The LPN to RN bridge program is approved by the NJ Board of Nursing and can be completed in as little as 18 months

Starting in January, Eastwick College will once again be offering a registered nursing (RN) associate degree program, after receiving approval from The New Jersey Board of Nursing earlier this month.

The college has started accepting applications for the LPN to RN Bridge program, and is anticipating it to fill up quickly due to limited seating available and the career’s historic popularity.

“There are a surprisingly limited number of programs in the state that offer accessible, affordable RN training,” explains President Thomas M. Eastwick. “We’re proud to help meet this demand with our RN degree, which features a focused curriculum and flexible scheduling that allows students to complete the program in as little as 18 months.”

In recent years, registered nursing saw historic levels of job growth, and the demand for professionals in this field continues to be grow, with an increase of 439,300 new jobs expected by 2024 – more than twice the national average for all occupations – and an average annual income of $86,410 in the NY/NJ Metro Area according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor.

Registered nurses play an essential role in promoting the health and wellness of a patient, helping physicians provide preventative care to healthy patients and treatment for patients suffering from various medical conditions. They administer medication, monitor patient recovery and progress, and educate patients and their families on treatments and preventing disease. More experienced RNs may be responsible for performing patient diagnosis and case management. For many, becoming a registered nurse serves as the first step toward a career in healthcare administration or nursing education.

The registered nursing degree program follows a long history of medical education and training at Eastwick College. In 2014, it became the first private sector college in the state to offer an associate degree in occupational therapy assisting (OTA), which has become one of the college’s most successful programs, earning accreditation from the prestigious Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). And as of earlier this year, the college has earned CAAHEP accreditation for three of its programs: cardiovascular sonography at Eastwick College Ramsey and Nutley, and surgical technology in Eastwick College Ramsey.

“We’ve earned a large amount of respect among healthcare organizations in the area thanks to the specialized medical programs we’ve developed and our unique training methods,” explains President Eastwick. “Our students learn in hands-on lab classroom environments, with a curriculum that is focused on the skills and procedures they will need to know in their new careers. As a result, our graduates are frequently praised by employers for being some of their most confident and best prepared new employees.”

To learn more about Eastwick College and its new registered nursing associate degree, visit www.eastwick.edu/RN or call 201-327-8877.