Online Nursing Schools in NY: Searching for Top Programs
The nursing field is growing rapidly in New York. To meet this heightened need of nurses, we have created this guide to inform prospective nursing students in New York about the best-in-class online nursing programs. Keep reading to get an inside look at increasingly popular online options, find out more about state requirements, and get details on the job outlook and salary potential for nurses in New York. Keep reading to find the nursing program that’s just right for you.
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In Depth Look at the Types of Online Nursing Programs in New York
Each nursing program caters to different needs in terms of program length and pace. Some provide an accelerated pace, while others allow you to take classes part time while you continue working full time. Similarly, some nurses want to further their education in stages, while others want to complete their entire education before focusing on full-time work. Make sure a program fits the length and pace you want and allows you to bridge to a higher level if that is your goal.
Many New York nursing programs now offer flexible online programs with working RNs in mind. Some programs have residency or clinical requirements, meaning that students must meet periodically at the campus or at a satellite campus, but many are 100% online nursing programs in New York for those who already have (or will soon have) their RN license.
Below, explore the range of online nursing programs available in New York.
Online Undergraduate Degree Programs
You’ll find a number of accredited, prestigious undergraduate nursing degree programs in New York. These are ideal for students who don’t have many college credits or are interested in entry-level nursing work. Explore options including certificates, licenses, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees below.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
If you want to dip your toes into the nursing profession while not enduring a lot of school and still fulfilling an in-demand role, consider becoming a CNA. You’ll provide basic care and support to your patients in a variety of healthcare settings. CNAs work under the supervision of registered nurses and other medical professionals.
Example: Lehman College Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Hybrid
- Cost: $999 tuition + $150 CPR certification
- Length: 6 weeks
- Mode: Hybrid
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
The next option in pre-licensure nursing programs is an LPN certificate program. When you work as an LPN, you’ll fulfill many of the same patient care duties — but also may oversee CNAs. You’ll monitor patient vital signs, perform routine care tasks, help educate patients, and document patient symptoms.
Example: Niagara County Community College
- Cost: $9,450
- Length: 12 months
- Mode: Online classes available for some classes, mostly in person
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
ADN programs prepare students for professional practice as RNs. Through a combination of classroom instruction and clinical practice, students are ready to take the NCLEX-RN exam upon graduation. Most ADN programs take about two years to complete, and some have significant online offerings.
Example: Excelsior University Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
- Cost: $35,750
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A traditional BSN program prepares students for professional practice as RNs. A BSN generally takes four years and prepares you for leadership, administrative, and management roles in addition to direct patient care. New York requires all new nurses to obtain a BSN within 10 years of receiving their RN licenses, in what’s often referred to as the BSN-in-10 requirement.
Example: Dual Degree Nursing program (RN and BSN) at St. Bonaventure University
- Cost: $42,220 per year
- Length: 4 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN programs are typically for students who have a bachelor’s degree in another field and who have completed nursing prerequisites like nutrition, chemistry, and statistics. These programs are designed for those with non-nursing degrees to move into a nursing career and can be completed in as little as a year.
Example: University of Mount Saint Vincent ABSN
- Cost: $67,600
- Length: 16 months
- Mode: Hybrid
Graduate and Post-Graduate Degree Programs
Graduate nursing programs are for nurses who already hold a bachelor’s degree — either in nursing or another field. You’ll study advanced concepts and often specialize to establish expertise in a specific field. Below, find master’s degrees, doctorates, and post-master’s certificate programs that will help you level-up your nursing skills and earn a top salary in the field.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
MSN programs are for nurses who want to pursue advanced health careers as administrators, nurse educators, and clinical nurse leaders. MSN graduates fill roles as nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and more. Programs are available for specializations and generally take two to three years to complete.
Example: Empire State University Master of Science in Nursing
- Cost: New York residents pay $5,655 per semester (full-time students), whereas non-residents pay $6,785 per semester
- Length: 10 months to 2 years
- Mode: Hybrid or online
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs prepare RNs or advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to meet the complex health needs of diverse populations in various settings. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs prepare nurses to conduct research across a range of populations and health conditions. DNP and PhD students need a BSN or MSN in nursing as well as RN licensure or eligibility.
Example: SUNY Upstate Medical University College of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Cost: $12,560 per year for New York residents
- Length: 2.5 years
- Mode: Online
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Post-graduate certificates prepare nurses for roles in advanced practice in areas like psychiatric/mental health, gerontology, pediatrics, midwifery, and informatics. These certificates are for nurses who want to refine their practices toward specific patient populations for work in advanced practice roles as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse educators, and nurse informaticists.
Example: Upstate Medical University Post-Graduate Advanced Certificates
- Cost: $5,652 per year for residents
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Bridge Degree Programs
RN bridge programs support nurses who are ready to take the next step in their careers by completing their next degree. In a bridge program, you won’t start from scratch; instead, both your previous school and work experience will be considered to help you graduate more quickly.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
LPNs who want to become RNs can take a nursing bridge program to earn their ASN or BSN degree. These programs recognize the academic preparation and clinical experience of LPNs and provide opportunities for credit equivalency.
