold a bachelor’s degree, even for those in non-nursing studies. These programs are ideal for those looking for a career change into nursing after earning a degree in a different field.
Example: Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Cost: $1,235/credit
- Length: 2 Years
- Mode: Online/Hybrid
RN Licensing in New Jersey
Finishing your degree is only one portion of becoming a registered nurse in New Jersey. Because nursing comes with so many responsibilities, the process of becoming a nurse is fairly thorough. Here is a step-by-step overview of what it takes to become a New Jersey nurse.
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
First things first: completing your state-approved nursing program not only prepares you with the skills needed when entering the field, but the best nursing programs in New Jersey make sure you’re ready to ace your NCLEX-RN exam. Choose a program that has both regional accreditation for the school as a whole, and programmatic accreditation for the nursing program specifically.
2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
The knowledge you gain from your nursing program will prepare you for the NCLEX. Employing essential study skills during your program may also help. After registering for the NCLEX-RN, schedule an exam time and review essential testing materials.
If you need special ADA accommodations, submit a letter from your health care provider with the diagnosis, a letter from your program laying out accommodations offered, and a personal letter describing what assistance is needed during testing.
3 – Apply for State Licensure
After passing your NCLEX, it’s time to apply for your New Jersey nursing license. Requirements for nursing licensure vary from state to state, and in New Jersey, you’ll need to apply through the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Full details of the licensure process and requirements are available on their website.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
After passing the NCLEX and obtaining nurse licensure in New Jersey, remember that New Jersey RNs must renew their licenses every two years. Continuing education requirements play a significant role in keeping you up-to-date with trends in the field. You must complete 30 continuing education credits throughout your two-year licensure period.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
Even once you’ve attained and maintained your license for a few years, you may want additional certification. These can include finding a nursing specialization, such as nurse leadership, nursing education, healthcare informatics, and more. To attain specialized qualifications and be eligible to apply for relevant jobs, you may need to go back to school for a diploma, certificate, or advanced degree, although this will depend on the specialization in question.
Expert Insight
Certifications are highly valuable to nurses who want to branch into specialized fields. For example, to maximize your chances of becoming a nursing professor one day, you might first consider earning a graduate degree. Then you can earn specialty certification in nursing education or in a subject you want to teach.”
Career & Salary Potential for New Jersey RNs
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $81,670 | $102,730 | $130,540 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $78,820 | $99,680 | $117,750 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $80,790 | $97,640 | $120,390 |
| Vineland, NJ | $79,720 | $99,340 | $119,360 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| New Jersey | 81,520 | 86,640 | 5,120 | 6.30% | 5,030 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking New Jersey’s Best Online Nursing Programs
While the “best” online nursing program in New Jersey will be highly dependent on your personal circumstances, the rankings below take multiple factors into account based on data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). While the full details can be viewed in the methodology tab, the ranking system considers availability and ease of online learning, student services and resources, tuition and financial aid opportunities, and graduation rates and time to completion.
Here is EduMed’s ranking of the top online nursing programs in New Jersey.
