New Jersey MSN Programs

College of Saint Elizabeth: RN to MSN Program Review
College of Saint Elizabeth, 2 Convent Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
The College of Saint Elizabeth is a liberal arts college founded in the Roman Catholic tradition. The college was established in the year 1899. The organization that founded the institution is the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth. Leadership, service, social responsibility and acceptance of woman as an integral part of society are key philosophies of the university.

The nursing program at the College of Saint Elizabeth is offered in a flexible, part-time format to accommodate. Courses usually meet for seven weeks at a time, and require once weekly attendance. Due to this flexible format, the courses are accelerated and require students to complete independent work.

The MSN program offers a Nursing Education specialization. In addition to the traditional direct-entry nursing masters program, an RN To MSN program, known as the “Bridge to the MSN for an RN with a non-nursing Bachelors degree” is available to nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. The bridge program prepares nurses to advance to graduate study without needing to pursue a full BSN program.

Admission requirements to the MSN program require nurses to have at least two years of career experience as a nurse in a clinical setting. Applicants to the nursing masters program should have a BSN earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Statistics, physical assessment and nursing research are required prerequisite courses for the MSN Nursing Education course.

Fairleigh Dickinson University: RN to MSN Program Review

Fairleigh Dickinson University

1000 River Road

Teaneck, NJ 07666

A private university based in Teaneck, University, Fairleigh Dickinson university was founded in 1942. The university began as a community college and has grown to serve over 12,000 students. Fairleigh Dickinson University is one of the largest universities in New Jersey. The university has campuses in Teaneck and Morris County, and two campuses abroad in England and Canada.

The School of Nursing at Fairleigh Dickinson University has unique specialization options for their MSN programs, which include the following:

Forensic Nurse Practitioner

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Adult Nurse Practitioner with an Administrator or Educator Focus

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Educator

Nursing Information Systems

Admission requirements to the RN to MSN program include at least one year of clinical nurse experience. Applicants should have a nursing license valid in the state of New Jersey and a BSN earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants to the MSN program may be required to attend an interview session. Students in the Nurse Practitioner tracks are required to have a prerequisite course and health assessment. Though not required, it’s recommend that students in other tracks complete the course too.

Upon graduating from a clinical nursing track, students are eligible to take the certification exam in their related field of study. The MSN programs range from 30-43 credits.

Felician College: RN to MSN Program Review

Felician College

262 S Main St

Lodi, NJ 07644

A private college founded by the Felcian Sisters, Felician College was founded in 1942 and is affiliated with the Catholic tradition. The college has campuses in Lodi and Rutherford New Jersey. Felician College is the only Franciscan college in New Jersey and one of very few in the nation. The university demonstrates a commitment to humanity and service.

The CCNE-accredited Felician College MSN programs are delivered in a flexible format which includes online and evening courses. Felician College offers the following four MSN specialization tracks:

MSN Education (42 credits, 60 clinical and 60 practicum hours)

MSN Executive Leadership (36 credits, 500 additional hours to complete project)

MSN Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (43 credits, 600 clinical hours)

MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (46 credits, 780 clinical hours)

Students in the Nurse Practitioner tracks are required to complete additional on-campus practicum experiences.

A personal statement, two letters of recommendation and valid nursing license are required to apply for the RN to MSN programs at Felician College. In addition, nurses should submit all previous transcripts. Graduate Record Exam or other tests scores are not required for the nursing masters program application. An applicant to the MSN program should be a graduate of a nursing board-approved BSN program and have achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their undergraduate program.

Nurses interested in the MSN Executive Leadership program that have a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field may be eligible for the program. Pending completion of three prerequisite courses completed with a minimum “B” grade, nurses without a BSN can enter the MSN Executive Leadership track.

Kean University: RN to MSN Program Review

Kean University
1000 Morris Ave

Union, NJ 07083

Kean University is a public university with campuses in Union and Hillside New Jersey. The university was founded in 1855 as Newark Normal School. Originally a teacher training institution, the university was originally based in the city of Newark. Today, Kean University serves almost 16,000 students.

In addition to an MSN program with three specialty tracks, Kean University offers a MSN Bridge program for RNs with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. The MSN bridge program requires nurses to complete three courses, totaling nine credits, prior to commencing courses in the MSN program. The prerequisite courses are Health Assessment, Health Promotion in the Community and a nursing practicum. An additional course may be required depending on the nurse’s experience.

