Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey in 2024

Established in 1855, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), situated in Ewing, was initially called New Jersey State Normal School and is now one of the nation’s top comprehensive colleges.

TCNJ’s Department of Nursing under the School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science emphasizes hands-on practice with programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Its School Nurse Option and Clinical Nurse Leader tracks are currently not open for admission. Instead, the programs offered are:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program - With evidence-based curriculum focus, this generic 4-year BSN undergraduate program prepares students for the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN). TCNJ Nursing graduates have an impressive 100% percent employment rate within 6 months of program completion.

 RN to BSN Program - The RN to BSN program is catered for registered nurses with a nursing diploma or associate’s degree, who would like to pursue a BSN degree. It is designed with a curriculum addressed to develop global health care awareness with an off-campus coursework to cater the working professionals.

Nursing Education - This program is designed for nurses who want to pursue careers in education and academia. They may enroll in the 38-credit MSN Nursing Education track, or the 14-credit Nurse Educator Certificate Program.

 RN-MSN Bridge - This track is tailored for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who would want to be admitted to an MSN program, however, this is not applicable for the School Nurse program as this requires a BSN degree.

 Nurse Practitioner Programs - These programs have different specializations which can be as a nurse practitioner for: Adult Gerontology Primary Care, Family, Neonatal, and Family Nurse Practitioner for Certified Nurse Practitioners.

 Post-Master’s programs - Certifications for Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner for Specialist NPs are also offered.

Stockton University is located in Galloway, New Jersey.  Stockton University offers a BSN program, an accelerated BSN program (for students with a prior bachelor's degree) and an RN to BSN program.  This program is offered online, with the exception of the clinical component, which is requires time in the clinical setting.

Seton Hall University is a private university in South Orange, New Jersey. Initially called as Seton Hall College, this university was founded in 1856 by a Catholic Bishop, James Roosevelt Bayley. Its Catholic roots are eminent from its culture of inclusivity regardless of creeds, color, and faiths.

It prides itself in being an affordable institution with 98% financial aid received, without compromising its quality. With more than one hundred thousand alumni produced internationally, it has a track record of being the number one private university in the metro in terms of jobs and employment. It also ranked 5th in national internships.

Seton Hall University offers a College of Nursing which aims to produce both generalists and specialists in the industry. Established in 1937, its baccalaureate program is the first B.S.N program in New Jersey. Eighty four percent (84%) of its full-time faculty have doctoral degrees. In terms of board exam performance, it has a whopping 2020 NCLEX passing rate of 97%.

The curriculum is based on an evidence-based approach, and uses a blend of classroom learning and laboratory skills. Applications of learnings are ensured through simulations and hands-on experiences using up-to-date facilities and actual patient care. Students in the second year of the BSN program will start learning clinical skills and will be exposed to various clinical settings.

Its graduate program for nursing which was established in 1975, made it to the country’s top graduate nursing programs according to U.S & World Report. The graduate program has five tracks (Adult-Gerontology, Primary Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health, Bridge Program, and Health Systems Administration.)

The M.S.N Adult-Gerontology Primary focuses on addressing the aged and adults’ needs. This track has a minimum of 600 clinical practice hours under supervision. This aims to produce graduates with capability of providing healthcare services for illness prevention and wellness promotion. Once completed, graduates of this track, depending on his/her chosen specialization, can take the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care or Primary Care Certification through ANCC or AANPCB.

For those who want to focus on primary care, Seton Hall University also has M.S.N Pediatric Primary Care Track. This is geared towards developing graduates with expertise addressing patient needs from birth to early childhood. It is composed of 42 to 44 units which can be taken in a span of four semesters.

Another track is the M.S.N Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner which focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with psychiatric disorders. This can be done online, and graduates of this track are eligible to take the ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Board.

This university also offers a bridge program from R.N. to M.S.N. This gives learners with non-nursing baccalaureate degrees or those with Associate in Science or Applied Science, a chance to pursue Master’s Degree in Nursing. To be admitted to this program, the students need to complete the “bridge” courses worth 11 credit units as well as the program requisites.

Another track is the Health Systems Administration with Case Management which can be done online. This focuses on effectively using clinical resources. However, admissions for this track are currently suspended.

Aside from its undergraduate and graduate programs, Seton Hall University also offers two doctoral programs—Ph.D. in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice. The Ph.D in Nursing can be done face-to-face or through online synchronous classes depending on the student’s discretion. This program aims to produce graduates who will excel in the field of research and education.

On the other hand, the Doctor of Nursing Practice is geared towards producing graduates with excellence in the practice of their profession. To be admitted, a credit of around 31 units is needed for M.S.N in indirect or direct care. A Final Scholarly Project is needed to graduate from this program. Based from the U.S. News and World Report, this program ranked 98th in the best graduate schools.

