Nursing Programs in Trenton, NJ
Students with career aspirations in the nursing field have a variety of accredited educational options to choose from near Trenton, New Jersey. Whether you are looking to start a career in nursing or gain additional education to become an advanced practice nurse, there are many different pathways to making your nursing dreams a reality.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:
2027 Best Nursing Schools in Trenton
Rankings help nursing students identify programs with proven success. For the Best Nursing Schools in Trenton, Registerednursing.org analyzed NCLEX pass rates as the sole criterion to highlight programs that best prepare graduates for licensure. This evidence-based approach ensures students choose schools with strong outcomes. Our methodology can be reviewed at https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
Average pass rates remained steady year over year, with a minimal decrease of less than 0.1 percentage points.
- 2024: 85.70% average pass rate (1,238 students)
- 2023: 85.78% average pass rate (1,188 students)
Yearly Nursing Graduates
The number of nursing graduates rose by 50 students from 2023 to 2024, indicating modest program expansion.
- 2024: 1,238 graduates
- 2023: 1,188 graduates
Top Performing Schools
Three schools posted average pass rates above 94%, with Rowan College at Burlington County leading.
- Rowan College at Burlington County: 97.27% average pass rate (220 students over 2 years)
- Middlesex College: 97.17% average pass rate (106 students over 2 years)
- Rutgers University: 94.49% average pass rate (980 students over 2 years)
Pass Rate by Program Size
Larger programs had a lower average pass rate than medium-sized programs.
- Medium (50-100 students/year): 95.00% average pass rate (60 students)
- Large (>100 students/year): 80.90% average pass rate (801 students)
Biggest Improvements
The biggest pass rate improvements among reporting schools ranged from roughly 1 to 2.3 percentage points.
- JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools: +2.27 percentage points (87.12% to 89.39%)
- Rowan College at Burlington County: +2.13 percentage points (96.15% to 98.28%)
- Rutgers University: +0.98 percentage points (94.02% to 94.99%)
Rowan College at Burlington County
Mount Laurel, NJ - Public 2-Year - rcbc.edu
Associate - Nursing (AAS.NUR)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rowan College at Burlington County's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS.NUR) prepares students for a rewarding career as a registered nurse. The curriculum blends classroom theory, hands-on simulation labs, and clinical placements at leading regional healthcare facilities. Students develop skills in critical thinking, communication, evidence-based practice, and professional nursing standards. Courses cover fundamentals, childbearing and children's health, mental health, medical-surgical nursing, advanced concepts, pharmacology, and management. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and have a strong pass rate. The program features a seamless 3+1 RN to BSN pathway with Rowan University, allowing automatic admission. Interest-free loans are available through the NJ Pay It Forward Program, and many employers offer tuition assistance. With fall and spring starts, this on-campus program can be completed in two years. The nursing program is accredited by ACEN and the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
- ACEN, New Jersey Board of Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2-Year program
- 71 total credit hours
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Bachelor's - Nursing (AAS ? BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Nursing 3+1 program at Rowan College at Burlington County offers a comprehensive pathway to earn an Associate of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students complete 92 credits at RCBC and 30 credits online with Rowan University, with a total of 120 credits required. The hybrid program allows registered nurses to advance their careers through flexible, strategic coursework and clinical experiences.
- Hybrid nursing degree program
- 92 RCBC credits + 30 Rowan credits
- Online senior year courses
- NCLEX required for progression
- Total 120 credits for BSN
- Multiple entry pathways
- RN-BSN and RN-MSN options
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ - Public 4-Year - newbrunswick.rutgers.edu
Bachelor's - Traditional BS in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rutgers School of Nursing's Traditional BS in Nursing is a full-time, four-year program designed for students entering nursing right after high school. With campuses in Newark and New Brunswick, the curriculum builds a strong foundation in nursing sciences and clinical skills, preparing graduates to sit for the RN licensure exam. Recognized among the top 10 percent of undergraduate nursing programs by U.S. News & World Report, this program offers a rigorous yet supportive environment. Students can enhance their experience through the Honors Program or Pathways Program. Upon completion, graduates are ready for careers as registered nurses in hospitals, community health settings, and beyond, with opportunities to advance into specialized nursing roles.
