Best New Jersey LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
New Jersey offers structured bridge programs that guide practical nurses into RN roles. Coursework includes advanced health sciences, nursing practice, and leadership. Clinical experiences ensure graduates are prepared for licensure and expanded scope of practice.
2027 Best LPN to RN Programs in New Jersey
Berkeley College-Woodland Park
Woodland Park, NJ - Private 4-year - berkeleycollege.edu
Associate - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Berkeley College-Woodland Park offers New Jersey's first LPN to BSN program, specifically designed for licensed practical nurses seeking to become registered nurses. This seven-semester, campus-based program integrates liberal arts with nursing theory and hands-on clinical practice. A distinctive accelerated pathway is available for LPNs with at least 2,080 work hours, allowing them to fast-track their degree. The curriculum covers patient care, treatment planning, and leadership, with clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN and prepared for advanced practice or graduate study. Admission requires an LPN license, work experience, two letters of recommendation, and the HESI entrance exam. Rolling admissions and financial aid support flexible entry. Faculty bring professional nursing experience to the classroom.
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: HESI
- 7-Semester program
- Rolling admissions
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Work experience required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- First LPN to BSN program in New Jersey
- Hands-on labs and clinical assignments
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
This LPN-to-BSN track at Berkeley College-Woodland Park helps licensed practical nurses advance to registered nurse roles while meeting New Jersey licensure requirements. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program blends coursework with hands-on labs and clinical assignments in healthcare settings, building critical thinking and leadership skills for expanded employment opportunities. While primarily campus-based, a hybrid option is noted among program highlights. Applicants must hold an LPN license, have completed an accredited practical nurse program, and meet a minimum of 2,080 clinical hours. The HESI Admission Assessment exam is required, along with two professional references, immunization records, and a physical assessment after acceptance. A personal interview is recommended. Rolling admissions allow flexible timing, and the curriculum prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN as well as graduate nursing education.
- LPN to BSN program available.
- First of its kind in New Jersey.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN examination.
- Meets New Jersey licensure requirements.
- Hands-on labs and clinical assignments.
- Faculty with professional nursing experience.
- Eligible for graduate nursing programs.
- LPN license required for admission.
- Minimum 2,080 clinical hours needed.
Atlantic Cape Community College
Mays Landing, NJ - Public 2-Year - atlanticcape.edu
Associate - LPN Transition Course
Campus Based - Visit Website
Atlantic Cape Community College’s LPN Transition Course offers licensed practical nurses a streamlined pathway into registered nursing. This one-credit lecture course places students directly into the second semester of the nursing curriculum, allowing them to skip repeated fundamentals. Coursework explores the expanded RN role, emphasizing the nursing process, physical assessment, and medical-surgical concepts for adult patients. Completers earn eight credits toward NURS110, accelerating progress toward an associate degree. Applicants must hold a current New Jersey LPN license and gain acceptance into the LPN advanced placement program. Instruction occurs on campus in a supportive setting with experienced nursing faculty. Graduates are prepared for RN licensure and roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health—a smart step for working LPNs seeking career mobility.
- Prerequisite courses required
- Bridges LPN to second semester
- Receive eight additional credits
- Current NJ LPN license required
- Introduces role of the RN
- Emphasizes nursing process and physical assessment
- Medical-surgical nursing concepts
Passaic County Community College
Paterson, NJ - Public 2-Year - web.pccc.edu
Associate - LPN Mobility Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Passaic County Community College offers an LPN Mobility Program designed for licensed practical nurses ready to advance to registered nursing. This campus-based track leverages your existing clinical knowledge, allowing you to bypass redundant coursework. Before entering nursing classes, you must complete prerequisites in chemistry, anatomy and physiology, psychology, and composition. Admission requires a current LPN license and passing the NACE entrance exam, which validates prior learning for placement into the mobility track. Throughout the program, you'll engage in hands-on clinical rotations and study advanced nursing concepts, preparing you for RN licensure. Graduates are equipped for diverse roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, with the college emphasizing your LPN experience as a foundation for success.
- Entrance exam required
- 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prerequisite courses required
- NACE exam required
- LPN license required
- Pre-admission prerequisites needed
Brookdale Community College
Lincroft, NJ - Public 2-Year - brookdalecc.edu
Associate - Advanced Placement Challenge Process (LPN to RN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Advanced Placement Challenge Process at Brookdale Community College offers a streamlined LPN to RN pathway for New Jersey licensed practical nurses. This accelerated route awards 11 credits for three nursing courses toward an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. The challenge process occurs in Summer I and includes a math entrance exam, skills validation, simulation, and orientation. Following successful completion, students enroll in NURS 126 and NURS 111, entering the fall or spring semester. The curriculum integrates nursing theory, clinical practice, and critical thinking, preparing graduates for RN licensure and careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health. Emphasizing hands-on learning and individualized support, the program builds competence in patient care, assessment, and professional practice.
