Launched in 2023, Centenary’s RN to BSN program creates an academic pathway for registered nurses to advance to healthcare leadership positions requiring a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, May 21, 2026—As a teenager, George Hamberger was searching for a career enriching people’s lives. Setting his sights on becoming a cruise ship activities director, he earned an associate degree in recreation therapy, but soon realized that few jobs were open in the field. Hamberger then took a job in real estate and banking, flipping properties in New York and helping clients to arrange for mortgage loans while also working a side gig sterilizing surgical equipment at a hospital.

            Although successful, he felt something was missing. “I found my work at the hospital so interesting,” recalled Hamberger, who is now a perioperative nurse supervisor in the operating room at Overlook Hospital in Summit. “I saw an opportunity to grow that foundation into something bigger. First, I moved into a position setting up the operating room for surgeons. From there, I decided to become a nurse and earned my RN from the County College of Morris. As a nurse, I really enjoy helping people and teaching them about the care they are receiving. After almost 30 years in a hospital setting, I wanted to grow beyond my clinical expertise and strengthen my leadership and decision-making skills.”

            On Saturday, May 16, Hamberger earned his Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree at Centenary University’s 151^st commencement— a member of Centenary’s first RN to BSN graduating class. 

Launched in 2023 in collaboration with Atlantic Health, Centenary’s RN to BSN creates an academic pathway for nurses to advance to healthcare leadership positions requiring a BSN, as well as branch out into public health and school nursing careers. The program can be completed in five semesters and is structured in a cohort model to ensure that working professionals build a sustainable network as they pursue their BSN. Taking into consideration the time constraints of adult students, classes are fully asynchronous and many working nurses can complete the majority of the practicum experience at their place of employment. The program recently earned accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a leading accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education.

Like Hamberger, many Centenary nursing students work at Overlook Hospital in Summit and are recipients of Centenary’s Reeves Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to Overlook Hospital RNs who enroll in Centenary’s RN to BSN and supplements additional tuition reimbursement from Atlantic Health. Looking to advance his nursing career, Hamberger first heard about Centenary’s nursing degree at a career fair. He quickly applied, winning a Reeves Scholarship and convincing two co-workers—Ramon Flores and Ashley Godtel—to enroll, too. Both Flores and Godtel also graduated from Centenary this spring.

“Centenary was such a good fit,” Hamberger said. “It’s designed for working nurses like me. The environment is supportive and the curriculum is practical—everything I learned could be applied to my practice. My capstone project focuses on improving turnover efficiency in the operating room using a structured communication approach, something I deal with every day. Now, I’m able to apply evidence-based strategies to improve efficiency.”

Today, Hamberger unequivocally recommends Centenary’s RN to BSN to registered nurses: “Don’t wait—if you’re thinking about earning a BSN, take the next step now. Centenary’s program meets you where you are. You’ll start using what you’ve learned immediately. It’s absolutely worth it.”

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1867 by the United Methodist Church, Centenary University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs grounded in a strong liberal arts foundation and career-focused learning. Located in Hackettstown, New Jersey, with an equestrian center in Washington Township, Centenary provides students with hands-on, personalized educational experiences that prepare them for success in a global and evolving workforce.  Guided by its commitment to student success, university vitality, and world engagement, Centenary empowers students to lead lives of purpose, impact, and lifelong achievement.