Rowan College of South Jersey's (RCSJ) Associate in Nursing program has expanded its reputation across state lines, earning the distinction of being ranked #2 in the Northeast Region by NursingProcess.org. For the last four years, RCSJ's Nursing program has been ranked #1 in New Jersey.
NursingProcess.org examined 536 nursing schools in the Northeast region, ranking the associate degree in nursing programs based on NCLEX-RN pass rates, academic quality, the nursing school's reputation and affordability. NCLEX-RN pass rates, which is the licensure exam used by all state boards of nursing across the United States to help assess a student's competency, were analyzed from 2016 to 2019 and accounted for 60% of the weighted data. During the last four years, RCSJ–Gloucester campus nursing graduates earned NCLEX-RN passing rates of 98 to 100%.
Also diagnosed with high numbers is RCSJ's licensed practical nursing (LPN) program, ranked #2 in the state by PRACTICALnursing.org. NCLEX-PN data was analyzed over five years, with RCSJ–Cumberland campus LPN graduates receiving 100% on the overall score. Earlier in 2020, the College's LPN program was ranked #1 in New Jersey by Nursing Schools Almanac based on the NCLEX-PN exam and other student performance results.
“Having Rowan College of South Jersey acknowledged as one of the best nursing schools in the region and state for its RN and LPN nursing programs is a true testament to the quality of the College's instruction, faculty and students," stated College President Frederick Keating. “It is inspiring to have our nursing graduates standout as leaders in the nursing profession and recognized for their commitment to a noble profession."
“The recognition of our nursing programs both inside and outside of New Jersey is wonderful," agreed Dr. Susan Hall, dean of Nursing & Health Professions. “Since the early 1970s, graduates of the programs have made a positive impact on those in their care. Often times we hear stories of lives that have been touched both locally and nationally. The nursing programs at RCSJ are always evolving to meet the changing healthcare needs. We are grateful for the support of the College Board of Trustees and administration as we continue to provide excellent resources to the faculty who impart contemporary knowledge and skills to meet the needs of the community."
Healthcare providers across the region rely on RCSJ to prepare exemplary practitioners for employment in the nursing field. An aging population, coupled with a rise in obesity and other chronic diseases, have increased the demand for nurses and healthcare professionals. Also adding to the need is the coronavirus pandemic, and that more than half of New Jersey's current workforce is between the ages of 46 and 50, with retirement in the near future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, New Jersey is projected to have the third worst nursing shortage nationwide — a shortage of more than 11,000 employees — by the year 2030. RNs and LPNs both near the top of the list when it comes to employment growth.
RCSJ's Division of Nursing and Health Professions offers programs in nursing, diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound), nuclear medicine technology, exercise science, health science, alcohol and drug counseling, health care administration, LPN-RN, physical therapist assistant, medical technology, psychology, certified clinical medical assistant, medical coding, and healthcare risk management. The College's faculty and staff, state-of-the-art nursing and healthcare facilities, and dedicated skills and tutoring center, along with their strong relationship with clinical partners including Inspira, Jefferson, Cooper and Virtua, produce graduates as comfortable in a healthcare environment as they are in the classroom.
For more information about RCSJ's Nursing program and other health professions, visit RCSJ.edu/Nursing.