- Entrance exam required
- Accelerated pathway for NJ LPNs
- Requires math test and skills validation
- Challenge process in Summer I
- Earn 11 credits for three courses
- Admission to fall or spring semester
Salem Community College
Carneys Point, NJ - Public 2-Year - salemcc.edu
Associate - Associate in Applied Science Degree
Campus Based - Visit Website
Salem Community College's LPN to RN Bridge program awards an Associate in Science degree, enabling licensed practical nurses to become registered nurses. The curriculum blends general education, nursing theory, and clinical practice while integrating QSEN competencies, covering patient care, leadership, and healthcare systems. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN and find employment in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Fully accredited by ACEN and the New Jersey Board of Nursing, the program offers a total tuition of $18,340 and includes financial aid options. Credits may transfer to four-year institutions, supporting further educational advancement.
- ACEN, New Jersey Board of Nursing accredited
- $18,340 total program tuition
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Prepare for NCLEX-RN exam
- Curriculum includes QSEN competencies
- General education courses included
- Clinical experience included
- Career as Registered Nurse
- Credit transfer to 4-year universities
New Jersey LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
LPN to RN bridge programs in New Jersey are designed for licensed practical nurses who want to become registered nurses. While each school sets its own standards, applicants should expect the following common requirements in New Jersey:
- Current, unencumbered New Jersey LPN license
- Graduation from an approved practical nursing program with official transcripts
- Minimum cumulative GPA set by the program, often with recent completion of key science prerequisites
- Completion or in-progress completion of prerequisite courses such as:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs
- Microbiology with lab
- English Composition
- General Psychology and Human Growth and Development
- Statistics or College-level Math
- Nutrition
- Entrance testing as required by the school, commonly TEAS or HESI
- Criminal background check and drug screening for clinical eligibility
- Up-to-date immunizations, physical exam, and current BLS for Healthcare Providers certification
Highlights for working LPNs:
- Advanced standing is often available through a transition course and/or validation exams that award credit for prior LPN learning and experience.
- Many programs offer evening, weekend, or hybrid course options to accommodate work schedules.
- Clinical schedules may include off-shifts or weekends, which can align with common LPN work hours.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN to RN bridge curricula build on practical nursing foundations while expanding clinical judgment, scope, and leadership. You can expect a combination of classroom, skills lab, simulation, and supervised clinical rotations across diverse settings. Typical learning areas include:
- Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing across the lifespan
- Maternity and Newborn Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Behavioral Health/Psychiatric Nursing
- Health Assessment and Advanced Physical Assessment
- Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Evidence-Based Practice, Informatics, and Quality Improvement
- Community/Public Health Nursing
- Nursing Leadership, Ethics, and Interprofessional Collaboration
Accreditation and state approval are important in New Jersey. To become licensed as an RN, you must graduate from a program approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Many New Jersey programs also hold national nursing accreditation from ACEN or CCNE, and institutions typically have regional accreditation. These credentials support eligibility for licensure, credit transfer to BSN or MSN programs, and employer recognition.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
Across New Jersey, LPN to RN pathways are offered at community and county colleges, public universities, and some private institutions. Options include associate degree bridge programs that prepare for RN licensure and LPN to BSN tracks that add baccalaureate coursework in research, leadership, and population health.
Coursework in New Jersey bridge programs commonly includes:
- LPN-to-RN transition course that validates prior learning and focuses on RN scope, care planning, and clinical judgment
- Integrated medical-surgical sequences with increasing complexity
- Maternal-child and pediatric nursing with clinical rotations
- Mental health nursing focusing on therapeutic communication and safety
- Gerontology and care of older adults
- Community health nursing and population-focused interventions
- Leadership, delegation, and management in RN practice
- For BSN tracks, additional courses in research, statistics application, public health, and systems leadership
Learning typically blends simulation and skills labs with hospital, long-term care, ambulatory, and community-based clinical placements located throughout New Jersey.
Career Outlook
RNs in New Jersey work in hospitals, long-term and subacute care, ambulatory clinics, home health and hospice, behavioral health, public health, school health, and telehealth. Scheduling varies by setting and can include standard business hours in outpatient and community roles or 8 to 12 hour shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays in acute care. Many employers offer different shift options that can support work and life balance.
Compared with LPN roles, RN practice includes broader assessment and care planning responsibilities, independent nursing judgment, leadership and delegation, and access to more specialty areas such as critical care, perioperative services, emergency, oncology, and case management. RNs generally have more advancement pathways, including charge nurse, educator, and care coordination roles, and a clearer route to graduate education and advanced practice over time.