Example: SUNY Genesee LPN to RN track
- Cost: Full-time students pay $5,250 per semester
- Length: 1 year
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
RN to BSN programs allow RNs with associate degrees or diplomas to obtain their BSNs in as little as two years while continuing to work. Sometimes partially or fully online, these programs in New York focus on increasing general science knowledge while expanding professional expertise.
Example: Empire State University RN to BSN
- Cost: 4 years
- Length: Full-time students pay $3,535 per semester
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to MSN
These programs are designed for students with an ASN or ADN to obtain both a BSN and a Master of Science in Nursing. Students who complete this bridge nursing program in New York will be prepared for advanced nursing practice in roles like nurse practitioners, midwives, educators, and nurse managers.
Example: Stony Brook University Registered Nurse Baccalaureate to Master’s Program
- Cost: Full-time students who are residents pay $5,655 per semester; non-residents pay $13,165 per semester
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
Online BSN to DNP programs are specifically for nurses seeking to develop their clinical skills and versatility. The skills of Nurse Practitioners (DNPs) make them essential resources in many different settings. DNPs can choose a variety of workplace options, depending on their scope of practice and population served.
Example: Upstate Medical University Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BS-DNP)
- Cost: $25,120 – full time per year for New York residents
- Length: 3 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Direct-Entry MSN
These graduate-level, direct-entry programs are often designed for non-nurse college graduates who want to become an RN or APRN. You’ll focus on building foundational nursing knowledge and skills, and when you graduate, you’ll be prepared to sit for the NCLEX exam and begin your nursing career.
Example: University of Rochester Master’s Direct Entry into Nursing Practice
- Cost: $109,600
- Length: 16 months
- Mode: Hybrid
New York Licensing Requirements for Registered Nurses Licensing
Now that you’ve potentially found a type of nursing program in New York that fits your needs, it’s time to explore the specific licensing and certification steps necessary to be in good standing in the state. You’ll want to spend some time researching New York nursing guidelines, keeping the following steps in mind.
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
Practicing RNs in New York must hold degrees from programs that are accredited, indicating that the programs meet high academic standards. Accreditation comes through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE only accredits bachelor and master’s degree programs, while the ACEN accredits all levels of nursing programs from practical to doctorate. Equally important, your program must be registered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) as one that meets its quality standards.
2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is required for licensure, so you’ll want to make sure the program you choose prepares its graduates well for that exam and has a high pass rate. Be sure to check your school’s NCLEX-RN pass rate through the NYSED. You can also access beginner study guides and other resources to help improve your performance.
3 – Apply for State Licensure
Becoming an RN is a similar process from state to state, but each has its own requirements outlined by its Board of Nursing. Find the latest New York state information on licensing requirements and processes on New York’s board of nursing page before you begin your program. The step-by-step list below gives an overview of the requirements for first-time RNs completing New York nursing programs.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
To practice in New York State, your professional license must be registered, and you can renew your registration online. If your registration has lapsed for longer than four months, you’ll submit a delayed registration application. Every level of nursing has its own licensure and renewal rules and regulations, so access checklists and forms at the NYSED.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
If you’re looking to pursue a specific field or gain expertise to potentially increase your career satisfaction, earning potential, and opportunities for professional growth within your field, specialty certifications are recommended. You’ll deepen your knowledge and expertise in your healthcare area of interest, enabling you to provide more focused, tailored care to your patients. After auditing your specific interests, you can choose specialties related to critical care, dermatology, diabetes, domestic violence, emergency, and many more.
Career & Salary Projections for Registered Nurses in New York
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $77,930 | $105,600 | $153,420 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $72,190 | $92,470 | $125,980 |
| Binghamton, NY | $71,770 | $98,420 | $124,710 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $75,160 | $95,380 | $115,340 |
| Elmira, NY | $64,760 | $79,990 | $95,080 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $65,390 | $101,710 | $119,970 |
| Ithaca, NY | $75,230 | $103,290 | $118,400 |
| Kingston, NY | $67,070 | $95,090 | $117,890 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $73,600 | $96,060 | $133,140 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $83,900 | $113,490 | $154,440 |
| Rochester, NY | $76,320 | $95,010 | $125,810 |
| Syracuse, NY | $67,670 | $83,920 | $105,310 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $62,560 | $86,020 | $109,860 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | $72,610 | $100,950 | $120,510 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| New York | 204,040 | 256,080 | 52,040 | 25.50% | 5,200 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Top Online Nursing Programs in New York
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top online four-year and two-year nursing programs in New York for 2025. This ranking uses data from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, including (but not limited to):
- Number of online programs in the subject area
- Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class
- Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full time
- Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates
- Student/faculty ratio
The results are tallied in the rankings below.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $3,886 Avg. Aid Amount
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University at Buffalo
- The University at Buffalo School of Nursing achieves a first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate that exceeds state and national averages, reflecting outstanding student success and board exam preparation.
- Their nursing program integrates over 600 hours of clinical patient care, including innovative Dedicated Education Units that simulate real-world nursing practice for enhanced learning.