The RN to MSN program at Kean University is offered in the following three specializations:

Community Health Nursing

School Nursing

Clinical Administration

The nursing masters program at Kean University emphasizes nursing in a multicultural context. Students can pursue the RN to MSN program on a full or part time program of study. To apply to the nursing masters program, applicants should have a BSN from an accredited college or university. Though a 3.0 undergraduate is generally required for admission to the nursing masters program, applicants with lower GPAs may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Two letters of recommendation and a personal statement must also be submitted for admissions consideration. Prerequisite courses for the Community Health and Clinical Administration MSN programs include statistics, nursing research and nursing theory, and should be completed with a grade of “B” or better. The School Nursing program includes prerequisite courses in Counseling, Basic Health Assessment, and Human Growth and Development across the lifespan.

Monmouth University: RN to MSN Program Review

Monmouth University

400 Cedar Ave

West Long Branch, NJ 07764

Founded in 1933, Monmouth University began as Monmouth Junior College. The private university is based in the city of West Long Branch. Monmouth University was founded to provide education to local high school graduates who could not afford to travel out of state for college. Monmouth University has been named among the best colleges by both The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the Unterberg School of Nursing at Monmouth University. In addition to a 36-45 credit MSN program with several specialization options, RNs with an ADN (associate degree in nursing) or diploma can enroll in the 150 credit RN to MSN direct entry program, which awards an MSN in lieu of a BSN. Specialization options for the MSN program include the following:

Forensic Nursing

School Nursing

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Administration

Nursing Education

Adult and Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Admission requirements for the RN to MSN program include an ADN or diploma earned with a 2.75 or higher GPA, two letters of recommendation and a personal statement. The Graduate Record Exam is not required if students earn a “B” or better in the first four graduate courses of the nursing program. One year of clinical experience as a nurse is necessary to commence the clinical portion of the MSN program. Students in the RN to MSN program should have at least two years of clinical experience.

In addition to the program options outlined above, a bridge program is available for RNs with a non-nursing bachelors degree.

Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center: RN to MSN Program Review

Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center
1600 Haddon Ave

Camden, NJ 08103

Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center is a regional health center. Lourdes Medical Center in Willingboro and Lourdes Wellness Center in Collingswood are also affiliated with the health center. The Franciscan Centers of Allegany, New York sponsor Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center. The healthcare center opened in 1950.

Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Centers offers a MSN Nurse Anesthesia program that is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. The Nurse Anesthesia masters program is offered in collaboration with Drexel University, which is accredited by the CCNE and NLNAC, the two major nursing accreditation bodies. The nursing masters anesthesia program is 27 months, with courses held on campus at Drexel University and Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center.

Clinical practicum experiences are completed at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center and outside healthcare centers.

Admission applications to the Nurse Anesthesia masters program are accepted year round. As part of the entrance requirements, applicants should have at least two years of critical care experience as an RN. Other prerequisites for admission include a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and three letters of recommendation. Applicants may be required to attend an interview, which are held several times throughout the year. Though the GRE is not required for admission to the Nurse Anesthesia masters program, applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or above.

Ramapo College of New Jersey: RN to MSN Program Review

Ramapo College of New Jersey

505 Ramapo Valley Rd

Mahwah, NJ 07430

Ramapo College of New Jersey received its name from its close proximity to the Ramapo Mountains. The college is located in the city of Mahwah. Ramapo College of New Jersey is a public institution focused on professional studies and liberal arts education. The college was established in 1969 to meet the needs of the growing population in Bergen County, New Jersey. The college is also known as simply Ramapo College.

The MSN program at Ramapo College is specifically for Nurse Educators. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredits the MSN program at Ramapo College. Students in the RN to MSN program are prepared for faculty positions at healthcare centers and universities. The traditional masters program is 32 credits. A transition program is available for nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. Nurses enrolled in the transition program are required to complete six prerequisite credits prior to commencing courses in the MSN program.

Applications to the MSN program are accepted on a rolling basis. All applicants to graduate programs at Ramapo College should have two letters of recommendation. A nurse recommendation form is available for applicants to the MSN program. Applicants to the MSN program should have an undergraduate degree or diploma form a program accredited by a nursing body. One year of career experience as an RN in a clinical setting is required for the clinical portion of the program. A prerequisite course in statistics is also an entry requirement for the MSN program.

Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Newark: RN to MSN Program Review

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
111 Washington St

Newark, NJ 07102

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is more commonly known by its official name Rutgers or Rutgers University. Additional campuses are based in New Brunswick and Camden. The university can trace its founding to 1766. The Newark campus was established in 1946 when the University of Newark became a part of the Rutgers system.

An MSN in Nursing Leadership is offered at Rutger’s University. The nursing masters program can be completed in two to three years, and students have the option of pursuing a full or part time program. The MSN courses may be suitable for working nurses, as many courses are offered online. Rutgers offers a unique option for students who may anticipate a full schedule and need to take time off from studying for other demands. Students may request a semester off from study, and have up to seven years to complete the MSN program.

Admission requirements for the program include a prerequisite course in statistics. A BSN from an accredited program earned with a GPA of 3.2 or above and scores on the Graduate Record Exam are required for academic consideration. Students with at least 5 years of recent nursing experience or that have earned their BSN within the past year and meet the GPA requirement can waive the GRE requirement. Three letters of recommendation, a New Jersey RN license and a personal statement are also required for admission consideration.

Saint Peter’s University: RN to MSN Program Review

Saint Peter’s University

2641 John F Kennedy Blvd

Jersey City, NJ 07306

Saint Peter’s University is a private university founded in the Catholic tradition. The Society of Jesus established the university in 1872. Today, the university serves just over 3,000 students. The university was originally founded as a liberal arts college for men. Saint Peter’s University is affiliated with the Jesuit tradition.

In addition to the RN to MSN Bridge programs, two MSN specialization tracks are offered at Saint Peter’s University. Nurses can choose from the MSN Primary Care- Adult Practitioner or MSN Case Management programs. The nursing masters programs are campus-based. In order to successfully earn the MSN, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the duration of the program. The program can be completed in just less than three years on a full-time schedule, though students have up to five and one-half years to complete the MSN.

For admission to the traditional MSN programs, students should have a BSN degree from a program accredited by a nursing body. The minimum acceptable undergraduate GPA is 3.0. At least one year of career experience as a nurse and a New Jersey nursing license are entrance requirements for the MSN program. Though applications are accepted throughout the year, applicants should apply no later than two months before their intended start date.

For RN to MSN bridge students, admission to the MSN is based on successful completion of four prerequisite courses. The RN to MSN program is designed for Registered Nurses with a non-nursing bachelors degree.

Seton Hall University: RN to MSN Program Review

Seton Hall University

400 S Orange Ave

South Orange, NJ 07079

Seton Hall University is a private university established in 1856 in the Roman Catholic tradition. The university is located in South Orange, New Jersey and is less than 15 miles from New York. Archbishop James Bayley founded Seton Hall University, which is one of the oldest universities in the United States that is affiliated with the diocesan tradition.

The following specializations are available online for nursing masters study:

MSN Nursing Case Management/ Administration

NSN Health Systems Administration

MSN Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

MSN School Nursing

Applicants should note that the Nursing Education program is a Master of Arts program designed for nurses with a masters degree.

An MSN Bridge program is also available for nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. The MSN Bridge program is completed online and is 12 weeks in duration. Upon completing the program, students can pursue an MSN in one of the specialties outlined above.

Admission to the MSN program requires a BSN from an accredited program with a 3.0 or above GPA. Applicants to Seton Hall University’s MSN programs should have completed prerequisite courses in statistics and nursing research. Documentation to show proof of nursing license, a personal statement and two letters of reference should also be submitted with the nursing masters program application.

The College of New Jersey: RN to MSN Program Review

The College of New Jersey
2000 Pennington Rd

Ewing Township, NJ 08618

The College of New Jersey is also commonly known and abbreviated as TCNJ. The university is based in Ewing Township and was founded in 1855. The college was originally called New Jersey State Normal School. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and Barron’s named The College of New Jersey among their “best buy” institutions.

The nursing programs at the College of New Jersey are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. An MSN Bridge program for nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing is available in addition to the following specializations:

MSN Clinical Nurse Leader

MSN Nurse Practitioner (Family, Adult or Neonatal)

MSN School Nursing

Though Graduate Record Exam scores are normally required for applicants to the MSN Bridge program, applicants with an undergraduate GPA above 3.2 that earn a 3.0 or higher in each of their first three bridge nursing courses can waive the GRE.

Admission requirements to the MSN programs at the College of New Jersey include a BSN from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The GRE requirement is waived for students with a GPA above 3.2 that take two courses with a 3.0 or higher grade as a non-degree student. Prerequisite courses required for admission to the nursing masters program include statistics and health assessment. The statistics course may be taken after the student is admitted to the MSN program.

