4 Best BSN to DNP Programs in New Jersey – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

As a graduate of one of the BSN to DNP programs in New Jersey, you’ll be on track to average $153,490 a year. As importantly, you’ll increase your employment opportunities in medical centers, clinics, and other healthcare practice settings throughout the Garden State. Demand is high for nurses with Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees. Career paths include specialty clinical settings, executive leadership, and teaching at the college or university level. This list of the 4 best BSN to DNP programs in New Jersey for 2025 can give you a jump start on the next phase of your professional nursing career.


WHAT ARE THE BEST BSN TO DNP PROGRAMS IN NEW JERSEY (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 4 Best BSN to DNP Programs in New Jersey (Online & Campus).)

1. Rutgers University - Newark


Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner in Emergency Care, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Dual Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, Nursing Leadership, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwifery, and Dual Women’s Health/Nurse Midwifery


Program Details: If you are looking at enrolling in one of the best BSN-to-DNP programs in New Jersey, then you must know about Rutgers University’s BSN-to-DNP program. Offered in a wide range of specializations, here, you will find several clinical as well as non-clinical roles to choose from. You can either choose from several NP specializations or if you prefer a non-clinical, role then you can enroll in the nursing leadership track. In addition, there are dual specializations that lead to certification in two areas of advanced practice nursing.

Regardless of the BSN to DNP specialization you choose, you’ll require completing around 75 credits in core graduate courses and specialization-specific courses. If you choose either of the dual specializations, then the credit requirement will go up to around 82. You can complete this program either within three years of full-time study or five years of part-time study. Most of these specializations are offered on-campus at the school’s Newark campus, except for the leadership track which can be completed online.

When you enroll in any of the BSN to DNP specializations, you first start with the core courses after which you’ll complete courses in your chosen area of focus. In addition to didactic courses, the program also includes clinical experiences and a DNP project.

Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission into any of the BSN-to-DNP programs in New Jersey, you must foremost be a registered nurse with a BSN degree, and at Rutgers too it is no different. To be considered for admission, you must be a BSN-prepared RN with a GPA of at least 3.2. Also, the school requires you to have at least two years of experience in acute care. Additionally, you must submit a personal statement, a resume, official transcripts, two recommendation letters, and proof of RN license.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Rutgers University BSN-to-DNP Students

• Rutgers’s BSN to DNP program ranks among the best Doctor of Nursing programs in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• The Rutgers nursing school is a designated NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing. This means when you enroll in either of these BSN-to-DNP specializations, you can expect high-quality education.
• This nursing school ranks among the top recipients of funding from the NIH. Therefore, here, you will be able to explore several research opportunities in the specific area of your interest.
• All of Rutgers university’s BSN to DNP specializations are delivered by world-renowned faculty that have years of advanced practice nursing experience.


2. William Paterson University - Wayne


Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner In Primary Care (AGNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)


Program Details: William Paterson University’s BSN-to-DNP specializations are counted among the best BSN-to-DNP programs in New Jersey. With two in-demand specializations, you can choose to enter either the field of adult gerontology primary care or family health. While the adult gerontology track emphasizes the healthcare management of adults and the elderly, with the family health specialization, you’ll master the primary healthcare management of individuals and families across the lifespan.

The AGNP and FNP tracks include common core courses that teach you about health assessment, diagnosis, & treatment, management of complex health conditions, disease prevention, and pharmacology. In addition, both these specializations also include clinical training in primary care settings. Regardless of the program you enter, on a full-time basis, you complete this program within two years, however, if you opt for the part-time schedule, the duration of the program will depend on the number of courses you take each semester.

