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Looking for accredited accelerated nursing programs in New Jersey? Well, you’re in the right place!
We’ve compiled a list of the top accredited programs for you. They all offer an efficient route to becoming a skilled healthcare professional in New Jersey, making them perfect for career switchers and those who want to dive into healthcare fast.
The duration for the accelerated BSN programs in New Jersey ranges from 12 to 16 months. For the accelerated (Direct Entry) MSN programs, the duration is approximately 24 months.
Read: Guide to Accelerated Nursing Programs: What are they?
Let’s get started and help you kick off your nursing journey.
Accelerated BSN Programs in New Jersey
1. Seton Hall University Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The Seton Hall Accelerated BSN is 14 months long- fast enough to pivot your career into nursing swiftly and efficiently. It is a dynamic yet detailed 4-semester long program with 62 credits.
Location: Freehold or Nutley, NJ
Duration: 14 months
Format: On-campus
The Seton Hall ABSN will prepare you to practice nursing in various settings, be it ambulatory care, community-health agencies, acute care, or long-term care facilities.
Choose Your Campus
The Seton Hall program offers flexibility with two locations for you to choose from. You could opt for the Freehold location, which starts in Fall, or choose the Interprofessional Health Science Campus in Nutley for a Spring start.
Impressive NCLEX Pass Rate
Seton Hall had a 100% NCLEX Pass Rate in 2022- an impressive achievement that goes on to show why it has one of the best accelerated nursing programs in New Jersey.
Prerequisites
Before commencing your nursing journey, you’ll need to complete several prerequisite courses:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II with labs (8 credits)
- Organic Chemistry with lab (4 credits)
- Microbiology with lab (4 credits)
- Statistics (3 credits)
- Nutrition* (2 credits)
- Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
- Ethics (3 credits)
Tuition
The tuition cost is $23,190 per semester. However, for the most current tuition rates, check out Seton Hall’s official tuition page.
Related: Pros and Cons of Accelerated Nursing Programs
2. Fairleigh Dickinson University Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The Fairleigh Dickinson Accelerated BSN program provides two scheduling options: you can choose to complete the program in 12 months as a full-time student, or over 18 months if you prefer a part-time commitment.
Location: Teaneck, NJ
Duration: 12 months
Format: Coursework is online
Regardless of the option you choose, the program totals 36 credit hours and has been designed with a balance of synchronous and asynchronous online coursework, offering you the convenience of remote learning.
If you’re eyeing a full-time commitment, the program begins in May. If part-time is more your style, the starting intake is in August.
Prerequisites
Before you jump into the Fairleigh Dickinson Accelerated BSN program, you need to complete the following prereqs, all with a minimum grade of B-:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology: 8 credit hours, with lab
- General Chemistry: 4 credit hours, with lab (Introductory Chemistry is not accepted)
- Microbiology: 4 credit hours, with lab
- Statistics: 3 credit hours (Must cover both inferential and descriptive statistics)
- Economics: 3 credit hours, either Microeconomics or Macroeconomics
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics: 3 credit hours (can be taken concurrently with the program)
Tuition
As for tuition costs, the rate is $967 per credit. Be sure to check the most current fees on the university’s tuition page.
3. Felician University Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
Felician University’s Accelerated BSN program comes with two distinct offerings – the 16-month Hybrid ABSN and the 18-month On-Campus ABSN – you can choose whichever option best fits your needs and schedule.
Location: Rutherford
Duration: 16 months or 18 months
Format: Online or On-campus
16-Month Hybrid ABSN: Combining Online and In-Person Learning
If you’re interested in a mix of online and in-person learning, the Hybrid ABSN program could be the right fit.
Over the course of 16 months, you’ll complete fundamental coursework online, participate in nursing labs at Felician’s Parsippany site, and complete clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities.
This program offers three start dates per year – in January, May, and August.
