Whether you live in New Jersey or you’re just visiting for business, vacation, or family, knowing where to go for reliable medical care can make a huge difference. Below, I’ve put together a carefully researched list of 15 hospitals that consistently stand out for patient safety, specialist services, emergency response, and overall reputation in 2026. This guide is based on publicly available rankings, hospital accreditations, specialty performance reports, and each hospital’s official information.
1. Hackensack University Medical Center – Hackensack, NJ
Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) is widely recognized as one of the top hospitals in New Jersey. It is part of the Hackensack Meridian Health network and frequently ranks among the best regional hospitals in national reports.
Level I Adult Trauma Center – critical for severe injuries.
Home to the John Theurer Cancer Center, one of the largest cancer programs in the state.
Magnet-recognized nursing staff, which reflects high standards in patient care.
Advanced cardiac, neurology, and transplant programs.
- If you are a tourist and experience a serious emergency in North Jersey, this is one of the most equipped facilities in the region.
2. Morristown Medical Center – Morristown, NJ
Morristown Medical Center is the flagship hospital of Atlantic Health System and has built a strong reputation for cardiac care and surgical excellence.
Nationally recognized heart and vascular institute.
Comprehensive stroke center.
Strong orthopedic and gastrointestinal programs.
Large maternity and pediatric departments.
- Patients often highlight its organized emergency department and coordinated specialty care.
- Official website: https://www.atlantichealth.org/locations/morristown-medical-center
- For residents in North and Central NJ, this hospital is frequently considered one of the safest and most advanced choices.
3. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital – New Brunswick, NJ
This hospital is part of RWJBarnabas Health and affiliated with Rutgers University, which gives it a strong research and teaching foundation.
Major academic medical center.
Strong oncology, neuroscience, and cardiac programs.
Access to clinical trials and advanced treatment options.
Large intensive care units and specialty surgery departments.
- Because it is a teaching hospital, patients benefit from evidence-based treatments and access to specialists.
- Official website:
https://www.rwjbh.org/rwj-university-hospital-new-brunswick - This is a strong option for patients seeking advanced or specialized care.
4. Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center – Plainsboro, NJ
Located in Central New Jersey, this hospital is part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. It consistently performs well in adult procedures and patient satisfaction.
Modern campus with private patient rooms.
High-performing maternity unit.
Strong heart and surgical services.
Focus on patient-centered care.
- It’s often recommended for families and planned medical procedures.
- Official website: https://www.princetonhcs.org
- For visitors staying in Central NJ, this is a convenient and highly rated facility.
5. Englewood Hospital – Englewood, NJ
Englewood Hospital is known for combining advanced medical services with a more community-focused atmosphere.
High performance in multiple adult specialties.
Reliable emergency services.
Strong cardiac and surgical care.
Personalized patient attention.
- While smaller than some academic centers, it consistently delivers strong outcomes and patient satisfaction.
- Official website: https://www.englewoodhealth.org
- For Bergen County residents or travelers near NYC, it’s a dependable option.
6. Jersey Shore University Medical Center – Neptune, NJ
Located near the Jersey Shore, this hospital is part of Hackensack Meridian Health and serves as a major medical hub for Monmouth and Ocean counties.
Level II Adult Trauma Center
Advanced cardiac and stroke programs
Large emergency department (important during peak summer tourism)
Strong neurology and neurosurgery services
- If you’re vacationing near the Shore and need emergency or specialized care, this is one of the most equipped facilities in the region.
7. Cooper University Hospital – Camden, NJ
Cooper is one of the most important academic medical centers in southern New Jersey.
Level I Trauma Center (highest trauma designation)
Strong cancer institute
Advanced surgical and critical care services
Teaching hospital affiliated with Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
- For serious emergencies in South Jersey or near Philadelphia, Cooper is often the top referral hospital.
8. Valley Hospital – Paramus, NJ
The Valley Hospital recently expanded with a new state-of-the-art campus in Paramus, offering upgraded facilities and private rooms.
High ratings for patient satisfaction
Strong maternity and women’s health services
Cardiac and orthopedic specialties
Modern surgical suites and diagnostic technology
- It’s especially popular among families in Bergen County.