William Paterson University (WP), located in New Jersey, has a national accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for its Department of Nursing. It offers degrees and certificates in the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level. Among the programs offered are:

 BS in Nursing General

This is in preparation for becoming a professional nurse with knowledge in giving clinical care in various settings. Program graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

 BS in Nursing RN

This program’s admission requirements are patterned after the New Jersey articulation model for BSN completion. A graduation from an accredited nursing program is required to progress to a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

 Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing online - This RN to BSN Program is offered 100% online for added flexibility. Classes start on January 24, 2022.

 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - The MSN is a graduate degree program which can be taken in five different specialization tracks—Adult Gerontology in Primary Care (AGNP), Administration, Education, School Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). This can also be taken in an 100% online flexible schedule through the online MSN program. Specialization tracks offered in the online program do not include school nursing.

Curriculum and Learning: School Nursing, MED -  A 33-credit program which is composed of a 15-credit school nurse core, 9-credit curriculum and learning core, and another 9-credit interdisciplinary core subjects.

Post Master’s Certificate - Offered 100% online to cater for working professionals. A certificate as a nurse practitioner in the following chosen tracks will be awarded to the student upon completion:  Family Nurse, Adult-Gerontology, Nursing Education, and Nursing Administration.

 RN to MSN  - This is another program which has 100% online coursework, designed for working RNs. Areas of specialization can be in administration and nurse education or as a nurse practitioner for family or adult gerontology.

 Adult Gerontology and Family Nurse Practitioner Certification - Designed for registered nurses with a master’s degree, and would like an advanced nursing practice certification. Upon completion of the program requirements, he/she can take the certification exam for Adult Gerontology or Family Nurse Practitioner.

 Doctor or Nursing Practice (DNP) - This 41-credit program can be taken in seven semesters. It received an accreditation from Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) effective until June 30, 2030.

 BSN to DNP Program - Provides an opportunity to obtain both an MSN and DNP degree with two tracks to choose from: FNP or AGNP

Thomas Edison State College is a Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)- accredited public institution of higher learning in New Jersey. Established in 1972 by the New Jersey Board of Higher Education, it is now one of the oldest schools in the country.

One of its schools, the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for its nursing baccalaureate, master’s and doctor of nursing practice program degrees. Among the programs offered are:

RN-BSN/MSN - The RN-BSN/MSN program provides an opportunity for experienced registered nurses (RNs) to possess a degree through a flexible and convenient online set-up. Enrolment for this program is open throughout the year. The RN-BSN track is specifically suited for those with a nursing associate degree and diploma program. Nursing courses can be completed in just a 15-month frame on a self-paced learning.

Meanwhile those who complete 27 credits on top of the BSN requirements, are eligible for admission to the MSN program. This is offered quad-annually (January, April, July, and October). Upon completion of this 12-week program, students will receive both program completion diplomas and a graduate nursing certificate. To be admitted, he/she must be a graduate of an RN diploma program of nursing or with an associate degree in nursing, or both, from a recognized foreign institution and regionally-accredited university or college in the US. At least two years of nursing experience is also preferred.

 BS in Nursing (Accelerated BSN Program) - The BS in Nursing (Accelerated BSN Program) allows those with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees or with 60 college-level credits to fast track their entry in the nursing profession. This is a 15-month, full-time and intense hybrid program, meaning courses are offered both on-campus and online. Graduates of this program are eligible for nursing employment and for sitting in the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX- RN). In terms of NCLEX performance, it has produced consistent higher passing rates compared to the national and state’s ratings.

 Pre-nursing track for the accelerated BSN Program - For those students who plan to take the Accelerated BSN Program but have not yet completed the course prerequisites, this Pre-Nursing Track is designed to address this concern. This flexible and versatile track also allows students to simultaneously earn an AAS in Applied Health Studies, if preferred. He/she will be assigned to an advisor to help in planning and mapping the course study. On top of that, course credits can also be applied for to the degree for faster completion, upon evaluation.

 Master of Science in Nursing - This 36-unit Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is for those who possess a BSN degree from an accredited university with a nursing experience of at least two years. The program is composed of a 12-unit core and 9-unit electives or direct care courses plus a 15-unit specialty. Area of specialty can be in Educator Program, Informatics, or Administration. Upon program completion, a certificate for the will be given for each respective specialty, on top of the MSN degree.