18-Month On-Campus ABSN: A Fully In-Person Experience
For those who prefer a fully in-person learning experience, the On-Ground ABSN program is an excellent option.
Taking place over 18 months at Felician’s Rutherford campus, this program combines on-site fundamental coursework, nursing labs, and local clinical rotations.
This program begins in May.
Learning Experiences and Facilities
Regardless of the ABSN program you choose, you’ll have access to comprehensive learning experiences that merge theory with practice. Both the Parsippany and Rutherford sites offer high-tech skills and simulation labs for hands-on practice.
Plus, you’ll enjoy diverse, real-life clinical experiences through the university’s academic practice partner, Atlantic Health System, and other top care providers in the Newark area.
Prerequisites
To qualify for either ABSN program, you’ll need to complete the following prereqs with a grade of C+ or higher:
- BIO 202 Microbiology (with lab): 4 credits
- BIO 205 Anatomy and Physiology I (with lab): 4 credits
- BIO 206 Anatomy and Physiology II (with lab): 4 credits
- BIO 307 Pathophysiology: 3 credits
- CHEM 105 Principles of Chemistry: 4 credits
- MATH 122 Statistics I: 3 credits
- PSYC 105 Lifespan Development: 3 credits
Tuition
Tuition for the Accelerated BSN program is set at $62,415. To stay updated with the most current fees, make sure to visit the university’s tuition page.
4. Caldwell University Second Degree BSN
Program Overview
Caldwell University’s Second Degree BSN program is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with prior bachelor’s degrees who want to transition into nursing. This comprehensive, full-time program offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares you to excel in diverse healthcare settings.
Location: Caldwell, NJ
Duration: Approx 2 years
Format: On-campus
The Caldwell Second Degree BSN program consists of 63 credits and typically takes around two years to complete. Recognized for its high standards, this program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
You’ll attend classes on-campus, enabling you to interact directly with experienced faculty and like-minded peers.
Hands-On Clinical Experiences
You’ll gain invaluable practical experience in a variety of healthcare agencies and community centers within the Caldwell region.
Prerequisites
Here are the prerequisite courses you need to complete:
- BI 203 Human Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab: 4 credits
- BI 204 Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab: 4 credits
- CH 110 Principles of Chemistry with Lab: 4 credits
- BI 315N Microbiology with Lab: 4 credits
- PS 150 General Psychology I: 3 credits
- SO 101 Introduction to Sociology: 3 credits
- MA 207 or PS 208 Statistics: 3 credits
Tuition
Visit Caldwell University’s tuition and fees page for up-to-date rates.
Related: Top Online Nursing Programs in New York
5. Georgian Court University Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
Georgian Court University’s (GCU) Accelerated BSN program is a 14-month full-time, on-campus program that will fast-track your nursing career. Starting twice a year, in June and November, GCU’s ABSN program maintains a flexible enrollment schedule.
Location: Lakewood, NJ
Duration: 14 months
Format: On-campus
Practical Learning Opportunities
Thanks to GCU’s enduring partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health (New Jersey’s largest healthcare provider) you’ll be doing your clinicals at this hospital’s locations throughout New Jersey.
NCLEX Pass Rate
As of July 2021, GCU had a three-year average NCLEX pass rate of 94%- which speaks volumes about the quality of education and preparation students receive.
Prerequisites
Before embarking on the ABSN program, you need to complete prerequisite courses, each with a required minimum grade of B- on your first attempt:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I (with lab)
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II (with lab)
- Microbiology (with lab)
- Statistics (including inferential statistics)
- Chemistry (with lab), choosing from Inorganic, Organic, or Biochemistry
- A course in developmental psychology (Lifespan preferred)
- Ethics Course (Bioethics preferred)
Tuition
GCU ABSN’s tuition per credit is $795.00. For the most recent tuition rates, check out the tuition page on the GCU website.
