Fastest Way To Become a Nurse in New York 2026
Accelerated nursing programs are great ways to embark on an exciting and rewarding career in New York. Some programs can be completed in as little as 12 months.
<p>Becoming a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Requirements_to_Be_a_Certified_Registered_Nurse.html">certified registered nurse</a> (RN) doesn't have to take years, especially when there are so many fast-track nursing options available to you. Whether you're a recent high school graduate exploring your options or a working adult looking for a career change, accelerated paths can get you working in healthcare quickly. These programs are considered the fastest ways to become a nurse.
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<p>From accelerated online degrees to bridge programs, you have many options to become a nurse fast. Keep reading to learn more about the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/fastest_way_to_become_nurse.html">quickest way to become a nurse</a>
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<h2 id="section---EducationRequirementsForNursesInNewYork">Education Requirements for Nurses in New York</h2>
<p>There are many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/12_month_accelerated_nursing_programs.html">12-month accelerated nursing programs</a> to get you started on your path to becoming a nurse.
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<p>The fastest way to become an RN starts with fulfilling the necessary prerequisites. To become a licensed nurse in New York, you need to fulfill certain educational requirements. These typically include earning a degree in nursing, passing the licensure exam, and meeting other state requirements.
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<h3 id="section---HighSchoolDiplomaOrGED">High School Diploma or GED</h3>
<p>The first step to becoming a nurse is earning your high school diploma or GED. This will ensure you meet the basic requirements to earn a degree or apply for a nursing program.
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<h3 id="section---NursingEducation">Nursing Education</h3>
<p>There are many educational paths to a nursing career, including certificate programs, associate's degrees, and bachelor's degrees. Each comes with differing timelines and options for your career. We'll discuss the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">educational requirements for nurses</a> in greater detail below.
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<h3 id="section---NCLEXExam">NCLEX Exam</h3>
<p>To become a licensed nurse, you'll have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Depending on your chosen career path, you'll take either the NCLEX-PN for practical nurses or the NCLEX-RN for registered nurses. To be eligible to take the exam, you must complete an accredited nursing program and apply with your state's Nursing Regulatory Body.
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<h3 id="section---NewYorkLicensureRequirements">New York Licensure Requirements</h3>
<p>Nurses in New York must register and receive their license through the New York State Education Department (NYSED). You must meet the education requirements, pass the NCLEX exam, and pass a criminal background check. You will also have to renew your license every three years.
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<p>New York is not a part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so anyone who earns their license out of state will need to reapply to practice in New York.
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<h2 id="section---FastestWaysToBecomeANurseInNewYork">Fastest Ways To Become a Nurse in New York</h2>
<p>If you want to become a nurse quickly, several accelerated programs and bridge programs in New York can help you get started on your career in healthcare quickly — even in as little as one year.
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<p>Because many of the fastest programs are partially online, you'll want the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/best_laptops_nursing_students.html">best laptop for nursing students</a>. Below are the quickest options to become a nurse in New York.
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<h3 id="section---LPNProgram">LPN Program</h3>
<ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> 12 to 18 months
</li></ul><p>A licensed practical nurse (LPN) program trains students in basic care under the supervision of a registered nurse or doctor. The programs involve classroom coursework and clinical experience. After completing the program, students have to pass the NCLEX-PN exam before embarking on a career in a nursing home, hospital, physician's office, home care, or other areas of the healthcare industry.
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<h3 id="section---AcceleratedBachelorOfScienceInNursing">Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing</h3>
<ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One year
</li></ul><p>An accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is designed for those who already have a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing. It covers core nursing topics in an accelerated format, helping students earn their degree in as little as a year. You'll learn about best practices in patient care while gaining hands-on experience through clinical rotations. BSN programs prepare students for jobs in hospitals, inpatient healthcare facilities, nursing homes, and other places.
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<h3 id="section---RNToBSNBridgeProgram">RN-to-BSN Bridge Program</h3>
<ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One to two years
</li></ul><p>If you already have your RN license and want to advance your career, an RN-to-BSN program is perfect for you. This allows you to earn your degree quickly as you continue to work. These programs are good choices if you want to transition into higher-paying or leadership roles.
