New Jersey Nursing Colleges, Degrees & Licenses
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“Nurses will lead outreach, education, and health justice efforts. Nurses won’t just care for individuals, they’ll promote health and wellness across entire communities, focusing on the well-being of patients at the population level.”
Tracy Perron, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Nursing at The College of New Jersey
Nurses are an essential part of the healthcare system. But many states throughout the United States are currently experiencing a shortage in the nursing workforce. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2025), the nationwide job growth rate for registered nurses in the United States is projected to increase by 6 percent between 2023 and 2033, slightly faster than the national average of 4 percent for all occupations. However, the BLS’s combined grouping of nurse specialists—nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners—is in even higher demand, with a staggering 40 percent projected growth rate in the coming decade.
Those interested in a nursing career have some paths to choose from. Options include becoming a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), a registered nurse (RN), a licensed practical nurse (LPN), or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Completing education beyond a four-year bachelor’s degree opens up still more opportunities in the nursing profession. Nursing professionals may go on to complete master’s (MSN) and doctoral (DNP) degrees and, through this additional academic education as well as hands-on experience, become highly skilled practitioners, educators, and leaders working within specialized areas such as patient care, mental health, community wellness, and disease prevention. Those who hold advanced nursing degrees may ultimately fill roles with titles such as clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, and pediatric primary care nurse practitioner.
Despite its relatively small geography, New Jersey offers many nursing education programs. Below is a guide featuring just a sampling of some of the top undergraduate and graduate nursing programs in New Jersey, along with salary expectations and licensing requirements for nursing careers in this state.
Featured Online Nursing Programs
Meet the Expert: Tracy Perron, PhD, RN, CNE, FNAP
Dr. Tracy Perron is a professor and chair of the Department of Nursing at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), School of Nursing and Health Sciences. She holds a BSN and MSN from Kean University and earned her PhD in nursing from Rutgers.
Dr. Perron is nationally recognized for her contributions to nursing education and community health. She was inducted as a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice in Nursing in 2024 and holds certification as a Nurse Educator (CNE).
Her scholarly work, widely cited, focuses on child and adolescent health, school nursing, mental health literacy, simulation-based learning, bullying prevention, and social determinants of health. Under her leadership, TCNJ nursing earned national recognition as a Healthy People 2030 Champion.
NursingColleges.com: What do you wish people knew about nursing in New Jersey?
Dr. Perron: New Jersey is home to some of the top hospitals and health systems in the nation, including Hackensack Meridian Health, RWJBarnabas Health, Cooper University Health and Atlantic Health System.
New Jersey has some of the top-rated nursing programs to educate the future of nursing: The College of New Jersey, Rutgers University, and Ramapo University. Nursing in New Jersey means working with people from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities. You’ll learn to be not just clinically skilled, but also culturally sensitive and deeply compassionate.
NursingColleges.com: Do you have any advice for aspiring nurses?
Dr. Perron: Remember your “why” you want nursing: nursing school is tough—physically, mentally, and emotionally. When things get hard (and they will), your “why” will keep you going. Whether it’s helping people, making a difference, or honoring a loved one—remember your why.
NursingColleges.com: Do you have any advice for aspiring nurses?
Dr. Perron: The future of nursing is moving into communities, schools, and homes. Nurses will lead outreach, education, and health justice efforts. Nurses won’t just care for individuals, they’ll promote health and wellness across entire communities, focusing on the well-being of patients at the population level.
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in New Jersey
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree program. This program is the only one offered in Mercer County that awards a generalist BSN degree. Though prospective students holding a high school diploma have no specific course requirements, they are strongly recommended to enter this program with a strong science background, especially in chemistry and biology.
This program has several appealing features, including state-of-the-art professional instruction designed to teach students a patient-centered approach guided by evidence-based practice, a highly qualified faculty, a low faculty-student ratio, a strong leadership focus, a curriculum composed of a mix of liberal arts, natural and behavioral sciences, nursing sciences, and clinical nursing practice coursework, and the training necessary to successfully pass the NCLEX-RN examination to achieve designation as a registered nurse. TCNJ also boasts a high success rate for its graduates; 100 percent have been employed within six months of completing the program.
- Location: Ewing, NJ
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: New Jersey Board of Nursing and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Seton Hall University College of Nursing is distinguished as New Jersey’s first BSN degree program. U.S. News & World Report has previously ranked Seton Hall University College of Nursing as one of the top graduate nursing programs in the country. The mission of the College of Nursing is to educate baccalaureate-prepared generalists and advanced practitioners of nursing.
