Fastest Way To Become a Nurse in New Jersey 2026

<h3 id="section---HighSchoolDiplomaOrGED">High School Diploma or GED</h3><p>All nurses are required to hold a high school diploma or equivalent level of education, such as a GED. This is necessary to enroll in college-level nursing programs. </p><p>While in high school, you can prepare for future nursing education programs by taking advanced science classes like biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology. These courses will help you be better prepared for the intensive coursework in a nursing associate or bachelor's degree program. </p><h3 id="section---NursingEducation">Nursing Education</h3><p>There are different types of training programs that meet the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">educational requirements for nurses</a>. These include licensed practical nurse (LPN) programs, associate degrees, and pre-licensure and post-licensure bachelor's degrees. </p><p>The type of program you enroll in will depend on your previous level of education and the type of nurse you plan to become. We'll discuss each type of nursing program in more detail later in this article. </p><h3 id="section---NCLEXExam">NCLEX Exam</h3><p>To be eligible for a nursing license in New Jersey, you'll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). If you plan to become an LPN, you'll complete the NCLEX-PN exam; aspiring RNs will complete the NCLEX-RN exam. </p><p>You'll complete the computerized exam at a testing center in your local community. Once you've passed, you'll be able to apply for your license of choice through the New Jersey Board of Nursing. </p><h3 id="section---NewJerseyLicensureRequirements">New Jersey Licensure Requirements</h3><p>Licensure requirements are essentially the same for both LPNs and RNs. You'll need to complete an application and pay an application fee. You'll also need to submit to a criminal background check, which will involve getting fingerprinted and paying an additional fee. </p><p>RNs applying for sexual assault certification will need to complete a separate application and pay a separate fee. An additional background check will also be required. </p><h2 id="section---FastestWaysToBecomeANurseInNewJersey">Fastest Ways To Become a Nurse in New Jersey</h2><p>As noted above, there are several types of training programs that help students prepare for a nursing career path. Let's take a closer look at some of the fastest types of programs available. </p><h3 id="section---LPNProgram">LPN Program</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> 12 to 18 months </li></ul><p>LPN Programs, also known as LVN programs, provide training for those hoping to become licensed practical nurses. These entry-level healthcare professionals provide basic nursing care and assist other professionals under the supervision of registered nurses. </p><p>LPN programs are usually completed in person and combine classroom learning with skills labs and clinical rotations. These programs often lead to certificates or diplomas. </p><h3 id="section---AcceleratedBachelorOfScienceInNursing">Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One year </li></ul><p>Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, or ABSN degrees, are designed for students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree or extensive transfer credits. These programs build upon previous college experience to help career changers and adult students get started in nursing quickly. </p><p>These programs may offer online or hybrid coursework while still requiring hands-on skills practice and clinical experience. Many schools of nursing offer these programs to help learners pursue their RN licenses in as little as a year. </p><h3 id="section---RNToBSNBridgeProgram">RN-to-BSN Bridge Program</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One to two years </li></ul><p>RN-to-BSN bridge programs are designed for students who already have a diploma or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and want to earn their bachelor's degree. They are post-licensure programs, meaning students are already licensed RNs pursuing advanced education for the sake of career advancement. </p><p>RN-to-BSN programs are often available exclusively online, as they often don't require any clinical or hands-on components. Coursework is often flexible and designed to fit around the schedules of busy working nurses. </p><h3 id="section---LPNToRNBridgeProgram">LPN-to-RN Bridge Program</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One to two years </li></ul><p>LPN-to-RN bridge programs are designed specifically for LPNs hoping to become registered nurses. They build upon your previous education and experience in practical nursing to help you advance your patient care skills and career opportunities in the nursing field. </p><p>LPN-to-RN programs are often in-person, though some may offer online or hybrid coursework. Students complete skills labs and clinical experiences as part of these programs, which may lead either to ADN or BSN degrees. </p><h3 id="section---AssociateDegreeInNursing">Associate Degree in Nursing</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> Two years </li></ul><p>For students with no previous college or healthcare experience, ADN programs provide the fastest way to become an RN. These professional nursing degrees last for two years and provide all the necessary training so graduates can pursue entry-level RN jobs in various healthcare settings. </p><p>ADN programs are typically completed on-campus at community colleges, though they may offer some online coursework options. Programs typically take about two years of full-time study to finish. </p><h2 id="section---FastestNursingDegreesInNewJersey">Fastest Nursing Degrees in New Jersey</h2><p>If you're interested in starting or advancing your nursing career with a fast BSN program, keep reading. Below, we'll look at some of the New Jersey schools offering the quickest nursing degree programs. </p><h3 id="section---1.WilliamPatersonUniversity">1. William Paterson University</h3><p>William Paterson University is