Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs in New Jersey, also known as second degree BSN pathways, provide a rigorous, fast-track option for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and wish to transition into nursing. These programs are designed to address the state's increasing demand for highly skilled registered nurses, particularly as hospitals and health systems like Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJBarnabas Health continue to expand their services. By compressing essential nursing coursework and clinical training into an intensive format, ABSN programs prepare graduates to enter the workforce quickly and contribute to critical patient care needs across New Jersey's diverse healthcare landscape.

2026 Best ABSN Programs in New Jersey

Accelerated Nursing Programs in New Jersey represent top-tier educational pathways for aspiring registered nurses seeking a swift transition into healthcare. RegisteredNursing.org has comprehensively evaluated and ranked the state's most exceptional Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs, considering critical factors like academic rigor, clinical training opportunities, student success rates, and faculty expertise. Our detailed analysis helps prospective nursing students identify the most promising ABSN programs that can efficiently launch their professional nursing careers. These programs offer innovative curriculum designs, flexible learning options, and robust clinical experiences that prepare students to excel in today's complex healthcare environments. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

Felician University

Lodi, NJ - Private 4-year - felician.edu

Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Felician University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) provides an intensive 16-month pathway for career changers with non-nursing degrees. The hybrid program uniquely blends online learning with immersive clinical experiences across Parsippany and Rutherford campuses. Students engage in high-tech simulation centers and comprehensive clinical rotations, ensuring robust preparation for the NCLEX-RN® examination. With a total tuition of $60,312, the program offers flexible three yearly start dates, accommodating diverse student schedules. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, leveraging partnerships with Atlantic Health System to provide real-world nursing exposure. Applicants must submit previous college transcripts for admission review.

  • 16-month program duration
  • Hybrid learning format
  • NCLEX-RN® preparation
  • $60,312 tuition
  • Hands-on nursing labs
  • Clinical rotations included
  • Options in Parsippany or Rutherford
  • Three start dates yearly
  • Full-time schedule
  • Accredited nursing program

Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Felician University's campus-based Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing transforms non-nursing degree holders into competent healthcare professionals through a dynamic 16-month program. Students can select between hybrid and on-ground learning formats, enabling personalized educational experiences. The comprehensive curriculum integrates advanced simulation technologies, extensive clinical rotations, and rigorous academic preparation. Graduates are thoroughly equipped to successfully challenge the NCLEX-RN® exam. With a $60,312 tuition investment, the program provides individualized admissions counseling, ensuring strategic academic progression. The Roman Catholic institution maintains a military-friendly environment, welcoming diverse student backgrounds seeking accelerated nursing education.

  • 16-month program
  • Hybrid or on-ground options
  • Hands-on labs
  • Clinical rotations
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN®
  • Tuition $60,312
  • Starts with admissions counselor chat
  • For non-nursing degree holders
  • Full-time schedule
  • High-tech simulation center
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Rutgers University-Camden

Camden, NJ - Public 4-Year - camden.rutgers.edu

Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Rutgers University-Camden's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing delivers an expedited pathway for bachelor's degree holders transitioning into nursing. This comprehensive 15-month program strategically integrates intensive classroom instruction with immersive clinical rotations, preparing students for immediate professional nursing practice. Designed for career changers, the curriculum demands prerequisite coursework in scientific disciplines like chemistry and anatomy. Students benefit from direct faculty mentorship, hands-on learning experiences, and potential financial support. The military-friendly program emphasizes practical skills, critical thinking, and comprehensive healthcare knowledge, positioning graduates for successful nursing careers across diverse healthcare settings.

  • 15-month program length
  • Campus-based learning
  • For non-nursing bachelor's holders
  • Includes clinical practice
  • Prerequisites required
  • Financial aid available
  • Intensive curriculum
  • Hands-on experience
  • Quality faculty access
  • Career changer friendly
#3

The College of New Jersey

Ewing, NJ - Public 4-Year - tcnj.edu

Bachelor's - Accelerated Second-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The College of New Jersey's Accelerated Second-Degree BSN transforms non-nursing bachelor's degree holders into skilled registered nurses through an intensive 14-month program. Renowned for its exceptional 100% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate, the curriculum integrates rigorous academic training with early clinical immersion. Students benefit from small class sizes, enabling personalized faculty mentorship and hands-on research opportunities. The program requires a competitive 3.0 GPA, completion of prerequisite courses, and successful TEAS exam performance. With a remarkable 100% employment rate within six months of graduation, this program prepares students for immediate professional nursing roles. Clinical experiences commence in the first summer, providing comprehensive practical training in state-of-the-art simulation labs and healthcare settings.

