The Associate Degree in Nursing is the most common path to a career in nursing. While the Bachelor Degree in Nursing is gaining popularity due to employer preference, the ADN still holds appeal for those who are pressed time for and money. The associate degree grants students who successfully complete the program the eligibility to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurse licensure in New Jersey. Instruction will incorporate theory and hands-on learning experiences that will equip students with the skills to work closely with patients and produce positive patient outcomes.
It is possible to have a satisfying career caring for others with the associate’s degree. However, as 2020 draws close, more nurses are returning to school to meet the Institute of Medicine’s recommendation for registered nurses. Employers have responded to the IOM’s recommendation that 80 percent of nurses hold a BSN by 2020 and are hiring more BSNs and urging their existing RNs to complete the requirements for the BSN. Through articulation agreements, many institutions that offer the entry-level degree pave the way for graduates to make a seamless transition to the BSN degree in just 12 months.
Essex County College
Essex County College offers students the opportunity to prepare for a career in nursing in a state-of-the-art, equipped simulation lab. Students will also have access to the multi-media computer lab and renowned clinical facilities where they will complete the nursing externship. Theory and practical instruction will prepare students for entry-level employment as a registered nurse. Those who successfully complete the requirements will receive the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing and will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to qualify for licensure. Admission to the program is competitive. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be ranked based on a point system and accepted from highest to lowest.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 66
Duration: 24 months
Course titles:
Prerequisite Courses – Anatomy and Physiology, College Chemistry, College Composition, General Psychology
Core Courses – Anatomy and Physiology II, College Composition, Nursing I, Nursing II, Pharmacology, Introduction to Sociology, Nursing III, Microbiology, Nursing IV, Nursing Seminar (Nursing V), Historical Perspective requirement
Admission criteria:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Submit acceptable college-level placement test scores for math – place in MTH 100
- Complete the prerequisite courses by December 31 in the year before admission. The courses must be completed with a grade C or better
- Have a GPA of 2.5 or better on the prerequisite courses
- Complete at least 9 credit hours at Essex County College with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Complete the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills when the nursing department grants approval to test
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check
- Obtain a negative drug test
- Obtain health clearance in accordance with the department policy
- Have valid CPR certification
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees cost $166 per credit hour for in-district students. Each nursing course will incur a special program fee of $1,250 per semester. The admission costs will amount to approximately $2,000 for ATI TEAS, criminal background check, CPR certification, health clearance requirements, textbooks, uniforms, and drug testing.
Website: https://www.essex.edu/associate-in-applied-science-in-nursing/
Address: 303 University Ave, Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-877-3000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98.11%
Trinitas School Of Nursing
The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program at Trinitas School of Nursing is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. and the New Jersey State Board of Nursing. The curriculum offers a sound foundation in social and biological sciences and nursing and combines the content with practical experiences in the affiliate agencies. The school offers two tracks – the generic track and an option for LPNs to obtain an RN degree. Full-time and part-time options are available for both tracks. The generic track offers day and evening schedules. The LPN to RN track is offered in the evenings only. Day classes begin and at 8:00 am and end at 2:00 pm. Evening classes begin at 5:30 pm and end at 11:30 pm.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 75
Duration: 6 semesters
Course titles:
Core Courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Chemistry, English Composition I, Nursing Trends and Concepts, Anatomy and Physiology II, General Psychology, NURE 131, Bio 108 Microbiology, Life Span, NURE 132, English Composition II, Principles of Sociology, NURE 231, NURE 232, Humanities, Humanities – General Education
Admission criteria:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Successfully complete the co-requisite courses for NURE 130 at the time of submitting the application
- Attend a Nursing Information Session prior to submitting the application – preregistration required
- Have a minimum Union County College GPA of 2.5 at the time of application
- Complete the TEAS exam with a minimum score of 50%
- Complete all the science and general education courses before enrolling in NURE 30
- LPNs must have a valid unencumbered LPN license to enroll in the LPN-RN track
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees for completing the generic RN track are $42,000 including the co-requisite courses. The cost for completing the LPN to RN track is $31,000.