Healthcare demand in New Jersey remains strong due to an aging population, chronic disease management needs, and retirements among experienced nurses. These factors su
LPN to RN Program Length
Time to completion depends on prior credits, course load, and program format:
- Full-time LPN to ADN: commonly about 12 to 18 months after prerequisites
- Part-time LPN to ADN: often 18 to 24 months or more after prerequisites
- Evening/weekend formats: typically 18 to 30 months, depending on clinical scheduling
- LPN to BSN: usually 2 to 3 years once prerequisites are met, depending on transfer credits and general education requirements
Programs may offer multiple start terms and cohort-based scheduling. Clinical availability can extend timelines, so applicants should review sequencing and required credit loads carefully.
2027 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in New Jersey
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Berkeley College-Woodland Park |
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| Raritan Valley Community College |
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| Bergen Community College |
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Tuition and Costs
Costs vary by institution type, residency, and how many credits you need to complete.
- Community and county colleges: typically the lowest tuition per credit for in-county residents; bridge students often complete fewer nursing credits due to advanced standing, but should budget for general education courses and program fees.
- Public universities: higher in-state rates than community colleges, with additional university fees and upper-division nursing surcharges in some cases.
- Private institutions: generally the highest tuition, sometimes balanced by institutional scholarships.
Additional costs to plan for include application and entrance testing fees, health exam and immunizations, background check and drug screening, uniforms and clinical supplies, textbooks and electronic resources, skills lab fees, transportation and parking for clinicals, and licensure expenses for NCLEX-RN and the New Jersey application. Housing and living costs in New Jersey are comparatively high, especially in North Jersey and shore regions, so commuting, car insurance, and childcare budgets should be considered.
2027 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in New Jersey
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Berkeley College-Woodland Park |
|
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| Salem Community College |
|
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| Passaic County Community College |
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Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
In New Jersey, many LPN to RN programs offer hybrid formats. Didactic coursework may be delivered online or in a blended format, while skills labs and clinical rotations are completed in person at approved sites. Fully online pathways for the clinical components are not available, since RN preparation requires supervised hands-on training.
Some out-of-state programs deliver online coursework to New Jersey residents, but clinical placements in New Jersey must meet New Jersey requirements and the program must be appropriately authorized. Prospective students should verify that any program they consider is approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and that it prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN and New Jersey licensure.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in New Jersey
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
Graduates of LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge programs must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as Registered Nurses in New Jersey. After graduating, submit an application for licensure by examination to the New Jersey Board of Nursing, request that your official nursing transcript be sent directly to the Board, complete the state and federal fingerprint-based criminal history background check, and provide a Social Security number. Register for the exam through the NCLEX program to receive your Authorization to Test. The Board receives results electronically and issues a license once all requirements are satisfied.
Internationally educated applicants typically must have their education evaluated for U.S. equivalency and meet English language proficiency requirements as directed by the Board.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
New Jersey offers licensure by endorsement for RNs who hold an active license in another U.S. state or territory. Endorsement generally requires primary source verification of your current license, evidence of having passed the NCLEX-RN, an approved nursing education, a criminal history background check, and a Social Security number. New Jersey does not maintain separate one-to-one reciprocity agreements with individual states; recognition occurs through endorsement or, if applicable, through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
New Jersey participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. If you hold a multistate license from another compact state and keep your primary state of residence there, you may practice in New Jersey under multistate privilege. If you move and declare New Jersey as your primary state of residence, you must apply for a New Jersey multistate license to continue practicing under compact privileges. Check the Compact site for current member states and rules.
Licensure Requirements
The New Jersey Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure. For initial RN licensure by examination, applicants typically must:
- Graduate from an approved RN program such as an ADN or BSN
- Submit an application and required fees to the Board
- Complete a state and federal criminal history background check with fingerprinting
- Arrange for official transcripts to be sent directly to the Board
- Register for and pass the NCLEX-RN
- Provide a valid Social Security number and meet good moral character requirements
- For international graduates, obtain a Board-accepted educational evaluation and satisfy any English proficiency requirements
License Renewal
RN licenses in New Jersey renew on a biennial cycle. RNs must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education during each renewal period. The Board recognizes CE from approved providers and academic coursework; keep documentation in case of audit.
- One-time requirement: complete at least one contact hour on organ and tissue donation and recovery processes, typically by the first renewal following initial licensure or endorsement
- No clinical practice hours are required for renewal, but you must attest to CE completion when renewing
- If your license lapses, additional steps and fees apply for reinstatement, including completion of required CE
Renew online during your assigned renewal window as directed by the Board; complete all CE before submitting your renewal.