6. New Jersey City University Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
New Jersey City University’s (NJCU) Accelerated BSN program is designed to help you transition into nursing within a compressed timeframe of 12 months- effectively making it one of the fastest and shortest accelerated nursing programs in New Jersey.
Location: Jersey City & Fort Monmouth, NJ
Duration: 12 months
Format: On-campus
This program might be an accelerated one, but it encompasses course objectives, content, and clinical learning experiences akin to those of a traditional 4-year curriculum.
The difference? The courses and clinical experiences are offered in a full-time, intense format, with no breaks in between sessions. Remember, your full-time dedication is needed during this period.
Flexible Locations: Choose What Suits You Best
The NJCU ABSN program is offered at two locations: Jersey City and Fort Monmouth. The Jersey City program, with 60 available slots, starts in September each year.
On the other hand, the Fort Monmouth program, offering 30 seats, begins in May each year. But, a little heads-up: admissions to Fort Monmouth are temporarily on hold, so be sure to check the university site for the latest updates.
Prerequisites
Before you can dive into the program, you must have completed the following prerequisites within the past 10 years:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I (lab component required)
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II (lab component required)
- Microbiology (lab component required)
- Statistics (any discipline)
- Developmental Psychology (General Psychology and Intro to Psychology do not meet this requirement)
Tuition
In-state tuition and fees are set at $13,077.20 per semester, while out-of-state tuition and fees rise to $17,531.10. For the most recent rates, visit NJCU’s tuition page.
7. Rutgers University Newark Accelerated (Second Degree) BSN
Program Overview
This 4-semester program, designed to provide a rapid transition into the nursing field, accepts students for both spring and summer admission.
The program is based at Rutgers’ Newark campus, offering 63 credits of nursing coursework. As an accelerated program student, you’ll be required to commit to 14 months of full-time study.
Location: Newark, NJ
Duration: 14 months
Format: On-campus
Clinical Experience
Rutgers boasts over 200 clinical partnerships throughout New Jersey. These partnerships give you an invaluable opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting.
While classes are typically held during the day, your clinical experiences could be scheduled for the day, evening, or even on weekends. So make sure you have reliable transportation to commute to clinical sites.
Rutgers Newark ABSN Prerequisites
Before you jump into the accelerated BSN program, you’ll need to have completed the following prereqs:
- Anatomy and Physiology I w/ Lab
- Anatomy and Physiology II w/ Lab
- Microbiology w/ Lab
- Organic Biochemistry or General Chemistry II
- Nutrition – a course focusing on nutrients and their functions in the human body throughout the lifecycle
- Statistics – a descriptive and inferential statistics course
- Life Span: A Holistic Approach or Developmental Psychology (The course must cover the entire human lifespan, from newborn to elderly)
- General Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
Tuition
In-state tuition per semester is pegged at $7,550.00, while out-of-state per semester tuition stands at $13,311. Be sure to check out Rutgers’ tuition page for the most up-to-date information.
8. Rutgers University Camden Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
Offering you the same high-quality clinical practice as the traditional BSN, Rutgers Camden’s Accelerated BSN program transitions you into a nursing career in 15 months. It’s a full-time curriculum, that admits students in both spring and fall.
Location: Camden, NJ
Duration: 15 months
Format: On-campus
Prerequisites
You’ll need to complete the following prerequisites:
- General Chemistry or Organic Biochemistry or General Chemistry II (4 credits with lab)
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II (8 credits with labs)
- Microbiology (4 credits with lab)
- Statistics (3 credits)
- Human Growth and Development (3 credits)
- Nutrition (3 credits)
- Biomedical Ethics (3 credits)
Tuition
The in-state tuition per semester is $7,550.00, while the out-of-state per semester tuition is $14,937. We strongly recommend checking Rutgers’ tuition page for the latest and most accurate information.
Related: 5 Accelerated Nursing Programs in Philadelphia
Accelerated (Direct Entry) MSN Programs in New Jersey
1. Georgian Court University Direct Entry MSN
Program Overview
Following a groundbreaking partnership between Georgian Court University (GCU) and Hackensack Meridian Health, a new Direct Entry MSN program was launched in the Fall of 2022.
