Best Accelerated BSN Programs in New Jersey: 9 Schools for 2025-2026

Ready to make a real difference in people's lives? Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs in New Jersey offer an express route to one of the most rewarding and in-demand careers in healthcare. These intensive programs are designed for motivated individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and want to transition into nursing quickly—typically in just 12 to 18 months instead of the traditional four years.

New Jersey's healthcare system is booming, with hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities actively seeking qualified nurses. An accelerated BSN not only gets you into the field faster but also positions you for better job opportunities, higher starting salaries, and greater career advancement compared to associate degree programs. With the state's proximity to major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey nurses enjoy access to some of the nation's top medical centers and specialized healthcare opportunities.

Whether you're a recent college graduate looking for a meaningful career change or a professional seeking a new direction, these accelerated programs combine rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical experience to prepare you for immediate success in nursing practice.

Explore the following accelerated BSN programs available throughout New Jersey:

Where possible, we include NCLEX pass rates data for each campus. The average pass rates are calculated using the last 3 years of data. The average scores are then used in our annual RN/PN rankings. You can read more about it here. You can also view this year's rankings for New Jersey here.

Updated: February 23, 2026

Program Length & Format

14-month program, 62 credit hours, cohort model
Locations: Freehold, NJ (Fall and Spring start); Nutley, NJ Interprofessional Health Sciences campus (Spring start only)

Admission Requirements

Minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or WES evaluation
Minimum cumulative GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended required
Personal statement/essay (500 words or less) and two letters of recommendation required; current resume recommended

Entrance Exams

TOEFL required for ESL applicants unless degreed from a U.S. accredited college or university
TOEFL minimums: total score 84; reading 22; listening 22; speaking 26; writing 24
TOEFL must be taken within the past 5 years for ESL applicants

Prerequisites

Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II with labs (8 credits)
Organic Chemistry with lab (4 credits)
Microbiology with lab (4 credits)
Statistics (3 credits)
Nutrition (2 credits)
Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
Ethics (3 credits)
Science prerequisites must have grade of C+ or better and be completed within 5 years; non-nursing prerequisites must have grade of C or higher

Deadlines

Fall start (Freehold only): application opens in November; completed application deadline May 1
Spring start (Freehold and Nutley): application opens in February; completed application deadline September 1

Application

$65 non-refundable application fee
Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended
Personal statement/essay (500 words or less) and two letters of recommendation; resume recommended
Prior to enrollment in clinical courses: required immunizations, medical history, liability insurance, criminal background check, and American Heart Association BLS CPR certification

Selection Process

Admission limited to applicants holding a baccalaureate or higher degree
Minimum cumulative GPA 3.0 required; science prerequisites C+ or higher and non-nursing prerequisites C or higher required for acceptance
Students must complete all courses in each ABSN semester with at least a C+ to progress; subject to College of Nursing progression and dismissal standards

Cost & Financial Aid

$65 application fee

Clinical & Simulation Lab

Clinical settings include hospitals, hospice, nursing homes, and community-based agencies
Program includes simulation and skills lab experiences and a Synthesis Practicum & Seminar course (NUTC 4019) in the accelerated sequence

Credit Transfer

For course equivalencies and transfer questions, contact the Assistant Program Director (see Contacts)

International Students

ESL applicants must submit TOEFL taken within past 5 years unless they hold a degree from a U.S. accredited college or university
TOEFL minimums: total 84; reading 22; listening 22; speaking 26; writing 24

Contacts

Megan Kushner, Assistant Program Director
Main campus: 400 South Orange Ave, South Orange, NJ 07079; (973) 761-9000
Nutley campus (Interprofessional Health Sciences): 123 Metro Boulevard, Nutley, NJ 07110; (973) 542-6200