How to Become an RN in New Jersey: 5 Steps
Are you wondering how to become an RN in New Jersey? Ranked among the top 10 highest-paying states for nurses, the Garden State is a powerhouse of opportunity. With a strong demand for healthcare professionals, access to leading medical institutions, and limitless opportunities for career growth, this state provides an unparalleled environment for a fulfilling nursing career. Plus, NJ is a hub for groundbreaking medical research and innovation so you won’t just be part of the industry — you’ll be shaping its future.
Ready to wear an RN badge in New Jersey? This article will guide you through how to become an RN here, from education and licensing to finding the best-fitting roles in the state’s thriving healthcare system.
How to Become an RN in New Jersey: Fun Facts
- Robust healthcare network: New Jersey is home to a highly developed healthcare system with over 100 hospitals, including renowned institutions such as the Hackensack University Medical Center.
- Center for medical research: New Jersey leads the nation in scientific and engineering talent. It ranks first for the number of heart disease and stroke drugs in development, as well as National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding.
- Growing demand for RNs: The demand for RNs in NJ is expected to grow 11% in the next decade.
- Vibrant urban life: The state offers diverse cities, such as Princeton and Atlantic City, with cultural events, entertainment, and fine dining.
- Outdoor escapes: New Jersey boasts parks, beaches, and nature reserves, offering a perfect balance to the busy urban life.
What Does an RN in New Jersey Do?
While learning about how to become an RN in New Jersey, it’s important to reflect on the tasks you’ll handle every day — are they something you’d enjoy? In New Jersey, RNs have the opportunity to work in various settings, each offering unique responsibilities. Below are the most popular specialties for RNs in New Jersey:
- Acute care and critical care: Assist with life-saving procedures, monitor vital signs, and manage ventilators and other life support equipment.
- Medical-surgical nursing: Perform head-to-toe assessments, support patients recovering from surgeries, and administer medications.
- Perioperative care: Prepare patients for surgery, assist during procedures, and support recovery in post-anesthesia care units (PACUs).
- Emergency and trauma care: Respond to emergencies, triage patients, and provide immediate care for trauma victims.
- School health: Conduct health screenings, administer vaccines, and address medical emergencies in students.
- Psychiatric nursing and substance abuse: Assess mental health needs, administer medications, and provide emotional support through therapeutic communication.
- Geriatric care: Monitor elderly patients, assist with daily living, and manage chronic health conditions.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in New Jersey?
The timeline for how to become an RN in New Jersey depends on the educational path you choose. Here’s a summary of what you can expect:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A 2-year program, offering a quick path to becoming an RN.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A 4-year program, offering more comprehensive training and broader career opportunities.
- Accelerated BSN (ABSN): A fast-track option for those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, typically taking 12 to 18 months.
- Bridge program: A 1–2 year program designed for medical professionals, such as paramedics and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who want to transition to nursing roles.
After completing your program, don’t forget to factor in time to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and complete the licensure process.
How to Become an RN in New Jersey: 5 Steps
Excited to start your RN journey? Here are five key steps to help you reach your goal.
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Nursing Program
To become an RN in New Jersey, you’ll need to graduate from an accredited ADN or BSN program, which includes nursing classes, labs, and clinical rotations at healthcare facilities to prepare you for the responsibilities of an RN.
Planning to pursue a BSN? Here’s a list of New Jersey’s top-ranked nursing schools to help you get started:
- Rutgers University – Newark
- Fairleigh Dickinson University – Becton
- Saint Elizabeth University
- Monmouth University – Unterberg
- College of New Jersey
Want to become an RN through an ADN program? These New Jersey community colleges can help get you there:
- Mercer County Community College – Trenton
- Rowan College of South Jersey Gloucester Campus – Sewell
- Passaic County Community College – Paterson
- County College of Morris – Randolph
- Essex County College – Newark
Before committing to a school, make sure its nursing program is accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Without it, you could jeopardize your ability to earn an RN license — so do your research to avoid fraudulent programs.
Struggling to pay for school? Here are some smart ways to ease the financial burden of tuition:
Step 2: Take the NCLEX-RN Exam
The next critical step in how to become an RN in New Jersey is passing the NCLEX-RN — an essential exam that tests what you learned in nursing school and assesses your readiness for real-life patient care. To register for the exam, take the following steps:
| Step to take | Task to accomplish |
|---|---|
| Complete an application for an initial license. |
|
| Register for NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE. |
|
| Take the exam. |
|
| Submit the required payment. |
|
If you don’t pass on your first go, don’t worry — you can retake the NCLEX. Just be aware that after three failed attempts, you’ll need to take a 30-hour review course before you can receive another ATT.
Step 3: Get the New Jersey RN License
The New Jersey Board of Nursing will issue your nursing license once you’ve passed the NCLEX and provided all necessary documents. From there, you can verify your license and kick off your RN career.
As a part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), New Jersey offers the chance to apply for a multistate RN license, which lets you work in over 40 compact states. This is key for travel nurses, remote work, or if you’re thinking about moving to other states.
Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt
Now, you’re ready to land your first RN job. Employing over 438,000 individuals in healthcare roles, the state offers numerous career possibilities. Plus, with New York City and Philadelphia just a short distance away, you’ll have even more opportunities to choose from.
Want to work in acute care? Here are some top-ranking hospitals and medical systems to consider:
- Hackensack Meridian Health
- Atlantic Health System
- Valley Health System
- RWJBarnabas Health
- Cooper University Health Care
If you’d prefer to work in research, New Jersey is home to the headquarters of 12 of the world’s 20 largest medical tech companies and 14 of the top 20 research-based biopharmaceutical firms. In addition, the New Jersey Department of Health offers plenty of public health career opportunities.
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
Becoming an RN is a major milestone, but keeping your license active is just as important. Here’s what you need to know to renew your New Jersey RN license:
- Your license must be renewed every 2 years.
- You’ll need to complete 30 hours of continuing education.
- You need to pay a $120 renewal fee.
How Much Do RNs Earn in New Jersey?
Having learned how to become a registered nurse in New Jersey, you may be curious about your earning potential. The average salary for RNs in the Garden State is $101,960 per year, but this number can vary depending on your experience, education, and employer type.
Larger cities tend to offer higher paychecks. Check out these five most-populous New Jersey cities to kick-start your job search:
Helpful Resources for New Jersey Nurses
Have more questions about how to become an RN in New Jersey and build a successful career? Explore these helpful resources:
- New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing
- New Jersey Integrated Black Nurses Association
- New Jersey League for Nursing
- New Jersey Nurse Practice Act
- New Jersey State Nurses Association
- Organization of Nurse Leaders of New Jersey
Explore the Latest RN Jobs on IntelyCare
Now that you’ve learned how to become an RN in New Jersey, you’re ready to start building your RN career. We connect nurses with high-quality opportunities that match their expertise and lifestyle. Get personalized job alerts made just for you.