Website: http://www.trinitasschoolofnursing.org/
Address: 40 W. Jersey St., 3rd floor, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Phone: 908-659-5200
Fax: 908-659-5201
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 86.30%
Eastern International College
The Nursing program at Eastern International College uses comprehensive theory and hands-on learning to maximize success, promote excellence, support development of skills needed for competent practice, and encourage ethical and critical thinking and lifelong learning. Graduates will receive an associate degree and will be able to use the nursing process, think critically, and advocate for patients, promote patient safety, collaborate with clients and members of the health care team, use information technology in communication, development, and clinical decision making, apply ethical and professional principles in practice, and demonstrate leadership in practice. They will be prepared to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurse licensure and practice in a variety of health care settings.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 70
Duration: 24 months
Course titles:
General education courses – Anatomy & Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, English Composition I, English Composition II, College Math, Developmental Psychology, Microbiology
Core Courses – Introduction to Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing, Health Assessment, Pharmacology I, Pharmacology II, Adult Health I, Adult Health II, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Obstetrical Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Concept Synthesis Capstone, Senior Clinical Practicum
Admission criteria:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a high school diploma or GED. Present a copy of the high school diploma or transcript or request to have the transcript sent directly to EIC
- Submit a completed application for admissions
- Take and pass the HESI test. Candidates who score less than 80 on the HESI Math must take and pass Elementary Algebra
- Submit a personal statement addressing an essay question designated by the Program Chair
- Submit proof of citizenship/legal status
- Complete a Castle Branch certified background check to verify negative criminal background check
- Obtain negative results on a drug screen
- Attend a personal interview with the Nursing Admissions Committee.
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees per semester are $8,550.
Website: https://www.eicollege.edu/
Address: 684 Newark Avenue Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone: 201-273-7208
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.24%
Rowan College at Burlington County
The Nursing program at Rowan College and Burlington County prepares students to take a holistic approach to patient needs and promote optimum health. The nursing courses are organized into two levels, Level I and Level II. The first level addresses simple, chronic, and general needs of the patient while the second covers complex, acute, needs of individuals and groups. Each course incorporates the nursing scope and standards of practice and safety education. Learning activities in a simulated lab and clinical rotations will provide opportunities for students to develop technical competencies to practice as capable professionals. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX for licensure as a Registered Nurse. Admission to the program is competitive due to limited space. The admissions period is November 1 through January 31 for fall admissions and May 1 to July 31 for Spring admissions
Program Outline
Semester credits: 70
Duration: 24 months
Course titles:
General education courses – Written & Oral Communication, Mathematics, Natural Science, Social Science
Core Courses – Anatomy and Physiology II, Anatomy and Physiology II Lab, Microbiology, Microbiology Lab, Development Psychology, Fundamentals of Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing Laboratory, Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical, Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family, Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family Clinical, Nursing Care of the Children and Families, Nursing Care of Children and Families Clinical, Management and Professional Issues, Nutrition in Nursing and Health Care, Nursing Care of Patients with Mental Health Alterations, Nursing Care of Patients with Mental Health Alterations Clinical, Nursing Care of Patients with Medical Surgical Health Alterations, Nursing Care of Patients with Medical Surgical Health Alterations Clinical, Advanced Concepts of Nursing Care, Advanced Concepts of Nursing Care Clinical, Pharmacology for Nursing
Admission criteria:
- Be 18 years or older at the start of the program
- Have a high school diploma or GED. Present a copy of the high school diploma or transcript or request to have the transcript sent directly to EIC
- Attend a nursing information session
- Submit a completed application to RCBC
- Submit a completed application to the nursing program
- Submit official transcripts of previous college courses completed
- Complete the required prerequisites with a grade C or better
- Achieve a cumulative GPA of 3 or greater
- Attend a mandatory Nursing orientation
- Provide proof of medical/health insurance
- Provide proof of American Health Association BLS CPR Card
- Complete a physical exam – must include medical history, immunization and flu shot, and lab tests
- Complete an acceptable criminal background check and negative drug screen
- Obtain fingerprint clearance
- Have current malpractice insurance
- Have reliable transportation to the clinical site
Program Cost:
The estimated cost of attendance per year for full-time students is $14,562.
