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Nursing Schools in New Jersey, NJ

New Jersey is well-equipped with nursing education programs at all levels—The New Jersey Board of Nursing lists 40 state-approved Licensed Practical Nurse Programs, 15 Registered Nurse programs via an Associate Degree, and 20 RN programs with a Bachelor Degree, as well as 11 hospital-based diploma programs for Registered nurse training. Indeed, in terms of numbers, New Jersey provides one of the most diverse arrays of nursing training available in the United States. As such, it is very much worth shopping around when deciding which program best suits your needs and interests, as different schools offer different courses, tuition costs, and pass rates on the NCLEX.

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Nursing Schools Through Online Programs in New Jersey

New Jersey has a limited number of campus-based nursing programs to choose from. In the past, this meant that hopeful students would have to find a way to attend those campuses or simply not pursue a nursing degree. Fortunately, there are several nursing schools from New Jersey to choose from that allow students the flexibility to earn their degrees without setting foot in a classroom.

Advantages of Online Nursing Courses
Any graduate of an online nursing program will tell you that earning a degree online isn’t simple. The demands and distractions of daily life make it necessary for students to focus intensely and maintain a significant amount of self-discipline in order to be successful. Fortunately, there are many advantages to taking nursing courses online that you wouldn’t otherwise find in a traditional classroom.

  • Progress in real-time. Because assignments and exams are taken online, students receive feedback on their performance almost instantly. This allows students to be proactive in polishing up on weak areas. It also gives instructors a clear opportunity to communicate with students on their performance.
  • Sharpen communication skills. Communicating without the use of facial cues and body language is a skill that can be tricky to learn. When you participate in online nursing courses, you are forced to learn to communicate only in what you type. During your online class discussions and through emails with classmates and instructors, you will be given ample opportunities to sharpen your written communication skills.
  • Graduate faster. Many programs offer an accelerated learning track. This means that if you have the time and motivation, you can earn your degree quickly and enter the nursing field before many students have even graduated.

Selecting an Online Nursing Program
Each online nursing school offers something different for its students. There are several things you should keep in mind when selecting an online nursing program.

  • Cost. Research different nursing schools and determine which ones fall within your budget.
  • Course timeline. If it is essential that you find an online nursing school that features an accelerated track, narrow your search down to the schools that offer the shortened course timeline option.
  • Equipment requirements. Research what equipment and software is necessary for the different programs and that you own or have the ability to use that equipment.
  • Prerequisite courses. Find out what courses are necessary before applying for the program or course. Doing so will save you a great deal of time and money.
  • Location. Although most coursework is done online, several programs require hands-on training as part of the nursing certification process. Find an online nursing school that is affiliated with a training facility near you. If you have questions about this, be sure to ask the school you’re hoping to enroll in.

Online Nursing Degrees
Nearly any nursing degree that can be earned in a traditional classroom-based program can also be earned through a distance program. Some of the most common online nursing degrees include:

  • Associate’s Degree in Nursing. A two-year program that trains students to become registered nurses. Upon successful completion of the degree, graduates sit for the NCLEX, a national nursing exam. After passing the NCLEX, graduates are given registered nurse licensure.
  • Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). A four-year program that offers more advanced nursing practice than the two-year nursing degree. Typically, students who pursue a BSN intend to go on to earn their Master’s of Science in Nursing.
  • Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN). This program is a minimum of seven years, though depending upon the specialty being pursued, can take up to ten years to complete. Students enrolled in an MSN program are typically working toward becoming a nurse practitioner.

Career Expectations For Nurses in New Jersey

New Jersey reports having an impressive 872 nurses per 100,000 people, more than the United States as a whole.[1] This figure means that there are many nursing positions throughout the state that will need to be filled when the current registered nurses relocate, advance within their positions, retire, or leave the profession. In fact, it is reported that the nursing profession will expand for the foreseeable future for that very reason.[2]

Registered nurses in New Jersey earn an annual median income of $63,850 to $80,980, depending upon the location within the state.[3] Compared to $64,143,[4] the annual reported income of the entire state of New Jersey, it is clear that nurses within the state make a wage comparable to the education required to become a registered nurse.

It is interesting to note that these wage figures do not differentiate between registered nurses and advanced-degree nursing professions such as nurse practitioners. Therefore, it may be helpful to look into the wages of New Jersey nurses who earned in the 90th percentile. These individuals earned between $83,010 and $108,350,[3] which shows that advanced nursing degrees earn an equally advanced wage.

Cities in New Jersey, NJ Most Likely To Have Nursing School Programs:  Looking for a nursing school program or course in your area? Chances are there is a campus close by. If not, don’t give up too soon.  Nursing Degrees and Schools in New Jersey can be available via online programs, which are accredited and very useful to enter the health care sectors in New Jersey, NJ.  Commonly nursing schools are available from or in the following cities: Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Edison, Toms River, Trenton, Clifton, Camden, Brick Township, Passaic, Union City, East Orange, Bayonne, North Bergen Township, Vineland, Union, New Brunswick, Wayne, Irvington, Lakewood. Cities in New Jersey, NJ with Nursing School Campuses in Close Locations:  In smaller populated cities Nursing School Programs are not as widespread, therefore you may have to research nearby locations to find a nursing school course or be open to online nursing programs.  Online classes have been found to be a convenient route to attaining a nursing degree. 

 

[1] StateHealthFacts.org: Registered Nurses per 100,000
[2] BLS.gov
[3]BLS.gov: Registered Nurse salary in New Jersey
[4] StateHealthFacts.org: State Overview