With approximately 77,000 RNs, New Jersey provides the nation with 2.9 percent of its nurses. The state offers some of the highest RN salaries in the country, as well, just behind California, New York, Massachusetts and Washington D.C. The highest salaries are earned by RNs specializing in endocrinology, electrophysiology and otolaryngology, as there is a shortage of these specialties across the region. The Collaborating Center for Nursing has predicted a 33 percent increase in the demand for RNs statewide over the next two decades. Nursing Link has rated New Jersey the fourth best state in which to practice as an RN.
Accredited LPN-to-RN programs in New Jersey include:
Essex County College: Located in Newark, the school's LPN-to-RN bridge track is known as the LPN Articulation Program. Prior to application, students must complete seven prerequisites with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students are required to have completed these courses within one year of taking the nursing entrance exam, which is administered each September. The full-time day program begins in March.
Union County College: Based in Cranford, the college offers an LPN-to-RN program that is specifically designed for nurses who wish to return to school but need to continue working at the same time. Offering both day and evening tracks, the program is a collaboration with the Trinitas School of Nursing in Elizabeth and the School of Nursing at the Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools in Plainfield.
Burlington County College: Giving preference to in-county residents, this Pemberton-based school offers both day and evening tracks. Existing LPNs are given “advanced standing” and admitted into the traditional nursing program. The day program begins in the Fall. Students are expected to be available weekdays between the hours of 7 am and 4 pm. The evening track begins each Spring. No class begins before 4 pm and students are expected to be available until midnight.
