New York Nursing Schools And Programs

Q: Can a foreign nurse work in New York?

Yes, you can work in New York as a nurse with a foreign license as long as your education is equivalent to a nursing program in New York. The state board of nursing explains how to document your education and apply for your license. If you graduated from a nursing school in Canada (other than Quebec), the process is easier.

[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing a nursing program in New York, consider its academic quality, the curriculum, format options, cultural fit, and costs. This guide explores how to become a nurse in New York, what you can expect to earn as a nurse, and how to find the best nursing program for your needs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in New York.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”] [hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in New York[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the best school for you depends on your goals and background, this guide can help you choose between the many nursing schools in New York. Because proper [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]nursing school accreditation is vital[/hen-ui-link] to your career success, we only offer accredited nursing program options.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in New York, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text]

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

Farmingdale State College

Farmingdale, NY
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Farmingdale State College offers several nursing programs in New York. Learners can pursue a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or an RN-to-BS degree-completion program. Students must maintain a "C" or better in their nursing classes to stay in the program. The 126-credit BSN program prepares students for nursing careers. Enrollees learn in the classroom, in labs, and in various clinical settings.

Program: BSN
Campus: Farmingdale
Type: Public
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $3,535 per semester for in-state learners; $8,490 per semester for out-of-state learners
Admission Requirements: First-year students need a high school or GED diploma; students must complete prerequisite classes
Minimum Time Commitment: Varies by program
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $61,650, according to College Scorecard

25%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,792

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

80%

Retention Rate

$17,334

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 55%

Students Enrolled: 9,996

Institution Type: Public

New York University

New York, NY
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

New York University runs Rory Meyers College of Nursing, one of the best nursing schools in New York. Learners can earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) in an accelerated 15-month format or complete the traditional four-year program. Eligible students can apply for an undergraduate fellowship dedicated to senior care.

The 128-credit program includes 44 credits of liberal arts classes and 20 credits of science and prerequisite classes. Enrollees also complete 64 credits of core nursing classes and clinical courses.

Program: BSN
Campus: New York
Type: Private
Accreditations: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $27,440 per semester
Admission Requirements: Applicants with fewer than 32 college credits can apply to the four-year BSN program
Minimum Time Commitment: Four years
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 99%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $98,450, according to College Scorecard

10%

Online Enrollment

$33,408

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

94%

Retention Rate

$33,408

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 16%

Students Enrolled: 52,885

Institution Type: Private

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY
4 year
Campus
Accredited

The University of Rochester offers a post-master's certificate. The program appeals to nurses with a master's degree who want to specialize or work as nurse practitioners. Enrollees' curriculum depends on their prior coursework.

The program offers start dates in January, May, and September. An admissions review committee uses a holistic review process. Applicants must submit official transcripts and two recommendation letters.

Program: Post-master's certificate program
Campus: Rochester
Type: Private
Accreditations: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $1,640 per credit
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited school; 3.0 minimum GPA; New York RN license; APRN New York state license, if applicable
Minimum Time Commitment: Varies
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: N/A

Online Enrollment

$51,705

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

94%

Retention Rate

$51,705

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 30%

Students Enrolled: 12,233

Institution Type: Private

Binghamton University

Vestal, NY
4 year
Campus
Accredited

Binghamton University lets students complete a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) through the traditional four-year path or an accelerated track. Regardless of track, learners must complete 126 credits. The curriculum includes 52 credits of nursing classes and 74 credits of nursing prerequisites, general education courses, and electives.

Binghamton makes SAT or ACT scores optional.

Program: BSN
Campus: Binghamton
Type: Public
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $7,070 per semester for in-state learners; $24,910 per semester for out-of-state learners
Admission Requirements: The program automatically admits incoming first-year cohorts
Minimum Time Commitment: Varies
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $73,190, according to College Scorecard

Online Enrollment

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

90%

Retention Rate

$23,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 41%

Students Enrolled: 18,124

Institution Type: Public

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Columbia University runs one of the best nursing schools in New York. RNs or APRNs who want to expand their scope of patient care can pursue the school's post-bachelor's doctor of nursing practice (DNP).

RNs with a bachelor's or master's in nursing may apply. APRNs with a master's may also apply. Enrollees can choose from specialties like family nurse practitioner, midwifery, and pediatric primary care nurse practitioner.

