2021 - Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey

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.

Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU)- Metropolitan Campus is located in Teaneck, New Jersey. Its Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health has a proven track record in quality nursing education, having received accreditations from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Among the  programs offered are:

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) - This ABSN program is for students with non-nursing bachelor degrees. They have an option to take it in a full-time or part-time program in durations of 12 and 18 months respectively. FDU’s ABSN program has held a 90 to 95% passing rate for NCLEX-RN for the last 3 years.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - This focuses on teaching nursing care in various settings. To be admitted to this program, an applicant must have graduated his/her secondary level from an accredited school with a GPA of 3.00 or better. FDU’s BSN program has a 100% NCLEX-RN passing rate for 2019 and 2020.

RN to BSN Nursing - An 84- and 30-credit will be awarded for those with or without an associate degree in nursing, respectively, after passing the NCLEX. These credits can then be used for the lower division requirements of BSN.

MSN Nursing (RN to MSN) - This program is for those who pass the NCLEX-RN. The curriculum puts emphasis on interactive clinical experience with practicum on the chosen track.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - This is geared towards developing advanced practice nurses with specializations in the following clinical fields: Adult Gerontology Primary Care, Family, Psychiatric/Mental Health, Education, Administration, and Information System.

Post- Master's Certificate - This program is for students who want to study Advanced Practice Nursing (APRN) who already possess a nursing Master’s degree from an NLN/CCNE accredited institution. Specialty tracks are similar to the Master of Science in Nursing.

Post-Baccalaureate MSN-DNP - This offers specialization in Adult Gerontology with focus on administration, education, forensic. It also offers family psychiatric and mental health care specialization.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - This consists of 36 credits which are divided into 24-credit core requirements and 12-credit specialization courses—the organizational leadership and clinical leadership track.

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

New Jersey City University (NJCU), named after its location, New Jersey, was founded in 1927. NCJU’s Nursing Department under the College of Professional Studies, offers prelicensure nursing programs with an upper 10% country-wide ranking. These are all the programs offered:

 RN to BSN program - Registered nurses who graduated with an associate or a diploma degree are eligible for admission. Completion will lead to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This can be taken either full-time or part-time.

 Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Those with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree who completed the prerequisite courses can fast track their entry into the nursing profession through this 64-credit Accelerated BSN Program. This is a full-time study in a 12-month duration. Graduates of this program will receive a BSN degree and may take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®).

 Non-Accelerated B.S.N. Program - This is similar to the Accelerated BSN program with the only difference being that it is part-time coursework. It is also worth 64 credits, but can be taken in a span of 27 months or 5 semesters.

 Master of Science (MS) in Nursing Program - This 37-credit MS program has two specialization tracks—nursing education and school nursing. The nursing education track aims to prepare students in advance nursing practice using an evidence-based approach. This is in a part-time plan of study to offer flexibility to the students. Meanwhile, the school nursing specialization is geared towards producing graduates who have the skills and competencies to thrive in various settings. The MS program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

 Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education - This Post-Master’s Certificate program with 15 to 19 credits can be taken part-time in a three semester time frame. Individuals who possess a Master of Science/Arts degree in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE-accredited school/university are eligible for admission.

 School Nursing Certificate Program - This 21-credit certificate program received the New Jersey Department of Education approval, and is geared towards producing individuals with advanced nursing skills and knowledge to cater to students in the K-12 setting.

Bloomfield College is located in Bloomfield, New Jersey.  They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN program; the RN to BSN program is an accelerated program that has one day of on-site coursework, with the rest of the work being completed online.  They also offer a certificate in gerontology, which is a six credit certificate that can be completed after a BSN is earned.

Bloomfield College is a higher education institution, named after its location, Bloomfield, New Jersey. It received numerous awards and accolades, among these as the 27th in Social Mobility in NJ, and 14th in the nation's most diverse liberal arts college based from the U.S. News & World Report in 2017. Its Frances M. McLaughlin Division of Nursing has undergraduate programs ranking seventh best in New Jersey.

