
Olivia Chen, NP
June 26, 2025
New York’s nursing education landscape offers a comprehensive range of pathways for healthcare professionals at every level. Whether you’re beginning as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), advancing from a Registered Nurse (RN) to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), pursuing licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or training to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), the state’s colleges, universities, and health systems deliver rigorous coursework alongside immersive clinical practicum experiences. With flexible online modules designed for busy learners and hands‑on training in varied care settings, New York’s programs prepare graduates with the expertise, professional credentials, and competitive salary potential needed to excel across its diverse healthcare environment.
Vestal, NY - Public 4-Year - binghamton.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Binghamton University's Decker School of Nursing delivers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Nursing that accommodates diverse student pathways. Students can enter through traditional first-year, transfer, or accelerated tracks, providing flexibility in nursing education. The program meticulously prepares candidates for the NCLEX-RN examination through a curriculum integrating liberal arts and nursing sciences. Clinical experiences are strategically embedded to ensure practical skill development. With multiple entry points and strong academic foundations, students receive a robust nursing education that balances theoretical knowledge and hands-on training. Admission requirements vary by track, making the program accessible to high school graduates, college transfers, and degree holders seeking nursing careers.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Binghamton University's Baccalaureate Accelerated Track (BAT) Nursing program offers an intensive 12-month pathway for career changers with existing bachelor's degrees. Designed for individuals without prior nursing background, this campus-based program transforms professionals into registered nurses through a concentrated curriculum. Students experience a dynamic learning environment that combines rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical practice. The program's accelerated format provides a comprehensive nursing education grounded in liberal arts and sciences, preparing graduates comprehensively for the NCLEX-RN examination. Ideal for motivated professionals seeking a rapid transition into nursing, the program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical skill development.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Binghamton University's online RN-BS program serves registered nurses seeking career advancement through a flexible, technology-enabled educational model. Uniquely designed for working professionals, the program offers complete online accessibility without mandatory login times, accommodating diverse schedules. Students can complete the degree in as few as 10 months, with the option to transfer up to 93 credits. The curriculum strategically bridges existing clinical experience with advanced nursing knowledge, enhancing professional competencies. Supported by experienced faculty, the program provides an affordable, respected pathway for nurses to expand their academic credentials and career opportunities through a user-friendly, comprehensive online learning experience.
Rochester, NY - Private 4-year - www2.naz.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Nazareth University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) provides an exceptional pathway for aspiring nurses, featuring a comprehensive curriculum that prioritizes cultural competence and global health perspectives. Students benefit from immersive clinical rotations across acute, ambulatory, and community settings, complemented by advanced nursing simulation technologies. With an impressive 97% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, the program ensures rigorous academic preparation. Direct admission into the nursing major allows for personalized faculty mentorship from the first semester. The program uniquely supports student athletes and offers innovative opportunities like international study experiences in Belize and Finland, positioning graduates as versatile, collaborative healthcare professionals.
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Designed specifically for Licensed Practical Nurses seeking career advancement, Nazareth University's LPN to B.S. Nursing program offers a flexible hybrid learning model combining online and on-campus instruction. The curriculum emphasizes cultural competence, interprofessional collaboration, and comprehensive healthcare skills development. Students leverage their existing practical nursing experience while expanding theoretical knowledge and clinical expertise. With a remarkable 97% first-time NCLEX-RN exam pass rate, the program provides strategic pathways into diverse nursing roles. Financial aid options and accommodations for working professionals make this program particularly attractive for motivated LPNs looking to elevate their nursing credentials.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Nazareth University's R.N. to B.S. Nursing program represents an innovative educational opportunity for registered nurses seeking advanced professional development. The hybrid format combines online flexibility with immersive on-campus learning, enabling working professionals to pursue academic growth. Emphasizing critical thinking, cultural competency, and leadership skills, the CCNE-accredited program prepares nurses for complex healthcare environments. Students gain comprehensive insights into advanced nursing practices while maintaining professional commitments. With high licensure exam pass rates and a curriculum designed to support career progression, graduates emerge as adaptable, skilled healthcare leaders ready to make significant contributions to patient care and medical innovation.
Albany, NY - Private 4-year - mariacollege.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Maria College of Albany's online RN-BS Degree Completion program delivers a transformative educational pathway for registered nurses seeking professional advancement. Strategically designed for working professionals, this 12-month accelerated program offers comprehensive nursing education at an affordable $385 per credit. Graduates gain critical skills in pathophysiology, healthcare policy, and holistic pharmacology, preparing them for leadership roles. Uniquely positioned for RNs with an existing license, the program requires an unencumbered New York RN license and an associate degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. ACEN accreditation ensures high-quality curriculum, emphasizing community health perspectives, healthcare ethics, and advanced nursing practice. The program's flexibility and clinical hour requirements make it an exceptional choice for career-driven nurses.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Maria College's hybrid RN-BS Degree Completion Program provides a dynamic educational experience for licensed registered nurses seeking comprehensive professional development. Blending online and on-campus learning, this innovative program accommodates both full-time and part-time students. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based nursing practices, leadership training, and compassionate care methodologies. Designed for RNs with an associate degree, the program offers a personalized approach to nursing education. Accredited by ACEN, students benefit from a curriculum that prepares them for diverse healthcare roles, integrating clinical requirements with theoretical knowledge. The program's flexible format and focus on advanced nursing competencies make it an ideal pathway for RNs looking to expand their professional capabilities.
