Nurse Practitioner Schools in New Jersey

New Jersey nurses looking for new opportunities within their profession may be surprised to learn how easy it is to become nurse practitioners. Though it will take hard work and dedication, there are specialized nurse practitioner degree programs specifically designed for working nurses that allow them to get licensed in a much shorter amount of time, saving them money and effort. Whether you’re located in Trenton or Newark or somewhere else in the state, these types of programs are widely available. Jump to program listings.

2025 - Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in New Jersey

Introducing RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in New Jersey! Our rankings guide aspiring nurse practitioners toward the top online programs across the state. We assess programs based on important factors like completion rates, affordability, institutional reputation, program diversity, and faculty expertise. For more details on how we determine our rankings, visit our methodology page.

1.

Ramapo College

Mahwah, NJ

The Ramapo College Nurse Practitioner program, housed in the Anisfield School of Nursing, offers students a rigorous curriculum that combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience. With a focus on evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration, graduates of this program are well-equipped to provide high-quality and comprehensive healthcare to diverse populations.

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

2.

Felician University

Rutherford, NJ

Felician University offers an exceptional nurse practitioner program through their School of Nursing and Healthcare Management. This program combines clinical experiences with cutting-edge technology to prepare students for advanced practice in a variety of healthcare settings. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, Felician University provides a personalized and rigorous education for aspiring nurse practitioners.

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Post Masters Certificate: Adult Gerontology or Family Nurse Practitioner Campus

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

3.

Seton Hall University

South Orange, NJ

Seton Hall University offers highly reputable nurse practitioner programs through their College of Nursing, with a strong focus on evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration. Their programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and boast a 95% pass rate on national certification exams. Students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical experiences in top healthcare facilities.

MSN Programs

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• M.S.N., Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (Online) Online/Hybrid

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Post-Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Primary or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Online) Online/Hybrid
• Post-Master's Certificate in Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (Online) Online/Hybrid
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Online/Hybrid

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

“Quick” and “cheap” aren’t typically the words that students use to describe graduate degree programs, but registered nurses have lots of options available to them to graduate in a shorter amount of time and for less money, especially if they meet certain requirements such as having a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN). Here are some options in New Jersey.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

If you’re looking to become a nurse practitioner in the shortest amount of time, you’ll likely want to aim for graduating with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree versus a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. MSNs have a shorter enrollment period (usually 2 -6 years, but sometimes less) especially if you’re able to transfer credits or study in the summertime. Here are a few of the fastest options for MSN programs in New Jersey:

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

If you decide to go with an MSN degree program, you’ll not only save time, but you’ll also save money on tuition! MSN programs are incredibly affordable, especially if the program is smaller and in an area that has a lower cost of living. Below are a few examples of the most affordable nurse practitioner programs in the state:

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

One of the most well-known benefits to nurse practitioner programs is that they allow students to specialize in a particular medical field such as pediatrics, cardiology, or nursing education. This is true regardless of the level of degree you choose. Here are a few examples available in New Jersey:

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

We’ve discussed MSN degree programs and DNP degree programs at length throughout this guide, but depending on your specific educational background and experience, you may want to try applying to a bridge program or other alternative nurse practitioner program.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

As mentioned, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is one of the most common NP degrees. It is available in many NP specializations and takes about two years to complete. Here are a few you can find in New Jersey:

• Ramapo College – Ramapo, NJ
• Montclair State University – Montclair, NJ

RN to NP Programs

If you already have an RN license and an ADN or ASN, you will likely qualify to enroll in an RN to NP program (otherwise known as an RN to MSN program or an ADN/ASN to MSN program). This allows you to become a nurse practitioner in as little as four years, instead of doing an ADN/ASN to BSN to MSN route, which can take upwards of 8 years or longer. Here are a few that are available in New Jersey:

• Montclair State University – Montclair, NJ
• William Patterson University – Wayne, NJ

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest degree an NP can obtain. These programs can take 6-8 years to complete, depending on the education level you enter with. Here are your options in New Jersey:

• Rutgers University – New Brunswick, NJ
• Fellcian University – Rutherford, NJ

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

If you complete your nurse practitioner program and you decide to add to your existing certification or get a different certification, a Post-Master's Nursing Certificate is a great option. Though it’s technically not a degree, it provides a short and affordable route to choosing a new NP specialization. Here are some options in New Jersey:

• Rutgers University – New Brunswick, NJ
• College of New Jersey – Ewing, NJ

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, allow non-nurses with a bachelor's degree in an alternative area to become nurse practitioners in a shorter amount of time. Schools in New Jersey that offer these types of programs include:

• Georgian Court University – Lakewood, NJ
• Fairleigh Dickinson University – Teaneck, NJ

General Admissions Requirements

To enroll in a nurse practitioner program, you’ll need to meet certain requirements to be accepted. Here are some common requirements you’ll need to meet:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

New Jersey NP License and Certification Requirements

To become a nurse practitioner in New Jersey, you’ll need to apply to be licensed and certified. Applicants are required to submit documentation verifying their educational background and RN licensure as part of the application process. They will also need to complete an application form and pay a licensure fee, which is typically around $160. Detailed instructions, including how to apply for NP licensure in New Jersey, can be found through the state's Board of Nursing or official licensing platform.

In terms of certification, New Jersey mandates that NPs obtain certification in their area of specialty. Certification is usually granted by national organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or other recognized certification bodies. To qualify for certification, applicants generally need an active RN license and must have completed a relevant graduate program that includes both classroom education and clinical experience. Many specialties also require passing a certification exam to demonstrate proficiency.

New Jersey operates under a reduced practice model, meaning nurse practitioners must maintain a collaborative agreement with a supervising physician for certain aspects of patient care, such as prescribing medications. While this restricts NPs from full autonomy, it still allows significant independence in diagnosing and treating patients. More information, professional development opportunities, and advocacy efforts for NPs in New Jersey can be found through the New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA).

List of NP Programs in New Jersey

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