RN to MSN Programs in NJ

There are six RN to MSN programs offered by schools based in New Jersey and a number of programs are offered online by schools approved and nationally accredited in other states. What this means to you is that there are a number of high quality RN to MSN options with a variety of specializations, one of which will match your strengths and career goals. Find the programs listed below along with their accreditation and contact information.

The RN to MSN bridge program streamlines the education process, allowing registered nurses with a diploma or associate degree in nursing to complete their baccalaureate and master's education in about three years. These programs are extremely focused and require a significant mount of dedication. Online RN to MSN programs do provide flexibility and convenience. Registered nurses can balance their pursuit of higher education with the demands of work and family. The AACN has expressed their support of the online RN to MSN program, stating that it makes higher education much more accessible. If three years sounds like too much of a commitment then check the RN to BSN programs in New Jersey, some of which can be completed in as little as twelve months.

A survey of the nursing workforce in New Jersey titled, The State of the Nursing Workforce in New Jersey: Findings From a Statewide Survey of Registered Nurses*, documents several reasons why there is such a severe shortage of nurses in the state. There are also a number findings that support pursuing higher education, specifically an MSN.

First off, 25% of the nursing workforce in New Jersey responded. Of the respondents only .3% held a graduate degree, 40% held a diploma in nursing, 32% held an ADN and 27% held a BSN. This supports a great job outlook for master's educated nurses with so few nurses actually in possession of this level of education. Opportunities appear to be quite abundant for the master;s educated nurse from advanced practice to nursing faculty and leadership positions. The survey actually mentions that the RN to MSN program is one way to create a "nursing faculty pipeline."

An area of concern was found to be in the nurse manager area, where 57% of the nurse managers in New Jersey reported that their highest level of education was either an ADN or nursing diploma. Based on a study by Kramer, leadership skills are most frequently learned at the master's degree level. (Kramer, Schmalen & Maguire, 2004) This means skills such as conflict resolution and related management skills, that are integral in successfully managing a group of professionals, may be nonexistent for many nurse managers.

The lack of managerial skills and support was found to have a significant impact on nurses in New Jersey, 43% said they did not consider their manager to be a "good manager" and 42% said that their nurse manager would not back them up. Sounds frustrating. This data further supports the need for master's educated nurses in leadership positions throughout New Jersey as well as supporting the decision to pursue a master's through an RN to MSN program in New Jersey.

*(Flynn, L. (2007). The State of the Nursing Workforce in New Jersey: Findings From a Statewide Survey of Registered Nurses. Newark, NJ: New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing)

Learn more about these programs and the schools offering them including admissions requirements, application materials and tuition costs by requesting information using the provided contact methods.

RN to MSN Online Programs Offered in New Jersey

Walden University School of Nursing

Graduates of Walden University's M.S. degree program in Nursing have the knowledge and skills to be leaders in their profession. They will be capable of contributing to positive social change in their own communities and throughout the world. Request free information from Walden University to learn more. The Walden University RN - M.S. programs are Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited.

Programs Offered: RN - M.S. (Leadership and Management, Informatics, and Education)

Capella University

Capella University offers a Master's in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Educator Bridge program for registered nurses that have a bachelor's degree in another area and a current RN license. This program is ideal for those that are interested in becoming nurse educators or clinical nurse leaders.

Programs Offered: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Nurse Educator Bridge Program

Click Here to request information from Capella University's MSN Bridge Program.

American Sentinel University - School of Nursing

The RN to MSN completion program is offered online and accepts RN's with current licenses and either a community college degree or a nursing diploma. Courses are open for enrollment once a month. Get more information today.

Programs Offered: RN to MSN Online (Tracks: Nursing Management and Organizational Leadership, Case Management, Nursing Education, and Nursing Informatics), RN to BSN

Click Here to request information from the American Sentinel University's Online RN to MSN Completion Program

Frontier School of Midwifery & Family Nursing - Distance Education

The Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of College and Schools.

Programs Offered: ADN - MSN Bridge Nurse Midwifery (accredited by ACME), ADN - MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (accredited by the NLNAC), and ADN - MSN Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner (accredited by the NLNAC). FSMFN also offers an online DNP program accredited by the AACN.

Click Here for more information about the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing distance education programs.

Graceland University

All nursing programs at Graceland University are CCNE accredited. Practicums are completed in the student's community. The FNP specialization requires a four day on-campus focus session during the BSN portion and two more on-campus focus sessions to during the MSN portion.

Online Programs Offered: RN to MSN - (Specializations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator/Clinical Nurse Specialist) Applicants specify their specialization interest after contacting the schools and during the application process.

Click Here to request information from Graceland University about the RN to BSN/MSN programs.

Loyola University New Orleans - School of Nursing

The MSN - Blend and MSN program are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The Blend program is designed for registered nurses with bachelor's degree in another field who wish to pursue a master's of science in nursing degree.

Program Offered: MSN - Health Care Systems Management, MSN - BLEND Health Care Systems Management

Click Here for information about the Loyola University Online MSN Programs.

Western Governors University - Nursing

Western Governors University offers an online RN to MSN degree program for registered nurses with an associate's degree. WGU is Regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as well as Nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council.

All of the Western Governors University nursing programs are Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited. The Online RN to MSN programs are currently accepting applications. Request information today.

Programs Offered: RN to BSN, RN to MSN - (Tracks: Nursing Education or Nursing Leadership & Management)

Click Here to request information from WGU's Online RN to MSN Programs

Colleges & Universities Based in New Jersey Offering RN to MSN Programs

College of New Jersey

CCNE accredited

Program Offered: RN to MSN

2000 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ 08628-0718, PH: 609-771-1855

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Nusing School accreditation by CCNE

Program Offered: RN to BS to MSN

Henry P. Becton School of Nursing & Allied Health - Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1000 River Road, H-DH4-02, Teaneck-Hackensack, New Jersey - 07666, PH: 201-692-2890

Monmouth University - Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies

The Monmouth University - Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Program Offered: RN to MSN Direct, RN to BSN, MSN - (Tracks: Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health NP, Family NP, Adult NP, Forensic Nursing, School Nurse), Post-Master's Certifcate (Tracks: Sames as MSN), Post-Baccalaureate Certificates - (Forensic Nursing (Online), School Nurse)

Click Here to learn more about Monmouth University Nursing Programs.

Rutgers College of Nursing

Rutgers College of Nursing offers Master's, post master's, DNP and undergraduate nursing programs. The Rutgers Baccalaureate and Master's programs are accredited by the CCNE.

Program Offered: RN to MSN

Click Here to learn more about Rutgers College of Nursing Programs.

Saint Peter's College

Saint Peter's College nursing school is accredited by the CCNE.

Program Offered: RN to MSN Bridge

Saint Peter's College - The Jesuit College of New Jersey, PH: 888-SPC-9933

Thomas Edison State College

Nusing School accreditation by CCNE and NLNAC

Program Offered: RN to BSN/MSN

101 W. State St, Trenton, NJ 08608-1176, PH: 888-442-8372