Nursing is one of the most important professions in healthcare. Nurses are often the first and last point of contact for patients, providing care, support, and guidance in hospitals, clinics, schools, and community settings. As healthcare needs continue to grow, especially with an aging population, the demand for well-trained nurses remains strong. For many people, nursing offers not only job stability but also the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.
New Jersey is a strong state for anyone looking to study nursing. The state has a large healthcare system, with many hospitals, medical centers, and specialized care facilities spread across its cities and communities. Because of this, New Jersey continues to need qualified nurses at all levels, from entry-level registered nurses to advanced practice professionals. To meet this demand, the state is home to several well-established nursing schools that offer accredited programs and quality clinical training.
In this article, we highlight the best nursing schools in New Jersey. These schools are known for their strong nursing programs, experienced faculty, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey
1. Rutgers University School of Nursing
Rutgers University School of Nursing is widely recognized as the leading nursing school in New Jersey and is one of the most respected programs in the United States. Its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is ranked among the top nursing programs nationally and holds the #1 position in New Jersey according to U.S. News & World Report.
The school offers multiple pathways to a nursing degree, including the traditional BSN, a 2+2 BSN program that combines prerequisite coursework with two years of nursing training, an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, and an RN to BSN option that lets licensed registered nurses complete their bachelor’s degree with flexible online coursework.
In addition to undergraduate pathways, Rutgers provides graduate education, including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs with specialties such as adult-gerontology and family nurse practitioner tracks.
2. The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) School of Nursing and Health Sciences
The College of New Jersey’s nursing programs are highly respected within the state and have a strong record of student success. TCNJ offers a traditional BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) that focuses on evidence-based practice, population health, quality, and safety in nursing care.
Students begin clinical experiences early in the program, working in acute care, specialty care, and community settings under faculty supervision and in state-of-the-art simulation labs. TCNJ also provides an Accelerated Second-Degree BSN program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want a faster path to the nursing profession, typically completed in about 14 months.
For licensed registered nurses, the school’s RN to BSN program offers flexible online and hybrid classes designed for working professionals. Across all its pathways, TCNJ’s nursing students are known for high performance on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, including a 100 % pass rate for recent cohorts, showing strong preparation for professional practice.
3. Ramapo College of New Jersey Nursing Programs
Ramapo College offers a suite of nursing programs that prepare students to enter or advance within the nursing profession. Students can pursue a traditional BSN program designed for those beginning their nursing education, as well as an Accelerated BSN for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to transition into nursing more quickly.
Licensed registered nurses can enroll in the RN to BSN completion track, which delivers most coursework online while still requiring some on-site clinical experiences, allowing flexibility for working professionals. Ramapo also offers advanced graduate options such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with tracks including nursing education, nursing administration, adult gerontology nurse practitioner, and family nurse practitioner, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for advanced clinical leadership.
4. Stockton University Nursing Program
Stockton University’s nursing program prepares students to become professional registered nurses through a rigorous Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum. The program emphasizes core competencies in nursing theory, clinical judgment, communication, and culturally competent care while integrating concepts from the physical, social, and behavioral sciences.
Stockton offers a traditional four-year prelicensure BSN for students entering nursing for the first time, and an Accelerated BSN option for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to transition into nursing more quickly. Nursing majors complete clinical placements in a variety of healthcare environments, gaining hands-on experience under faculty and preceptor guidance.
The program adheres to clinical and technical standards that reflect real nursing responsibilities, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and nursing practice. Stockton’s nursing education is accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
5. Kean University Department of Nursing
Kean University offers comprehensive nursing programs designed to develop competent, professional nurses ready to serve in diverse healthcare settings. The core undergraduate pathway is a 3-Year Prelicensure BSN that allows students to complete their nursing degree in three years while gaining essential clinical experience and hands-on training in simulation labs and real clinical settings.
Kean also offers an RN to BSN degree completion program tailored for licensed registered nurses seeking to expand their knowledge and career opportunities; this option is available in online and hybrid formats to support flexibility for working nurses. Beyond the BSN, Kean provides advanced nursing education through its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, which include leadership and community health specializations, along with optional graduate certificates, such as in school nursing.
6. Seton Hall University College of Nursing
Seton Hall University’s College of Nursing is one of the oldest and most respected nursing programs in New Jersey, first offering a baccalaureate nursing degree in 1937. The college provides a range of pathways, including a traditional BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), an Accelerated Second Degree BSN (ABSN) for students with a prior bachelor’s degree, and advanced degrees such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Ph.D. in Nursing.
The BSN curriculum combines liberal arts courses with nursing theory, simulation lab training, and clinical experiences in real healthcare settings, helping students build judgment and patient-care skills early and throughout their study.
Many students begin clinical practice as early as their sophomore year, working in hospitals, long-term care, community health agencies, and other settings. Seton Hall’s graduate programs include online options like the 100 % online MSN with Family Nurse Practitioner tracks that prepare nurses for advanced roles.
7. William Paterson University School of Nursing
William Paterson University’s School of Nursing has rapidly grown into one of the largest and most comprehensive nursing programs in New Jersey, offering degrees from bachelor’s through doctoral levels. Their BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) prepares students for entry-level nursing practice and eligibility for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam with a curriculum grounded in the biological, physical, and social sciences alongside nursing courses.
Students gain hands-on clinical training in multiple health care environments and benefit from more than 50 partnerships with local hospitals, clinics, and community agencies. In addition to the traditional BSN, William Paterson offers an Accelerated BSN for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to shift into nursing, as well as an RN to BSN online pathway for working nurses seeking degree completion.
For graduate education, the university provides online MSN programs such as Nursing Education and Family Nurse Practitioner tracks, designed for working professionals with flexible formats and multiple start dates throughout the year. William Paterson also offers post-master’s DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) programs for advanced clinical and leadership roles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is nursing a good career choice in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey has a large nursing workforce with about 140,800 nursing jobs statewide, and registered nurses earn an average salary of around $89,700 to $101,960 per year, depending on the source and workplace.
There are also strong job prospects because the need for nurses is expected to grow, especially for RNs and nurse practitioners.
2. What is the job growth outlook for nurses in New Jersey?
Nursing jobs in New Jersey are expected to grow over the coming decade. Registered nurse employment is projected to increase by around 6 % to 11 % by 2032, and demand for advanced practice nurses is also rising.
This means more job openings for nursing graduates.
3. How well do nursing graduates from New Jersey schools pass the licensing exam?
NCLEX-RN pass rates vary across nursing programs, but top schools often exceed national averages. For example, The College of New Jersey has recently recorded a 100 % pass rate, while the national average for first-time test takers is around 94–95 %. A strong pass rate suggests solid preparation.
4. What kinds of nursing jobs are available after graduation?
Graduates can work as registered nurses in hospitals, home health care, clinics, schools, and community health settings. Some pursue advanced careers like nurse practitioner or clinical specialist, which command higher salaries. With an aging population, demand for nurses in many areas remains strong.
5. Do nursing programs in New Jersey help with job placement?
Yes. Many accredited nursing schools in New Jersey partner with hospitals and healthcare systems for clinical training and help students find jobs.
On average, around 87 % of nursing graduates secure full-time nursing positions within six months of finishing their programs, especially those with strong clinical partnerships.