- 4-Year program
- Full-time enrollment
- Prepares for RN Licensure Exam
- Top 10 percent nationally
- Campus options in Newark or New Brunswick
- Honors Program available
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJ - Public 4-Year - tesu.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Thomas Edison State University is a fully online program for registered nurses. Building on your RN license, the curriculum covers leadership, evidence-based practice, public health nursing, and health policy. You'll develop clinical reasoning and interprofessional collaboration skills. The program accepts up to 90 community college credits. With rolling admissions and eight-week courses, you learn at your own pace through asynchronous discussions. Small class sizes and dedicated advisors support you. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles. Accredited by CCNE and the New Jersey Board of Nursing, up to 12 credits apply toward a Master of Science in Nursing.
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, New Jersey Board of Nursing accredited
- $311 per credit
- 120 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions
- Starts rolling
- Asynchronous online classes
- Financial aid available
- Up to 90 community college credits transfer
- Up to 60 credits for diploma graduates
- Eight-week course terms
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Accelerated BSN at Thomas Edison State University is a 15-month, full-time hybrid program designed for individuals with prior college credits or a bachelor's degree in another field. The curriculum blends online coursework with on-campus labs and clinical rotations at top Magnet-designated facilities. Students learn fundamentals of nursing, health assessment, pediatric care, and complex health conditions, gaining hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art simulation lab. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and careers as registered nurses in diverse healthcare settings. The program also includes three graduate-level courses that can be applied toward an MSN, offering a fast track to advanced practice. With multiple start dates, generous transfer credit options, and financial aid available, TESU makes earning a BSN accessible and efficient.
- CCNE, New Jersey Board of Nursing accredited
- $46,140 total program tuition
- 15-Month program
- 60 total credit hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- $50 application fee
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Hybrid online and on-campus courses
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.
List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs
Trenton, NJ
Thomas Edison State University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 18-Month program
- 120 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions
- 6 start dates per year
- Starts summer/fall/spring
- Credit for prior learning
- Up to 63 NCLEX-RN credits
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.
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Trenton
New Brunswick, NJ
Rutgers University
- BSN to MSN - MSN: Nurse-Midwifery
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 50 credits total.
- 3-year plan of study.
- Hybrid program format.
- Primarily synchronous remote courses.
- On-campus skills labs.
- State-of-the-art simulation center.
- Clinical sites across New Jersey.
- Estimated $1,125 per credit.
- MSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- Complete in 4-year or 5-year study plans
- 73 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions
- Starts fall
- Priority deadline March 1
- Rolling admissions until July 1
- Eligible for national board certification
- Acute care for complex illnesses
- MSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- 69 total credit hours
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- Focus on health promotion and preventive care
- Careers in diverse clinical settings
- Interprofessional collaboration emphasized
- Attention to vulnerable populations
- Rigorous academic environment
- 4-year or 5-year study plans
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 13 concentration options
- Complete in as little as 2 years
- Highly ranked DNP program
- Hybrid format with virtual classes
- Labs and clinicals on campus
- Post-master's DNP in 2 years
- DNP poster presentations yearly
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nursing Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 12 concentration options
- Highly ranked DNP program
- Hybrid model with virtual classes
- 12 specialty areas available
- Final DNP poster project
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Practice Focus - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Complete in 2+ year program of study
- 36 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions
- Starts fall
- Combines advanced practice and leadership content
- Focus on quality care and cultural competency
- Evidence-based care across diverse settings
- Newark campus location
- MSN to DNP - Dual Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Primary/Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 4-Year program
- 84 total credit hours
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 1200 clinical hours
- Hybrid online and in-person format
- Newark campus classes
- 4-year study plan available
- MSN to DNP - Dual Women's Health/Nurse-Midwifery
Concentration: Women's Health - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education accredited
- 4-Year program
- 80 total credit hours
- Starts fall
- Not currently accepting new applicants
- Prepares for CNM and WHNP certification
