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.
2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in New Jersey
Passaic County Community College
Paterson, NJ - Public 2-Year - web.pccc.edu
Associate - LPN Mobility Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Passaic County Community College's LPN Mobility Program is tailored for licensed practical nurses in New Jersey aiming to elevate their careers. Admission mandates a valid NJ LPN license, a high school diploma or GED, and completion of specific college courses with grades of 'C' or higher, along with achieving a minimum score on the National League for Nursing NACE I examination. This campus-based curriculum strengthens foundational nursing concepts and practical skills, offering a direct pathway for LPNs to pursue advanced roles without a specified concentration. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are mentioned as required, focusing instead on career progression through rigorous academic and clinical preparation.
- Requires NJ LPN license.
- High school diploma or GED needed.
- Specific college courses required.
- Minimum NACE I exam score.
- Focuses on practical nursing skills.
- Prepares for advanced nursing roles.
- Campus-based program.
- Emphasizes foundational nursing concepts.
- Pathway for career advancement.
- Requires 'C' or higher in courses.
Raritan Valley Community College
Branchburg, NJ - Public 2-Year - raritanval.edu
Associate - LPN to RN Nursing Bridge Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Raritan Valley Community College's LPN to RN Nursing Bridge Program is a 68-credit, campus-based pathway for licensed practical nurses to become registered nurses. It requires applicants to be licensed LPNs with at least an 85% GPA and emphasizes a rigorous curriculum in adult nursing, psychiatric health, pediatrics, and childbearing family care. The program boasts a 93% licensure pass rate and approximately 90% job placement, with priority given to Somerset and Hunterdon residents. No entrance exam is mentioned as required, and it offers competitive tuition with financial aid options.
- 68 total college credits
- Licensed LPN required
- 85% minimum LPN GPA
- Accredited nursing program
- 93% licensure pass rate
- 4 semester clinical sequence
- Transfer agreements available
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Priority for Somerset/Hunterdon residents
Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester
Sewell, NJ - Public 2-Year - rcsj.edu
Associate - Nursing LPN-RN Track
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus offers an LPN-RN Track designed for licensed practical nurses seeking to advance to registered nurse roles. This campus-based program integrates general education with specialized nursing courses, equipping students for the NCLEX-RN exam and subsequent RN licensure. Admission requires a current PN license and a diploma from an accredited practical nursing program. The curriculum bridges foundational nursing knowledge with advanced skills, focusing on entry-level RN practice to support career progression in healthcare. As this is a bachelor's-level equivalent program, note that entrance exams like ACT or SAT are not mentioned as required, but applicants should verify specific admission criteria with the institution.
- Designed for LPNs to become RNs.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Requires current PN license.
- Accredited PN program diploma needed.
- Combines general and nursing education.
- Campus-based program.
- Eligible for RN licensure post-graduation.
- Focus on entry-level RN practice.
- Comprehensive curriculum for career advancement.
- Supports healthcare career progression.
Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus
Vineland, NJ - Public 2-Year - rcsj.edu
Associate - LPN-RN Track
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus offers an LPN-RN Track that efficiently transitions licensed practical nurses to registered nurse roles. This campus-based program requires a current PN license and an accredited PN diploma for admission. The curriculum integrates general education with specialized nursing courses, focusing on practical skills and theoretical knowledge to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam and RN licensure. Graduates are equipped for entry-level RN positions, enhancing career advancement in healthcare without the need for ACT or SAT exams, as it is not a bachelor's level program.
- Designed for LPNs to RNs.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Requires current PN license.
- Accredited PN program diploma needed.
- Combines general and nursing education.
- Eligible for RN licensure post-graduation.
- Campus-based program.
- Focus on practical nursing skills.
- Theoretical knowledge included.
- Career advancement in nursing.
Brookdale Community College
Lincroft, NJ - Public 2-Year - brookdalecc.edu
Associate - Advanced Placement Challenge Process (LPN to RN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Brookdale Community College's Advanced Placement Challenge Process enables New Jersey LPNs with a current license to fast-track their RN education through an AAS degree pathway. This campus-based program requires orientation attendance, a math test, skill validation via simulations, and compliance fulfillment. Admissions are available in fall and spring, with course completion possible in summer or fall semesters. It is tailored for efficient career advancement, focusing on credit acquisition without a specified concentration. No entrance exam is mentioned, but the math test is part of the process.
- For current NJ LPN license holders.
- Earn credits towards AAS in Nursing.
- Includes math test and skill validation.
- Simulation participation required.
- Compliance requirements must be met.
- Orientation attendance mandatory.
- Courses completed in summer or fall.
- Admissions in fall and spring.
- Accelerated education pathway.
- Designed for career advancement.
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.
2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in New Jersey
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Berkeley College-Woodland Park |
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| Brookdale Community College |
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| Raritan Valley 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.
2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in New Jersey
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Salem Community College |
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| Essex County College |
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| Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester |
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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
- 68 total college credits
- Licensed LPN required
- 85% minimum LPN GPA
- Accredited nursing program
- 93% licensure pass rate
- 4 semester clinical sequence
- Transfer agreements available
- Comprehensive clinical training
Carneys Point, NJ
Salem Community College
- Associate - Associate in Applied Science Degree
Campus Based - Website
- Fully accredited nursing program
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- LPN to RN transition track
- Total program cost $17,920
- Campus-based learning experience
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Quality Safety Education integrated
Lincroft, NJ
Brookdale Community College
- Associate - Advanced Placement Challenge Process (LPN to RN)
Campus Based - Website
- For current NJ LPN license holders.
- Earn credits towards AAS in Nursing.
- Includes math test and skill validation.
- Simulation participation required.
- Compliance requirements must be met.
- Orientation attendance mandatory.
- Courses completed in summer or fall.
- Admissions in fall and spring.
Newark, NJ
Essex County College
- Associate - Nursing: LPN Articulation Option
Campus Based - Website
- Three-semester LPN to RN pathway
- NCLEX-RN exam eligibility
- Current LPN license required
- Minimum 2.5 GPA needed
- State-of-art nursing simulation lab
Paterson, NJ
Passaic County Community College
- Associate - LPN Mobility Program
Campus Based - Website
- Requires NJ LPN license.
- High school diploma or GED needed.
- Specific college courses required.
- Minimum NACE I exam score.
- Focuses on practical nursing skills.
- Prepares for advanced nursing roles.
- Campus-based program.
- Emphasizes foundational nursing concepts.
Sewell, NJ
Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester
- Associate - Nursing LPN-RN Track
Campus Based - Website
- Designed for LPNs to become RNs.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Requires current PN license.
- Accredited PN program diploma needed.
- Combines general and nursing education.
- Campus-based program.
- Eligible for RN licensure post-graduation.
- Focus on entry-level RN practice.
Vineland, NJ
Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus
- Associate - LPN-RN Track
Campus Based - Website
- Designed for LPNs to RNs.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Requires current PN license.
- Accredited PN program diploma needed.
- Combines general and nursing education.
- Eligible for RN licensure post-graduation.
- Campus-based program.
- Focus on practical nursing skills.
Woodland Park, NJ
Berkeley College-Woodland Park
- Associate - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Seven-semester accelerated pathway
- Requires 2,080 LPN clinical hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Multiple healthcare career settings
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