The Nursing Division emphasizes foundation in nursing practice in its curriculum with hands-on classroom environment, technology training, and immersions in various health care settings. The programs offered under this divisions are as follows:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - This program aims to prepare health-care ready individuals by ensuring they undergo clinical practice. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) and land and employment in health-related industries. Bloomfield College has a whooping 94% NCLEX passing rate. In terms of employment, it expects 16% job growth from 2014-2024. This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

 RN to BSN Accelerated Degree - This allows Registered Nurses (RNs) with a diploma and associate’s degree in nursing a fast track to getting their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Being an accelerated program, it is designed for a faster pace with flexible course offerings to cater working professionals. This is a hybrid program, meaning classes are done both online and on-site, in a 12-month duration.

Situated in West Windsor, New Jersey, Mercer County Community College (MCCC) is an open-to-all public institution. It has a rich and diverse culture which gives students an option to take classes purely online or in hybrid settings.

Its nursing program under the Math, Science, and Health Professions Division emphasizes meeting the healthcare needs of diverse individuals in various health care settings. The curriculum is focused not only on clinical reasoning but in patient-centered care as well. It received an accreditation from ACEN or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The associate degree nursing program, to be specific, got a continuing accreditation decision from ACEN.

Associate Degree Nursing (AND) Program - This ACEN and New Jersey Board of Nursing-accredited program  provides coursework and clinical experiences to develop individuals capable of coping up with the changing healthcare needs.

If taken in a Fall Term start, with completed foundation courses prerequisites and requirements, this program can be completed in a two-year span. Approach is flexible enough to cater to student’s career goals, intended transfer institution, and other factors. Since this is an associate degree, students can complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree through MCCC’s partner institutions. Felician College and Rutgers University, for instance, offer an RN-BSN program inside the premises of MCCC. This provides ease-of-access to AND program holders who wish to proceed to BSN in the aforementioned schools.

Essex County College (ECC), is a non-discriminatory community college located in Newark, New Jersey. With 94 full-time faculty members and more than 50 years in service, it prides itself in being an inclusive and fair institution. ECC’s nursing department provides nursing simulations through its state-of-the-art facilities. Among the programs offered in this department are the following:

 LPN Program - The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program is geared towards developing skilled healthcare workers who can provide practical nursing care. This program is open to students 18 years and above with a high school diploma or GED. Depending on the scores in the placement test, the ECC administration may require students to complete developmental courses prior to admission. Application starts on April 15 and ends on June 30.

 LPN/ LPN-RN Program - The LPN-RN Program is offered to Licensed Practical Nurses who completed his/her education from an accredited institution with a current, unexpired license. Admission is on a merit-basis, meaning, everyone interested in the said program will be ranked based on points garnered from LPN education, GPA, ATI and residency.  Application is from July 15 to August 31.

 RN Program - The AAS Degree Registered Nurse Program, also known as RN Program, is a 66-credit degree coursework for individuals who want to be a professional nurse. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN). To be admitted, a student must possess a high school diploma or GED with a grade of C or higher. He or she must also complete the prerequisite courses on the last day of December, a year prior to admission. Application opens from January 15 to March 31.

Rowan College at Gloucester County (formerly Gloucester County College) is located in Sewell, New Jersey.  They offer a generic nursing track and an LPN to RN track.  Rowan College has partnerships with other universities, such as Rowan University, Drexel University an Wilmington University, allowing nursing students to attend both schools simultaneously, earning credits for both their RN an BSN degrees.

Passaic County Community College is located in Patterson, New Jersey.  They offer a nurse education (RN) and an LPN mobility (LPN to RN) program.  The RN program is offered as a "day" or "evening" option, making it flexible for various types of learners.

The College of New Jersey is located in Ewing, New Jersey.  The College offers a BSN program and an RN to BSN program.  Their programs are traditional programs, meaning they are offered on-site.  They are currently evaluating the need for distance learning and online programs.

Ocean County College is located in Toms River, New Jersey.  Ocean County College has multiple options for its nursing students; they do offer a traditional nursing program.  They also offer a career mobility program, which is an LPN to RN program.  Unique to their college is the On-site Online Nursing program - this program requires students to attend class one day per week on-site, with the rest being online.  Students must have prior healthcare experience to be accepted into this program.

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.