- ACME accredited
- Priority deadline March 1
- MSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner DNP
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Complete in 4-year or 5-year study plans
- 73 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions
- Starts fall
- Care for patients of all ages
- Focus on pediatrics, women’s health, adult & geriatric health
- Primary care and community-based setting
- Eligible for national board certification
- MSN to DNP - Nurse-Midwifery
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education accredited
- No entrance exam required
- Test optional
- $1,125 per credit
- 4-Year program
- 73 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions
- 1 start dates per year
- MSN to DNP - Nursing Leadership DNP
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60 total credit hours
- Leads innovation in health care delivery
- Focuses on quality and safety outcomes
- Combines leadership skills and business acumen
- Emphasizes systems thinking and delivery
- Not currently accepting new applicants
- Led by Dr. Laura A. Mularz
- MSN to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner DNP
Campus Based - Website
- 2 concentration options
- Graduates receive multiple competitive employment offers
- Clinical sites across New Jersey: private offices to medical centers
- In-person didactic classes one day per week
- 180-225 clinical hours per semester
- Specialty director Dr. Margaret Quinn
- MSN to DNP - Post-Master's DNP - Transformational Leadership
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 38 total credit hours
- Eligible for ANCC or AONE certification
- Focus on evidence-based leadership
- Create healthful work environments
- Specialty Director: Laura A. Mularz
- 3-year and 4-year study plans
- Individual appointments available
- MSN to DNP - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 73 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions
- Starts fall
- Prepares for national board certification
- 73-credit DNP curriculum
- 4-year or 5-year study plans
- Fall start with priority March 1 deadline
- Final fall deadline July 1
- MSN to DNP - Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner DNP
Campus Based - Website
- Complete in 4-year or 5-year study plans
- 72 total credit hours
- Prepares for national board certification
- Careers in obstetrics, gynecology, and more
- Clinical training in procedures and diagnostics
- Holistic approach including social determinants
- Primary and reproductive care across lifespan
- Well-woman exams and health screenings
- MSN to DNP - Women’s Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner DNP
Campus Based - Website
- Complete in 4-year or 5-year study plans
- 72 total credit hours
- Eligible for national board certification
- Focus on primary and reproductive care
- Holistic approach to women's health
- Prepares for WHNP role
- Not currently accepting new applicants
Trenton, NJ
Thomas Edison State University
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 3 concentration options
- 30 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- Asynchronous online classes
- 100 clinical hours
- Certificate awarded with MSN degree
- Transfer up to 12 graduate credits
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Informatics - Online Learning - Website
- Online format.
- 30 credits required.
- Nursing Informatics concentration.
- Earn graduate certificate.
- Requires BSN degree.
- Active RN license needed.
- Transfer up to 12 credits.
- 100-hour practicum courses.
- BSN to MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 46 credits required
- Online format with clinicals
- Small class sizes
- Part-time and full-time options
- One-on-one preceptorships
- Multiple start dates
- Post-BSN registered nurses eligible
- CCNE accredited
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Systems-Level Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Complete in 12 to 24 months
- 36 total credit hours
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Capstone required
- Financial aid available
- 45% promoted to leadership roles
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Trenton, NJ
Mount Laurel, NJ
Rowan College at Burlington County
- Associate - Nursing (AAS.NUR)
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN, New Jersey Board of Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2-Year program
- 71 total credit hours
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Bachelor's - Nursing (AAS ? BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid nursing degree program
- 92 RCBC credits + 30 Rowan credits
- Online senior year courses
- NCLEX required for progression
- Total 120 credits for BSN
- Multiple entry pathways
- RN-BSN and RN-MSN options
New Brunswick, NJ
Rutgers University
- Bachelor's - Traditional BS in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 4-Year program
- Full-time enrollment
- Prepares for RN Licensure Exam
- Top 10 percent nationally
- Campus options in Newark or New Brunswick
- Honors Program available
Trenton, NJ
Thomas Edison State University
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE, New Jersey Board of Nursing accredited
- $46,140 total program tuition
- 15-Month program
- 60 total credit hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- $50 application fee
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, New Jersey Board of Nursing accredited
- $311 per credit
- 120 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions
- Starts rolling
- Asynchronous online classes
- Financial aid available
- Up to 90 community college credits transfer