
New Jersey LPN to RN/BSN Programs
New Jersey LPNs looking to increase their independence, take on more challenging nursing duties, and earn higher salaries are opting to enroll in one of the state’s many LPN to RN programs. These programs offer students a pathway to earn either an ADN or BSN degree so that they can enter the world of registered nursing. RNs in New Jersey earn an average of $26,840 more per year than LPNs in the state do, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
If you want more information on the LPN to RN educational pathway, learn about taking and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Also, check out the New Jersey Board of Nursing for information on licensing and available organizations nurses in the state.
2025 Best LPN to RN Programs in New Jersey
Finding the best LPN to RN programs in New Jersey is easier with practicalnursing.org. We rank programs to help you choose wisely. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and success rates. Start your journey to becoming an RN today. Check out our rankings for the top picks. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
Berkeley College-Woodland Park
Woodland Park, NJ - Private 4-year - berkeleycollege.edu
Associate - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Berkeley College-Woodland Park's LPN to BSN program is a seven-semester accelerated pathway designed for licensed practical nurses aiming to elevate their careers to registered nurses with a bachelor's degree. Tailored for LPNs who have completed at least 2,080 clinical hours, this program merges practical nursing experience with advanced theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and hands-on clinical experience across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home health services. With a focus on a humanistic approach to nursing, the program not only readies students for immediate roles in diverse healthcare environments but also lays a foundation for further education and career advancement.
- Seven-semester accelerated pathway
- Requires 2,080 LPN clinical hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Multiple healthcare career settings
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 is a standout option for LPNs in New Jersey looking to transition to RN roles. This program uniquely caters to those holding a current NJ LPN license, offering a fast-track to an AAS in Nursing by recognizing their existing skills and knowledge. Participants must navigate through orientations, a math proficiency test, and hands-on simulations, alongside meeting all compliance standards. With flexible course completion options in summer or fall and admissions open in both fall and spring, it's tailored for professionals eager to elevate their nursing careers without delay. The program's comprehensive approach ensures a smooth transition, combining academic rigor with practical skill validation.
- 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.
Essex County College
Newark, NJ - Public 2-Year - essex.edu
Associate - Nursing: LPN Articulation Option
Campus Based - Visit Website
Essex County College offers a streamlined LPN to RN program designed for Licensed Practical Nurses aiming to elevate their careers. The Nursing: LPN Articulation Option is an Associate in Applied Science degree that transitions LPNs to RN status in just three semesters post-prerequisites. Focused on preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN, the curriculum emphasizes practical skills for hospital and healthcare settings. Prerequisites include a current LPN license, a 2.5 GPA, and courses in chemistry, anatomy, and psychology. The program boasts a modern simulation lab, enhancing hands-on learning. This pathway is ideal for LPNs seeking a fast track to becoming Registered Nurses in New Jersey.
- 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
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 New Jersey licensed practical nurses aiming to elevate their professional standing. Admission prerequisites include a valid NJ LPN license, a high school diploma or GED, and successful completion of certain college courses with grades of 'C' or better. A notable requirement is achieving a satisfactory score on the National League for Nursing NACE I exam. This campus-based program is meticulously designed to reinforce practical nursing competencies, laying a solid foundation for career progression. It stands out for its rigorous curriculum that not only enhances nursing skills but also opens doors to further educational and professional advancements in the nursing field.
- 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 designed for licensed practical nurses aiming to elevate their careers to registered nursing. This 68-credit, campus-based program emphasizes a blend of theoretical coursework and hands-on clinical experience across various nursing disciplines, including adult, psychiatric, pediatric, and family care. Notably, the program boasts a 93% licensure pass rate and approximately 90% job placement for graduates, underscoring its effectiveness. With competitive tuition rates and financial aid options, it's an accessible choice for LPNs in Somerset and Hunterdon counties, who receive priority admission. The curriculum is structured to ensure a smooth transition, requiring an 85% minimum GPA from LPN programs for entry.
- 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
List of 2025 LPN to RN or LPN to BSN Programs in NJ
Below is the 2025 best comprehensive list of LPN to RN programs in New Jersey. Some of these programs may be a ADN or BSN degree, please visit the school's website for program details.
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 Campus
- 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
New Jersey LPN vs RN Salary Comparison By Area
The table below compares the annual salary of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to a registered nurse (RN), along with the percent increase that can be expected. The data was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for LPNs and RNs in New Jersey.
On average an RN in New Jersey earns $53,229, which is 11% more than the national average for registered nurses ($48,109).
City/Area | Avg LPN Salary | Avg RN Salary | % Diff |
---|---|---|---|
Trenton - NJ | $56,130 | $77,090 | 37.3% |
Atlantic City, Hammonton - NJ | $50,070 | $80,000 | 59.8% |
Vineland, Bridgeton - NJ | $52,160 | $81,020 | 55.3% |
Ocean City - NJ | $51,620 | $72,470 | 40.4% |
Table data taken from 2018 BLS https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm & https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm