New Jersey Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs

Fairleigh Dickinson University: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Review
Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1000 River Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666.
Fairleigh Dickinson University has campuses in Teaneck and Madison, New Jersey and abroad in the United Kingdom and Canada. The Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck is home to the DNP degree program. The Florham campus is based in Madison. Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private university established in 1942.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is offered through the Henry Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health. The DNP program at Fairleigh Dickinson University is a 36-credit executive education program that prepares nurses for advanced practice in clinical care or leadership. Students in the DNP program choose from a clinically focused or organizational leadership focus. Nurses can complete the doctoral program on full or part time study. Because it is an executive education program, nurses can maintain their work schedule and complete the majority of DNP coursework online.

There are several admission requirements including a masters degree in nursing from a program accredited by a nursing body (CCNE or NLNAC), RN and APRN licenses, an interview, writing sample and three references. Nurses seeking admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program should have relevant experience as an advanced practice nurse. Students with a masters degree in a field other than nursing may complete the DNP through a bridge program.

Scholarship opportunities for nurses are available at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Monmouth University: DNP Program Review

Monmouth University

400 Cedar Avenue

West Long Branch, NJ 07764

Though it began as a community college, Monmouth University now offers bachelors through doctoral degree programs. The university was established in 1933 and is based in the city of West Long Branch in New Jersey. Monmouth University is a private university composed of 8 schools and is situated on a 156 acre campus.

The Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program. The DNP is the first doctoral level program at Monmouth University.

Like other fields which offer terminal degrees, the Doctor of Nursing Practice at Monmouth University is a terminal practice doctorate for nurses. The doctoral program is delivered in a hybrid format, with students completing most coursework online and attending several weekend sessions throughout the semester. The DNP program can be completed in two years of study. Areas covered in the DNP program include health systems, evidence-based practice and effective interpersonal communication.

The DNP program is for masters prepared nurses. Admission requirements include an RN license and certification as a NP (Nurse Practitioner) or Nurse Administrator. Applicants should have a 3.2 or higher GPA in their previous degree program. The deadline to apply for the DNP program is annually each February 15. Students begin the nursing doctoral program in the summer and progress through the course with a cohort.

Rutgers University: DNP &PhD in Nursing Program Review

Rutgers University

249 University Avenue

Blumenthal Hall

Newark, New Jersey 07102

Rutgers University is a public university based in Newark, New Jersey. The university also has campuses in New Brunswick and Camden. With students from all 50 states and over 100 countries, it is natural that Rutgers University would be recognized for its diversity by U.S. News and World Report. The university serves over 50,000 students.

The College of Nursing at Rutgers University offers both a PhD in Nursing for the research-oriented nurse, and for nurses who desire to remain in the healthcare setting, the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Both a Post-BSN and Post Masters DNP program are offered for nurses aspiring to a terminal degree in nursing practice. Students in the BSN track will choose from a specialization as an NP (Nurse Practitioner) or in Nursing Leadership. Students enrolled in the NP specialization can choose from several specializations including Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Adult, Gerontology, Psychiatric/Mental Health and Acute Care. The PhD in Nursing is a viable option for nurses seeking a career generating evidence to inform and support nursing practice.

A two to three year program, the Doctor of Nursing Practice prepares nurses for careers as leaders in the healthcare system. The program can be completed full or part time, and completion time depends on a nurse’s standing upon entering the program.

The PhD in Nursing is a 67 credit program which includes nursing and research courses. Additional time is required to complete the nursing doctoral dissertation. Students are required to take 6 academic credits outside of the College of Nursing. The PhD in Nursing can be completed on a full or part time basis. Course Prerequisites include nursing theory, research and statistics.

Saint Peter’s College: DNP Program Review

Saint Peter’s College

39 Glenwood Avenue

Jersey City, NJ 07306

Saint Peter’s College is a private, Catholic college in New Jersey founded in the Jesuit tradition. The college was established in 1872 by the Society of Jesus. Saint Peter’s College has two campuses in Jersey City and Englewood Cliffs. Students at Saint Peter’s College can choose from more than 50 degree programs at the bachelors through doctoral level.

Students in the DNP program at Saint Peter’s College may enroll in the Direct track focused on clinical duties or Indirect track focused on nursing administration and leadership roles. The DNP is offered at the Englewood Cliffs campus of Saint Peter’s College.