- Official website: https://www.valleyhealth.com
9. Overlook Medical Center – Summit, NJ
Part of Atlantic Health System, Overlook Medical Center is known for its cardiovascular and neuroscience programs.
Advanced heart and vascular services
Comprehensive stroke center
Strong emergency care
Award-recognized maternity services
- It’s a dependable option for residents in Union County and nearby areas.
- Official website: https://www.atlantichealth.org/locations/overlook-medical-center
10. Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital – Camden, NJ
Virtua’s Our Lady of Lourdes campus is well-known in South Jersey for cardiac and vascular care.
Advanced heart surgery and vascular institute
High-performing general surgery programs
Recognized stroke care services
Part of the larger Virtua Health system
- It serves a wide patient base across Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties.
11. St. Joseph's University Medical Center – Paterson, NJ
St. Joseph’s is one of North Jersey’s busiest hospitals and plays a major role in emergency response.
Level II Trauma Center
Comprehensive stroke center
Strong cardiac and vascular programs
Advanced neonatal intensive care (NICU)
- Because of its central location in Paterson, it serves a large and diverse patient population.
12. AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center – Atlantic City, NJ
AtlantiCare operates major campuses in Atlantic City and Pomona, serving coastal communities and tourists.
Regional cardiac and cancer programs
Large emergency departments (busy during tourism season)
Stroke and critical care services
Strong community outreach programs
- If you’re staying near Atlantic City or the southern shore, this is a primary referral hospital.
- Official website: https://www.atlanticare.org
13. Monmouth Medical Center – Long Branch, NJ
Part of RWJBarnabas Health, Monmouth Medical Center is widely respected in Monmouth County.
Recognized maternity and women’s health services
Pediatric specialty care
Advanced cardiac services
Modern surgical facilities
- It’s frequently chosen by families for childbirth and long-term care planning.
- Official website: https://www.rwjbh.org/monmouth-medical-center
14. Clara Maass Medical Center – Belleville, NJ
Clara Maass, part of RWJBarnabas Health, is known for combining advanced medical technology with a strong community focus.
Comprehensive stroke center
Cardiac and orthopedic programs
Behavioral health services
Convenient access for Essex County residents
- It offers a balance between large-system resources and local care.
- Official website: https://www.rwjbh.org/clara-maass-medical-center
15. Cape Regional Medical Center – Cape May Court House, NJ
Serving Cape May County, this hospital is essential for residents and seasonal visitors.
Full emergency department
Surgical and diagnostic services
Cardiac monitoring and rehabilitation programs
Important access point for rural and shore communities
- For those traveling to Cape May or surrounding shore towns, this is the main hospital in the region.
Final Thoughts
New Jersey offers a strong healthcare network across North, Central, and South Jersey. From large academic medical centers to trusted community hospitals, patients have access to advanced trauma care, heart programs, cancer treatment, maternity services, and specialized surgery.
If you’re a local resident, choosing the right hospital often depends on specialty services and insurance coverage. For tourists, proximity to a Level I or Level II trauma center and emergency department is especially important.
Before making a decision, always check:
The hospital’s specialty expertise
Insurance acceptance
Distance and emergency capabilities
Recent safety and patient satisfaction ratings
- Planning ahead can make a stressful medical situation much easier to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which hospital is ranked #1 in New Jersey?
Hackensack University Medical Center is frequently ranked among the top hospitals in the state for overall performance and specialty care.
Â
2. Which hospital is best for trauma emergencies in NJ?
Hospitals like Cooper University Hospital and Hackensack University Medical Center have Level I Trauma Centers, making them ideal for severe emergencies.
Â
3. What is the best hospital in Central New Jersey?
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center are highly rated for specialty and general care in Central NJ.
Â
4. Are New Jersey hospitals good for maternity care?
Yes. Hospitals such as Valley Hospital and Monmouth Medical Center are well known for strong maternity and women’s health programs.
Â
5. What should tourists do in a medical emergency in New Jersey?
Call 911 immediately for life-threatening emergencies. You will be transported to the nearest appropriate hospital, often one equipped with trauma or critical care services.