 Doctor of Nursing Practice - The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Systems-Level Leadership area of specialty, is offered purely online. Hence, this doctoral program does not require onsite classes and visits, and courses can be accessed online 24/7. This can be taken either full time or part time at 18 or 36 months respectively. This 36-credit DNP program emphasizes theoretical knowledge application for arriving at evidence-based outcomes.

Saint Peter’s University is a Catholic university in Jersey City, and is the only Jesuit higher education institution in New Jersey. It has a job placement rate of 94% and was awarded as the Best Value University by the 2021 US News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings. Its School of Nursing programs are CCNE-accredited. Among the programs in the said department are:

The Generic or Basic BSN Program - This bachelor’s degree in nursing is a four-year program. Graduates are eligible to take the The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN® exam).

Upper Division RN to BSN Program - This 21-month RN to BSN program is for individuals who want to deepen their nursing professional leadership and practice. To be admitted, applicants must possess a nursing associate’s degree or diploma.

Online RN to BSN Program - This has similar features with the Upper Division RN to BSN Program, the only difference is that it is taken online. It also has the same timeframe of 21 months.

RN to MSN Bridge Option - The RN to MSN Bridge Option allows individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to enter the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Applicants must complete the required courses with a grade of B or better. 

Master of Science in Nursing - The Master of Science in Nursing program has one track option, the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. It is geared to prepare students for specialization and to set a foundation for future doctoral studies. It can be taken either part time or full time with a 5 ½ years completion time frame. Graduates of this program will be conferred a degree in Master of Science in Nursing‐ Nurse Practitioner (MSN‐NP).

Post-Master's Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - For individuals with an MSN degree and would want to specialize in adult-gerontology, this 25-credit program is designed to answer that need. It is structured for face-to-face coursework. A Post‐Master’s Adult‐Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Certificate will be awarded upon program completion.

Felician College is located in Lodi, New Jersey.  They offer a BSN program, an ABSN program (accelerated program for adult learners with a prior bachelor's degree) and an RN to BSN program.  Felician College is a Catholic, Franciscan, private, independent institution for students representing diverse religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.  It originated in 1923 as a Normal School to train teachers.

Why Bloomfield College of Montclair State University is One of the Best Nursing Schools in the United States

Bloomfield College of Montclair State University stands out as one of the premier nursing schools in New Jersey for several compelling reasons:

High Rankings and Recognition

• National and State Rankings: Bloomfield College has been highly ranked both nationally and within New Jersey. It is recognized as the highest private college in New Jersey and is ranked #18 nationally in U.S. News & World Report's 2022-2023 Best Colleges listings for Top Performers on Social Mobility[1]. This highlights the college's commitment to providing quality education and support to students from diverse backgrounds.

Comprehensive Nursing Programs

• Diverse Program Offerings: The nursing school offers a variety of programs tailored to meet the needs of different students. These include a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an accelerated Master’s Direct Entry to Nursing (MDE) for students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees, an online RN to BSN program, and an RN to MSN bridge program[3]. This flexibility allows students to choose a path that best fits their career goals and life circumstances.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

• Simulation Center: The School of Nursing at Montclair State University boasts a state-of-the-art Simulation Center. This facility provides experiential learning opportunities that are crucial for developing practical skills in a controlled, safe environment[3]. Such resources ensure that students are well-prepared for real-world nursing challenges.

Affordability and Accessibility

• Affordable Tuition: Montclair State University, which Bloomfield College is part of, offers some of the most affordable nursing master's programs in New Jersey[3]. This affordability, combined with flexible online options, makes high-quality nursing education accessible to a broader range of students.

Strong Support and Resources

• Student Resources: The college provides extensive resources designed to support nursing students throughout their education. These include academic advising, career services, and various student support programs that help ensure student success[3].

Reputation and Outcomes

• Reputation for Excellence: The nursing programs have a strong reputation for excellence, as evidenced by their inclusion in lists of top nursing schools in New Jersey[2]. This reputation is built on a foundation of high NCLEX pass rates, comprehensive curricula, and successful alumni.

Commitment to Social Mobility

• Focus on Social Mobility: Bloomfield College's high ranking in social mobility underscores its commitment to helping students from all backgrounds succeed. This focus on social mobility is particularly important in the field of nursing, where diverse perspectives and backgrounds can significantly enhance patient care.

In summary, Bloomfield College of Montclair State University is considered one of the best nursing schools in the United States due to its high national and state rankings, comprehensive and flexible program offerings, state-of-the-art facilities, affordability, strong student support resources, excellent reputation, and commitment to social mobility. These factors collectively contribute to its standing as a top choice for nursing education.

Citations:
[1] https://www.bloomfield.edu
[2] https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools-in-new-jersey/
[3] https://www.montclair.edu/nursing/