Admission Requirements: Admission into both these BSN to DNP specializations require you to have an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, similar to the admission requirements of other BSN-to-DNP programs in New Jersey, you must carry an active RN license. Besides, you must have at least one year of work experience as a nurse. The school also requires you to have completed pre-requisite courses in statistics, health assessment, and nursing research. Aside from this, to transition to the DNP portion of the program you must successfully complete your MSN.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential William Paterson University BSN-to-DNP Students

• Whether you enter the adult gerontology track or choose the family health specialization, you’ll be able to juggle your studies with a job. This is because William Paterson provides flexibility in terms of offering two courses each semester, out of which one course is offered online and the other course is offered in the hybrid format.
• At this nursing school, you’ll complete a comprehensive curriculum, where diverse clinical experiences are included. Moreover, the faculty that teaches you boasts years of work experience in their respective field of advanced practice nursing.
• With more than 50 years of experience in training nurses, the department of nursing has constantly updated its curriculum to stay relevant to the latest practices in nursing. So, no matter whether you choose adult-gerontology care or family health when you leave William Paterson University, you’ll be equipped with employable skills to be able to work in diverse types of healthcare settings.


3. Seton Hall University - South Orange


Specialties Offered: Nursing Administration


Program Details: If you desire to reach the topmost position in nursing administration, then you must consider obtaining your DNP through Seton Hall University’s BSN to DNP program. Here, the practice-focused doctoral education trains you for nursing administration. Offered as an online program, you can easily pursue this degree while continuing with your personal and professional commitments.

The BSN to DNP program in administration comprises a total of 73 to 79 credits. The program covers topics such as population health, healthcare informatics, healthcare quality, evidence-based practice, and advanced nursing practice in healthcare systems. Upon completion of this BSN to DNP program, you’ll be eligible to take the certification exam within your chosen specialization.

Admission Requirements: To apply to this BSN-to-DNP program in New Jersey, you should be a BSN-prepared registered nurse. Also, your RN license must be valid in New Jersey. Besides, the school requires your GPA to be at least 3.0. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must submit your resume, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a copy of your RN license.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Seton Hall University BSN-to-DNP Students

• Among all the BSN-to-DNP programs in New Jersey, Seton Hall University’s DNP education ranks among the top not only in the state but also in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• The school boasts of an excellent placement rate. In fact, it is known to be one of the best private schools in the state for placements.
• Seton Hall University’s BSN to DNP program is quite affordable, so, you’ll graduate without breaking the bank. Besides, it is good for you to know that the school offers generous financial assistance options to further cut down on your cost of education.


4. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey - Camden


Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner


Program Details: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey offers one of the sought-after BSN-to-DNP programs in New Jersey that prepare you for the future of nursing practice through doctoral education. Whether you are interested in adult gerontology primary care, or family health, you’ll be trained to assume leadership roles in healthcare. The program regardless of the specialization prepares you to provide quality, evidence-based care to patients and to influence better health for your chosen population focus.

The BSN to DNP program comprises 80 to 86 credits and can be completed as full-time or part-time enrollment. While on a full-time basis, you can complete this program within three years, if you enroll part-time, you’ll take much longer to graduate.

The adult-gerontology track mainly focuses on the primary care of adults and senior patients, whereas the family nurse practitioner track prepares you to provide primary care to individuals of all age groups. Some of the courses that form a common core teach you advanced pharmacology, advanced physiology, advanced health assessment, nursing leadership, research, and health policy. Both specializations also include experiential training in primary care in a variety of healthcare settings. Towards the end of the program, you’ll complete a capstone where you’ll apply your theoretical knowledge to practice.

Admission Requirements: To gain admission into Rutgers BSN to DNP program, you must foremost have a BSN from an accredited institution. Besides, your GPA must not below 3.0. In addition, to qualify, your RN license must be valid in New Jersey. The school also requires you to have at least one year of full-time clinical experience as a registered nurse. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must submit three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and official transcripts.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey BSN-to-DNP Students

• As a BSN to DNP student at Rutgers, you’ll be able to explore learning opportunities at its 1,00,000 square feet state-of-art facility. Here, the advanced simulation lab, case study room, and other advanced research facilities will open up meaningful learning avenues where you can strengthen your clinical skills and evidence-based knowledge.
• Among all the BSN-to-DNP programs in New Jersey, Rutgers DNP education stands out for offering high-quality training in an intimate learning environment that too at competitive tuition costs. Besides, if you are a veteran then you may be eligible for a special tuition discount.
• The faculty members that teach you are experts and innovators in the field of advanced practice nursing. Further, they are committed to helping BSN to DNP students reach their individual academic as well as professional goals.


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