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.

Featured Programs:
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Purdue Global Visit School's Website
Selected Program:
  • Graduate and Undergraduate Degrees and Postgraduate Certificates in Nursing
Grand Canyon University Visit School's Website
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  • Online Nursing Degrees
Liberty University Visit School's Website
Selected Program:
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing for the Registered Nurse
Seton Hall University Visit School's Website
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  • Ranked #15 in Best Online Master's in Nursing Program by US News, Seton Hall University offers two fully online Nurse Practitioner programs: Adult Gerontology with Acute and Primary Tracks and Psychiatric Mental Health.
Sacred Heart University Visit School's Website
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  • Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

RN to MSN Online Programs Offered in New Jersey

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.

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

The College of New Jersey

The college is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Middlestates Association of Colleges and Schools. The MSN program are accredited by the CCNE and the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Advanced Practice

Programs Offered: Bridge MSN program for registered nurses with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, and a variation in the Family Nurse Practitioner option for BSN-prepared nurse midwives and nurse practitioners, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, and MSN – Clinical Nurse Leader.

Paul Loser Hall 206,
PO Box 7718,
Ewing, NJ 08628-0718
Phone 609-771-2591

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Programs Offered: Adult Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care, Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, Forensic Nurse, Nurse Information Systems Specialists, and Nurse Educator. CCNE Accredited MSN Programs.

285 Madison Avenue,
Madison, NJ 07940
Phone 201-692-2888

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

Monmouth University offers a Post-Bachelor’s Certificate in Forensic Nursing Online. The Monmouth University – Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Programs Offered: Certificate – Forensic Nursing (Online)

Rutgers College of Nursing

Rutgers College of Nursing offers an online or blended Doctor of Nursing Practice program (DNP) with two specialization options, a clinical track or an administrative track. Rutgers College of Nursing also offers Master’s, post master’s and undergraduate nursing programs. The Rutgers Baccalaureate and Master’s programs are accredited by the CCNE.

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

Saint Peter’s College

Programs Offered: Primary Care- Adult Nurse Practitioner and Case Management – Nursing Administration. These program are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Hudson Terrace,
Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 07632
Phone: 201-761-7480

Thomas Edison State College

Nusing School accreditation by CCNE and NLNAC

Programs Offered: RN to BSN/MSN

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

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