Transitioning from a Licensed Practical Nurse to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in New Jersey marks a significant career advancement for nursing professionals. This step not only broadens opportunities for higher positions within the healthcare sector but also greatly enhances the nurse’s capacity to deliver superior patient care. New Jersey’s dense and diverse population presents a unique set of healthcare challenges and needs, creating an ideal environment for LPNs aiming to expand their qualifications and skills through BSN programs.
These programs are thoughtfully structured to leverage the foundational nursing skills of LPNs, introducing them to more comprehensive and intricate healthcare concepts and practices. With the healthcare landscape continuously evolving, there’s a growing demand for nurses equipped with a higher level of education.
LPN to BSN programs in New Jersey
New Jersey has a couple of options for LPNs looking to earn their BSN in New Jersey, and we’ll break down the programs so you can do your due diligence in deciding if one of them is the right program for you.
Berkeley College
Berkeley College in New Jersey offers an LPN to BSN program designed to elevate the careers of Licensed Practical Nurses by preparing them to become baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurses. With campuses in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, the program is accessible to students across the state, providing them with the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Successful graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), a critical step towards becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).
The program is specifically tailored for experienced LPNs who have completed at least one year of clinical work in the past two years, offering an accelerated pathway through seven semesters of full-time study. This fast-paced curriculum is designed to prepare students for the complexities of professional nursing, emphasizing the importance of adjusting work schedules to accommodate the rigorous study and clinical requirements.
Berkeley College’s program meets New Jersey’s educational requirements for RN licensure, though licensure is contingent upon passing the NCLEX-RN and meeting the state Board of Nursing’s requirements, including a criminal history background check and demonstrating good moral character.
The curriculum covers advanced topics such as nursing research, health assessment, mental health nursing, maternal-child nursing, nursing leadership, community health nursing, and pharmacology, among others. It aims to develop skills in critical care, evidence-based practice, and leadership, preparing graduates for a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, schools, and home healthcare services.
Admission to the program requires an active LPN license and a criminal background check. The program also has specific prerequisites and corequisites for its major courses, ensuring a comprehensive education in nursing. Prospective students should be aware of the additional costs associated with the program, including malpractice insurance, uniforms, and medical supplies, which can total over $1,200, in addition to tuition fees.
Berkeley College’s LPN to BSN program stands out for its accelerated pathway, rigorous curriculum, and focus on preparing students for the challenges of modern nursing. However, the commitment in terms of time, study, and financial investment is significant, and prospective students should carefully consider these factors when deciding to enroll.
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost | Contact the program for current fee schedule. |
| Admission Requirements | LPN License, Criminal Background Check |
| Address | Newark, Woodbridge, Woodland Park, New Jersey |
| Phone | Newark: 973-642-3888, Woodbridge: 732-750-1800, Woodland Park: 973-278-5400, General: 1-800-446-5400 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://berkeleycollege.edu/catalogs/undergraduate-2023-2024/academics-programs/nursing/nursing-lpn-to-bsn/index.html |
Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University in North Brunswick, New Jersey, offers a streamlined Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that enables students to fast-track their nursing careers. This program allows students to obtain their BSN degree in just three years, which is quicker than the traditional four-year route. Located at 630 U.S. Highway 1, North Brunswick, NJ 08902, Chamberlain provides an accredited nursing program recognized by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Structured for full-time study, this BSN program requires no prerequisites, enabling students to dive straight into their nursing education. Moreover, Chamberlain has introduced a flexible Evening/Weekend Option, catering to those who need to balance personal commitments alongside their studies. This option still promises the same comprehensive support and access to resources as the traditional daytime program.
Chamberlain University’s program is distinct for its hands-on training approach, featuring an onsite clinical setting and the SIMCARE CENTER™. These facilities allow students to gain practical nursing skills through simulated patient care scenarios before proceeding to real-world clinical experiences. The program emphasizes direct patient-care nursing, utilizing high-tech patient manikins in simulations to prepare students thoroughly for clinical practice.
Prospective students can start the program in the upcoming session, with classes commencing on May 06. The curriculum is designed to be completed in eight consecutive semesters, enabling graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam sooner. Chamberlain offers a robust support system to help students prepare for the NCLEX-RN, including comprehensive tools and resources integrated into the nursing courses.
Chamberlain’s North Brunswick campus supports students beyond academics through various student groups and community outreach initiatives. This includes the opportunity for global health education, allowing students to gain clinical nursing skills internationally. The Evening/Weekend Option provides added flexibility for those with tight schedules, offering weekend clinicals and a mix of online and in-person coursework.
For more detailed information about the program, including the upcoming class start date, financial aid options, and the application process, prospective students can contact Chamberlain University at 877.751.5783 or visit their website.
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost | Updated info is available on their website. |
| Admission Requirements | High school diploma/GED, No prerequisites |
| Address | 630 U.S. Highway 1, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 |
| Phone | 877.751.5783 |
| n/a | |
| Website | https://www.chamberlain.edu/nursing-school/new-jersey/north-brunswick |
LPN vs. RN Salaries in New Jersey
New Jersey has significant opportunities for nursing professionals, with many paths to grow and advance their careers. Specifically, the earning potential between LPNs and RNs illustrates a significant gap, highlighting the financial benefits of further education and training in the field. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in New Jersey earn an average salary of $61,990, whereas RNs enjoy a higher average salary of $85,720. This difference amounts to $23,730, marking a 38.28% increase in earnings potential for nurses who advance from LPN to RN status.
| Location | LPN average salary | RN average salary | Difference | % Increase |
| New Jersey | $61,990 | $85,720 | $23,730 | 38.28% |
| United States | $55,860 | $80,010 | $24,150 | 43.23% |
The comparison between New Jersey and national averages further underscores the state’s competitive standing in the nursing profession. Across the United States, LPNs earn an average salary of $55,860, while RNs make $80,010, reflecting a 43.23% increase. Although the percentage increase from LPN to RN in New Jersey is slightly lower than the national average, the absolute salary figures for both LPNs and RNs in New Jersey are notably higher, indicating a more lucrative market for nursing professionals within the state.
For LPNs in New Jersey considering a career advancement, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) represents a strategic path to unlock higher earning potential and access a broader range of opportunities within the healthcare industry. Earning a BSN not only facilitates the transition from LPN to RN but also prepares nurses for leadership roles, specialized fields, and advanced practice positions. Moreover, the investment in a BSN is increasingly recognized as a standard in nursing education, with many healthcare institutions preferring or requiring a bachelor’s degree for RN positions.
The benefits of earning a BSN extend beyond financial gains. RNs with a BSN are equipped with a deeper understanding of patient care, healthcare policy, and evidence-based practice, contributing to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. Additionally, BSN-prepared nurses are well-positioned to pursue graduate education, further expanding their career prospects and potential for salary advancement.