The program accepts applicants from various backgrounds, including high school graduates, transfer applicants, and students for whom English is not their first language. Admissions requirements vary according to the background of the applicant. Applicants typically must meet a combination of criteria, including at least some training in biology and chemistry, a satisfactory GPA, and demonstrated ability to complete the curriculum as provided within the English language satisfactorily.
The BSN curriculum features a blend of classroom study and laboratory experience. It also features simulations designed to equip students with the skills necessary to perform well in numerous clinical settings. The curriculum provides professional training in nursing and elements of a liberal arts education designed to produce well-rounded professionals capable of providing excellent care. The curriculum studies various subjects, including anatomy, physiology, psychology, and sociology. Students are introduced to clinical skills in their sophomore year and gain patient-care experience in various clinical settings. Such settings include hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health agencies, behavioral-health settings, schools and clinics.
- Location: Nutley, NJ
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing is unique because it is the only provider of Catholic nursing education in southern New Jersey. This program visualizes nursing as a professional discipline that values developing and applying evidence-based knowledge and clinical reasoning to provide quality, safe, patient-centered care. This 77-credit curriculum is based on Christian values, including caring, social responsibility, and service to those in need. The program provides a learner-centered environment to create competent, compassionate, and knowledgeable professional nurses.
The mission of the School of Nursing is an enduring commitment to educating future generations of nurses who will apply their skills to create positive change in the communities they serve. The various elements of the program, such as the curriculum and the professional development guidance provided by advisors, are designed under the mission of the School of Nursing. Fulfillment of this mission is achieved through its commitment to educational excellence, a diverse workforce, deep collaborative relationships within communities, and lifelong learning.
- Location: Stratford, NJ
- Duration: Three years
- Accreditation: New Jersey Board of Nursing and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Thomas Edison State University (Hybrid)
The Thomas Edison State University W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSNA) program. This intense, full-time program provides non-nurses the training to be prepared to successfully take the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN) in just 15 months. This program is specifically designed for adults with at least 60 college credits or a bachelor’s degree in another subject area.
Due to the rigorous nature of the curriculum, outside employment is not recommended during the duration of the program. The licensure exam pass rate for graduates of this program is reliably higher than that of both state and national averages.
This 60-credit program consists of 26 credits of online courses and 34 of hybrid coursework. Critical highlights of this program include its hybrid delivery model, clinical experience offerings at multiple local facilities, the option to apply up to nine graduate credits towards the school’s master of science in nursing (MSN) program, three available cohort start dates per year, and fast-paced courses of eight weeks’ duration.
- Location: Trenton, NJ
- Duration: Fifteen months
- Accreditation: New Jersey Board of Nursing and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Ramapo College offers a 128-credit generalist bachelor’s degree program in nursing (BSN). The design of this program curriculum is guided by interdisciplinary collaboration, the American Nurses’ Association (ANA) standards of clinical nursing practice, and the AACN essentials of baccalaureate nursing practice. The curriculum features both a general education component and nursing training. Students complete the general education component first. This component includes exposure to various subjects within the liberal arts, physical and social sciences, and humanities. Students begin nursing courses in their junior year after completing their science and general education courses and their prerequisites.
This program is the product of a clinical partnership with The Valley Hospital. The Valley Hospital is designated as a magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Students complete nursing courses on the Ramapo campus and clinical coursework via instruction provided by nurses at The Valley Hospital. These nurse instructors at The Valley Hospital hold the designation of clinical associate faculty at Ramapo College. Students may also pursue their clinical training requirements at other local clinical affiliates. Facilities, where students may complete their clinical training, include acute care institutions, long-term care facilities, community health agencies, outpatient/ ambulatory care settings, professional organizations, and occupational health/industrial sites.
Graduates of this generalist program hold the training necessary to fill critical roles in providing nursing care within complex healthcare systems. They can also take the license examination (NCLEX) to become registered nurses.
Students interested in advancing their careers may seek to enroll later in Ramapo’s master of science in nursing (MSN) program. This program offers tracks in nursing education, nursing administration, and family nurse practitioner.
- Location: Mahwah, NJ
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in New Jersey
At TCNJ, graduate nursing students can pursue an MSN through nationally accredited, online-delivered pathways designed for advanced clinical and educational practice. These programs are specifically built for RNs with a BSN, and emphasize skill development in diagnostic reasoning, critical thinking, and evidence-based patient care.
TCNJ offers three primary MSN tracks: family nurse practitioner (FNP); adult–gerontological primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP); and neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP). Additional master’s pathways include the clinical nurse leader (CNL) track, designed for nurses who seek leadership roles in care coordination, quality improvement, and safety initiatives, and the School Nurse MSN, tailored for nurses working in educational settings. Both are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Across all options, students benefit from small cohort sizes, faculty advisors who provide individualized academic planning, and flexible part-time schedules allowing up to six years for program completion. TCNJ sets high standards for outcomes: program completion rates exceed 70 percent, certification pass rates are consistently above 80 percent, and well over 80 percent of graduates are employed within 12 months of graduation.