  • 14-month duration
  • 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
  • Small class sizes
  • Faculty-mentored research
  • Clinical experience first summer
  • 3.0 GPA requirement
  • TEAS exam required
  • Flat-rate tuition $34k
  • 100% employment rate
  • On-campus program
#4

Stockton University

Galloway, NJ - Public 4-Year - stockton.edu

Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Stockton University's Accelerated BSN program offers a dynamic pathway for career changers holding a bachelor's degree in another discipline. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, health promotion, and disease prevention strategies. Admission standards are rigorous, requiring a competitive 3.5 GPA, successful completion of specific science prerequisites with B or higher grades, and a comprehensive background check. The program's robust clinical training prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN examination and future nursing specializations. With Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accreditation, students benefit from an ethically grounded, skills-focused educational experience that rapidly transitions professionals into the nursing field through intensive, campus-based learning.

  • Accelerated BSN program
  • Campus-based learning
  • Requires bachelor's degree
  • 3.5 GPA admission requirement
  • Science courses needed
  • Background check mandatory
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Focus on critical thinking
  • Health promotion emphasis
  • Disease prevention focus
#5

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Madison, NJ - Private 4-year - fdu.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing BSN Accelerated

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Fairleigh Dickinson University's Accelerated BSN program offers a dynamic pathway for career changers, transforming professionals with existing bachelor's degrees into skilled nurses within an intensive 15-month curriculum. Utilizing a hybrid learning model, students experience robust online coursework complemented by critical in-person clinical and laboratory training. The program demands a comprehensive academic commitment, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA and successful completion of science prerequisites. Designed to prepare graduates comprehensively for the NCLEX-RN examination, this military-friendly program emphasizes a generalist nursing approach. Full-time engagement is essential, with rolling admissions and summer start options providing flexibility for motivated professionals seeking rapid nursing certification.

  • 15-month program duration.
  • Hybrid online and in-person format.
  • Requires prior bachelor's degree.
  • 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
  • In-person labs for prerequisites.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure.
  • Full-time commitment needed.
  • Rolling admissions with summer start.
  • 120 credits total for BSN.
  • 45 general education credits transferred.
*Based on data from: IPEDS 2024, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.

List of New Jersey Accelerated BSN Programs

New Jersey offers several excellent Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs designed for career changers and students seeking a fast-track path to nursing. These intensive programs typically take 12-18 months and provide comprehensive nursing education for individuals with non-nursing bachelor's degrees. The following table highlights accelerated nursing programs across New Jersey, showcasing key details about location, program features, and direct links to help prospective nursing students explore their educational opportunities.
Jump to City:

Camden, NJ

Rutgers University-Camden

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 15-Month program
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Financial aid available
    • For non-nursing degree holders
    • Fast-track into nursing
    • Same clinical practice as traditional BSN

Ewing, NJ

The College of New Jersey

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Second-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • $34,000 total program tuition
    • 14-Month program
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts summer
    • Synchronous and asynchronous options

Galloway, NJ

Stockton University

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, New Jersey Board of Nursing accredited
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring
    • 3.5 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Requires criminal background check
    • Requires urine drug screening

Jersey City, NJ

New Jersey City University

  • Bachelor's - Nursing—Accelerated Program (Second Degree), B.S.N.

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 12-Month program
    • Apply by 2026-02-16
    • Full-time enrollment
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts fall
    • Cohort-based structure

Saint Peter's University

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • $28,800 total program tuition
    • $450 per credit
    • 15-Month program
    • 64 total credit hours
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts spring/fall

Lakewood, NJ

Georgian Court University

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Nursing Program (ABSN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • $835 per credit
    • 15-Month program
    • Apply by 2026-05-28
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts summer/fall
    • 100% licensure pass rate
    • 3.2 GPA minimum
    • $84,000 median earnings

Lodi, NJ

Felician University

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • 16-Month program
    • Full-time enrollment
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • 92% licensure pass rate
    • Cohort-based structure
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available
  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 2 concentration options
    • 16-Month program
    • Full-time enrollment
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • 92% licensure pass rate
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available

Madison, NJ

Fairleigh Dickinson University

  • Bachelor's - Nursing BSN Accelerated

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 15-Month program
    • 56 total credit hours
    • Rolling admissions
    • Full-time enrollment
    • Starts summer
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN

Mahwah, NJ

Ramapo College of New Jersey

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 16-Month program
    • Full-time enrollment
    • Starts summer/fall
    • Cohort-based structure
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Bridge program for prerequisite-deficient students
    • All prerequisites must be completed prior to admission

Newark, NJ

Rutgers University-Newark

  • Bachelor's - Second-Degree BS in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 14-Month program
    • Accelerated 4-semester program
    • Builds on prior bachelor's coursework
    • Offered on Newark Campus
    • Close-knit cohort experience
    • Clinical practice integrated

South Orange, NJ

Seton Hall University

  • Bachelor's - Second Degree Accelerated B.S.N.

    Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, New Jersey Board of Nursing accredited
    • 14-Month program
    • 62 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2026-06-01
    • Starts fall/spring
    • Cohort-based structure
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Financial aid available

Teaneck, NJ

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 15-Month program
    • Complete in 56 credits in 15-month timeframe
    • 56 total credit hours
    • Rolling admissions
    • Starts summer
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN

Trenton, NJ

Thomas Edison State University

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • $46,140 total program tuition
    • 15-Month program
    • 60 total credit hours
    • Full-time enrollment
    • Cohort-based structure
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • $50 application fee

Woodland Park, NJ

Berkeley College-Woodland Park

  • Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Accelerated Pathway

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accelerated pathway for LPNs.
    • BSN degree awarded.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
    • Hands-on clinical assignments.
    • Experienced faculty support.
    • Requires LPN license.
    • 2,080 clinical hours needed.
    • Nursing entrance exam required.
*Data source: NCES IPEDS survey, 2024.

2026 Affordable ABSN Programs in New Jersey

Pursuing a nursing degree in New Jersey can be challenging, especially when considering the financial aspects of higher education. For aspiring nursing students across urban areas like Newark, Jersey City, and Princeton, finding affordable accelerated nursing programs is crucial. These programs offer a strategic pathway for career changers and professionals seeking to enter the healthcare field quickly. With the rising demand for qualified nurses, many schools now recognize the importance of providing budget-friendly educational options. Our comprehensive table highlights programs that balance quality education with reasonable tuition rates, helping students make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures without overwhelming financial burden.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Rutgers University-Camden
  • 15-Month program
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Financial aid available
  • For non-nursing degree holders
  • Fast-track into nursing
  • Same clinical practice as traditional BSN
  • $14,200 - $21,300 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $29,800 - $44,700 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Felician University
  • 16-Month program
  • Full-time enrollment
  • Starts fall/spring/summer
  • 92% licensure pass rate
  • Cohort-based structure
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • $31,400 - $47,200 (Undergraduate)
Saint Peter's University
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • $28,800 total program tuition
  • $450 per credit
  • 15-Month program
  • 64 total credit hours
  • 2 start dates per year
  • Starts spring/fall
  • $34,000 - $51,100 (Undergraduate)
Georgian Court University
  • $835 per credit
  • 15-Month program
  • Apply by 2026-05-28
  • 2 start dates per year
  • Starts summer/fall
  • 100% licensure pass rate
  • 3.2 GPA minimum
  • $84,000 median earnings
  • $29,700 - $44,500 (Undergraduate)
The College of New Jersey
  • CCNE accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • $34,000 total program tuition
  • 14-Month program
  • 1 start dates per year
  • Starts summer
  • Synchronous and asynchronous options
  • $15,700 - $23,600 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $20,600 - $30,900 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Thomas Edison State University
  • CCNE accredited
  • $46,140 total program tuition
  • 15-Month program
  • 60 total credit hours
  • Full-time enrollment
  • Cohort-based structure
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • $50 application fee
  • $5,500 - $8,200 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $7,100 - $10,600 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Stockton University
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, New Jersey Board of Nursing accredited
  • 2 start dates per year
  • Starts fall/spring
  • 3.5 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • Requires criminal background check
  • Requires urine drug screening
  • $13,000 - $19,500 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $19,600 - $29,400 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
New Jersey City University
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • 12-Month program
  • Apply by 2026-02-16
  • Full-time enrollment
  • 1 start dates per year
  • Starts fall
  • Cohort-based structure
  • $11,600 - $17,400 (Undergraduate)
Rutgers University-Newark
  • 14-Month program
  • Accelerated 4-semester program
  • Builds on prior bachelor's coursework
  • Offered on Newark Campus
  • Close-knit cohort experience
  • Clinical practice integrated
  • $13,800 - $20,700 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $29,400 - $44,100 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Ramapo College of New Jersey
  • 16-Month program
  • Full-time enrollment
  • Starts summer/fall
  • Cohort-based structure
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Bridge program for prerequisite-deficient students
  • All prerequisites must be completed prior to admission
  • $13,400 - $20,100 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $22,200 - $33,200 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
*Institutional data extracted from: IPEDS 2024, NCES.

Students exploring nursing schools in New Jersey will find a wide range of pathways to enter the profession, from traditional BSN programs to accelerated and bridge options. Each route is designed to meet different academic and career backgrounds, ensuring that prospective nurses can choose the program best aligned with their goals. With strong connections to leading healthcare systems across the state, New Jersey nursing schools provide both the education and clinical experiences necessary to prepare graduates for today's complex patient care environments.

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