The Top Nursing Schools in New Jersey
- Top Schools and Programs
- How to Choose a Program
- Why Become a Nurse
- Salary Outlook
- State Nursing Requirements
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Credit: Joice Brinkerhoff / EyeEm / Getty ImagesAccording to the New Jersey State Nurses Association, 22% of registered nurses (RNs) and 20% of nurse leaders may soon leave the field due to the impact of COVID-19. Demand for nurses is expected to increase as the pandemic continues to impact the healthcare industry.
New Jersey is one of the nation’s hardest-hit areas in terms of nursing shortages. The state also offers nurses some of the country’s highest average salaries, with only nine states paying more. Both factors make New Jersey a prime location for nurses seeking employment opportunities.
This guide explains how to become a nurse in New Jersey, the salary and job outlook for nurses, and some of the best nursing programs in the state.
Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools in New Jersey.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey
The College of New Jersey
Ewing, NJ- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$14,140
- Out-of-state$19,796
- In-State$15,548
- Out-of-state$15,548
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled7,630
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment15%
- AccreditationYes
Monmouth University
- West Long Branch, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$40,968
- Out-of-state$40,968
- In-State$28,578
- Out-of-state$28,578
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled5,027
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
Felician University
- Lodi, NJ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$33,200
- Out-of-state$33,200
- In-State$19,440
- Out-of-state$19,890
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled2,205
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
How to Choose a Nursing Program in New Jersey
There are many factors to consider as you explore nursing programs in New Jersey. However, careful research can make the selection process easier.
Narrow your options by examining features like tuition rates, program length, and curriculum. You can find out how well an institution prepares its students for the workforce by reviewing the nursing program’s National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates and ensuring that the nursing program is accredited.
Why Become a Nurse in New Jersey
By 2030, New Jersey will need over 11,000 nurses to meet the projected demand. With the state anticipating a nursing shortage over the next decade, New Jersey may boast a number of job opportunities. The state’s high average salary for nurses also makes it an attractive option.
In addition, New Jersey participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). As a nursing compact state, New Jersey has agreed to a set of rules and procedures that all licensed RNs must follow. The NLC makes it easier for RNs to qualify for out-of-state licensure in other participating states with minimal paperwork.
Nurses with an NLC license do not have to pay license renewal fees and can provide telehealth care as a virtual nurse to patients across state lines.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in New Jersey
New Jersey offers RNs one of the country’s highest average annual salaries. While RNs in California earn the highest average salary ($120,560), New Jersey ranks 10th ($85,720), right before Connecticut ($84,850) and after Nevada ($89,750).
Nurse practitioners in New Jersey earn even higher pay, making an average of $130,890 a year. Only their counterparts in California earn more, drawing an annual average of $145,970.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ranks New Jersey 3rd when it comes to nursing shortages, projecting that the state will need an additional 11,400 nurses by 2030. Only Texas and California are expected to face greater shortages. As a result, New Jersey is home to many employment opportunities for nurses.
The following table identifies the highest-paying metropolitan areas for RNs in New Jersey. Most are located in the state’s southern region, except for Trenton. Southern New Jersey also employs the most RNs in the state.
| Top Paying Metropolitan Areas | Average Salary for RNs |
|---|---|
| Atlantic City — Hammonton | $83,900 |
| Trenton | $83,050 |
| Vineland — Bridgeton | $82,070 |
| Ocean City | $77,280 |
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in New Jersey
Prospective nurses in New Jersey should first choose a program that fits their chosen career path and nursing specialty. RNs and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) must complete a nursing program approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
Once licensed, RNs must satisfy continuing education requirements to continue working as a nurse in the state.
RN Requirements
To become an RN in New Jersey, candidates must complete the following steps:
- Candidates must enroll in an accredited nursing program and earn either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
- The length of ADN and BSN programs can vary among institutions. However, most ADN programs take two years to complete, while BSN programs are generally four years.
- After completing an undergraduate nursing program, students must pass the NCLEX-RN and undergo a criminal background check before applying for a state nursing license. RNs must earn 30 continuing education credits for nurses every two years to maintain licensure.
APRN Requirements
Prospective APRNs in New Jersey must complete the following steps:
- Candidates must earn a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice from an accredited nursing program.
- Students who have not taken a pharmacology course within five years before applying are required to do so.
- Before earning an APRN license, RNs must pass a certification exam in a state-recognized specialty. The New Jersey licensing board accepts certifications from agencies that are accredited through the American Board of Nursing Specialties and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.
- APRNs must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain licensure.
Other Top Nursing Programs in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in New Jersey
According to projections from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, New Jersey will face one of the nation’s largest nursing shortages at the end of this decade. The state is projected to have around 90,800 nurses and need over 102,000.
New Jersey is behind only Texas and California in terms of nursing shortages.
