15 Top Accelerated Nursing Programs in New Jersey

If you’re looking to get into the nursing field and want to start with a bachelor’s degree, New Jersey offers accelerated nursing programs that can help you complete your studies in less time.

But before you choose an accelerated program in New Jersey, there are certain things you should consider.

Want to learn more about this?

Let’s dive in.

Overview

New Jersey is one of the most populous states in the U.S., with a large population of elderly people. It has the highest population density in the country, with nearly 1.3 million people per square mile in its cities and towns.

Its average age is roughly 39 years old—just one year younger than New York City’s population average—and it has an estimated 12% growth rate for residents over 65, which makes New Jersey home to more seniors than most other states in the United States.

The curriculum of Accelerated Nursing Programs in New Jersey

Accelerated programs in New Jersey predominantly feature nursing care for older adults with health problems due to their aging population.

According to Rutgers School of Nursing (which offers one of the best accelerated BSN programs in New Jersey), here is a highlight of some topics to expect in in ABSN program in New Jersey:

  • Nursing Care of Adults & Older Adults with Health Problem.

  • Nursing Care of Infants and Children.

  • Nursing Care of Childbearing Families.

  • Pathophysiology.

  • Pharmacotherapeutics, etc.

Tuition Cost of Accelerated Nursing Programs in New Jersey

Accelerated Nursing Programs, NJTuition Fees/Period
Seton Hall University ABSN$23,190/semester
Rutgers School of Nursing ABSN$7,550/year (New Jersey residents), $13,311/year (out-of-state students – Newark campus), $14,937 (out-of-state students – Camden and New Brunswick campuses) & $594/credit (fully online ABSN).
New Jersey City University ABSN$11,998/semester to be paid separately for three semesters
Chamberlain University College of Nursing ABSN$699/credit hour
Felician University ABSN$62,415 (total program cost, excluding living expenses)
Fairleigh Dickinson University ABSN$40,732/year

Salary of Nurses in New Jersey

The average salary of nurses in New Jersey is $89,890 per year. This is a good amount, but it’s also important to note that this number varies depending on several factors. For example:

  • Where you work: Your salary may be higher if you work in Newark or Hoboken than if you work in Princeton or Morristown.

  • What specialty you practice: RNs who specialize in geriatrics will generally earn more than those who specialize in pediatrics or surgery.

  • How old you are: The older an RN is, the more experience he or she has gained and the higher their salary will likely be because they have had more time to gain experience at their job and build up their skillset over time (and thus become better at it).

You should also take into consideration that New Jersey currently has over 77,000 registered nurses in state with a population of nearly 9 million.

Thus, the location quotient of nurses in the state is around 0.94, making them slightly understaffed to cover the whole state and provide healthcare services.

However, competition for nurses in New Jersey is high, and that is something you should take note of if you have plans of living and working in New Jersey.

Entrance Requirements for Accelerated Nursing Programs in New Jersey

To be considered for admission to one of the accelerated nursing programs in New Jersey, you’ll need to meet some of the general requirements below.

  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE): The GRE is a three-hour exam that tests your analytical reasoning, verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning skills.

    It consists of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing.

Your scores on these sections are combined into an overall score ranging from 130-170; however, most schools require only one test score — your percentile ranking — as part of their application process.

  • Grade Point Average: Your undergraduate grade point average should be at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 GPA scale), though many accelerated nursing programs will also look at other factors when determining whether or not you’re qualified for acceptance into their program.

Also, enrolling in accelerated nursing programs in New Jersey requires that you must have previously completed a Bachelor’s degree in any recognized, nationally-accredited university or college.

The Following Schools Offer BSN Programs in New Jersey

Without further ado, here are the accelerated nursing programs existent in New Jersey, arranged alphabetically:

Caldwell University, Caldwell

If you want to study nursing in the state of New Jersey and earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), then Caldwell University is the best place for you.

Caldwell University is a private, non-profit institution of higher education located in Caldwell, New Jersey, United States.

The school offers a pre-licensure nursing program in preparation for a second-degree program (similar to Trinitas). If you are considering a pre-licensure program instead, you can see if this program is suitable.

View program.

Chamberlain University College of Nursing, North Brunswick Township

Chamberlain University College of Nursing offers some solid accelerated nursing programs. The school offers:

  • A 3-year BSN program;
  • An RN to BSN program (fast-track);
  • An RN to MSN program; and
  • An MSN program to mention a few.

