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.

2027 Best ABSN Programs in New Jersey

Looking to earn a bachelor’s in nursing quickly? Accelerated BSN programs in New Jersey offer a fast track to a nursing career. We at registerednursing.org have ranked the top ABSN programs in the Garden State to help you find the right fit. Our list highlights schools with strong NCLEX pass rates, quality clinical experiences, and supportive faculty. Whether you’re a career changer or a recent grad, these programs get you ready for the RN licensure exam in as little as 12 to 18 months. Find out how we created these rankings by visiting our methodology page: https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

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 Accelerated Second-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) at The College of New Jersey is a 14-month hybrid program for individuals with a prior bachelor's degree. The curriculum combines online learning with hands-on clinical experiences. Students complete coursework through synchronous or asynchronous online classes and practice skills in high-fidelity simulation labs on campus. Clinical rotations take place at facilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, covering medical-surgical, pediatric, and community health settings. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue careers as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations. The program features a holistic admissions process, a structured cohort model, and access to financial aid and scholarships. With its accelerated timeline and emphasis on both theory and practice, the ABSN offers a fast track to a rewarding nursing career.

  • 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
  • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
#2

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 BSN program is designed for students with at least 60 non-nursing college credits or a non-nursing bachelor's degree. In as few as 16 months, you can earn your BSN and prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam. The curriculum blends fundamental coursework, hands-on nursing labs, and in-person clinical rotations. You will build clinical decision-making skills and gain experience in diverse healthcare settings through simulation labs and clinical placements with Atlantic Health System. Choose from a hybrid format with online coursework and on-campus labs in Parsippany, or an on-ground program at the Rutherford campus. Both options follow a full-time, rigorous schedule with predetermined class times, labs, and clinicals. The program achieved a 92% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2025 and is approved by the New Jersey State Board of Nursing. Financial aid is available through FAFSA. No prior healthcare experience is required, making this an accessible path to a nursing career.

  • 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
  • Clinical placements with Atlantic Health System
  • Hybrid or on-ground option

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

Campus Based - Visit Website

Felician University's Accelerated BSN program is designed for students with college credits or a non-nursing bachelor's degree who want to become registered nurses quickly. The curriculum dives into nursing fundamentals, building clinical decision-making skills through simulation labs and hands-on clinical rotations at leading facilities like Atlantic Health System. You can choose a hybrid option blending online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals, or a fully on-ground experience at the Rutherford campus. Both paths prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam, with a strong 92% pass rate. The full-time schedule demands dedication but rewards you with a BSN in as few as 16 months. Whether starting a second career or advancing your education, this program offers a direct route to a fulfilling nursing career.

  • 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
  • Clinical placements within Atlantic Health System
  • High-tech simulation labs
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#3

Rutgers University-Camden

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

Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Accelerated BSN program at Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden is a fast-track option for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. In just 15 months, you'll complete an intensive curriculum that blends rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical practice, offering the same high-quality training as the traditional BSN program. Designed for driven career changers, the program builds on your existing academic foundation with prerequisites in chemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, statistics, and nutrition. Small class sizes and dedicated faculty provide personalized support. This program prepares you for immediate entry into nursing practice, with the skills and confidence needed to excel in diverse healthcare settings. For questions, contact [email protected].

  • 15-Month program
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Financial aid available
  • For non-nursing degree holders
  • Fast-track into nursing
  • Same clinical practice as traditional BSN
#4

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 (ABSN) program is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and want to transition into nursing. This intensive 15-month, full-time program combines online hyflex coursework with in-person clinical experiences and labs. The curriculum covers foundations of nursing, health assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, pathophysiology, and nursing management across adult, women's, children's, and psychosocial care. Students also explore social determinants of health, nutrition, healthcare informatics, and research utilization. Graduates earn a BSN and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN for registered nurse licensure. With rolling admissions and a summer start, the program offers a fast track to a rewarding career in nursing, preparing students for roles as baccalaureate-prepared generalist nurses in diverse healthcare settings.

  • 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
  • For non-nursing bachelor's degree holders
  • Hyflex class options with in-person clinicals
#5

Ramapo College of New Jersey

Mahwah, NJ - Public 4-Year - ramapo.edu

Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) at Ramapo College of New Jersey is a 16-month, full-time, in-person program designed for students who have completed all prerequisite coursework. This intensive, cohort-based experience prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and launch their nursing careers. The curriculum emphasizes clinical practice and hands-on learning through unique experiences. With two entry paths — the standard 16-month ABSN and a 24-month bridge option for those needing prerequisite courses — the program offers flexibility for diverse student backgrounds. Students benefit from dedicated faculty, small class sizes, and the resources of a comprehensive public college. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. The program starts in summer and fall terms, with a focus on developing compassionate, skilled registered nurses ready to meet healthcare demands.

  • 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
*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2025 collection, National Center for Education Statistics.

List of New Jersey Accelerated BSN Programs

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.
*Dataset: IPEDS 2025, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.

2027 Affordable ABSN Programs in New Jersey

We know finding the right nursing program can feel overwhelming, especially when cost matters. That is why we created this table. It lists ABSN programs across New Jersey with their highlights and tuition ranges. Looking at these details helps you see which options are truly affordable. Remember, a lower tuition does not mean lower quality. Many programs offer excellent training at a reasonable cost. This guide makes it easier to compare and choose the best fit for your goals and budget. Use the table below to explore your choices and start your journey toward a nursing career in the Garden State.
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)
Seton Hall University
  • 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
  • $42,500 - $63,800 (Undergraduate)
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)
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)
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)
*IPEDS 2025 institutional statistics, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

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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