collageNursing is one of the most in-demand jobs in New York today. Thousands of people are entering the workforce every year looking to change careers towards medical care. The only problem with this is that it is getting increasingly difficult to get accepted into nursing school. So, if you’re looking to move forward in your career and gain a stable paycheck, then perhaps it is time that you look into an entry level nursing program. Your first step towards success should be to understand what nursing degrees exist out there, along with the colleges offering them.
Find information in the article below regarding nursing schools in New York City, CUNY nursing programs, easiest nursing programs to get into, and so much more. What’s more? You will find related posts on accelerated nursing programs in NY, easiest nursing schools to get into in Florida, easiest nursing schools to get into in NC amongst others right here on Collegelearners.
Accelerate Nursing Programs in NY
To start or improve your career as a nurse, the most likely place to look is college. Many nurses have degrees, and higher paying positions often require more credentials.
However, getting a nursing degree isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. Each college has their own way of teaching nurses. As a result, some of these schools are more well-respected than others.
Being one of the largest states in the nation, New York is home to plenty of different nursing programs. They need to educate nurses considering over 180,000 nurses are employed in the state, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
On top of that, the high cost of living in New York also means a higher median wage, with New York nurses earning more on average than most other states.
To get a job as a nurse in New York, a good place to start is a New York nursing school. Not only do these schools prepare nurses for a career, but they also make it easier for nurses to land a position in the state of New York.
Best Nursing Schools in New York
Each nursing school in New York has different specialties, meaning students will get different types of education depending on the school they pick. While some may not seem as affordable as others, plenty of nursing students use scholarships to help fund their education.
Here are the 10 best nursing schools in New York:
1. Molloy College
In-state Tuition: $50,184 | School Admission Rate: 77%
The high admission rate at Molloy College is attractive, but the nursing programs are what really impress. There are plenty of programs for nurses at all levels, including RNs, LPNs and students earning a BSN. Molloy also has plenty of graduate and doctoral level programs, as well as a gerontology minor.
2. New York University
Tuition: $72,900 | School Admission Rate: 35%
The price might scare some nurses away, but New York University has established itself as one of the top nursing programs in the entire nation. They’re one of the top schools for research funding, something graduate students will definitely be interested in, and they prepare nurses for a career in any part of the world.
3. Wagner College
Tuition: $62,131 | School Admission Rate: N/A
Wagner College’s BSN programs blend liberal arts with nursing studies, giving students a well-rounded education. This is ideal for students that are planning on continuing their education since it gives them a better basis. Wagner also has plenty of graduate-level programs, including a new DNP program.
4. University of Rochester
In-state Tuition: $70,108 | School Admission Rate: 35%
There’s no shortage of options for nurses at the University of Rochester, particularly when it comes to earning your nursing degree fast. There are accelerated programs, RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs available, along with plenty of graduate level courses.
5. University at Buffalo
In-state Tuition: $27,036 | School Admission Rate: 59%
Not only is the University of Buffalo an incredibly affordable option for in-state nursing students, but it also they also do an excellent job of preparing nurses for exams. Over 90% of their BSN students pass the NCLEX on their first try, and their Family Nurse Practitioners had a perfect pass rate last year.
6. Adelphi University
Tuition: $56,616 | School Admission Rate: 70%
Adelphi University boasts a large and successful undergraduate nursing program, but their graduate nursing programs really set them apart. Their MS in Adult Gerontology and MS in Psychiatric-Mental Health are a few of the specialized options offered, both of which are in fields slated for a huge increase in demand for nurses.
7. Stony Brook University
In-state Tuition: $25,471 | School Admission Rate: 41%
If you already have a bachelor’s degree but would now like to become a nurse, Stony Brook University’s 12-month accelerated BSN program will probably interested you. They also accept RNs who have a bachelor’s degree in something other than nursing to their graduate programs.
8. Pace University
Tuition: $65,596 | School Admission Rate: 87%
If you want to put yourself in position to become a professional nurse right after graduating, Pace University should be on your list. They boast an impressive 97.7% NCLEX-RN pass rate, so most nurses graduate ready to begin their career. Pace is also well-respected, making this degree worth quite a bit.
9. Binghamton University
In-state Tuition: $26,100 | School Admission Rate: 41%
Best for New York residents who enjoy working in rural communities, Binghamton University has an affordable, flexible nursing program. Students can continue working while pursuing a graduate degree here, and each graduate degree is designed to support the health of rural communities – something that people forget New York has plenty of.