The downside is that accelerated programs in this school are meant for students who already have a nursing background. If this is you, we recommend you check out these programs as CU is a top nursing school in New Jersey.

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Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck

Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private, coeducational university that offers an ABSN program. The program is designed to prepare students for careers as registered nurses, and the school’s faculty are committed to providing students with a high-quality education.

The ABSN program at FDU consists of four semesters, each of which features clinical experience in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Students also take courses on topics like nursing research and leadership.

In addition to classroom instruction, students in the ABSN program have opportunities to develop their professional network through fieldwork placements and clinical rotations. They also participate in seminars on topics such as bioethics and critical thinking skills.

At the end of their studies, graduates of the ABSN program will complete all requirements for licensure as registered nurses in New Jersey.

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Felician University, Parsippany

The accelerated nursing program at Felician University is designed for students who have prior academic experience in the health field. It provides a pathway to becoming a nurse by completing four years of coursework in 16 – 18 months and then entering clinicals immediately after graduation.

Felician University’s Accelerated Nursing Program is a hybrid program that features both online and in-person programs.

It is regarded as one of the best accelerated nursing programs in New Jersey; as well as one of the most expensive, too.

Upon successful completion of all required coursework and exams with an overall GPA above 3.0, students are eligible for license eligibility in New Jersey upon graduation from COMLEX-RN (nursing certification test), NCLEX-RN Licensure Exam (nursing examination) and PTNIBC Preceptorship Program Requirements Certification Requirements.

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Georgian Court University, Lakewood

Georgian Court University is one of the top nursing schools in New Jersey. The university offers a variety of nursing programs, including bachelor’s degrees and associate degrees.

It also offers accelerated baccalaureate nursing programs, as well as a high-quality 14-month accelerated baccalaureate to RN (RN-to-BSN) program that allows students to earn their degree in less time than it would take them with traditional courses.

Georgian Court University has several online options for accelerated nursing programs as well—both RN-to-BSN and MSN options are available at Georgian Court’s School of Health Sciences, which also offers an online Master of Science in Nursing degree completion program for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution but want to further their education and expand their knowledge base.

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Jersey College Nursing School, Ewing Township

You can also choose to take classes at a campus near you. Jersey College Nursing School, located in Ewing Township, offers a variety of accelerated nursing programs, including an LPN to RN, RN, and LPN programs that allow students to enter the nursing workforce quickly.

The school is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and is approved by the Board of Nursing of New Jersey.

The school offers several options for admission into its accelerated nursing programs:

  • Complete an application and submit it along with your official transcripts from high school and any other colleges or universities attended;

  • Submit a current résumé; or

  • Take a pre-screening exam (which will be waived if you already have earned an associate’s degree).

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JFK Muhlenberg School, Plainfield

JFK Muhlenberg School has been accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) since 1978.

It offers a bachelor’s degree program that is integrated with their master’s and doctoral programs; students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

The school has also received approval as an Advanced Placement Baccalaureate program by the New Jersey Department of Higher Education. Students can also pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), or PhD.

JFK offers several post-master’s certificates that include Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Certificate, and more.

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New Jersey City University, Jersey City & Wall Township

New Jersey City University offers a variety of nursing degrees, including an accelerated BSN program.

This program is designed for students who already hold an associate degree in a related field and want to become nurses in just two years.

The college’s accelerated BSN program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

The university is also accredited through the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), which ensures that NJCU’s nursing programs meet standards set by the American Nurses Association Council on Accreditation.

The school’s reputation extends beyond its region as well; it has been designated as one of America’s Top Colleges by U.S News & World Report, with high marks for academics and student engagement opportunities like internships and research projects with faculty members from their respective fields.

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Our Lady of Lourdes Nursing School, Camden

Our Lady of Lourdes Nursing School is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and affiliated with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.

It offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that can be completed in as little as 20 months and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program that requires two years.

However, this school has a relatively lower reputation compared to other schools offering accelerated nursing programs in New Jersey on this list; thus, only a little information could be gleaned from this school. It is not one of the popular choices for accelerated nursing programs in New Jersey.

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Rutgers School of Nursing, New Brunswick and Newark

Rutgers School of Nursing is one of the best nursing schools in the country. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers offers an ABSN program that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education (CHEA) as a Center of Excellence.

