Nursing Programs in Trenton, NJ

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Trenton

#1

Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, NJ - Public 4-Year - tesu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Thomas Edison State University's online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program offers registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their careers. Designed for working professionals, the program allows students to transfer up to 90 community college credits and complete coursework at their own pace. With competitive tuition at $311 per credit and accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, students gain advanced skills in leadership, evidence-based practice, and healthcare policy. The program supports nurses in developing critical competencies for interprofessional collaboration and professional growth.

• Fully online flexible format
• Up to 90 transfer credits
• Competitive $311 per credit
• Eight-week online courses
• Rolling admissions
• CCNE Accredited program
• RN license required
• Technical advisor support
• 12 credits toward MSN
• No waiting list

Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Thomas Edison State University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed for individuals seeking a fast-track to a nursing career. This 15-month, hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person clinical experiences in New Jersey. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. Admission requires at least 60 college credits or a bachelor's degree in another field. The program emphasizes practical skills, with clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. Estimated total tuition is $41,580, with additional costs for materials and compliance requirements. This program is ideal for those looking to transition into nursing quickly and efficiently.

• 15-month program duration
• Hybrid online and in-person
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• 60 credit hours required
• Clinical rotations in NJ
• Accredited by CCNE
• For non-nurses with 60+ credits
• Includes simulation lab training
• Estimated tuition $41,580
• Additional material costs apply

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*Information derived from: IPEDS 2024 survey, conducted by NCES.

Entry Level ADN and BSN Programs in Trenton, NJ

For students who do not have any prior nursing education or experience, an entry-level nursing program is a place to start. Entry-level programs include the Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree programs. Both of these programs prepare students to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and begin their careers in nursing.

LPN to RN Programs

St. Francis Medical Center is one option for LPN to RN training programs in the Trenton area that will help experienced licensed vocational nurses become qualified registered nurses. These programs allow practical nurses to become licensed as RNs at a faster pace than students without previous nursing experience. For example, the LPN to RN program at St. Francis Medical Center is completed in 10 months, compared with two years for their traditional RN training program.

ADN Programs

The ADN program, also known as a nursing diploma program, prepares students for an entry-level nursing position and is generally completed in two years. Middlesex County College prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam over four semesters and is accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

BSN programs provide students with a more in-depth nursing education than ADN programs and generally take around four years to complete. Direct-entry BSN programs are designed for students who are entering their nursing education after completing a high school degree, or, in some cases, who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing subject. Rutgers University offers a traditional BSN program for recent high school graduates as well as an accelerated program designed for students who have completed their bachelor’s degree in another subject.

Learn more about New Jersey Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Trenton, NJ

A BSN or MSN degree can open the door to new job opportunities and higher pay. For registered nurses with an ADN who wish to go back to school to earn a higher degree, specialized RN to BSN or RN to MSN programs may be a good fit. These programs provide a pathway to a higher degree that takes into account completed nursing coursework, thereby saving the student the time and expense of duplicating foundational coursework.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN programs are designed for working nurses who wish to earn their bachelor’s degree, and generally take less time than a direct-entry BSN program. Thomas Edison State University offers an RN to BSN program that includes 20 credits of coursework that may be satisfied by transfer credit from an ADN program, and 28 credits of coursework, much of which can be taken in an online format.

Learn more about New Jersey RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

RN to MSN programs prepare nurses for advanced practice careers such as those as nurse practitioners, leaders or administrators. The RN to MSN program may also provide students with a BSN degree in addition to an MSN, and in much less time than a direct-entry BSN and traditional MSN program. The RN to MSN program at Thomas Edison State University offers self-paced learning so students can complete a combined BSN and MSN degree program on their own schedules.

Learn more about New Jersey RN to MSN Programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Trenton, NJ

Advanced practice nursing degree programs, such as the traditional MSN, post-master’s certificate programs or DNP programs, allow nurses to secure jobs at the highest level of nursing. These programs prepare nurses for careers as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse leaders, administrators, educators and more.

MSN Programs

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program allows nurses to specialize their study in a given area of advanced practice nursing such as family medicine, pediatric nursing, mental health nursing or administration. The College of New Jersey offers MSN programs in a variety of nurse practitioner specializations, including adult/gerontology, family medicine, and neonatal nursing, as well as a clinical nurse leader specialization.

Learn more about New Jersey Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Post-master’s certificate programs are designed for nurses with their MSN degree who would like to learn a new specialty. For example, Thomas Edison State University offers graduate certificate programs for nurses interested in learning the nurse educator specialty, which includes three theory courses and two practicum courses.

Learn more about New Jersey Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree provides nurses with the highest level of nursing practice education. The DNP program at Thomas Edison State University is an online program that can be completed in as little as 18 months and includes coursework in advanced practice nursing, organizational leadership, finance and economics, healthcare policy and technology.

Learn more about New Jersey DNP Programs.