RN Programs in New Jersey
New Jersey RN Programs at a Glance
RN Programs Offered in New Jersey
- ADN Programs: 20
- BSN Programs: 18
ADN Program Stats
- NCLEX-RN Average: 82%
- NCLEX Rate Range: 34.05% to 97.94%
- Average Net-Price $8,016.94
- Net-Price Range: $2,933.00 to $30,006.00
- Average Student Loan : $6,817.29
BSN Program Stats
- NCLEX-RN Average: 81.21%
- NCLEX Rate Range: 66.76% to 92.43%
- Average Net-Price $17,632.81
- Net-Price Range: $9,596.00 to $28,884.00
- Average Student Loan : $20,048.18
New Jersey RN Program Guide
It is important for nurses to remember that education is a lifelong endeavor. Continuing in education can help nurses provide the highest quality care possible. Nursing continues to involve in the fields of bedside care, case management and healthcare delivery. It is because of this that nurses are able to aid patients in navigating the increasingly complex system. Registered nurses are seeking out high education more than ever. There are many nursing programs in New Jersey with RN and BSN programs. The programs offer a way to earn your baccalaureate degree while maintaining a busy work schedule. Now is a better time than ever to pursue a BSN as lawmakers have been pushing higher education to meet increasing demands and for healthier patient outcomes.
In our New Jersey RN program guide, you will find both ADN and BSN Degree program rankings, tuition costs, enrollment information, NCLEX passing rates, and more. You will find key New Jersey RN Program information to help you compare programs metrics and apply to best RN program(s) for the advancement of your career.
The State of New Jersey offers 38 RN programs in 34 different cities. Public institutions offer 26 of the RN programs in the state while there are 3 private, for-profit and 9 private, not-for-profit schools that make up the rest.
In the State of New Jersey, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate’s degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program are able to then obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties.
Find your ideal program from information and data in our guide to New Jersey RN Programs.
ADN Programs in New Jersey
New Jersey is one of the first states to have passed legislation requiring registered nurses to obtain a BSN. Because newly licensed nurses must obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing within the first ten years of initial licensure, many of the community colleges where nurses may earn their LPNs and ADNs have agreements with universities. These agreements allow students to simultaneously earn credits towards their BSN degree while also attending school for their RN.
NCLEX Passing Rates for New Jersey ADN Programs
Rowan College at Gloucester County has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in New Jersey of 97.94%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $7,171.00 a year.
- ADN Programs Offered in New Jersey: 20
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 81.64%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 34.05% to 97.94%
How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in New Jersey?
We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in New Jersey so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.
When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
The lowest cost ADN program in New Jersey is offered by Essex County College at about $2,933.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 74.45%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by Eastwick College-Ramsey and it will cost about $30,006.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 34.05%.
- Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inNew Jersey: $8,016.94
- Net-Price Range for New Jersey ADN Programs: $2,933.00 to $30,006.00
Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for New Jersey Schools: $6,817.29
- Student borrowing range for ADN programs in New Jersey: $4,542.00 to $13,666.00
ADN Programs at Public or Private Institutions
- Public Institutions: 17
- Private For-Profit Institutions: 3
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 0
BSN Programs in New Jersey
New Jersey is one of the first states to have passed legislation requiring registered nurses to obtain a BSN. Newly licensed nurses must obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing within the first ten years of initial licensure. While the legislation only affects new nurses, practicing nurses may also feel a sense of urgency in obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. Advanced courses in nursing sciences include theory, concepts, and critical thinking skills. Some courses in an RN to BSN program may include (but are not limited to):
- Advanced practice in maternal, pediatric, and mental health nursing
- Diagnostic reasoning
- Microbiology, psychology, and sociology
NCLEX Passing Rates for New Jersey BSN Programs
Bloomfield College wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in New Jersey with a score of 92.43%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $20,441.00 a year.
- BSN Programs Offered in New Jersey: 18
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 81.21%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 66.76% to 92.43%
How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in New Jersey?
We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in New Jersey to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.
The lowest cost BSN degree program in New Jersey is offered by New Jersey City University and will cost you about $9,596.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 78.18%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by Monmouth University and will cost you about $28,884.00.
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in New Jersey: $17,632.81
- Net-Price Range for New Jersey BSN Programs: $9,596.00 to $28,884.00
Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for New Jersey Schools: $20,048.18
- Student borrowing range for BSN programs in New Jersey: $9,876.00 to $25,000.00
BSN Programs at Public or Private Institutions
- Public Institutions: 9
- Private For-Profit Institutions: 0
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 9
MSN Programs in New Jersey
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in New Jersey offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
New Jersey RN Licensing Requirements
New Jersey State Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 45010
Newark, NJ 07101
(973) 504-6430
Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $200
License renewal (every two years), RN: $120
Continuing Education Requirements:
RNs and LPNs: 30 contact hours every renewal period
RN Licensure by Exam
Candidates can fill out an application online on the Board website. The application includes questions about education, student loan and child support status, and medical conditions that could interfere with practice. There is a $200 fee to apply to the New Jersey Board. In addition, candidates will be required to complete a criminal background check and pay $67.50 to MorphoTrak electronically. Candidates who have submitted fingerprinting by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs after November 2003 but will have to pay $22.55 for another background check. Following this, the candidate will be required to register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-RN exam and pay the $200 testing fee. The candidate will be able to schedule the exam when Authorization to Test (ATT) has been received. Last but not least, registered nurses must apply for sexual assault certification and pay a $200 fee. There is a $100 fee for the application and an additional $100 fee for certification.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Registered Nurses who are licensed in one of the other 50 states may apply for licensure by endorsement. Candidates must have their fingerprints done and submit verification of licensure.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Nurses who were educated in a foreign country have two preliminary steps that must be completed before the application can be completed with the background check and the NCLEX. Candidates must have their coursework evaluated by the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) and complete an English proficiency exam. There is a $225 fee due to the New Jersey Board for international candidates who are applying for licensure by examination.
RN Salaries in New Jersey
There are several opportunities available for nurses who have obtained a Bachelor’s degree. In addition to positions available in bedside care, there are also positions available in specialty nursing areas. Nurses who wish to pursue other opportunities may be able to fill administrative and nursing management positions. Registered nurses in New Jersey earn an annual mean wage of $77,360, which is much higher than the national average. This is, in part, because of the push by legislation for higher education.
New Jersey Registered Nursing Salaries
The Edwin metropolitan area has the highest amount of registered nurses employed across the state. However, it is the Newark metropolitan area that has the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | 2,860 | $35.57 | $74,500 |
| Camden, NJ Metropolitan Division | 11,460 | $36.72 | $77,010 |
| Edison-New Brunswick, NJ Metropolitan Division | 19,440 | $37.26 | $77,470 |
| Newark-Union, NJ-PA Metropolitan Division | 18,770 | $39.09 | $80,880 |
| Ocean City, NJ | 700 | $31.72 | $66,590 |
| Trenton-Ewing, NJ | 4,750 | $33.68 | $70,860 |
| Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton, NJ | 1,810 | $34.29 | $70,810 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data
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