Nursing

Rider University graduate nursing programs are designed to prepare students to apply for licensure in New Jersey. The completion of the curriculum of the Rider University graduate nursing program may or may not lead to licensure in other states as regulatory requirements for nurse practitioners differ from state to state. New Jersey is the only state for which Rider University has determined that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure. Rider University makes every effort to ensure that information about educational requirements for licensure and nurse practitioner certification is current; however, requirements may change. Separate from educational requirements, state nursing licensure boards may require applicants to complete continuing education, background checks, supervised clinical hours, and submission of a joint practice agreement. As such, Rider University does not guarantee that completion of an academic program will automatically lead to licensure.  

If you plan to pursue professional licensure in a state other than New Jersey, it is strongly recommended that prospective and current students contact the appropriate licensing entity in that state to seek information and guidance regarding licensure requirements prior to beginning or continuing an academic program.  Contact information for the state agencies can be found on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.

Rider University’s family nurse practitioner (FNP), adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) concentrations prepare students to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) national certification examinations. 

Rider University faculty and staff provide clinical opportunities required for the completion of national certification and state licensure. Clinical placements are only offered in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. To foster a diverse clinical experience, students may need to travel outside of their preferred areas. Clinical placements will not exceed a distance of 100 miles from Rider University’s Lawrenceville campus unless otherwise agreed upon by the student prior to placement. 

It is critical that you notify the nursing program director and check licensure or certification requirements if you relocate or plan to relocate to a new state while enrolled in the program. Relocation outside of the geographic area where students are placed for clinicals may result in the need to withdraw from the program.