10. Farmingdale State College
In-state Tuition: $24,168 | School Admission Rate: 58%
Farmingdale State College only offers undergraduate level degrees, but they have great outcomes. They have over a 93% NCLEX-RN pass rate three years running, and all their BSN programs are accredited by the New Your State Board of Regents. If you’re looking for a BSN and want to work in New York, this could be the school for you.
Show Me New York Nursing Programs
Paying for school
Unsurprisingly, New York is home to some of the pricier schools. However, the cost is certainly worth the education, especially since the majority of students at these schools receive some form of financial aid.
Financial aid comes in different forms, but most nursing students will use scholarships to reduce the cost of their education, and then pay any remaining tuition with student loans.
The best part about scholarships is that there’s no limit to how many you can get. Some nurses are able to fund their entire education through scholarships, and they make use of scholarships that are only available to nursing students.
Program Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree in nursing program at Felician University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202.887.6791.
Most Affordable Nursing Degrees in New York
If you are already a registered nurse (RN) or have an interest in becoming one, know that the Institute of Medicine has set a goal of having 80% of American RNs complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Many nursing schools are aligning their curriculum towards that goal. Colleges and universities in New York state are no different.
What kind of Nursing Degree in New York should you get?
To help students in their search for a suitable college, this ranking looks at the most affordable bachelor’s degrees in nursing in New York state. Both full four-year programs and degree completion programs are represented. The former is for anyone without an RN license and who will be first-time undergrads. The latter is for former licensed RNs who hold either a diploma in nursing or an associate’s degree in nursing, thus needing approximately 1-2 years to finish coursework to obtain a BSN degree.
How much money can you make with a Nursing Degree in New York?
With an expected job growth figure of 16% between 2014-2024 in the United States for registered nurses, there is obviously a great demand for these skills. This data is courtesy of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and it exceeds the average expected growth percentage of all types of jobs in the country.
According to BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) data, New York state is third in terms of the number of employed registered nurses (171,880). The hourly mean wage for registered nurses working in the state is $37.96, which translates to an annual mean wage of $78,950.
Top 10 Most Affordable Nursing Degrees in New York
| RANK | SCHOOL | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CUNY New York City College of Technology | Brooklyn, NY |
| 2 | CUNY Medgar Evers College | Brooklyn, NY |
| 3 | CUNY York College | Jamaica, NY |
| 4 | CUNY Lehman College | Bronx, NY |
| 5 | College of Staten Island CUNY | Staten Island, NY |
| 6 | SUNY Empire State College | Saratoga Springs, NY |
| 7 | SUNY Downstate Medical Center | Brooklyn, NY |
| 8 | SUNY Upstate Medical University | Syracuse, NY |
| 9 | SUNY Polytechnic Institute | Utica, NY |
| 10 | Farmingdale State College | Farmingdale, NY |
ADN Programs in New York
One of the quickest routes to becoming an RN is to earn an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). This degree program lasts just 2 years, making it ideal for those who want to enter the workforce as soon as possible. It is typically offered at smaller colleges, such as community and/or technical schools.
New York boasts over 60 schools with ADN programs located in all regions of the state.
What to Look For in an ADN Program in New York
With the sheer number of ADN programs available in the state, it can be hard to choose. You’ll need to vet each potential program carefully. Here are a few items in particular that you should consider:
Accreditation
An ADN program’s reputation is as good as its accreditation. You’ll want to look for endorsements from national organizations such as the Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and/or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), among others. It’s also crucial to make sure the program is registered with the New York State Board of Nursing.
Licensing
Once you complete your ADN program, you’ll have to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in order to be eligible to receive your nursing license. Therefore, it’s extremely important to consider your school of choice’s program curriculum to ensure that it will fully prepare you for this exam. Roughly 9,900 individuals in the state took the NCLEX for the first time that year, and that 87.5% of new nurse grads who took the test received a nursing license.
Program Outcomes
A great way to ensure your school’s legitimacy is to look at statistics on their program’s outcomes to see how prior graduates have fared. You should look for favorable numbers in things like:
- Graduation rates
- Licensure exam pass rates
- Graduate satisfaction
- Employment rates
Bronx Community College in Bronx, NY, offers one of the many properly accredited ADN programs in the state.
