[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses in New Jersey are in demand and earn higher than average salaries, making the state a prime location to advance your nursing career. Lean about the top nursing programs in New Jersey, how to become a nurse in the state, the salary and job outlook for nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Rank Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This ranking is from 2022.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in New Jersey[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many factors to consider as you explore nursing programs in New Jersey. However, careful research can make the selection process easier.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Narrow your options by examining features like tuition rates, program length, and curriculum. You can find out how well an institution prepares its students for the workforce by reviewing the nursing program’s National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates and ensuring that the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]nursing program is accredited[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in New Jersey[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]By 2030, New Jersey will need over 11,000 nurses to meet the projected demand. With the state anticipating a nursing shortage over the next decade, New Jersey may boast a number of job opportunities. The state’s high average salary for nurses also makes it an attractive option.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition, New Jersey participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). As a[hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-compact-states/”] nursing compact state[/hen-ui-link], New Jersey has agreed to a set of rules and procedures that all licensed RNs must follow. The NLC makes it easier for RNs to qualify for out-of-state licensure in other participating states with minimal paperwork.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses with an NLC license do not have to pay license renewal fees and can provide telehealth care as a virtual nurse to patients across state lines.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in New Jersey[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses in New Jersey earn higher than average salaries. For example, RNs in the state earn an average annual salary of $101,960, higher than the average annual salary of about $95,000 for RNs nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioners in New Jersey earn even higher pay, making an average salary of about $145,000 a year, which is significantly higher than the national NP average salary of $128,000 per year.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New Jersey is home to many employment opportunities for nurses. The BLS projects 6% job growth for RNs from 2022-2032, which is in line with the average national job growth for RNs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following table identifies the highest-paying metropolitan areas for RNs in New Jersey. Most are located in the state’s southern region, except for Trenton. Southern New Jersey also employs the most RNs in the state.[/hen-ui-text]Learn more about [hen-ui-link href=”/state/new-jersey/rn-salary/”]RN salaries in Jersey[/hen-ui-link].[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in New Jersey[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary for RNs (2022)[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Atlantic City — Hammonton[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$83,900[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Trenton[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$83,050[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Vineland — Bridgeton[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$82,070[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Ocean City[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$77,280[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in New Jersey[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective nurses in New Jersey should first choose a program that fits their chosen career path and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-specialties-guide/”]nursing specialty[/hen-ui-link]. RNs and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) must complete a nursing program approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and pass the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once licensed, RNs must satisfy continuing education requirements to continue working as a nurse in the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an RN in New Jersey, candidates must complete the following steps:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates must enroll in an accredited nursing program and earn either an[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”] associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) or[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”] a bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN).[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The length of ADN and BSN programs can vary among institutions. However, most ADN programs take two years to complete, while BSN programs are generally four years.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After completing an undergraduate nursing program, students must [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]pass the NCLEX-RN[/hen-ui-link] and undergo a criminal background check before[hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”] applying for a state nursing license[/hen-ui-link]. RNs must earn 30 [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continuing education credits for nurses[/hen-ui-link] every two years to maintain licensure.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective APRNs in New Jersey must complete the following steps:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates must earn a[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”] master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) or a[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”] doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] from an accredited nursing program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students who have not taken a pharmacology course within five years before applying are required to do so.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before earning an APRN license, RNs must pass a certification exam in a state-recognized specialty. The New Jersey licensing board accepts certifications from agencies that are accredited through the American Board of Nursing Specialties and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain licensure.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Other Top Nursing Programs in New Jersey[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top New Jersey RN to MSN + Online Program Requirements” href=”/state/new-jersey/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in New Jersey[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are nurses in demand in New Jersey?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to projections from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, New Jersey will face one of the nation’s largest nursing shortages at the end of this decade. The state is projected to have around 90,800 nurses and need over 102,000.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New Jersey is behind only Texas and California in terms of nursing shortages.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I become a nurse in NJ?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective nurses in New Jersey must earn an ADN or a BSN and pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed RNs. Nurses interested in APRN roles can complete an MSN or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//best-online-dnp-programs/”]DNP program[/hen-ui-link] and pursue certification in a specialty area.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I transfer my nursing license to New Jersey?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs who are licensed in another state or territory can apply for New Jersey licensure through endorsement. Individuals who graduated from an approved nursing education program in the U.S. and remain in good standing in their current state may get a New Jersey nursing license.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to get a nursing license in New Jersey?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students typically spend between 2-4 years completing undergraduate nursing programs in New Jersey, depending on the degree they seek. Full-time learners can earn an ADN in about two years, while it usually takes four years to complete a BSN. Part-time study extends graduation timelines for both degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Resources[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”34009,34330,43500″][/hen-ui-article-row]