Average LPN State Salary in New Jersey
$71,300
2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Average RN State Salary in New Jersey
$106,990
2024 RN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
10 to 24 months.
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Associate in Science (AS), or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Prepares LPNs for entry-level RN roles, focusing on core nursing concepts and clinical skills.
Average In-State Tuition in New Jersey:
Tuition can range from approximately $10,000 to over $41,000 for the entire program.
Best For:
LPNs seeking the quickest and most cost-effective route to becoming a Registered Nurse and entering the RN workforce.
School Types:
Community colleges and hospital-based diploma schools of nursing that have partnerships with colleges.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Approximately 30 months to 4 years, with some accelerated options available. Berkeley College offers a seven-semester accelerated pathway.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Provides a comprehensive nursing education with an emphasis on critical thinking, leadership, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for a broader range of nursing roles and graduate studies.
Average In-State Tuition in New Jersey:
Can be significantly higher than ADN programs, with one private college example at approximately $67,500 for the BSN track.
Best For:
LPNs aiming for leadership and advanced roles, as well as those who plan to pursue graduate-level nursing education in the future.
School Types:
Four-year colleges and universities.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- Faster Entry into the RN Workforce: These programs are significantly shorter, allowing for a quicker transition to an RN role.
- Lower Cost: ADN programs are generally more affordable than BSN programs, making them a more financially accessible option for many.
- Immediate Career Advancement: Graduates can immediately sit for the NCLEX-RN and begin working as registered nurses, increasing their earning potential and job responsibilities sooner.
- Foundation for Further Education: An ADN serves as a solid foundation for later pursuing an RN to BSN bridge program, often while working as an RN.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- Expanded Career Opportunities: A BSN is often required for leadership, management, and specialized nursing roles, and many healthcare facilities now require a BSN for their RNs.
- Higher Earning Potential: RNs with a BSN generally have a higher earning potential over the course of their careers compared to those with an ADN.
- Pathway to Advanced Degrees: A BSN is the necessary prerequisite for pursuing Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or doctoral nursing programs.
- Enhanced Skill Set: The curriculum provides a deeper understanding of nursing theory, research, and leadership, preparing graduates for more complex patient care scenarios.
List of LPN to RN Programs in New Jersey
Branchburg, NJ
Raritan Valley Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Nursing Bridge Program
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN, New Jersey Board of Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 3-Semester program
- 68 total credit hours
- Apply by 2026-01-09
- 93% licensure pass rate
- 94% job placement rate
Carneys Point, NJ
Salem Community College
- Associate - Associate in Applied Science Degree
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN, New Jersey Board of Nursing accredited
- $18,340 total program tuition
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Prepare for NCLEX-RN exam
- Curriculum includes QSEN competencies
- General education courses included
- Clinical experience included
Lincroft, NJ
Brookdale Community College
- Associate - Advanced Placement Challenge Process (LPN to RN)
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Accelerated pathway for NJ LPNs
- Requires math test and skills validation
- Challenge process in Summer I
- Earn 11 credits for three courses
- Admission to fall or spring semester
Mays Landing, NJ
Atlantic Cape Community College
- Associate - LPN Transition Course
Campus Based - Website
- Prerequisite courses required
- Bridges LPN to second semester
- Receive eight additional credits
- Current NJ LPN license required
- Introduces role of the RN
- Emphasizes nursing process and physical assessment
- Medical-surgical nursing concepts
Paramus, NJ
Bergen Community College
- Associate - Nursing Program - Mobility LPN to RN Days
Concentration: Bridge - Campus Based - Website
- 2-Year program
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts spring
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Requires New Jersey LPN license
- Fast Track waives NUR 181-183
Paterson, NJ
Passaic County Community College
- Associate - LPN Mobility Program
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prerequisite courses required
- NACE exam required
- LPN license required
- Pre-admission prerequisites needed
Sewell, NJ
Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester
- Associate - Nursing LPN-RN Track
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Requires current PN license
- Requires accredited PN program
Vineland, NJ
Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus
- Associate - LPN-RN Track
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Requires current PN license
- Graduates eligible for NCLEX-RN
- Combines general education with nursing
- Prepares for entry-level RN practice
- Accredited PN program required
Woodland Park, NJ
Berkeley College-Woodland Park
- Associate - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: HESI
- 7-Semester program
- Rolling admissions
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Work experience required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- LPN to BSN program available.
- First of its kind in New Jersey.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN examination.
- Meets New Jersey licensure requirements.
- Hands-on labs and clinical assignments.
- Faculty with professional nursing experience.
- Eligible for graduate nursing programs.
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