Website: http://www.rcbc.edu/nursing
Address: 900 College Circle, Mount Laurel, New Jersey 08054
Phone: 856-222-9311
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 64.71%
Hudson County Community College
The Nursing Program at Hudson County Community College leads to an Associate of Science, Nursing. The curriculum combines science and general education theory with nursing theory and practical to prepare students for a career in nursing. Graduates will be eligible to take the state licensure exam to become a Registered Nurse. They also have the option to enter into upper division BSN Nursing programs through the articulation agreements that HCCC has with many four-year institutions. Day, evening and weekend schedules are available. Licensed practical nurses may apply for admission through the New Jersey LPN to RN articulation model.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 71
Duration: 24 months
Course titles:
General education courses – Algebra/Intro to Statistics, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Intro to Computer, College Student Success, English Composition I, English Composition II, Humanities/Diversity, Microbiology, Psychology, Life Span Dev., Speech
Core Courses – NSG 110, NSG 120, NSG 210, NSG 220, NSG 240
Admission criteria:
- Be 18 years or older at the start of the program
- Have a high school diploma or GED – high school transcript required
- High school chemistry or college chemistry course
- Submit SAT score of at least 480 Math and 480 Verbal (Reading) or achieve a satisfactory score on the NLN Pre-Nursing Exam – RN
- Attend a personal interview
- Provide two letters of Reference
- Provide an official transcript of any college courses completed
- Have an overall GPA of least 2.5
- Submit a completed application to the nursing program
- Provide proof of legal immigrant status or US citizenship
- Pass a criminal background check and drug screen
Program Cost:
The total for tuition and fees is $26,451.50. Additional costs include student nursing uniforms, criminal background check, drug screening, malpractice insurance, immunitrax system, CPR certification, and health insurance.
Website: https://www.hccc.edu/programscertificates/programdetail.aspx?programID=1131
Address: 70 Sip Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey 07306
Phone: 201-714-7100
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.23%
Mercer County Community College
The Associate Degree Nursing program at Mercer Community College comprises of coursework in nursing and general education and clinical experiences in various healthcare facilities. The program is accredited by the ACEN and the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Experienced faculty will prepare students to meet the diverse healthcare needs of individuals, families, and communities through a caring, creative, and engaging learning environment. The curriculum centers in the principles of patient-centered care, collaboration, information technology, quality improvement, teamwork, and safety. At the conclusion of the program, graduates will be able to provide safe, evidence-based, patient-centered, and quality care, use clinical reasoning when making decisions, collaborate with members of the interprofessional team, and use informatics to communicate, mitigate error, and make decisions. Both daytime and evening/weekend schedules are available. An LPN-RN advanced placement option is available for practical nurses who hold an unencumbered license to practice.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 65-66
Duration: 24 months
Course titles:
General education courses – Anatomy and Physiology, General and Physiological Chemistry, English Composition I, Elementary Statistics
Core Courses – Anatomy and Physiology II, English Composition II, Clinical Reasoning in Nursing Practice, Concepts of Nursing Practice I, Microbiology, Concepts of Nursing Practice, Introduction to Psychology, Concepts of Nursing Practice III, Development Psychology: Across the Life Span or Introduction to Sociology, Concepts of Nursing Practice IV, General Elective
Admission criteria:
- Be 18 years or older at the start of the program
- Have a high school diploma or GED – high school transcript required
- Obtain a satisfactory score on the college placement test
- Complete the required academic foundational courses
- A cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher
- A score of 80% or higher in the English Language Composite and 80% or higher on the math component of the HESI Admission Assessment Exam
- Complete the first semester courses with a grade C or higher
Program Cost:
Tuition for in-county students is $3,120 per semester. Students must also cover the costs for nursing uniforms, criminal background check, drug screening, malpractice insurance, immunization, CPR certification, and health insurance.
