The journey to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Garden State is both rewarding and rigorous. With some of the nation’s top-ranked healthcare facilities and a high demand for skilled professionals, New Jersey is a premier location to launch your nursing career. However, before you can don your scrubs and enter clinical rotations, you must navigate the essential first step: New Jersey Nursing Prerequisites.
Understanding these requirements is critical. In 2026, the competition for spots in Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs is higher than ever. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the courses, exams, and certifications you need to succeed, while highlighting how prereqcourses.com can streamline your path to enrollment.
1. Why New Jersey Nursing Prerequisites Matter
Nursing schools in New Jersey—ranging from Rutgers University to local community colleges like Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC)—use prerequisite courses to ensure applicants have a solid foundation in science and communication.
These courses serve two purposes:
Academic Readiness: They prepare you for the intense curriculum of nursing-specific courses like Pharmacology and Pathophysiology.
Selection Criteria: Because nursing programs often have limited seats, your performance in these prerequisites (specifically your “Science GPA”) is usually the primary factor in admission decisions.
2. Core Science Prerequisites: The “Big Three”
In New Jersey, the science block is the most heavily weighted portion of your application. Most programs require these courses to be completed within the last 5 to 10 years.
Anatomy and Physiology I & II (with Labs)
Often referred to as A&P, these courses are the bedrock of nursing. You will study the structure and function of the human body.
Typical Requirement: 8 credits total.
Pro Tip: Some NJ schools, such as The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), require “on-ground” or “face-to-face” labs for these credits. Always verify if a virtual lab is accepted before enrolling.
Microbiology (with Lab)
This course covers the study of microorganisms, immunology, and the spread of infectious diseases—knowledge you will use daily in a clinical setting.
Typical Requirement: 4 credits.
General or Organic Chemistry
While some community college ADN programs may only require high school chemistry, most BSN programs (like Seton Hall or Rutgers) require college-level General Chemistry or Bio-organic Chemistry with a lab.
3. General Education and Behavioral Sciences
Beyond the lab, New Jersey nursing schools look for well-rounded candidates who can communicate effectively and understand human behavior.
Course Category
Specific Course Names
Credits
English
English Composition I & II
6
Psychology
General Psychology & Developmental (Lifespan) Psychology
6
Sociology
Introduction to Sociology
3
Math
Statistics or College Algebra
3
Humanities
Philosophy, Ethics, or Cultural Anthropology
3-6
Note on Statistics: Almost all BSN programs in NJ require Statistics specifically, as it is necessary for understanding nursing research and evidence-based practice.
4. Accelerated Nursing Programs in New Jersey (ABSN)
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, you can fast-track your career through an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. These programs are designed to be completed in as little as 11 to 18 months.
Key New Jersey ABSN Programs
New Jersey is home to several elite accelerated programs, each with slightly different prerequisite nuances:
Rutgers University (Camden, Newark, & New Brunswick): Their 15-month program is highly competitive. Note that Rutgers Camden may have different science requirements than the New Brunswick campus—always check campus-specific lists!
Thomas Edison State University (TESU): Known for its hybrid model, TESU offers a 15-month program in Trenton. They are unique because they allow some prerequisites to be satisfied via “test-for-credit” (like DSST or CLEP) for non-science subjects.
Felician University: Offers both on-ground (Rutherford) and hybrid (Parsippany) tracks. Their program is roughly 16 months and focuses heavily on a holistic admission process.
Seton Hall University: Their 14-month program (Nutley/Freehold) requires a high standard for science grades, often looking for a “B” or better in A&P and Chemistry.
Unique Requirements for ABSN Applicants
While the core New Jersey nursing prerequisites remain the same, ABSN programs often add:
Nutrition: Almost universally required for accelerated tracks.
Pathophysiology: Some programs (like Felician) require this before entry, whereas traditional BSN programs include it in the core nursing curriculum.
Degree Verification: You must provide official transcripts from your first degree showing a minimum GPA (usually 3.0+).
5. GPA Requirements and Grade Standards
In 2026, simply “passing” your New Jersey nursing prerequisites isn’t enough. To be competitive, you should aim for the following:
Cumulative GPA: Most programs require a minimum of 3.0, though top-tier BSN programs often see average admitted GPAs of 3.5 or higher.
Individual Course Grades: While a “C” is technically passing, many NJ nursing schools (such as Holy Name Medical Center School of Nursing) require at least a “C+” or “B” in all science prerequisites.
The “One-Repeat” Rule: Be aware that many NJ schools have a policy regarding retakes. If you fail or withdraw from a science prerequisite more than once, you may be disqualified from applying.
6. Standardized Entrance Exams: The TEAS and Beyond
Most New Jersey nursing programs require an entrance exam to gauge your proficiency in Reading, Math, Science, and English.
ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills): This is the most common requirement. Schools like Ocean County College and Atlantic Cape Community College typically look for a composite score of 60% to 65% or higher.
HESI A2: Used by schools like Chamberlain University in North Brunswick. It covers similar topics to the TEAS but with a different scoring structure.
SAT/ACT: While some schools have moved to a “test-optional” policy through 2026, others still require these for traditional four-year BSN applicants.
7. Clinical and Compliance Requirements
Before you can begin your first clinical rotation, you must meet New Jersey’s Department of Health and Board of Nursing standards:
Criminal Background Check: New Jersey is strict about healthcare licensure; a “clean” check is mandatory.
Drug Screening: This usually includes testing for marijuana, which remains prohibited for nursing students due to federal regulations.
Immunizations: Proof of immunity (titers) or vaccination for MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and Tdap.
8. Strategic Timeline for NJ Nursing Applicants
Planning is vital. Many NJ programs only accept applications once a year.
Fall Admission: Applications usually open in September and close between December and February.
Spring Admission: Applications typically close in September or October.
The “Prerequisite Gap”: Ensure all your courses are completed by the deadline. Some schools allow you to have one or two courses “in progress” during the application window, while others require all grades to be on the transcript before you hit “submit.”
9. How to Complete Your New Jersey Nursing Prerequisites Fast
If you are a career changer or a student looking to get ahead, you don’t necessarily have to spend two years in a traditional classroom.
Accelerated Options
For those looking to finish quickly, prereqcourses.com is an invaluable resource. The site helps you find:
Self-Paced terms instead of traditional 16-week semesters.
Transfer-friendly courses that are guaranteed to be accepted by New Jersey institutions.
Cost-effective alternatives to expensive private university prerequisites.
Summary of New Jersey Nursing School Requirements
School
Primary Prereqs
Entrance Exam
Min GPA
Rutgers University
A&P I/II, Micro, Chem, Stats
SAT/ACT (Optional)
3.0
Rowan/RCBC
A&P I/II, Micro, Psych, Soc
ATI TEAS
3.0
Thomas Edison (ABSN)
A&P I/II, Micro, Nutrition
ATI TEAS
3.0
Felician (ABSN)
A&P I/II, Micro, Patho
None (Holistic)
3.0
Final Thoughts
Navigating New Jersey Nursing Prerequisites can feel like a full-time job, but with the right roadmap, it is entirely manageable. Whether you are aiming for a traditional BSN or a fast-paced accelerated program, focusing on your Science GPA and early exam prep is key. Use resources like prereqcourses.com to find the most efficient course options and stay ahead of the competition.
Don’t let the paperwork hold you back from a career spent saving lives. Start checking off those requirements today!