The program is designed to expose students to a wide range of clinical experiences and community service opportunities. As a result, most students find themselves with job offers before they even graduate!

The ABSN program at Rutgers School of Nursing combines an academic curriculum with hands-on clinical training in a variety of settings throughout New Jersey, including community health centers, medical centers and hospitals, private practices, and other facilities throughout the state.

Students will also have the opportunity to complete internships abroad or in different parts of New Jersey.

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Rutgers University-Camden, Camden

Rutgers University-Camden is a private university located in Camden, New Jersey. It was formed in 1954 by merging Rutgers College and the University of Camden.

The institution has three campuses—Camden, New Brunswick, and Newark. The main campus of Rutgers University-Camden is also known as Rutgers Business School at Camden.

The BSN program at Rutgers University-Camden provides students with a fast-track, rigorous curriculum that prepares them for advanced nursing practice roles across all settings of care delivery.

Students learn to utilize critical thinking skills to make wise clinical decisions, manage patient care using evidence-based practice principles, and provide quality patient care through effective communication techniques.

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Seton Hall University, Nutley

Seton Hall University is a private, coeducational Roman Catholic university located in South Orange, New Jersey. The university was founded in 1856 by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth and has been coeducational since 1972. Seton Hall offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its six colleges.

The university’s nursing program offers an accelerated BSN program for working nurses who have an associate degree or diploma in nursing and want to earn a bachelor’s degree in one year. This program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences while also completing coursework that can be applied toward their master’s degree later on if they choose to pursue it.

Seton Hall’s Second Degree ABSN program is a 14-month cohort model design for non-nurses who have already completed their bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. This program is among the popular choices for accelerated nursing programs in New Jersey.

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Stockton University at Manahawkin, Strafford Township

Stockton University at Manahawkin, Strafford Township is a private career school that offers accelerated nursing programs. Stockton University boasts an excellent academic reputation and has been ranked as one of the top 100 colleges in the U.S.

It’s also part of The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and has been approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).

The program can be completed entirely online or on campus at one of their campuses in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, depending on where you live. Students enrolled in this accelerated BSN program will receive their degree within just two years—one year shorter than traditional programs.

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Thomas Edison State University, Trenton

Thomas Edison State University is a public university located in Trenton, New Jersey. It was founded in 1972 and offers a number of undergraduate and graduate degrees. Thomas Edison State University has programs available at night and online to accommodate working students.

The accelerated nursing program at Thomas Edison State University can be completed in 15 months if you attend full-time, or 24 months if you attend part-time.

The accelerated nursing program at Thomas Edison State University will prepare you for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensure exam, which allows graduates to practice as registered nurses throughout the country.

You’ll take courses like pathophysiology, pharmacology, wellness promotion/disease prevention, advanced communication skills for healthcare professionals, leadership/management theory and practice etc., during your first year at Thomas Edison State University’s accelerated nursing program.

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Trinitas School of Nursing, Elizabeth

Trinitas School of Nursing offers a Nursing Diploma program (ADN), which can be useful for nurses who want to first study in a pre-nursing to test the waters; or perhaps, those who are looking for cheaper alternatives to studying nursing can try Trinitas, and pursue something bigger later.

Trinitas has some pretty good reviews about its Nursing program, so it comes highly recommended if you are looking for a diploma instead, or something similar.

View program.

What to Consider Before Choosing an Accelerated Nursing Program in New Jersey

Before you choose an accelerated nursing program in New Jersey, there are a few things you should consider. These include:

  • Cost of the program. The cost of your education will be based on factors such as tuition and fees, room and board and financial aid. You can expect to pay between $50,000-$70,000 for an accelerated nursing degree from one of these schools; while some are significantly cheaper (like NJCU).

  • Location of the school you’re considering attending. If possible, it is recommended that students look into schools that have locations near where they live or work so that they can attend classes without having too much difficulty traveling back and forth from home every night (or weekend). This helps reduce stress levels during finals week!

  • Availability of clinical placements upon graduation from each institution/college program – especially if there’s no guarantee about getting accepted into any medical residency programs afterward.

Wrapping It Up

If you are considering a graduate nursing program, there are many factors to consider. If you want to become an RN and work in New Jersey, then an accelerated BSN program could be a good option. The key is finding the right program that meets your needs and goals.

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