- Location: Ewing, NJ
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: New Jersey Board of Nursing and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Seton Hall University (Online)
The Seton Hall University College of Nursing offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program featuring four potential emphases. Three pathways fall under the role of nurse practitioner. These are adult-geronotology primary care/acute care, pediatric primary care, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. A fourth MSN program in nursing administration and executive nurse leadership is also available.
The nurse practitioner programs are designed for nurses with a brief amount of professional nursing work experience (one to two years). Such individuals typically will have a BSN from an accredited college or university and seek to advance their nursing careers.
Applicants must fulfill several requirements to be deemed eligible for entry. These requirements include academic education requirements, a minimum GPA, current registered professional nurse licensure in the state where practicing and in New Jersey if clinical training is to be pursued there, and professional liability insurance. Additional requirements must be fulfilled before enrollment in clinical courses.
- Location: Nutley, NJ
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Fairleigh Dickinson University (Online)
Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a fully online MSN degree program to train nurse practitioners in one of three specializations. These specializations are adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner.
All students must complete eight hours of advanced core coursework in nursing philosophy and theory, research and evidence-based practice, and nursing synthesis regardless of specialization. Though there is variation among specializations, they all require the completion of traditional classroom learning and clinical hours.
To be admitted to this program, applicants must fulfill requirements related to their existing academic training, GPA, licensure status, and work experience. Applicants may further strengthen the competitiveness of their application by fulfilling optional requirements such as letters of recommendation, demonstrated experience with a target population of interest, training in health assessment, and existing board certification.
- Location: Teaneck, NJ
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Monmouth University (Hybrid)
Monmouth University offers a master of science degree in nursing (MSN) designed to provide students with training in nursing education or nursing practice. The program is designed to accommodate the needs of working nurses by providing evening courses and a hybrid learning delivery format. Monmouth offers three specializations: family nurse practitioner, psychiatric and mental health NP, and adult-gerontological primary care NP. Individual coursework and other requirements necessary for graduation vary among the different MSN programs offered.
The Monmouth University MSN program recognizes the ever-evolving nature of the nursing profession. The curriculum recognizes the challenges presently impacting the nursing field such as increased complexity in patient needs, consistency and quality in care, and nursing workforce shortages. The program features over 500 potential clinical placements throughout New Jersey and externship opportunities with partners.
- Location: West Long Branch, NJ
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Stockton University (Online)
Stockton University offers a master of science in nursing degree (MSN) for baccalaureate-educated registered nurses who wish to advance their careers through specialty certification as an adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner or a family nurse practitioner. The curriculum trains students in the knowledge, critical thinking, and other skills nurse practitioners need to assess, diagnose and treat patient health problems effectively.
The program, delivered online with synchronous and asynchronous material, is designed for self-directed learning. The intended learning outcomes of the curriculum follow the standards promoted by the entity that has accredited these programs, namely the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The adult gerontology primary care nurse and family nurse practitioner tracks feature coursework and supervised clinical hour requirements. Though not identical, the number of coursework and supervised clinical hours required for the two tracks are fairly similar. Both tracks can be completed in 24 or 33 months. Master’s prepared nurses may also complete a post-master’s certificate in these two specializations.
- Location: Galloway, NJ
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Saint Elizabeth University (Hybrid)
Saint Elizabeth University offers a 36-credit master of science in nursing (MSN) degree. Based on a cohort model designed to facilitate effective learning and interaction with colleagues and instructors, this program was developed to respond to the increased need for nurses to assume leadership roles in both educational and practitioner careers. Part-time students can expect to complete the program in three years. Students choose either the nursing education or nursing leadership option when enrolling. Graduates possess the skills to work in various roles with titles such as patient educator, nurse leader, educator, and faculty member.
Those pursuing the nurse educator pathway complete courses featuring content in educational learning theories, curriculum development and evaluation, and educational testing. Graduates of this pathway are trained to sit for the NLN Nurse Educator National Certification Exam successfully. Nursing leadership students complete courses in leadership in health care, health informatics, and health policy and advocacy. Regardless of the chosen option, graduates will have the foundation necessary to pursue doctoral study subsequently.
- Location: Morristown, NJ
- Duration: Three years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Nursing School Accreditation
Nursing school accreditation is a vital process that guarantees nurses have the most current knowledge, skills, and competence aligned with industry standards. It brings security and peace of mind to all stakeholders, including future nurses, training institutions, employers, support staff, and patients.
Students must complete a nursing program accredited by institutional or programmatic accrediting bodies to practice nursing legally. When it comes to nursing school accreditation, there are two categories: institutional and programmatic.
The leading organizations for programmatic accreditation in nursing schools are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Other nursing accreditation organizations focus on specialized curriculums, such as the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
Institutional accreditation is an evaluative mark of a college or university’s quality. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), recognized by the US Department of Education, identifies seven regional organizations that review and grant institutional accreditation status. These independent bodies evaluate academic integrity, financial stability, faculty expertise, and degrees awarded to determine a university’s standards.
Lastly, it is crucial to consider the state authorization status when researching online and hybrid nursing programs, especially for degrees that require state licensing. The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) regulates this to help prospective students ensure their educational institution is compatible with state boards of nursing requirements for online or hybrid nursing programs. Confirming state authorization status is essential to avoid expensive challenges during state licensing tests or even the inability to receive credentials.
How Much Do Nurses Make in New Jersey?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2024—the latest data available as of August 2025.
Licensed Vocational Nurse Salaries
| United States | New Jersey | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 632,430 | 15,210 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $64,150 | $71,300 |
| 10th percentile | $47,960 | $60,110 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $62,340 | $71,180 |
| 90th percentile | $80,510 | $79,980 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | New Jersey | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,282,010 | 95,150 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $98,430 | $106,990 |
| 10th percentile | $66,030 | $81,670 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $93,600 | $102,730 |
| 90th percentile | $135,320 | $130,540 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | New Jersey | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 50,350 | 1,320 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $231,700 | $268,310 |
| 10th percentile | $137,230 | $198,160 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $223,210 | >$239,200 per year |
| 90th percentile | >$239,200 per year | >$239,200 per year |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | New Jersey | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 8,280 | 190 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $128,110 | $138,980 |
| 10th percentile | $74,670 | $106,630 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $120,790 | $135,680 |
| 90th percentile | $177,040 | $161,010 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | New Jersey | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 307,390 | 9,590 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $132,000 | $140,470 |
| 10th percentile | $97,960 | $65,130 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $129,210 | $149,620 |
| 90th percentile | $169,950 | $173,320 |
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (RN) Licensure in New Jersey
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Board of Nursing | To qualify for an LPN license in New Jersey, candidates must:
| To new a license LPNs in New Jersey must meet the following requirements every two years:
|
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in New Jersey
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Board of Nursing |
Requirements for candidates for an RN license in New Jersey include:
|
RNs in New Jersey must meet the following requirements every two years to renew their license:
|
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure in New Jersey
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Board of Nursing | New Jersey certifies CNSs as APRNs. To be eligible for a CNS license in the state of New Jersey, applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
In order to renew an APRN license in New Jersey, licensees must submit a renewal application, proof that the applicant is currently certified by a national certifying agency that is accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties, and/or the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, and pay the renewal fee. Each licensee must complete a minimum of 30 contact hours of continuing education contact hours during the two-year period before renewal, as well as any continuing education requirements set forth by the certifying agency. |
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Licensure in New Jersey
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Midwifery Liaison Committee | In the state of New Jersey, the Midwifery Liaison Committee licenses a CNM and the following is required:
| Renewal of CNM licensure occurs every two years. New Jersey requires licensees to submit a completed renewal application, proof of current certification by the ACNM, AMCB, or NARM, and pay the renewal fee |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in New Jersey
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Board of Nursing | New Jersey certifies NPs as Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs). To be eligible for an APN license in the state of New Jersey, applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
In order to renew an APN license in New Jersey, licensees must submit a renewal application, proof that the applicant is currently certified by a national certifying agency that is accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties, and/or the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, and pay the renewal fee. Each licensee must complete a minimum of 30 contact hours of continuing education contact hours during the two-year period before renewal, as well as any continuing education requirements set forth by the certifying agency. |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA) Licensure in New Jersey
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
New Jersey certifies a CRNA as an APRN. To be eligible for a CRNA license in the state of New Jersey, applicants must meet the following requirements:
| In order to renew a CRNA license, licensees must submit a renewal application, proof that the applicant is currently certified by a national certifying agency that is accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties, and/or the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, and pay the renewal fee. Each licensee must complete a minimum of 30 contact hours of continuing education contact hours during the two-year period before renewal, as well as any continued education requirements set forth by the certifying agency. |
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Matt Zbrog
WriterMatt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about the modern nursing workforce, conducting hundreds of interviews with nurse leaders, nurse educators, and nurse advocates to explore the issues that matter to them most. His Advocates to Know series focuses on nurse practitioners (NPs) who go above and beyond in changing policy and practice in important areas like veteran’s care, human trafficking prevention, and telehealth access. He regularly collaborates with subject matter experts from the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) to elevate issues that empower nurses everywhere.