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RN to MSN Programs in New Jersey are admitting more students because of nation-wide shortage in registered nurses with higher degrees.
The programs are suitable for nurses who have an ADN or BSN degree, and now want to obtain a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
Getting a higher degree will increase salary and ensure better career options.
In New Jersey, RNs can choose whether to take online MSN programs or traditional, on-campus courses.
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RN to MSN Admissions Requirements in New Jersey
Aspiring MSN students in New Jersey have to meet several admission requirements.
A list of typical requirements for MSN programs in New Jersey includes holding an ADN or BSN degree, obtained from a regionally accredited school.
Students need to have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.70 and an active unencumbered RN license in New Jersey.
Additionally, students need to have CPR certification and have to pass an entrance interview at some schools.
RN to MSN Courses
The concept of an MSN program for nurses who have an ADN degree includes bridge courses.
After completion of bridge courses, nurses gain the baccalaureate level and can continue with the MSN courses.
Students who are BSN-prepared can only complete the MSN course.
The common curriculum of the schools with MSN programs includes general nursing education courses and specialty courses.
Students can choose a specialty, such as Family Nurse Practitioner, etc.
Also, all programs have clinical hour requirements.
The common courses are Advanced Nursing I: Health Assessment Theory, Advanced Pathophysiology, The Professional Nurse in the 21st Century, Bioethics, etc.
The length of the program depends on the school, students’ commitment, and specialization.
The average time it takes to complete the program is around two years for the BSN part, and one year for the MSN part.
Students who choose part-time options are usually enrolled in the program longer than those who choose a full-time option.
Online programs
Online programs are an excellent solution for nurses who are full-time employed and those who prefer self-paced studying.
Also, online programs include the clinical hour requirements, but those hours can be completed in students’ local areas.
For example, Thomas Edison State University in Trenton has a fully online, CCNE-accredited BSN/MSN program.
The available specializations are Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, and Nursing Informatics Specialists.
The Costs
Aspiring MSN students in New Jersey can apply for some of the grants and scholarships available for qualified students.
The program tuition usually doesn’t cover expenses for books, admission fees, and other necessary materials.
For example, if you choose the MSN program at Ramapo College of New Jersey, you will have to pay around $736.50 per credit hour.
The fees are included in the costs, but books aren’t.
Schools in New Jersey
There are quite a few options for MSN programs in New Jersey.
For example, the College of Saint Elizabeth offers an on-campus nursing program with several specializations.
Fairleigh Dickinson University is known for its high-quality curriculum and convenient program organization – students can start the program in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semester.
Monmouth University offers a traditional path for nursing students and an Undergraduate Nursing Certificat.
The College of New Jersey has excellent bridge programs for ADN nurses, and Thomas Edison State University is a great choice for nurses seeking an online education.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| College of Saint Elizabeth | School of Professional Studies 2 Convent Rd Morristown, NJ 07960, (973) 290-4000 |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | 1000 River Road Teaneck, NJ 07666, (800) 338-8803 |
| Monmouth University | 400 Cedar Avenue West Long Branch, NJ 07764, (732) 263-5271 |
| Saint Peter's University | 2641 John F. Kennedy Blvd Jersey City, NJ 07306, (201) 761-6279 |
| The College of New Jersey | 2000 Pennington Rd. Ewing, NJ 08628, (609) 771-2541 |
| Thomas Edison State University | 111 W. State Street Trenton, NJ 08608, (888) 442-8372 |
Salary
A registered nurse level 2 earns an average annual salary of $84,000, which makes New Jersey one of the top-paying states for RNs.
Bear in mind that factors such as location, education, experience, certificates, etc. affect the final paycheck.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Newark | $86,770 |
| Jersey City | $91,940 |
| Paterson | $87,610 |
| Elizabeth | $86,770 |
| Edison | $85,250 |
| Woodbridge | $85,250 |
| Dover | $87,330 |
| Princeton | $85,830 |
| Trenton | $85,860 |
| Camden | $81,620 |
Regional Salary in New Jersey
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | 180 | $129,530 | $62.27 | $177,880 | $61,380 |
| Ocean City, NJ | 30 | $139,530 | $67.08 | $158,740 | $106,450 |
| Trenton, NJ | 290 | $139,680 | $67.16 | $179,400 | $89,950 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | 80 | $130,400 | $62.69 | $163,200 | $82,660 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
RN to MSN Programs by State