Why Choose Accelerated Nursing Programs in NJ?
If you already have a degree or have started a nursing program in the past, you can finish faster if you enter into an accelerated nursing program. An accelerated nursing program usually takes two years or less, depending on the degree level you would like to receive. Students in these programs may specialize in pediatric, geriatric, emergency room and other forms of nursing.
Choosing Accelerated Nursing Programs in NJ
When you are considering an accelerated nursing program, you should look for the shortest program with the most bang for your buck. For example, if there are two programs with 100% NCLEX pass rates, you may want to select a program that is shorter at 12 months rather than 15. Consider finding an online or hybrid program, and look for one that offers job placement support.
Nursing is a quality career, and LPNs can expect to earn an average of $48,500 each year. Nurse practitioners may earn a median wage of $115,800, depending on where they work in the country. With this field being expected to grow by 45% between 2019 and 2029, now is a great time to start working on your education, because jobs will be waiting to be filled when you graduate.
Below are the nine top schools with an accelerated nursing program in New Jersey. These schools are known for their quality programs that offer fast-track options. Each program is designed to be full-time.
Interested in finding a similar program but don’t see what you want here? Let us help you search based on your specific requirements.
The Best 9 Schools with Accelerated Nursing Programs in NJ
1. Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers a fast-track program to help you get your BS in nursing in just 14 months. The four-semester program is ideal for people who previously received a bachelor’s degree and would like to change careers.
The full-time program is offered through the Newark campus, though students may take some classes at the New Brunswick location.
- Tuition (in-state): $17,736
- Enrollment: 50,173
2. Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University offers an accelerated second degree BSN. This program is 62-credit-hour cohort model for those who have non-nursing bachelor’s degrees. The 14-month program prepares students to practice nursing and begins in the fall while ending in the fall of the following year.
- Tuition (in-state): $23,580
- Enrollment: 10,219
3. University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey offers an accelerated nursing program. Students who want to enter this program must have a bachelor’s degree from another regionally accredited school or university. They also have to show that they maintained a 3.0 average.
Upon completion of this program, students can take the NCLEX exam and become a registered nurse.
- Tuition (in-state): $17,736
- Enrollment: 50,173
4. Rutgers University Newark
Rutgers University Newark is the primary home of the Rutgers University accelerated nursing program. The other locations in Blackwood and New Brunswick may host some nursing courses, depending on the program and courses chosen.
The program, which takes only 14 months, has 62 credits in nursing-specific coursework. At the end of this program, students graduate with a bachelor of science.
- Tuition (in-state): $17,736
- Enrollment: 13,605
5. Fairleigh Dickinson University- Metropolitan Campus
Fairleigh Dickinson University offers an accelerated nursing program that is available to those who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. The program offers two tracks, one that is a full-time, one-year program and another that is a two-year, part-time program. The school boasts NCLEX-RN pass rates of 90 to 95% for the last three years and marks employment at 100%. The average salary is between $73,000 and $78,000.
- Tuition (in-state): $22,186
- Enrollment: 8,206
6. Felician University
Felician University offers an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program that can be completed in as few as 16 months. The program prepares students to take the NCLEX and offers four cohorts each year, so students may begin to study in January, May, or August.
- Tuition (in-state): $19,080
- Enrollment: 2,262
7. Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University offers a full-time accelerated BSN nursing program for students who want to become nurses. This 15-month hybrid program is open to students with prior bachelor’s degrees or 60 earned college credits. The program is offered in eight 8-week sessions. Nine (9) graduate credits in the program may be applied toward a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
- Tuition (in-state): $38,824*
- Enrollment: 13,886
*additional lab and technology fees apply
8. Caldwell University
Caldwell University offers an accelerated nursing program. The program, which results in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, consists of 124 credits. Students who join as freshmen will need to take one additional credit hour for graduation. 63 credits are completely focused in the field of nursing. 25 credits are prerequisites.
The school offers three tracks, one for those going for their second degree, another for traditional students and third for transfer students.
- Tuition (in-state): $34,900 per year
- Enrollment: 2,206
9. William Paterson University of New Jersey
William Paterson University of New Jersey offers an accelerated BSN to students who have already achieved a bachelor’s degree in another field. The ABSN program consists of 60 credits that are completed within 15 months.
If students need to complete any of the prerequisite courses, then they will need to enroll and take those (no more than 19 credits) before entering the program. Students who begin in May 2020 are expected to graduate in August 2021.
- Tuition (in-state): $13,086
- Enrollment: 10,105
Ranking Methodology
The schools above have been ranked based on their overall tuition rates and enrollment numbers. Schools with lower enrollment and tuition were ranked higher due to their lower costs and higher chance of one-on-one support.
While every effort has been made to provide accurate information here, please remember that the results are not guaranteed. This list is subject to change at any time.
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