Offered in a non-traditional format to accommodate the working nurse, students take evening courses one night each week. The 36 credit DNP program can be completed in 3 to 3.5 years. Prospective applicants for the course should be masters prepared nurses with APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certification in either a clinical or administrative area. Other admission requirements include a Master of Science in Nursing accredited by a nursing body. An earned MSN degree with a minimum 3.2 GPA, RN and APRN licensure and submission of an essay, resume, transcripts and three letters of recommendation. The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program culminates with the completion of a capstone project demonstrating knowledge in a learned area of nursing practice.

Seton Hall University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review

Seton Hall University

400 South Orange Avenue

South Orange, NJ 07079

Less than 15 miles from New York, Seton Hall University is a private, Catholic institution in South Orange New Jersey. Established in 1856, Seton Hall University lays claim to being the oldest university affiliated with diocesan tradition in the United States.

Seton Hall University’s College of Nursing offers a PhD in Nursing program designed to prepare nurses for a career in leadership, and also a practice doctorate with both Post-BSN and Post-MSN entry options.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program ranges from 36 to 72 credits for masters and bachelors prepared nurses respectively. In addition to completing doctoral coursework in nursing, students will complete coursework in other departments as well as a clinical practicum. Masters prepared nurses in the doctoral program choose from an APN (Advanced Practice Nursing) or HSA (Health Systems Administration) area of focus. Bachelors prepared nurses will become an Adult or Pediatric APN. Masters applicants should already have APN certification.

Students in the PhD in Nursing program select an area of research interest on which to develop their dissertation. Students are guided by an individual faculty member and a larger academic committee. Graduates of the PhD in Nursing program will produce research that affects policy, practice, administration and academic environments. The nursing doctoral research program allows an interdisciplinary approach as students may complete up to 9 credits towards the PhD in Nursing outside of the College of Nursing.

University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review

University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey

UMDNJ – School of Nursing
65 Bergen Street, Room 152
University Heights
Newark, New Jersey 07107-3001

Formerly the College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) was established in 1970. The university has four campuses in Newark, Stratford, Camden and Piscataway/New Brunswick and a fifth campus, Scotch Plains, which is a branch of the university. The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey has over 75 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

A post bachelors and post masters DNP in addition to a PhD in Urban Systems is offered at the University of Medicine and Dentistry.

Students in the BSN to DNP (Bachelors of Science to Masters of Science in Nursing) program can choose a Pediatric or Psychiatric-Mental Health focus when earning the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Admission criteria to the DNP program include an earned BSN accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Applicants to the program should have a 3.4 or higher GPA.

Offered in collaboration with Rutgers University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology, the College of Nursing offers a PhD program in Urban Educational Policy, Urban Health or Urban Environment. Though not a PhD in Nursing, the Urban Health PhD is suitable for applicants with a nursing background seeking a career in healthcare administration. Most applicants have a masters degree and experience in their field. To apply to the doctoral program in nursing, applicants should include a portfolio which includes a resume, personal statement including motivation to earn the PhD and career goals. Applicant should have competitive GRE scores.

William Patterson University: DNP Program Review

William Patterson University

300 Pompton Road

Wayne, New Jersey 07470

Wayne, New Jersey based William Patterson University serves over 11,000 students through five colleges focused on Arts and Communication, Business, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences and Science and Health. William Patterson University (WPU) was established in 1855. The Intercollegiate Broadcasting System has recognized William Patterson University with the best university radio station award.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program prepares nurses for clinical roles in a practice setting. The part-time nursing doctoral program is 41 credits and includes two specialized tracks. Nurses with a clinical certification may complete the advanced nursing track while nurses seeking experience in healthcare leadership, a clinical practice track.

An MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) with a 3.3 or higher GPA and Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies test score taken no more than five years prior to applying for the doctoral nursing program are required for admission to the DNP. Other requirements include at least one year of nursing experience, an RN license and prerequisite courses in statistics and research. Prospective applicants should be prepared to submit transcripts, three letters of reference and a personal statement related to their background in nursing and goals for the nursing doctoral program.

A scholarship program is available for nursing students at William Patterson University.