ADN Program Admission Requirements in New York
There are many schools in New York, and each will have its own set of admission requirements. You can expect to find requirements similar to the following:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70
- Proficient score on the TEAS V Admission Examination
- Completion of pre-requisite courses with a grade of C or higher
Tuition and Costs of ADN Programs in New York
Payment for an ADN program is composed of a few parts. First, you’ll need to budget for tuition, which is usually the most expensive part of the program. Then, you’ll have to factor in additional costs such as books, transportation, uniforms, and other miscellaneous fees. It’s a good idea to break down all the costs of a potential school’s program so that you aren’t surprised by anything later.
As an example of cost, the tuition and fees for the ADN program at Erie Community College in Buffalo are roughly $5,408 annually, not including any additional expenses.
Advantages of ADN Programs
An ADN program is a great choice if you are looking to complete your schooling in a relatively short period of time so that you can enter the workforce. It’s also ideal for those who are budget-conscious, as the faster timeframe and availability at smaller community colleges means that the program tends to be affordable. Another great reason to choose an ADN as your path to becoming an RN? The availability of programs at many different types of schools means that you can usually find a program near you, even if you are located in a more rural area of the state.
LPN to RN Programs in New York
LPN to RN bridge programs are popular pathways for licensed practical nurses in New York to transition to registered nursing practice. These programs expand upon the education that the LPN has already acquired, making it a shorter and more affordable pathway to the RN profession.
LPN to ADN/BSN Programs
Search LPN to RN Programs
LPNs earn your ADN or BSN degree online in up to 1/2 the time and cost of traditional programs. All applicants must be either an LPN or LVN to apply.
New York LPNs can choose to earn either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) through their bridge program. The LPN to ADN program is the quickest option, typically taking just a few semesters to complete (usually one calendar year). Schools like Batavia’s Genesee Community College offer LPN to RN programs that culminate in an associate’s degree.
LPNs who want to enter an expanded RN practice may choose the LPN to BSN program route. This type of program usually takes around 2 years to complete, but results in the coveted BSN degree, giving the graduate a much wider set of employment options. Rockville Centre’s Molloy College, for example, offers an LPN to BS/RN Mobility Program for this very reason.
BSN Programs in New York
For more advanced nursing opportunities, a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) will be needed. This program lasts the traditional 4 years and is typically offered at larger universities. Accelerated BSN programs and RN to BSN programs are also widely available.
Over 55 schools in New York state offer at least one version of a BSN program.
What To Look For in a BSN Program in New York
Choosing the BSN program that’s right for you is important. You’ll need to compare each program you’re interested in, taking into consideration things like cost, accreditation, location, and more. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in a different subject, you may want to see if your school of choice offers an accelerated program. Alternatively, if you are already an RN and have completed an ADN, finding a school that offers an RN to BSN program should be a top consideration.
St. Francis College, located in Brooklyn, NY, is a great example of a school with an accredited BSN program in the state.
BSN Program Length in New York
A traditional, pre-licensure BSN takes 4 years to complete. You will typically need to take a mixture of general education courses and specific nursing courses. Accelerated BSN programs, designed for those who already have a Bachelor’s degree or higher in another field, take roughly 15 months to complete. For registered nurses wanting to advance their careers with a BSN, the wildly popular RN to BSN program option can take approximately 1-2 years from start to finish.
BSN Program Admission Requirements in New York
While you’ll want to check with your school of choice for specific admission guidelines, the following is an example of what you can expect:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher
- Application and personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Completion of three pre-requisite sciences
Tuition and Costs of BSN Programs in New York
Aside from a stellar education, a BSN degree comes with costs. You’ll need to pay for tuition, as well as extras like books and transportation. If you require room and board, this will also be a separate fee. And things like uniforms and equipment are also typically the responsibility of the student.
As an example, tuition and fees for the BSN program at Stony Brook University are around $445 per credit for New York state residents.
Advantages of BSN Programs
BSN programs are a great way to go about getting your RN license. Many people like taking the direct 4-year route, with the end result being increased job opportunities and salary potential. This type of degree is also very adaptable to wherever you are in life, with accelerated and RN to BSN options widely available for those who want to start a second career or nursing or advance an existing nursing career.
MSN Programs in New York
A Master’s of Science in Nursing degree (MSN) is a step beyond the BSN and is for those wanting an advanced nursing career. Jobs like Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, and more can be obtained with an MSN degree. In addition to this, nurses who hold an MSN also have the potential to make a higher salary.
Over 30 schools throughout New York state offer an MSN program.
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