Utica, NY - Private 4-year - utica.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Utica University's comprehensive Nursing program delivers an exceptional educational experience bridging theoretical knowledge with practical clinical training. Students benefit from cutting-edge simulation environments in the Shaheen Nursing Laboratory, which replicates authentic healthcare settings. The curriculum emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and prepares graduates for diverse nursing roles across critical care, geriatrics, and specialized healthcare domains. Liberal arts integration enriches the program, fostering well-rounded healthcare professionals. Military-friendly and committed to student success, the program provides robust hands-on learning opportunities. Entrance requirements include meeting health and liability insurance standards, with students responsible for clinical site transportation.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Utica University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) offers a dynamic 16-month pathway for career changers seeking rapid nursing credentials. This innovative hybrid program strategically combines online coursework with immersive lab and clinical experiences across Syracuse and Albany locations. Designed for professionals with existing college credits, applicants must possess 65 transferable credits and maintain a 2.8 GPA. The program features rolling admissions, multiple annual start dates, and no waitlist, providing flexible entry into nursing education. CCNE-accredited and focused on comprehensive preparation, graduates are positioned to successfully challenge the NCLEX-RN examination and launch immediate nursing careers.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Utica University's Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN) provides a transformative educational pathway for non-nursing bachelor's degree holders transitioning into advanced nursing roles. This comprehensive program integrates 80 rigorous credit hours, including 225 lab hours and 800 clinical rotations, emphasizing evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. The curriculum champions leadership development, global health perspectives, and interprofessional collaboration. Designed as a full-time hybrid program, it prepares students comprehensively for RN licensure while cultivating advanced nursing competencies. With state-of-the-art simulations, diverse clinical experiences, and strong faculty support, graduates emerge as innovative, culturally competent healthcare professionals ready to address complex medical challenges.
Brooklyn, NY - Public 4-Year - mec.cuny.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY Medgar Evers College's Associate in Applied Science in Nursing provides a comprehensive pathway to becoming a registered nurse. This rigorous 64-credit program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN examination through strategic clinical training and academic preparation. Designed with flexibility in mind, the program offers evening and weekend classes to accommodate working professionals. Students must maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA and achieve a B- or higher in science courses. With strong NCLEX-RN pass rates and high post-graduation employment, the program serves as an excellent foundation for future Bachelor of Science in Nursing studies, emphasizing professional conduct and quality patient care.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY Medgar Evers College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing is an innovative hybrid RN-BS completion program designed for registered nurses seeking professional growth. The curriculum strategically blends advanced clinical knowledge with leadership development, preparing nurses for complex healthcare environments. Students explore evidence-based practices, technological integration, and cultural competency, enhancing their ability to deliver comprehensive patient care. The program uniquely supports graduate study preparation while emphasizing professional nursing leadership. With a robust 120-credit curriculum, students gain critical thinking skills and technological proficiency, positioning themselves for advanced career opportunities in diverse healthcare settings.
New York’s LPN programs combine classroom study in anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals with supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long‑term care facilities, and community clinics. Students develop hands‑on skills to administer medications, monitor vital signs, and support patient recovery under professional supervision. After passing the NCLEX‑PN exam and obtaining New York licensure, graduates bolster the practical nursing workforce, enhancing access to quality care across both New York City’s metropolitan area and rural communities.
New York’s CNA programs offer six to twelve weeks of instruction in patient‑care fundamentals, covering hygiene, safety, and vital‑sign monitoring, followed by clinical practicums. Participants learn to assist with mobility, feeding, and personal hygiene, while mastering accurate documentation. Upon certification, CNAs join healthcare teams in a variety of settings. Their daily efforts help licensed nurses manage complex caseloads and maintain consistent patient support.
New York’s RN to BSN offerings pair dynamic online modules, focusing on evidence-based practice, leadership, population and community health, informatics and policy, with immersive practicum placements across both urban hospitals and rural clinics. Available as part-time or accelerated paths, they enable RNs to advance toward a baccalaureate degree without pausing their careers. Earning this credential refines critical-thinking and care-coordination skills, meets New York’s employer and accreditation benchmarks, and opens doors to specialty certifications, leadership posts and public health roles. Completing these bridge programs equips nurses to excel in the state’s varied healthcare landscape.
New York’s Nurse Practitioner programs take BSN-prepared nurses and immerse them in advanced graduate study, combining in-depth coursework with robust clinical rotations over two to four years, in specialties like family practice, pediatric care, and psychiatric-mental health. Delivered through a mix of on-campus cohorts, hybrid schedules, and fully online tracks at universities and hospital systems statewide, these MSN and DNP pathways equip candidates for APRN certification and New York licensure. Graduates emerge ready to serve as primary care clinicians, chronic disease coordinators, and telehealth providers in large urban centers like New York City and Buffalo, as well as in suburban and rural health clinics. By broadening the pool of expert practitioners and easing provider shortages, from Manhattan’s underserved neighborhoods to remote upstate communities, NP programs are vital to reinforcing New York’s healthcare infrastructure.
| Degree | Typical Length | Prerequisites | Outcome / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) | ~2 years | High school diploma or GED | Still available, but BSN required within 10 years due to state law |
| RN Diploma | 2-3 years | High school diploma or GED | No longer offered in New York |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 4 years (12-18 months accelerated) | High school diploma or ADN transfer | BSN-in-10 law applies, BSN-prepared nurses strongly preferred statewide |
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | 2 years (post-BSN) | BSN + RN license | Prepares for advanced roles, NPs require physician collaboration |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 3-6 years (post-BSN or post-MSN) | BSN or MSN + RN license | Highest degree, DNP-prepared NPs limited by reduced practice authority laws |
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