Nurses who wish to achieve the highest level of nursing education can pursue a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) at various schools in the state of New Jersey. This state offers multiple program specialties to choose from and has options for both BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses.
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DNP Programs in New Jersey
All of the DNP programs in New Jersey offer some online component, but on-campus requirements vary from one program to the next.
Per the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, all DNP students must complete 1,000 post-BSN hours, with hours accumulated during MSN programs counting toward the total. The clinical hours specified in the summaries below specify the hours available in each program that count toward this total.
New Jersey BSN to DNP Programs
Most programs offer some online component, but for nurses who wish to get on-campus experience, these programs at Rutgers University can be a good choice.
Rutgers University
- Newark, New Brunswick, & Blackwood, New Jersey
- Varies
Modality: Varies
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $1,082 per credit + fees for residents; $1,584 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
Rutgers University offers several DNP options, including a BSN to DNP in Nursing Leadership. This 60-credit program takes four or five years to complete and includes the required practicum and project hours. Classwork is primarily online, but specialty courses have some on-campus requirements, with two classes in every course held on the school’s Newark campus.
There are also two MSN to DNP programs. The MSN to DNP Leadership option is 42 credits and takes three years to complete. Students are admitted in the fall and spring. Classes are primarily online, but this hybrid program requires students to come to campus for two classes per course.
The MSN to DNP Practice Focus track is targeted at MSN-prepared nurses who wish to advance their clinical practice. This program uses a weekend executive model so students can continue practising full-time while attending school. Some coursework is completed online, but students are required to come to campus for full-day, in-person sessions over long weekends (Friday to Sunday) roughly one weekend a month. This 36-credit program can be completed in six consecutive semesters, and students get a break between each course.
Online DNP Programs in New Jersey
Online programs are often be a good choice for nurses who hope to continue working while pursuing their degrees. In New Jersey, there are online options or both BSN and MSN-prepare nurses.
New Jersey Online BSN to DNP Programs
Seton Hall University offers an online DNP program that admits students who have either a BSN or a DNP. A majority of the coursework is online, but there are some on-campus requirements.
Seton Hall University
- South Orange, New Jersey
- Online + In-Person
Modality: Online with in-person requirements
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $1,520 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Seton Hall University’s DNP program admits students with either a BSN or an MSN. Each entry point has its own requirements. The BSN to DNP track is 73 to 79 credits, and the MSN to DNP program is 31+. All students complete a Final Scholarly Project and the required number of clinical hours. For MSN-prepared nurses, the required coursework and practicum hourly requirements are determined on an individual basis.
New Jersey Online MSN to DNP Programs
There are eight different online MSN to DNP programs offered by universities and colleges in New Jersey. We take a closer look at these options below.
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus
- Florham, New Jersey
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 37
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $1,578 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Fairleigh Dickinson University offers an MSN to DNP program through its Florham Campus. This track is designed for MSN-prepared nurse executives or advanced practice nurses and has a strong emphasis on data collection and analysis. The program is entirely online, and more of the classes are asynchronous.
This part-time program admits students on a rolling basis. Due to scheduling, students who start the program in the spring typically complete it in six semesters or two years. Those who begin in the fall generally complete it in seven, and those beginning in summer in eight. There is also an accelerated option available. Nurses who wish to attend full-time can start in the fall and complete the program in only four semesters.
Felician University
- Rutherford, New Jersey
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: 36
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $1,190 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Coursework for the DNP program at Felician University is entirely online, with one on-campus intensive at the beginning of the program and a second on-campus visit at the end of the program for DNP project presentations. Students can complete the program in just over two years.
There are two tracks available: the MSN to Advanced Practice Program Track and the MSN to DNP Executive Leadership Program Track. For the advanced practice program track, applicants must have an MSN, a national certification, and experience in an advanced practice role. For the executive leadership role, applicants can have either an MSN or a master’s in a related field. If the master’s is in another field, the applicant must have a BSN.
Monmouth University
- West Long Branch, New Jersey
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: 36
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $1,195 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at Monmouth University is a post-master’s program focusing on leadership. Students can complete this 36-credit program in six semesters (roughly two calendar years). All coursework is delivered online, and there are minimal on-campus requirements. Students in the program will complete 500 clinical hours. If additional hours are needed to meet the 1,000-hour post-BSN requirement, students can make a plan with their advisor to complete them.
Ramapo College of New Jersey
- Mahwah, New Jersey
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 36
Clinical Hours: 540
Tuition: $1,196.07 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Ramapo College’s 3-credit MSN to DNP track is a part-time program that takes three years to complete. This hybrid program starts every fall and offers most classes online, but students are required to come to campus for in-person meetings a few times a semester. This program is practice-based, placing more emphasis on nursing practice than research, theory, or statistics.
Stockton University
- Galloway, New Jersey
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives
Credit Hours: 27
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $922 per credit + fees for residents; $1,407 + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at Stockton University is delivered in an online synchronous format with on-campus intensives once per semester. Students can complete the program in five semesters or just under two years, and full- and part-time options are also available. This program offers 500 clinical hours; every student will receive a gap analysis to determine if they need additional hours to meet the 1,000-hour requirement.
Thomas Edison State University
- Trenton, New Jersey
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 36
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $806 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The online MSN to DNP program at Thomas Edison State University is a flexible program that can be completed in as little as 12 months. Students can enroll in the number of classes that suit their busy schedules. To complete the program in a year, students should enroll in two 3-credit courses for six consecutive terms. Students who enroll in a single course each term can complete the program in two years. This program is entirely online, and no on-campus visits are required.
William Paterson University of New Jersey
- Wayne, New Jersey
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 41
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $851.90 per credit + fees for residents; $1,302.50 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
William Paterson University of New Jersey offers an online MSN to DNP that is 41 credits and can be completed in seven semesters full-time. This program allows students to choose two of the following specialty courses to focus their practice: Economic Analysis for Managers, Organizational Behavior and Communication, and Clinical Teaching Strategies.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Jersey
The lengths of these programs can vary. Generally, how long a program takes to complete can depend on previous education, clinical hours, and experience. If you’re looking for the shortest programs, consider those below.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
The shortest BSN to DNP program is at Rutgers University. Full-time students can complete this track in three years.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The shortest MSN to DNP program is at Thomas Edison State University, where the online MSN to DNP can be completed in as little as 12 months. The programs at Stockton University, Monmouth University, Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus, and the MSN to DNP Practice Focus option at Rutgers University take around two years.
Best DNP Programs in New Jersey
The best program in New Jersey will depend on what is best for you. Nurses who intend to work full time may find the weekend schedule of the MSN to DNP Practice Focus option at Rutgers University convenient. Those who wish to focus specifically on leadership may consider the MSN to DNP Executive Leadership Program Track at Felician University.
Cheapest DNP Programs in New Jersey
The most affordable DNP program in New Jersey is Thomas Edison State University at $806 per credit. Other schools that cost under $1,000 per credit are William Paterson University of New Jersey at $851 and Stockton University at $922. Note that each of these schools has its own fee schedule and other costs that may increase the overall admission.