Program: DNP
Campus: New York
Type: Private
Accreditations: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $68,140 per year
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's or master's in nursing; a New York state RN licensure or eligibility; one year of RN experience
Minimum Time Commitment: Varies
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: N/A

Online Enrollment

$47,600

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

99%

Retention Rate

$47,600

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 5%

Students Enrolled: 31,456

Institution Type: Private

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Stony Brook University offers an advanced certificate in nursing education. One of the best nursing programs in New York, the program appeals to students who want to educate nurses.

Learners complete coursework online. However, the program includes onsite requirements. Students must complete at least 20 credits for the certificate. Advising faculty may suggest additional credits.

Program: Advanced certificate in nursing education
Campus: Stony Brook
Type: Public
Accreditations: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $471 per credit for in-state learners; $963 per credit for out-of-state learners
Admission Requirements: Master's in nursing from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; current RN license; three recommendation letters
Minimum Time Commitment: Two semesters
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: N/A

22%

Online Enrollment

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

89%

Retention Rate

$23,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 44%

Students Enrolled: 26,814

Institution Type: Public

Saint John Fisher College

Rochester, NY
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

The graduate-level nursing program at Saint John Fisher College lets students earn both a master of science in nursing (MSN) and a postgraduate certificate in nursing. One of the top nursing programs in New York, the program enrolls students with a bachelor's in nursing and a current New York RN license.

Once students complete the master's program, they can pursue a post-master's certificate in their chosen nursing discipline. The program offers classes on weekday evenings.

Program: MSN
Campus: Rochester
Type: Private
Accreditations: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $1,239 per credit
Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited institution; at least one year of current clinical experience; active RN license in the state where the student works; minimum 3.0 GPA; a "B" or higher in undergraduate health assessment, research, and statistics classes; two recommendation letters; and a current resume
Minimum Time Commitment: Four semesters
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: N/A

13%

Online Enrollment

$17,550

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

88%

Retention Rate

$17,550

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 64%

Students Enrolled: 3,618

Institution Type: Private

CUNY Hunter College

New York, NY
4 year
Campus
Accredited

One of the best nursing schools in New York, Hunter College offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) that combines liberal arts and sciences with professional nursing education. Students learn how to provide healthcare with a humanistic and comprehensive approach.

The program prepares learners for a master's or doctoral degree.

Program: BSN
Campus: New York
Type: Public
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $6,930 per year for in-state learners; $18,600 for out-of-state learners
Admission Requirements: 3.2 minimum GPA; a "B" or higher in select prerequisite classes
Minimum Time Commitment: Four semesters
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.9%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $100,640, according to College Scorecard

Online Enrollment

$11,090

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

81%

Retention Rate

$20,520

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 35%

Students Enrolled: 23,193

Institution Type: Public

Nazareth College

Rochester, NY
4 year
Campus
Accredited

Nazareth College's bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program offers a hands-on approach. One of the best nursing programs in New York, the program appeals to students who want to complete their studies in a smaller classroom setting.

The program connects students with a faculty member to support them throughout the program.

Program: BSN
Campus: Rochester
Type: Private
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $35,890 per year
Admission Requirements: High school average of 85% or higher or a 3.0 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: Four years
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $66,040, according to College Scorecard

22%

Online Enrollment

$17,244

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

84%

Retention Rate

$17,244

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 64%

Students Enrolled: 2,979

Institution Type: Private

#10

Siena College

Loudonville, NY
4 year
Campus
Accredited

Siena College offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) that lets learners earn their associate and bachelor's in nursing in four years.

One of the best nursing programs in New York, the program features small class sizes for a personalized, hands-on experience. Siena College partners with Ellis Medicine's Belanger School of Nursing and Maria College for the dual-degree nursing program.

