RN Programs in New Jersey 2026
New Jersey offers ADN, BSN, accelerated BSN, and LPN-to-RN bridge programs, all requiring approval from the New Jersey Board of Nursing. ADN programs take about two years and BSN programs take four. All graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN before practicing as registered nurses in the state.
Sponsored School(s)
New Jersey has a broad range of pre-licensure RN programs, from two-year associate degree tracks at community colleges to four-year BSN programs at universities such as Rutgers, Seton Hall, and The College of New Jersey. The program type you choose affects time to graduation, which employers you qualify for, and whether advanced practice training is accessible later.
Use the links below to jump to program types, accreditation requirements, admission information, and salary data for New Jersey RNs.
- Program types and time to graduation
- NJ Board of Nursing approval and accreditation
- Admission requirements
- NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Salary and job outlook for NJ RNs
Program Types and Time to Graduation
All New Jersey pre-licensure programs produce graduates eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN, but they differ in duration, entry requirements, and what doors they open afterward. There are five main formats available in the state.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Two-year programs offered primarily at community colleges. ADN graduates hold the same initial RN license as BSN graduates and can work in most clinical settings. Rowan College at Burlington County and several other community colleges offer ACEN-accredited ADN programs approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Four-year programs at colleges and universities. Many New Jersey hospitals, including Magnet-designated facilities, prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses for staff positions. A BSN is also the standard entry point for most graduate nursing programs. Rutgers University, Seton Hall University, The College of New Jersey, Saint Peter’s University, and Ramapo College of New Jersey all offer CCNE- or ACEN-accredited BSN programs. Working nurses who already hold an ADN can pursue RN to BSN programs to meet BSN hiring preferences.
Accelerated BSN: Designed for applicants who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Full-time programs in New Jersey typically run 14 to 16 months. Admission is highly competitive, and programs may require minimum undergraduate GPA thresholds and prerequisite science coursework completed within a recent timeframe.
Diploma programs: Once common at hospital-based schools in New Jersey, diploma programs are rare today. Most have merged with or transitioned to degree-granting institutions. Graduates of any Board-approved diploma program remain eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
LPN-to-RN bridge: Designed for licensed practical nurses who want to advance to the RN credential. These programs allow credit transfer for prior nursing coursework and are offered at both the ADN and BSN levels.
| Program Type | Typical Duration | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| ADN | 2 years | High school diploma or GED |
| BSN | 4 years | High school diploma or GED |
| Accelerated BSN | 14–16 months | Non-nursing bachelor’s degree |
| LPN-to-RN Bridge | 1–2 years | Active LPN license |
NJ Board of Nursing Approval and Accreditation
Every pre-licensure program in New Jersey must hold current approval from the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Board approval is what qualifies a program’s graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN in New Jersey. It’s not the same as national accreditation, and the two credentials serve different purposes.
National accreditation is voluntary and granted by two organizations: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE accredits programs at the BSN level and above, while ACEN accredits both ADN and BSN programs. National accreditation matters most for students planning graduate education, since most master’s and doctoral programs require an accredited undergraduate degree for admission.
When comparing programs, verify both: current New Jersey Board of Nursing approval and the program’s national accreditor status. The Board’s website lists all currently approved pre-licensure programs and publishes RN licensure requirements in New Jersey that applicants need to meet before sitting for the NCLEX-RN.
Admission Requirements
New Jersey nursing programs are selective. Seats are limited relative to the number of qualified applicants, and programs routinely turn away students who meet minimum requirements.
Most programs require completion of prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology before admission, along with a pre-admission exam, most commonly the ATI TEAS. Minimum GPA requirements typically fall between 2.5 and 3.0, though competitive programs set higher bars in practice. Accelerated BSN programs often require a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and may require a minimum HESI exam score as well.
Strong prerequisite grades and a competitive TEAS score improve the odds significantly. Applying to more than one program rather than waiting on a single application is a practical strategy given how competitive seats are statewide.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
Every graduate of a New Jersey pre-licensure program must pass the NCLEX-RN before practicing as a registered nurse. The exam, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, tests the clinical judgment and knowledge required for entry-level nursing practice.
The New Jersey Board of Nursing publishes first-attempt NCLEX-RN pass rates by program. Checking those figures before applying is worth doing. A program with consistently strong pass rates across multiple years is a more meaningful indicator of quality than a single good year.
Salary and Job Outlook for NJ RNs
New Jersey registered nurses earn well above the national median. BLS data shows NJ RNs earned a median annual salary of $106,500 as of May 2025. The mean annual wage is $110,100, and top earners at the 90th percentile reached $135,170.
The state employs approximately 92,680 registered nurses. Projections Central estimates 6.3% employment growth for New Jersey RNs between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 5,030 job openings per year.
| Wage Metric | New Jersey RNs (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $106,500 |
| Mean annual wage | $110,100 |
| 75th percentile wage | $127,730 |
| 90th percentile wage | $135,170 |
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between an ADN and a BSN for RN licensure in New Jersey?
Both degree types qualify graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN and earn the same initial RN license in New Jersey. The distinction matters for career access. Magnet-designated hospitals often require or prefer BSN-prepared nurses for staff positions, and a BSN is required for most graduate nursing programs.
Does New Jersey require national accreditation to get licensed as an RN?
No. New Jersey Board of Nursing approval is what qualifies graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN. National accreditation from ACEN or CCNE is a separate credential that matters most for students planning to attend graduate school.
How competitive is admission to New Jersey RN programs?
Very competitive. Programs receive more qualified applicants than they can admit and regularly turn away students who meet minimum requirements. Strong prerequisite grades and a competitive TEAS score are the key differentiators, and applying to multiple programs improves the odds.
What do RNs earn in New Jersey?
According to BLS data, New Jersey RNs earned a median annual salary of $106,500 as of May 2025. Earnings vary by employer, setting, specialty, and years of experience.
Key Takeaways
- Two degree paths, one license — Both ADN and BSN graduates sit for the same NCLEX-RN and earn the same initial RN license in New Jersey. Degree level affects career access and graduate school eligibility.
- Board approval enables licensure — New Jersey Board of Nursing approval, not national accreditation, is what qualifies a program’s graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
- Admission is competitive statewide — Programs regularly turn away qualified applicants. Strong TEAS scores and prerequisite grades are the key differentiators.
- NJ RN salaries rank among the highest nationally — The median annual wage for New Jersey RNs was $106,500 as of May 2025, with an average of 5,030 job openings projected per year through 2032.
Browse approved RN programs across New Jersey to compare degree options, accreditation status, and NCLEX pass rates for your area.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.