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A leader in educating New Jersey’s healthcare workforce for nearly 60 years, William Paterson’s nursing enrollment has surged to the largest in northern New Jersey and number one among public regional universities. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the School of Nursing offers degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s and DNP levels. The BSN prepares students for entry-level practice as a professional nurse in every healthcare setting—acute or chronic care, in hospitals, the community, or home healthcare. BSN graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and to continue their nursing education at the MS or doctorate levels.
NJ Spotlight News features WP's rapidly growing nursing program
Alumni in science and health are employed or in graduate school within 6 months after graduation
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Known for excellence in nursing education, William Paterson University's BS in nursing program prepares students for entry level practice as professional nurses in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations. Graduates are well prepared for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), administered by the New Jersey Board of Nursing, to become professional nurses. They also gain a strong foundation for advanced education at the master's and doctoral levels. The School of Nursing offers a major in professional nursing supported by a concentration in the biological, physical and social sciences and a broad base of general education courses. Nursing courses include a clinical laboratory component in which faculty guide students in the development and application of knowledge and skills in a variety of health care settings. An on-campus learning center provides a large inventory of audiovisual materials, carrel room, computer laboratory, hospital equipment, and supplies for student laboratory experiences.
View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:
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In this program, nurses with a BSN are provided with a path to seamlessly obtain both their MSN and DNP degree. After applying to the program, the nursing student would complete the courses required for the MSN degree in one of two tracks: 1) adult-gerontology nurse practitioner in primary care (AGNP) or 2) family nurse practitioner (FNP) and will then be eligible for the nurse practitioner national certification examinations.
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An Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) 39-credit graduate degree program.An Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) is an advanced practice nurse with clinical focus on treating individuals from adolescents through adulthood and into advanced age. The main roles of AGNP's focus on preventive care involving health promotion and disease prevention as well as the management of patients with acute and chronic health issues. More info »
The family nurse practitioner (FNP) track is a 47-credit program that can be completed as a full-time or part-time student. FNPs provide comprehensive primary health care services to individuals from infancy through adulthood. FNPs are prepared to provide care to individuals with acute and chronic illnesses. Preventive health services, patient education, disease management, and illness prevention are provided within the context of family and community. Upon completion of the theory and practicum course requirements, you would be eligible to apply for the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification examination by American Association of Nurse Practitioner (AANP) or American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). More info »
The MSN in School Nursing is a 33-credit graduate degree program. This concentration focuses on assisting school nurses in expanding their knowledge, value, and skills in school nursing. The program consists of 24 credits of the school nurse instructional program and 9 credits of graduate core courses in the School of Nursing. The student is also eligible for the Educational Services Endorsement as a certified school nurse when the 24 credits of the school nurse program is completed. More info »
The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is a practice doctorate that prepares advanced practice nurses to be clinical scholars and thought leaders. The DNP program will prepare nurses with knowledge and skills to deliver the highest standard of care for individuals, families, communities and work in interdisciplinary teams in today's complex healthcare system. The doctor of nursing practice program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) until June 30, 2030. The post-master's DNP curriculum includes 41 credit hours that can be completed in seven semesters of full-time study (two courses per semester). Course work includes: utilizing technology to advance the quality of care; evaluating health care policy; providing leadership and inter-professional collaboration in multiple health care settings; and evaluating systems responses to health and illness, along with knowledge of nursing theories, related sciences, humanities, and economics. Students must also complete a minimum of 1,000 supervised post-baccalaureate practice hours. There are two tracks, the advanced practice clinical track for certified advanced practice nurse and the advanced practice administrative track for a master's prepared nurse administrator. More info »
The program is designed for professional registered nurses who have previously earned a master's degree with a major in nursing interested in pursuing certification in advanced nursing practice. The School of Nursing currently offers a Post-Master's Certificate in Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. Students in the Post-Master's Certificate Program will complete the necessary theory and practicum course requirements in the track in order to be eligible to sit for the Adult Gerontology or Family Nurse Practitioner certification examination (American Association of Nurse Practitioners or American Nurses Credentialing Center). More info »
The school nurse certification program is a graduate non-degree program offered by the School of Nursing. The program consists of two tracks, non-instructional and instructional.Upon completion of the non-instructional track, a standard educational services certificate with school nurse/non-instructional endorsement is granted by the New Jersey Department of Education. More info »
Guided by highly trained nursing faculty, students gain hands-on experience in our six cutting-edge patient simulation laboratories and our three state-of-the-art nursing basic skills labs—providing clinical experience right on campus. The nursing program is affiliated with more than 50 major hospitals and medical centers, public health agencies, clinics, and nursing homes, which offer clinical experiences. Students have the opportunity to earn membership in Sigma Theta Tau International, the Honor Society of Nursing, as well as join professional nursing organizations.
In our nursing programs, students learn in-demand skills that employers have identified as critical for job candidates, including:
Our more than 3,600 nursing alumni are employed in nearly every major hospital and medical center in New Jersey and beyond.
Our professors are proud practitioners in their fields and love to share their expertise beyond the classroom. Mentorship is at the core of our department, and it’s our goal that every student work directly with a faculty member to expand their knowledge and worldview.
BSN, Honors College nursing track, Registered nurse, Pediatric Emergency Department, Hackensack University Medical Center
And we're ready to help you grow. At William Paterson, we provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to forge forward as a powerhouse—both in the classroom and in their careers. Apply today to discover your potential.
William Paterson University celebrated the 10th anniversary of its doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program with a special reception for program graduates hosted by the School of Nursing on May 3.
Since 2014, 65 students have graduated with the DNP credential; an additional nine students will graduate later this month. The highest-level clinical degree in nursing, the doctor of nursing practice degree prepares advanced practice nurses who already hold master’s degrees to be clinical scholars and nurse leaders recognized for outstanding patient care outcomes.
The program has evolved over the past 10 years. In addition to accepting students who have a master’s degree, the program now accepts students who have completed a BSN and are interested in doctoral study. To meet market demand, the program will move to a fully online model in fall 2025.
“One area that has not changed is the School of Nursing’s commitment to educating nurse thinkers,” says Minerva Salinas Guttman, associate dean of the School of Nursing. “The program continues to bring nursing research, through evidence-based practice, into the clinical setting where it will improve the health outcomes of folks living today.
More than 40 of the program’s alumni—many of whom are faculty and staff in the University’s School of Nursing—were present at the event, which featured remarks by Maria Brennan, DNP ’14, chief nursing officer at University Hospital and a member of the first graduating class.
Brennan, who also recently served as president of the Organization of Nurse Leaders of New Jersey, spoke about the transformative impact of her degree and the changes in the healthcare delivery system today that point to the ongoing need for doctorally prepared clinical nurse scholars. Brennan’s dissertation focused on the impact of nurse leadership on the satisfaction of the nursing unit.
“It has been wonderful to follow these nursing leaders and see the difference their commitment and the DNP degree made in their practice,” says Kem Louie, professor emerita of nursing, who served as inaugural director of the graduate program when it launched.
The 41-credit program includes courses focused on utilizing technology to advance the quality of care; evaluating health care policy; providing leadership and inter-professional collaboration in multiple health care settings; and evaluating systems responses to health and illness, along with knowledge of nursing theories, related sciences, humanities and economics. Students must also complete a minimum of 1,000 supervised post-baccalaureate practice hours and complete a scholarly clinical project.
The event was a collaboration between the School of Nursing and the Office of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy.