Program: BSN
Campus: Loudonville
Type: Private
Accreditations: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Tuition: $35,890 per year
Admission Requirements: High school average of 85% or higher or a 3.0 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: Four years
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: N/A

10%

Online Enrollment

$26,757

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

86%

Retention Rate

$26,757

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 81%

Students Enrolled: 3,296

Institution Type: Private

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in New York[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Factors to consider when exploring nursing schools in New York include the following:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cost and tuition (in-state or out-of-state eligibility)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Academic quality and how well the curriculum matches your interests[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduation and National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rates which can indicate how well the program prepares you to become a nurse[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Class sizes[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program format[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in New York[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The demand for nurses continues to grow in New York. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org” target=”_blank”]Projections Central[/hen-ui-link], between 2018 and 2028, nursing jobs could grow by 24.6% in the state, compared to 9% nationally. New York RNs also earn a competitive salary at $89,760, the BLS reports.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to the amenities New York City offers, New York state offers smaller, rural communities that may appeal to working nurses. While most [hen-ui-link href=”/state/new-york/nurse-practitioner-programs/”]nursing programs in New York[/hen-ui-link] take place at institutions in larger cities, many nursing schools in New York offer online options as well.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In April of 2022, New York became the 25th state to grant full practice authority to nurse practitioners (NPs). The move will allow NPs to provide a greater range of care with less oversight. Full practice authority may also result in better retention rates and pay for NPs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in New York[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing salaries in New York are among the highest in the country, with the average RN salaryat $93,320, and the nurse practitioner salary at $126,440, according to the BLS. However, while the [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]cost-of-living index[/hen-ui-link] in New York is higher than the national average at 143.7, New York City is still ranked as one of the best places to live in the world.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]By 2030, New York is expected to experience a [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/why-is-there-a-nursing-shortage//”]nursing shortage [/hen-ui-link]of [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/data-research/nchwa-hrsa-nursing-report.pdf” target=”_blank”]2,220 nurses[/hen-ui-link]. Earning a New York nursing license can help meet the demand and result in a good investment for your career.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New York’s overall cost of living is higher than the average U.S. cost of living. This explains a wider range of salaries for nurses in New York. The right city for you depends on salary, cost of living, and what ranks most important to your family and lifestyle.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in New York[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]New York — Newark — Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$94,920[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Kingston, NY[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$81,660[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Buffalo — Cheektowaga — Niagara Falls, NY[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$77,580[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Albany — Schenectady — Troy, NY[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$73,160[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Watertown — Fort Drum, NY[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$70,990[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: BLS [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in New York[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every state incorporates its own [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]individual state RN licensing requirements[/hen-ui-link]. However, the general requirements remain similar, including a degree from an accredited and approved program, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]passing the NCLEX licensing exam[/hen-ui-link], and completing a background check.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//”]To become an RN[/hen-ui-link] in New York, you must attend an approved nursing school and earn an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) degree. You then have to pass an infection control and a child abuse reporting course, the NCLEX-RN examination, and a background check.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The licensing application fee is $143, with a renewal fee of $73. The [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-the-role-of-the-state-board-of-nursing/”]state’s nursing board[/hen-ui-link] lists all requirements on its website.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New York requires that [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses[/hen-ui-link] (APRNs) graduate from a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] (DNP) program, get APRN board certification, take state-approved pharmacology coursework, pass a background check, and apply for a license to the state board of nursing. A nurse practitioner application costs $85, and a clinical nurse specialist license costs $80.[/hen-ui-text]

[/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Other Top Nursing Programs in New York[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”34143,34276,34405″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in New York[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-separator /] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I become a nurse in NY?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an RN in New York, you must attend a state-approved nursing school in New York (or a state-approved school in another state), earn an ADN or a BSN degree, pass an infection control and a child abuse reporting course, take the NCLEX-RN examination, and get a background check.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are nurses in demand in New York?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses are in demand in New York. Between 2018 and 2028, nursing jobs are [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org” target=”_blank”]projected to grow[/hen-ui-link] by 24.6%. New York is home to some of the largest hospitals and health systems in the country, and as the population ages, demand for nurses will also grow.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is a nurse’s salary in New York?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In New York City, the average RN’s salary is $94,920, according to the BLS. Across the state, the average RN salary is $89,760. In some parts of the state, the average salary is closer to $70,000. Local salaries depend on demand and cost of living, which is much higher in and near New York City.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can a foreign nurse work in New York?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, you can work in New York as a [hen-ui-link href=”/ask-a-nurse/can-i-work-in-the-us-with-a-foreign-nursing-license/”]nurse with a foreign license[/hen-ui-link] as long as your education is equivalent to a nursing program in New York. The state board of nursing explains how to document your education and apply for your license. If you graduated from a nursing school in Canada (other than Quebec), the process is easier.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Resources[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”50037,50302,34332″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]

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