- 1). Obtain a nursing degree and New Jersey RN license. Only registered nurses who hold bachelor's degrees in nursing and a current New Jersey RN license are eligible for certification as a school nurse, according to the New Jersey State School Nurses Association. Bachelor's degrees should come from a nationally or regionally accredited nursing school. Registered nurses who hold licenses from states other than New Jersey should contact the New Jersey State Board of Nursing to obtain reciprocal credentials.
- 2). Obtain and maintain current CPR certifications. The New Jersey State School Nurses Association notes that school nurses in the state must hold current certifications in both cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillation (AED). Not only does the state of New Jersey require that school nurses hold these certifications, but it is also a pre-requisite for admission to school nurse certificate programs.
- 3). Complete an accredited New Jersey school nurse certificate program. Only nine nursing schools in New Jersey offer school nurse certificate programs, according to the New Jersey State School Nurses Association. The New Jersey Department of Education requires that nurses seeking certification as a school nurse within the state complete a certificate program from a nursing school in New Jersey. Caldwell College, Felician College, Kean University, Monmouth University, New Jersey City University, Rutgers University, Rowan University, Seton Hall University and William Patterson University all offer school nurse certificate programs. All programs require a minimum of 30 credit hours of required coursework in topics such as human growth and development, public health nursing, and educational psychology. A one- or two-semester teaching practicum is also part of the program.
- 4). Submit an application package to New Jersey State Department of Education. The New Jersey State Department of Education requires a package of materials that include a completed application form, transcripts from your certificate program and your bachelor's program, a copy of your New Jersey nursing license, copies of your certifications in CPR and AED and a licensing fee. All school nurse certification programs in New Jersey assist graduates with the preparation of application materials and provide access to necessary forms.
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