- As part of a research-intensive flagship university with a small, supportive nursing school environment, students benefit from personalized attention combined with access to extensive research resources.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $3,886 Avg. Aid Amount
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $4,118 Avg. Aid Amount
- 78% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook Nursing offers a unique joint admission "NursingFirst" program with Suffolk County Community College, allowing affordable, seamless transfer into their BSN program.
- Their online Master's in Nursing program ranks in the top 10 nationally for six consecutive years and maintains a high NCLEX pass rate of 96.15% in 2024.
- The School of Nursing provides multiple advanced certificate and graduate leadership tracks, enabling specialization with strong faculty expertise in nursing leadership and education.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $4,118 Avg. Aid Amount
- 78% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $18,024 Avg. Aid Amount
- 70% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Molloy College
- Molloy University's Nursing program features an Accelerated Dual Degree pathway allowing students with a prior bachelor's degree to transfer up to 98 credits, enabling faster completion focused on core nursing courses.
- Students gain extensive hands-on clinical experience through Molloy's Barbara H. Hagan Nursing Center, which includes a state-of-the-art simulation lab for practicing nursing techniques under expert faculty mentorship.
- Graduate nursing students learn in small classes led by nationally recognized nursing leaders and are assigned specialty-area faculty advisers to ensure personalized academic guidance and professional advancement.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $18,024 Avg. Aid Amount
- 70% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $18,629 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected D’Youville University
- The Patricia H. Garman School of Nursing offers a very low 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship throughout the nursing programs.
- Students benefit from early clinical experience and access to state-of-the-art simulation training, enhancing hands-on skills in a modern learning environment.
- The school provides an accelerated RN-to-BSN online program for registered nurses, allowing flexible and faster completion tailored to working professionals.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $18,629 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $1,146 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected CUNY Hunter College
- Hunter College’s RN-to-BS Nursing Program offers relatively low tuition rates as a tax-supported public institution, making it financially accessible to students.
- The program is located on the Brookdale Health Sciences Campus, adjacent to major medical centers like Bellevue Hospital and NYU Langone, providing exceptional clinical placement opportunities and strong employer connections.
- Graduates are well-prepared for advanced graduate study at the master's and doctoral levels within the same Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing, supporting specialized career advancement.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $1,146 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $2,586 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected SUNY Polytechnic Institute
- SUNY Poly's Nursing program offers a unique 1+2+1 dual degree pathway with St. Elizabeth College of Nursing, allowing students to seamlessly earn two nursing degrees in four years and become licensed RNs after year three.
- The program provides upper-division online Bachelor of Science completion for Associate Degree-prepared RNs, enabling students to continue clinical practice while earning their BS nursing degree remotely.
- Students in the 1+2+1 partnership have guaranteed placement at St. Elizabeth College of Nursing if all criteria are met, alongside access to academic and financial aid advisors on both campuses, ensuring strong support and smooth progression.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $2,586 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $921 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected CUNY Lehman College
- Lehman College’s Nursing program features a state-of-the-art Nursing Education, Research, and Practice Center with advanced simulation labs and recorded clinical experiences for enhanced hands-on training.
- The program offers both traditional and accelerated generic BS nursing tracks, allowing students to complete their degree in a flexible timeframe suited to their needs.
- Faculty advising and rigorous prerequisite course standards ensure personalized academic support and preparation for competitive admission, promoting student success in licensure exams and careers.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $921 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $4,344 Avg. Aid Amount
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University at Albany
- The Nursing 1+2+1 program at UAlbany enables students to become licensed registered nurses by the end of year three and begin working while completing their BSN remotely, allowing flexible early career entry.
- Students gain hands-on clinical experience through placements at St. Peter’s Health Partners network facilities across diverse care settings, ensuring practical readiness and strong employer connections.
- UAlbany guarantees job placement at local healthcare facilities upon graduation, providing a secure transition from education to employment for nursing graduates.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $4,344 Avg. Aid Amount
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $4,672 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected SUNY College at Plattsburgh
- SUNY Plattsburgh’s nursing program features a state-of-the-art simulation center with high-fidelity mannequins and integrated electronic medical records, enhancing hands-on learning experiences.
- The program offers progressive clinical placements through exclusive partnerships with local and New York State healthcare agencies, promoting strong practical training and networking opportunities.
- SUNY Plattsburgh collaborates with Clinton Community College in an integrated dual degree pathway, enabling students to earn a bachelor's degree and become registered nurses within four years efficiently.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $4,672 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $13,544 Avg. Aid Amount
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected St. Francis College
- The Nursing program at St. Francis College boasts a high NCLEX licensure examination pass rate consistently above 90%, demonstrating strong academic preparation for professional nursing licensure.
- Graduates enjoy an exceptionally high job placement rate near 95% within six months, indicating effective career support and employer partnerships that facilitate employment opportunities.
- The program offers competitive tuition at $975 per credit with accessible financial support through scholarships and aid, enhancing affordability for prospective students.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $13,544 Avg. Aid Amount
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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