2 Best Direct-Entry MSN Programs in New Jersey – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Did you graduate from college before you decided to become an RN in New Jersey? Direct Entry MSN programs in New Jersey let you earn a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree even if you didn’t earn a BSN first. These accelerated programs combine elements from traditional BSN curricula with your MSN studies. You can apply credits from your previous undergraduate studies toward your MSN degree. Graduates of Direct Entry MSN programs make $138,870 a year in the Garden State. Your lack of a BSN doesn’t have to stand in the way of becoming an advanced practice RN! Keep reading to learn all there is to know about the 2 best Direct Entry MSN programs in New Jersey for 2025.



RECOMMENDED ONLINE MSN PROGRAMS

WHAT ARE THE BEST DIRECT-ENTRY MSN PROGRAMS IN NEW JERSEY (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 2 Best Direct-Entry MSN programs in New Jersey (Online & Campus).


1. Montclair State University - Montclair


Specialties Offered: Care Coordination and Transition Management


About Montclair State University: Montclair State University offers one of the best direct-entry MSN programs in New Jersey. Offering excellent education, the nursing school enrolls a diverse student population who come from all parts of the world, creating a culturally rich environment. The school is also one of the two Hispanic-serving institutions in New Jersey serving more Hispanic students than any other nursing school in the state.


Montclair State University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Montclair State University direct-entry MSN program trains you for care coordination and transition management. This accelerated full-time program requires the completion of 71 credits. The pre-licensure curriculum comprises core nurse courses and concentration-specific courses.

The core courses lay a strong foundation in topics such as health care & health policy, advanced pathophysiology, informatics & data management, advanced pharmacology, nursing research & evidence-based practice, and genetics & genomics. In addition, the concentration-specific courses require you to take classes in the fundamentals of professional nursing, advanced health assessment, and population & global health. The curriculum also trains you in care coordination for adults & the elderly, infants, children, and adolescents, and family-centered behavioral health. This unique direct-entry MSN program in New Jersey leads to the NCLEX-RN exam and makes you a future-ready registered nurse.


Montclair State University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To gain admission into Montclair State University’s direct-entry MSN, you must have an accredited bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. The program also requires applicants to complete pre-requisite courses in anatomy & physiology, microbiology, chemistry, statistics, human growth & development, and nutrition. The admission process requires you to submit your transcripts, a current resume, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.


Interesting Highlights For Montclair State University Direct-Entry MSN Students

• Montclair State University's direct-entry MSN program is offered in small-sized classes where personalized attention makes the overall learning experience more effective and fruitful.
• Montclair State University's direct-entry MSN program is offered with affordable tuition costs. Further, the program offers several scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help reduce tuition costs.
• Montclair State University direct-entry MSN students complete their clinical training in the state-of-art-simulation lab. The lab provides a safe space to practice nursing care for patients across the lifespan.


2. Georgian Court University - Lakewood


About Georgian Court University: If you are searching for faith-based direct-entry MSN programs in New Jersey, then Georgian Court University’s direct-entry M.S.N is an excellent choice. The nursing school prepares nurses for compassionate care in an academic environment that is rooted in Mercy's values of justice, service, and compassion. The school has been at the forefront of community service and having students help with vaccination during the peak of a pandemic is one of the many feats it has managed to achieve.


Georgian Court University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Georgian Court University's direct-entry MSN program prepares generalist nurses. The program also lays a solid foundation for advanced practice nursing roles in direct and indirect patient care.

This direct-entry MSN program in New Jersey is offered on-campus and combines didactic courses with clinical training. The curriculum comprises 80 credits and leads to the NCLEX-RN licensure. The program covers topics such as nursing research, health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, advanced health assessment & diagnostics, and healthcare informatics. The coursework also teaches you quality improvement, population health, and nursing leadership & management. As a graduate of this program, you’ll be prepared to provide nursing care across the lifespan. Most students complete this program within 24 months, with each course being 15 weeks long.


Georgian Court University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: Georgian Court University direct-entry MSN is designed for non-nurses who have a bachelor’s degree. To qualify, you must have a GPA of at least 3.0. In addition, pre-requisite courses must be completed. You must also be ready to submit your transcripts, resume, personal essay, and letters of recommendation.


Interesting Highlights For Georgian Court University Direct-Entry MSN Students

• Georgian Court University’s direct-entry MSN program is offered in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health. Hackensack Meridian Health is the largest health system in the state and houses some of the best hospitals in NJ. The partnership opens doors to unparalleled networking & learning opportunities in the most comprehensive of clinical settings.
• Georgian Court University's direct-entry MSN program is taught by accomplished nursing professionals who are leading practitioners and researchers.
• Georgian Court University direct-entry MSN students learn in small-sized classes where in-person mentorship allows for effective learning and close interactions with faculty and peers.


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