RN to BSN Programs in New Jersey
By EveryNurse Staff on January 10, 2023
RN to BSN programs are a great way for registered nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a diploma in nursing to gain the education they need to advance in their careers. RN to BSN programs can be completed in as little as 12 months, and many programs offer online courses which make them convenient for students who are working full-time.
If you are a registered nurse considering RN to BSN programs in New Jersey, read on to learn more about admissions requirements, BSN salaries, and the best public, private, and online nursing programs in the state.
Best RN to BSN Programs in New Jersey
Nurses consistently report that the most important factors affecting their decision about nursing school are academic strength, cost, proximity to home, financial aid, school reputation, and the percentage of students who pass the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt. To account for these factors, we combined data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and other credible third-party sources to meticulously rank the best RN to BSN programs in New Jersey.
To appear on this list, a program must be an accredited public or private institution in the state of New Jersey and be approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
| RANK | SCHOOL NAME | LOCATION | WEBSITE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The College of New Jersey | Ewing, NJ | nursing.tcnj.edu |
| 2 | Ramapo College of New Jersey | Mahwah, NJ | ramapo.edu |
| 3 | Thomas Edison State College | Trenton, NJ | tesu.edu |
| 4 | Rutgers, The State University School of Nursing | Newark, NJ | nursing.rutgers.edu |
| 5 | William Patterson University | Wayne, NJ | wpunj.edu |
| 6 | Fairleigh Dickinson University | Teaneck, NJ | fdu.edu |
| 7 | Felician University | Rutherford, NJ | felician.edu |
| 8 | Saint Peter’s University | Jersey City, NJ | saintpeters.edu |
| 9 | Georgian Court University | Lakewood, NJ | georgian.edu |
| 10 | New Jersey City University | Jersey City, NJ | njcu.edu |
| 11 | Bloomfield College | Bloomfield, NJ | bloomfield.edu |
| 12 | Montclair State University | Montclair, NJ | montclair.edu |
| 13 | Saint Elizabeth University | Morristown, NJ | steu.edu |
| 14 | Chamberlain College | North Brunswick, NJ | chamberlain.edu |
Online RN to BSN Programs in New Jersey
Online RN to BSN programs are a convenient and affordable option for nurses who are working full-time or have other responsibilities that make it difficult to attend a traditional, on-campus program. Online nursing programs offer the same high-quality education and curriculum that is utilized in traditional programs but are completed at the student’s own pace.
The formats of most online RN to BSN programs are asynchronous, which means students can complete coursework in a self-paced manner. Students typically have the flexibility to complete self-guided lessons, submit assignments, attend workshops, and participate in online discussions on their own schedule, within certain deadlines. Many students find that the asynchronous format makes it easier to balance work, school, and family responsibilities without sacrificing the rigor of a quality nursing education.
Degree Guides
New Jersey RN to BSN Program Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for RN to BSN programs vary by school. However, most programs require an applicant to have a minimum of an associate’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution and to hold a valid RN license. Students who have earned a diploma in nursing are usually required to complete specific prerequisite courses before applying.
The following list includes some general prerequisites that are common to many RN to BSN programs in New Jersey:
- Evidence of an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Nursing diploma from an accredited school
- A valid, unencumbered RN license in the state of New Jersey
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and a GPA of 2.75 or higher in natural science courses such as Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physiology, English, and Statistics
- A satisfactory health assessment and criminal background check with no felonies or misdemeanors
- Proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and a negative TB test result
- English language proficiency for students who are non-native English speakers
How Much Does a BSN Make in New Jersey?
Increased pay and career advancement opportunities are two of the most common reasons nurses pursue additional education. Research shows that BSN-educated nurses earn higher salaries than their counterparts with an ADN with the same level of experience. Additionally, nurses with a BSN degree are more likely to be considered for supervisory or management positions, and often receive promotions at a faster rate.
In New Jersey, the trend of higher salaries for BSN-educated nurses is especially pronounced. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay for a BSN in New Jersey is $73,703, whereas a nurse with an ADN earns an average annual salary of $53,523.
Highest Paying Cities for BSN Nurses in New Jersey
| CITY | ANNUAL SALARY * | HOURLY WAGE * |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton | $82,916 | $39.86 |
| Clifton | $82,065 | $39.45 |
| Atlantic City | $82,042 | $39.44 |
| Passaic | $80,609 | $38.75 |
| Newark | $76,331 | $36.70 |
| Elizabeth | $75,903 | $36.49 |
| Paterson | $74,479 | $35.81 |
| Jersey City | $74,337 | $35.74 |
| Camden | $74,140 | $35.64 |
| Vineland | $67,938 | $32.66 |
| * Zip Recruiter, BSN Nurse Salary in New Jersey, November 2021 | ||
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