Website: http://www.mccc.edu/programs_degree.shtml
Address: 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ 08550
Phone: 609-586-4800
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.57%%
Bergen Community College
The Bergen Community College Nursing Program prepares adults for entry-level positions as a registered nurse. Students must be prepared to partner with faculty in the learning process. Instruction will take place in the classroom, simulation lab, and various clinical settings. Technology plays an important role in the program to enhance learning experiences and skills development through the use of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) and the Human Child and Adult Patient Simulators. Graduates of the New Jersey State Board of Nursing and ACEN accredited program will be eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure as a Registered Nurse. They will have the competency to apply for the nursing program in the care of individuals, families, and groups, communicate effectively, maintain and restore optimal health, assume accountability in practice, use critical thinking in the nursing process, and demonstrate quantitative reasoning in practice. Day and evening schedules are available. Applications for the Fall must be submitted by February 1.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 66
Duration: 2 academic years
Course titles:
Courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Physical Assessment, Pharmacology for Nurses, Basic Concepts and Skills of Nursing, General Psychology, English Composition I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Adult Health Nursing A, Adult Health Nursing B, Developmental Psychology: Lifespan, English Composition II, Microbiology, Maternal Child Health Nursing, Mental Health Nursing Sociology, Humanities Elective, Adult Health Nursing C, Adult Health Nursing D
Admission criteria:
- Be 18 years or older at the start of the program
- Attend a Health Professions Information Session
- Complete and submit an application for admission online
- Complete remedial and prerequisite courses before the application deadline
- Submit official high school transcript, college, and any other transcript in a sealed envelope directly from the institution to the Office of Admissions
- Register to take the entrance exam – information will be given to candidates
- Attend a three-day nursing orientation prior to the start of the first semester
- Submit a Criminal History Background Check (CHBC)
- Obtain CPR certification and malpractice insurance before the program start date
- Meet the health requirements
Program Cost:
Tuition for in-county students is $2,286 per semester. The cost of textbooks, uniforms, nursing supplies, health insurance, malpractice insurance, CPR, and criminal background check are not included in the cost.
Website: https://bergen.edu/academics/academic-divisions-departments/health-professions-division/nursing/
Address: 400 Paramus Road Paramus, NJ 07652
Phone: 201-447-7100
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.40%
Ocean County College
Ocean County College gives students several pathways to the Associate Degree in Nursing. The traditional track is offered fully on campus. The on-site/online track includes face-to-face and online delivery of content. It is designed for working students and experience in healthcare is a requirement for admission to this track. Practical nurses may qualify for admission to the career mobility track after testing out of nursing 1, passing the general education courses, and achieving an acceptable TEAS score. All programs will include theory and clinical experiences for the development of knowledge and technical competencies. Graduates will receive an Associate in Applied Science degree and will be eligible to take the licensure exam for Registered Nurses in New Jersey. Students are admitted to the traditional track in the Fall and Spring semester. Day and evening classes are available.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 73
Duration: 2 years
Course titles:
General education courses: English I & II, General Psychology, Introductory Chemistry or General Psychology, Introductory Chemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Math
Courses – Nursing I, Nursing II, Nutrition, Microbiology, Nursing III, Nursing IV, Contemporary Nursing
Admission criteria:
- Be 18 years or older at the start of the program
- Submit an application for admission and indicate Nursing as a major
- Provide official high school transcript indicating graduation date
- Submit official college transcript from all applicable institutions
- Submit ACT scores, have a college GPA of 2.7 or higher, or have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Complete a criminal background check with CastleBranch
- Provide a copy of a driver’s license
- Schedule and take the TEAS exam
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees cost $152.50 per credit for in-county residents. Students must also budget for nursing uniforms, criminal background check, drug screening, malpractice insurance, immunization, CPR certification, and health insurance.
Website: https://www.ocean.edu/programs-and-courses/nursing-programs-curriculum/
Address: College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
Phone: 732-255-0400
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.18%