Middlesex College is opening a new door for healthcare workers with the launch of an accelerated LPN-to-RN bridge program designed to move nurses into higher-paying roles in just one year.

The three-semester program allows Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to obtain an associate degree in nursing while building on their existing clinical expertise.

Registration for the inaugural cohort is set to begin in August 2026.

"This program provides LPNs with an accessible opportunity to build on their clinical expertise and expand their scope of practice," said Kara Kaldawi, Middlesex College Nursing Program Director.

The curriculum combines rigorous academics with hands-on clinical experience and state-of-the-art simulations.

It specifically prepares graduates to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN), the final step to becoming a Registered Nurse.

Middlesex College President Mark McCormick noted that the program is a direct response to the growing demand for skilled nurses across the state.

By removing barriers to career advancement, the college aims to bolster the regional healthcare system.

The program has already received provisional accreditation from the New Jersey Board of Nursing.

Officials say the "bridge" model is intended to offer working professionals upward mobility and a higher income ceiling at an affordable tuition rate.

"By supporting LPNs in taking the next step in their careers, we are strengthening the nursing workforce," said Dionne Miller, vice president of academic affairs.

Prospective students can find more information on the Middlesex College website ahead of the August registration window.