Richard Stockton College of New Jersey Nursing Program Review
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey (RSCNJ) opened doors for its first students in late 1971. The pioneer students had to attend classes in rented hotel property since it had no property of its own. A year later Stockton College completed its first permanent property at Galloway its main campus to date. In honor of its first president Richard Bjork, Stockton College was renamed Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. It offers a wide range of academic programs at undergraduate, master and a few terminal degrees.
Nursing Programs at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
The school of Health sciences at Richard Stockton College offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. At the undergraduate category, the college has 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) track and an upper division track designed for registered nurses (RN) who wish to complete a BSN. At the graduate level, Stockton has a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) with 2 concentration options and one post-master’s certificate program. There are also continuing education opportunities for registered nurses. The upper-division RN to BSN and MSN tracks are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Nursing 4-Year
This is the traditional/generic program designed for high school pre-licensure candidates. It is a relatively new option at Stockton as it graduated its first class in 2010. Students are admitted once annually for classes starting fall and admission is very competitive.
The curriculum consists of 128 credits designed to be completed in 8 semesters plus a short summer term. Courses are offered on a full time basis at Stockton main campus. Upon successful completion of the required coursework, students graduate with a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. Graduates also become eligible to apply and write the NCLEX-RN exam for initial licensure as registered nurses.
Nursing-Upper Division
The RN-BSN program consists of an upper division curriculum designed for registered nurses wishing to earn a baccalaureate degree. Registered nurses must be in possession of valid and current New Jersey RN licensure to be eligible to apply. Candidates from diploma and associate degree programs are welcome to apply.
A maximum of 66 credits can be transferred from the diploma or associate program. Students from NLNAC accredited programs automatically receive 26 credits for lower division nursing courses. The outstanding credits are transferred from the general education category after evaluation for equivalency with Stockton courses. Students must then complete 30 upper division nursing courses plus any outstanding general education and elective courses required for the BSN degree.
Master of Science in Nursing Degree Program (MSN)
The MSN program at Stockton is meant for BSN prepared candidates who wish to become advanced practice nurses in the following 2 capacities:
- Adult Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
The curriculum of both tracks is 42 credits designed to be completed in 4 semesters of full time basis study though part time plans can be made for interested students. Upon completion, graduates become eligible to take national nurse practitioner certification exams in their respective areas.
Fast Track Option
This option is open for MSN-prepared candidates whose specialization is not in any of the above two choices. This track enables such students to complete a few credits and be eligible for certification as adult or family nurse practitioners.
Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner
This sounds more or less the same as the fast track option but it is only designed for adult nurse practitioners who wish to become family nurse practitioners. It only requires one course-5 credits required for certification in family health.
Continuing Education for Nurses
Richard Stockton College also offers a number of continuing education courses to nurses and other health professional. There is no specific courses offered at any one time and as such, interested students can keep checking for scheduling of courses being offered at a particular date and period.
Contact:
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
101 Vera King Farris drive, Galloway,
NJ 08205