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey: RN to MSN Program Review

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey

101 Vera King Farris Dr

Galloway, NJ 08205

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey is named for Richard Stockon, a New Jersey native that also signed the Declaration of Independence. The college was established in 1969. Today, the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey serves over 8,000 students and was named in U.S News and World Report’s Best Colleges publication.

The nursing masters degree program at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey is available in two specializations, Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). The 42 credit RN to MSN program can be completed in four semesters of study plus one semester of summer coursework. A student may also elect to complete the MSN program on a part-time schedule and take up to five years to complete their studies. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the MSN programs at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

Admission to the MSN programs is competitive, and students who meet the minimum requirements will not necessarily be admitted to the program. In general, applicants should have a BSN from a program accredited by the CCNE or NLNAC. The minimum acceptable undergraduate GPA is 3.2. Prerequisite courses include nursing research and health assessment. Applicants must also complete a brief essay to answer a question in ethics related to a specific nursing case study.

Thomas Edison State College: RN to MSN Program Review

Thomas Edison State College

101 W State St

Trenton, NJ 08608

Thomas Edison State College is a public college founded in 1972. The college offers numerous online degree programs to meet the needs of working professionals. The college serves over 20,000 students from every state in the USA and over 50 additional countries. Thomas Edison State College is based in Trenton’s historic district.

In addition to a Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration and Nursing Informatics programs, a RN to BSN/MSN program is offered for nurses with a diploma or ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing). The RN to BSN/MSN program allows students to earn both a BSN and MSN. Prior to applying to the RN to BSN/MSN or traditional MSN program, it is recommended that students have at least two years of career experience in nursing. In this program, nurses will first complete all requirements for the BSN and upon completion of the undergraduate degree, pursue the MSN.

The MSN programs at Thomas Edison State College are offered online. Admission requirements state that all applicants to MSN programs must have a BSN earned from an accredited program and hold a current nursing license. Upon completion of the MSN, students are eligible to take the certification exam in their relevant area of study.

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

671 Hoes Ln W

Piscataway, NJ 08854

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey is a public health sciences university in New Jersey and among the largest health science institutions in the nation. The university, also known as UMDNJ was established in 1970. The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey was originally founded as The College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. The university has five campuses in Camden, Piscataway, Stratford, Newark and Scotch Plains.

There are numerous specialization options available for MSN students at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and a special MSN section dedicated to the Women’s Health Initiative. Specialization options for the master’s degree include the following:

Acute/Critical Care Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Midwifery

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Advanced Community Health Leadership

Dual Women’s Health and Adult Nurse Practitioner

Clinical Leadership

Dual Women’s Health Practitioner and Nurse Midwifery

Family Health Nurse Practitioner

Dual Adult Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Midwifery

Family Nurse Practitioner in Emergency Care

Dual Nurse Midwifery and Family Health Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Anesthetist

Nursing Informatics

Nursing Education

Applicants to the MSN program should have a BSN, ADN or diploma from a program accredited by a nursing body. Nurses with an ADN or diploma are required to complete a transition course prior to commencing masters level studies. Prerequisite courses in statistics and health assessment are required for admission consideration to the MSN program. Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above.

William Paterson University: RN to MSN Program Review

William Paterson University

300 Pompton Rd

Wayne, NJ 07470

William Patterson University is a public university that serves over 11,000 students. Originally called Paterson City Normal School, the university was established in 1855. The university is based on a campus of more than 350 acres in Wayne, New Jersey. The university was named for William Paterson, a prominent state official who emigrated from Ireland and later studied at Princeton University.

Nursing programs at William Paterson University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The masters program has an emphasis on working in the community-based setting. The following tracks are available for the nursing masters program:

MSN Nursing Education (36 credits)

MSN Nursing Administration (36 credits)

MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (48 credits)

MSN Adult Nurse Practitioner (40 credits)

Courses in the nursing masters program are campus-based and can be completed on a full or part-time schedule.

Entrance requirements for the RN to MSN program include a bachelors degree earned with a 3.0 or better GPA. Applicants should submit exam scores for the GRE or MAT. Prerequisite courses in statistics, nursing research and physical assessment are required. In addition to academic requirements, applicants should have experience working in a community based or a related nursing field. Nurses interested in the MSN program should note their preference for studying the field of community nursing as it relates to their career goals.