This 24-month, in-person program is designed for individuals aspiring to leap into the nursing profession at a master’s level.
Location: Lakewood, NJ
Duration: 24 months
Format: On-campus
Becoming a Master-Prepared Registered Nurse
The GCU Direct Entry MSN program is ideal if you are seeking a career that combines leadership with the hands-on care that defines the nursing profession. Not only does the program prepare you to excel as an RN, but it also lays the groundwork for future advanced practice roles and specialties within professional nursing.
A Curriculum with an Edge
The robust, 80-credit curriculum extends beyond the traditional bedside care focus.
In response to the increasing demand from hospitals and healthcare facilities for professionals adept at managing emerging fields such as data mining, informatics, and quality performance, GCU ensures you receive a future-focused education.
Learning from the Leaders
One of the standout features of the program is the unique insight gained from the faculty members, who hold joint appointments at Georgian Court and Hackensack Meridian Health locations.
Many are established nurse leaders and researchers, providing an enriched learning experience.
Prerequisites
Before embarking on your MSN journey, ensure that you have completed the following prerequisites:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I (with lab)
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II (with lab)
- Microbiology (with lab)
- Statistics (must include inferential statistics)
- Chemistry (with lab): Inorganic, Organic, or Biochemistry (A course that includes some biochemistry is preferred)
- Psychology (A course in developmental psychology)
- Ethics Course (Bioethics preferred)
Tuition
The tuition for this program is set at $985 per credit. Refer to Georgian Court’s official tuition page for the most current rates.
2. Montclair State University Pre-licensure MSN
Program Overview
The 7-session, 71-credit Pre-licensure MSN program at MSU has been carefully designed to transform you into a licensed RN with comprehensive capabilities. With a full-time commitment, you can expect to acquire proficiency in providing direct care and managing outcomes across various settings.
Location: Montclair, NJ
Duration: Approx 2 years
Format: On-campus
The MSU Pre-licensure MSN program takes you beyond the conventional nursing curriculum to specialize in care coordination and transition management.
This unique concentration prepares you to navigate the complexities of patient care across different healthcare settings.
Prerequisites
Before you enroll, you’ll need to complete the following prerequisite courses:
- Anatomy and Physiology (8 Credits with lab)
- Microbiology (4 Credits with lab)
- Chemistry (3 Credits)
- Statistics (3 Credits)
- Human Growth & Development (3 Credits)
- Nutrition (3 Credits)
Tuition
The total program cost for the MSU Pre-licensure MSN is $54,000. Check the MSU’s official tuition page for up-to-date tuition rates.
Summing It All Up
In conclusion,
- Does Rutgers offer an accelerated nursing program?
Yes, both Rutgers Camden and Rutgers Newark provide an accelerated BSN, which takes 15 months and 14 months, respectively.
- Is there a demand for Registered Nurses in New Jersey?
Yes, there is a significant demand for RNs in New Jersey. NJ has about 141,000 active registered nurses. However, there’s a projected shortage of around 11,400 nurses by 2030, according to the New Jersey Hospital Association President and CEO, Cathy Bennett.
While efforts are being made to expand the healthcare workforce pipeline to meet the growing demand, this scenario provides a promising career outlook for aspiring nurses in New Jersey.
It’s even better that you can enrol in any of the reputable accelerated programs in New Jersey to join the profession quicker.
- What is the average salary for a Registered Nurse in New Jersey?
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in New Jersey is $96,670, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Disclaimer:
- Information on these programs may change without notice. So, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and accuracy. You’d have to check with the school and do further research. Our review list is simply for guidance and cannot be relied upon exclusively without research on your part.
- Before enrollment, check with your state regarding licensing rules or whether your desired program meets your home state’s certification requirements and licensure.
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