If you are a nurse and are hoping to take your career to the next level, working on your MSN (master of science in nursing) degree is a great way to achieve that. Committing to such a program means you have to be truly dedicated, but the impact that you will notice on your job prospects and salary would be tremendous. By holding a master’s degree, you will have advanced skills and knowledge and you will be able to deliver nursing care in a more specialized role, always concentrating on creating high quality care environments. You will actually deliver some of the same services that are currently delivered by physicians, which are necessary in the changing world of health care today.
There are a number of specializations that you could go for, such as CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist), NP (nurse practitioner), CNM (certified nurse midwife) and CNS (clinical nurse specialist). Additionally, there are a number of joint programs on offer, which means you can achieve an MSN degree as well as an MPH (master in public health), MBA (master in business administration) or MHA (master in health administration). This really demonstrates the breadth of options that are out there.
Salary and Job Outlook
There is quite a lot of work available in New Jersey for those who hold an MSN. The demands of health care are rising as the population ages. Additionally, the workforce itself is aging, thereby creating more demand as nurses start to retire. There is a particular need for graduate degree holders as they have more authority and can take on some physician roles. In New Jersey, the average salary for someone with an MSN degree is 36% higher than the national average, which makes it a very interesting place to work. However, the cost of living in New Jersey is also higher than the national average.
Top 7 New Jersey MSN Degree Programs
If you are looking at studying towards an MSN in New Jersey, there are a lot of schools out there to choose from. It is important to look into details, such as program specializations, admission requirements, program length and tuition.
Here are the 7 best MSN programs in New Jersey to help you get started.
1. Seton Hall University College of Nursing
Seton Hall University is one of the most respected Catholic universities in the country. The environment is collaborative and diverse and looks not just at academic development, but ethical development as well. College of Nursing students can become true leaders in their field, who are able to make a positive impact on communities around the world. The faculty members are outstanding and focus on offering challenges to their students through a curriculum that centers on values and through settings that use the latest technological advancements.
- Campus: South Orange, NJ
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: $1,033 per credit
- Minimum time commitment: 25 to 48 credits
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: GPA of 3.0 minimum, resume, transcript, letters of recommendation, personal statement, statistics course, interview, RN license, BSN
- Programs: MSN Case Management/Health Administration, MSN Health Systems Administration, MSN Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN School Nursing
- School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
2. Monmouth University – Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Science
At Monmouth University, students are instructed by highly committed faculty members. They make sure that students learn not just the skills they need to be the best advanced practice nurses, but they also look at an idealistic and realistic teaching and learning experience that is orientated on the future. Students will learn how to promote affective, psychomotor and cognitive abilities both in themselves and in the people they work with. Additionally, students need to be committed to their own professional and personal growth and to lifelong learning.
- Campus: West Long Branch, NJ
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: $1,004 per credit, $264 per credit for senior students
- Minimum time commitment: 36 to 48 credits
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: Baccalaureate degree, GPA of 3.0 minimum, prerequisite courses, clinical experience, GRE, interview, background check, BSN, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, health assessment, resume, RN license
- Programs: MSN Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, MSN Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, MSN Nurse Administration, MSN Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN School Nursing, MSN Nurse Education, MSN Forensic Nursing
- School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
3. Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
At Richard Stockton, the MSN program is designed for those who already are RNs with a BSN and wish to focus on adult-gerontology primary care. During the program, students will gain all the skills and knowledge they need in order to diagnose, assess and treat their patients, as well as evaluate their overall health needs and problems. There is a very strong emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion, which are two elements that are becoming increasingly important in today’s aging population. Students use self-directed learning, which makes them true critical thinkers. As such, graduates are guaranteed to have all the necessary skills they require in order to become employed as an advanced practice nurse.
- Campus: Galloway, NJ
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: $570.59 per credit for in state students and $878.34 per credit hour for out of state students
- Minimum time commitment: Between 2 and 4 years
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: BSN, RN license, resume
- Programs: MSN Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
4. College of Saint Elizabeth
College of Saint Elizabeth has a tradition of turning students into true leaders in their field. They do this through critical inquiry and scholarships. Nurses who graduate from the College of Saint Elizabeth know how to become true leaders in their field and they fully understand the social responsibility required of someone who works in the field of health care. Nurses will learn how to restore poor health, as well as how to promote and maintain good health in their patients. They will gain experience in the full range of health care settings. Students are also encouraged to be committed to their lifelong learning. Students are able to study both full time and part time, although they are encouraged to take the part time route.
- Campus: Morristown, NJ
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: ACEN
- Tuition: $1,088 per credit
- Minimum time commitment: 37 credits
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: Transcripts, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, BSN, RN license
- Programs: MSN Nurse Educator
- School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
5. Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson offers a range of different MSN programs. These have been designed for those who already hold a BSN and wish to further their career opportunities. During the course, students will get all the skills and knowledge they need to perform their duties properly in an innovative way. Students are also able to study towards their MSN online if they opt for the nursing education track.
- Campus: Madison and Teaneck, NJ
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: $1,186 per credit hour
- Minimum time commitment: Between 30 and 43 credits
- Online availability: Yes for MSN Nursing Education
- Degree requirements: Transcripts, entrance examination, letters of recommendation, interview, TOEFL if applicable, BSN, RN license, GPA of 3.0 minimum, health assessment, work experience
- Programs: MSN Nursing Education, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (also with Administrative or Education Focus), Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Forensic Nurse Practitioner, Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, non-clinical Nursing Information Systems
- School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
6. Felician College
At Felician College, there is a strong understanding of the importance of advanced practice nurses in the field of health care. Additionally, there is an understanding that many health problems today are caused by poor behavior and choices. Those RNs who wish to become better at what they do are able to study towards various MSN specializations, most of which include prescriptive practice. As such, graduates are able to take on much of the work normally performed by physicians. Much of the curriculum is offered through online classes in a hybrid format, meaning that students only have to attend classes for a few courses. It is possible, through this format, to complete a program in just two years.
- Campus: Lodi and Rutherford, NJ
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: $945 per credit hour
- Minimum time commitment: Between 36 and 46 credits
- Online availability: Yes – hybrid classes
- Degree requirements: RN license, CPR certification, liability insurance, health clearance, criminal background check, RN with one year experience minimum, BSN, GPA of 3.0 minimum, two professional references, transcripts, TOEFL if applicable, undergraduate course
- Programs: MSN Education, MSN Executive Leadership, MSN Family or Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid
7. Ramapo College of New Jersey
At Ramapo College of New Jersey, students can take part in an MSN in Nursing Education program. Students can choose either non-tenure or tenure tracks. Once they have graduated, students can work in undergraduate learning institutions or in health care institutions.
- Campus: Mahwah, NJ
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: ACEN
- Tuition: $582.45 per credit hour for in state residents and $748.70 for out of state residents
- Minimum time commitment: 33 credits
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: Transcripts, personal statement, 2 letters of recommendation, resume, RN license, one year experience minimum, undergraduate statistics course, criminal background check
- Programs: MSN Nursing Education
- School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid