Top New Jersey RN to BSN Programs
In recent years, nurses across the country have seen their responsibilities expand significantly as the baby boomer generation continues to grow older and as considerable reforms continue to change the healthcare system. While RNs typically used to launch their careers by earning an ADN degree, today nearly one in two healthcare employers want new hires to have at least a bachelor's degree. As the demand for BSN-educated nurses has increased substantially, nurses have started going back to school to earn their bachelor's degrees so that they can stay competitive in the field and enhance their career prospects. With scores of colleges offering RN to BSN programs, and with new ones starting up all the time, finding a top program that fits your individual needs can be difficult. That's why we've compiled a list of the top RN to BSN programs in the state of New Jersey.
How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in New Jersey
Deciding which RN to BSN program to enroll in takes research. While you scroll through New Jersey's top RN to BSN programs, take the following factors into consideration:
- Program acceptance rate
- Total cost of the program
- Number of students are admitted
- Scholarship opportunities
- Proper accreditation
- Age of the institution/program
- Internship opportunities/hospital partnerships
- Quality of faculty
Testing and Certification
Upon graduating from ADN programs, students are required to pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam before gaining their RN licenses. This means that RN to BSN students aren't required to take the licensing exam again after they've successfully completed their bachelor's degree.
List of Top RN to BSN Programs in New Jersey
1. Ramapo College of New Jersey
Founded in 1969, Ramapo College of New Jersey is a public liberal arts college situated in the township of Mahwah. RCNJ offers a majority-online, 32 credit hour program that students can complete in as little as four semesters or 18 months. The program, which is delivered 95 percent online with a few on-site experiences that are required, consists of courses like Clinical Management, Global Awareness, and Nursing Research & Evidence Based Practice, to name a few. Students can complete the program at their own pace, with new cohorts beginning in the summer, spring, and fall semesters.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- Valley Regional Medical Center
- Good Samaritan Hospital
- Hudson Heart Associates
Tuition:
For info on tuition and fees for Ramapo College of New Jersey, contact them at (201) 684-7500.
2. Rutgers School of Nursing - Camden
Rutgers School of Nursing - Camden is a nursing school that's part of Rutgers University located in the city of Camden. RSN - Camden gives its students the option to complete a fully online RN to BSN program or a hybrid online/in-class program that can be taken at Atlantic Cape Community College or at Mercer Community College. Both programs can be completed in as little as one year with full-time attendance. The program boasts small classes, affordable tuition, and outcome-based learning.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- Cooper University Health Care
- Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
- Camden VA Outpatient Clinic
Tuition:
For tuition info on Rutgers School of Nursing - Camden's RN to BSN program, contact (856) 225-6104.
3. Rowan University
Originally founded nearly 100 years ago, Rowan University is a public research university located in the city of Glassboro, with a medical campus in Stratford. With their 30 credit hour, online RN to BSN bridge program, RU seeks to prepare RNs for leadership, management, and research roles within the field. Students who enroll in the program will tackle courses like Health Care Policy and Finance, Community Health Nursing, and Research Applications in Nursing. Courses are scheduled in 7 and 14-week modules, with new start dates being offered in fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- Jefferson Washington Township hospital
- Cooper University Hospital
- Inspira Medical Center Woodbury
Tuition:
Students who enroll in Rowan University's RN to BSN program can expect to pay around $13,800 in tuition plus additional fees.
4. Felician University
Established nearly 100 years ago in 1923, Felician University is a private Roman Catholic university with two campuses in New Jersey, one in Rutherford and one in Lodi. FU's 48 credit hour can be completed in just 15 months and has been designed specifically for working nurses. Students who enroll in the program will have the choice to take the program in a fully-online format, on campus, or at various off campus locations throughout the state. Courses are delivered in eight-week sessions. The program contains courses like Ethical/Legal Issues in Health Care, Health Care Policy and Politics, and Public Health and Disaster Management for RNs.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- Select Specialty Hospital Northeast NJ
- Hudson Regional Hospital
- Mary's Regional Hospital
Tuition:
Students who enroll in FU's RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $30,720 in tuition plus additional fees.
5. Kean University
Kean University is a public university located in Union and Hillside. KU offers an online RN to BSN program that boasts small classes, dedicated faculty members and advisors, as well as experienced researchers. The program's courses are delivered in an eight-week long, trimester format. A few courses students can expect to take while enrolled in the program include Foundations of Transcultural Health Care, Health Assessment, and Conceptual Foundations and Inquiry in Nursing, just to name a few.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- Children's Hospital of New Jersey Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
- Newark Community Health Centers
- Heart Hospital of New Jersey
- Overlook Medical Center - Union Campus
Tuition:
For current tuition fees for Kean University's program, contact them at (908) 737-5326.