located in Wayne, NJ. It offers one of the fastest nursing programs in New Jersey: an RN-to-BSN degree that students can complete in as little as 10 months. </p><p>Learners complete 30 total credit hours, taking courses that cover topics like nursing practice, leadership, and research. Upon completing this degree, students can pursue various nursing career paths or explore advanced education options such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $9,892.50 total </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 10 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.NewJerseyCityUniversity">2. New Jersey City University</h3><p>New Jersey City University is a public school in Jersey City, NJ. It offers the fastest ABSN program in New Jersey, which students can complete in as little as 12 months. </p><p>Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree and complete several prerequisite courses before enrolling in the program. The program is competitive, accepting a cohort of 60 new students each fall semester. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $13,940.94 per semester </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE, CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.GeorgianCourtUniversity">3. Georgian Court University</h3><p>Georgian Court University is a private school in Lakewood Township, NJ. Students at this school can pursue a 14-month ABSN program. </p><p>Students who hold a bachelor's degree are encouraged to apply and may enroll in June or November of each year. The school partners with Hackensack Meridian Health, the largest health system in New Jersey, which can be highly beneficial for nursing students. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $795 per credit hour </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 14 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE, CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.TheCollegeOfNewJersey">4. The College of New Jersey</h3><p>The College of New Jersey is a public school in Ewing Township, NJ. Its full-time ABSN program is completed on-campus within 14 months. </p><p>Students have opportunities to enroll in hybrid courses during the summer months, providing them with added flexibility. The flat-rate tuition keeps things simple, and 98% of learners pass the NCLEX exam on the first try. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $34,000 total </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 14 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE, CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.SaintPeterSUniversity">5. Saint Peter's University</h3><p>Saint Peter's University is a private school in Jersey City, NJ. It features a flexible online RN-to-BSN program that students can complete in as little as 14 months. </p><p>Designed for busy students, the program offers eight-week course sessions and fully online coursework. Learners enjoy small class sizes and personalized attention from expert nursing instructors. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $595 per credit hour </li><li><b>Program length:</b> As little as 14 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE, CCNE </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>We strive to choose top programs when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the colleges above: </p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> All of the schools are institutionally accredited, with the nursing programs holding specialized accreditation from the CCNE. </li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> Each school is known for providing high-quality programs in nursing as well as other academic and career fields. </li><li><b>Program length:</b> The nursing programs featured boast some of the fastest completion times in the state. </li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutTheFastestWayToFinishNursingSchoolInNewJersey">FAQs About the Fastest Way To Finish Nursing School in New Jersey</h2><p>If you still have questions about getting through nursing school quickly, keep reading. Below, we'll answer some frequently asked questions that may be on your mind. </p><h3 id="section---HowLongIsNursingSchool">How Long Is Nursing School?</h3><p>Depending on the program you enroll in, you could finish nursing school in under a year. If you are just starting out and don't have previous college experience, your program will likely last two to four years. </p><p>Regardless of the program you choose, selecting <a href="https://learn.org/articles/best_laptops_nursing_students.html">best laptop for nursing students</a> can help make your life easier as you work toward your degree. </p><h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesANursingDegreeCost">How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost?</h3><p>The cost of a nursing degree can vary depending on the type of program you choose. LVN programs may cost under $10,000, while accelerated bachelor's degree programs commonly exceed $35,000 or $40,000. Attending <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_new_jersey.html">cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA</a> can help you get your education without breaking the bank. </p><h3 id="section---CanYouBecomeAnRNInOneYear">Can You Become an RN in One Year?</h3><p>If you already have a bachelor's degree or significant college experience, you may be able to finish an ABSN program to become an RN in as little as one year. If you don't have any college experience yet, it will more likely take you two to four years to become an RN. </p><p>That said, you can complete an LVN program in as little as one year, even if you have no previous college credits to transfer; this can help you get your foot in the door of a nursing career in a short amount of time. </p><h2 id="section---FindAnOnlineNursingDegree">Find an Online Nursing Degree</h2><p>If you're ready to launch your nursing career with an online degree, explore the schools here on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools to find out more about their programs and choose the right one for you.</p>