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<h3 id="section---LPNToRNBridgeProgram">LPN-to-RN Bridge Program</h3>
<ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One to two years
</li></ul><p>Similar to RN-to-BSN programs, LPN-to-RN programs help licensed practical nurses advance their careers. The curriculum covers more advanced nursing topics than you're already familiar with, qualifying you to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
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<h3 id="section---AssociateDegreeInNursing">Associate Degree in Nursing</h3>
<ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> Two years
</li></ul><p>An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) prepares you to become an RN through classroom work and clinical experiences. When you enroll in an ADN program, you can expect to learn the basics of nursing, preparing you for a career in various parts of the healthcare industry.
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<h2 id="section---FastestNursingDegreesInNewYork">Fastest Nursing Degrees in New York</h2>
<p>Earning a nursing degree doesn't have to take years. The fastest way to become a nurse starts with finding the right program. Below are a few schools that offer quick nursing programs in New York.
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<h3 id="section---1.UniversityOfMountSaintVincent">1. University of Mount Saint Vincent</h3>
<p>With three start dates throughout the year, University of Mount Saint Vincent students can embark on their nursing degree journey at their own convenience. The school's accelerated BSN program takes just 16 months to complete, with courses available both online and on campus.
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<ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $67,600
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 16 months
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---2.PaceUniversityLienhardSchoolOfNursing">2. Pace University Lienhard School of Nursing</h3>
<p>The accelerated BSN degree program from Pace University has one of the fastest completion times of all programs in New York, taking just 11 months to finish. If you already have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, this program might be right for you. In addition to clinical work, you'll take classes such as fundamentals of nursing practice, clinical management, and organizational and systems leadership.
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<ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $73,425
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 11 months
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfRochesterSchoolOfNursing">3. University of Rochester School of Nursing</h3>
<p>The ABSN program offered by the University of Rochester boasts a 100% pass rate for the NCLEX exam, meaning students leave the school fully prepared to earn their licenses. Students will complete 49 nursing credits — many of which are available online — and 650 hours of clinical experience.
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<ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $80,970
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 to 24 months
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b>CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---4.NewYorkUniversityRoryMeyersCollegeOfNursing">4. New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing</h3>
<p>Offering a 15-month accelerated hybrid bachelor's program, the Rory Meyers College of Nursing is perfect for individuals who want to earn their degree quickly. Over the course of four semesters of full-time learning, students will graduate with the skills necessary to succeed as registered nurses. Many of the courses can be completed online, making the program convenient for working adults.
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<ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $94,194
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 15 months
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---5.AdelphiUniversity">5. Adelphi University</h3>
<p>If you already hold a bachelor's in another field, you can earn your BSN from Adelphi University in just 14 months. The school partners with numerous nearby medical facilities to place students for clinical experiences, and many courses can be completed either online or on campus. With an 85% NCLEX pass rate, you'll be fully prepared to earn your nursing license upon graduation.
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<ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $103,400
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 14 months
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2>
<p>We evaluate schools based on several factors. Below are our ranking criteria.
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<ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Each of the schools on our list is accredited by a nationally recognized educational institution.
</li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> We only chose programs with excellent reputations, ensuring students receive a quality education that prepares them for a career in the nursing profession.
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> Each program we selected can be completed in less than two years, so students can get started on their career faster.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutTheFastestWayToFinishNursingSchoolInNewYork">FAQs About the Fastest Way To Finish Nursing School in New York</h2>
<p>If you're considering a nursing degree, it's natural to have some questions. Below are answers to some FAQs about the fastest nursing programs in New York.
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<h3 id="section---HowLongIsNursingSchool">How Long Is Nursing School?</h3>
<p>The length of nursing school depends on the program. Many degrees can be completed within one to two years.
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<h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesANursingDegreeCost">How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost?</h3>
<p>The cost of a nursing degree varies depending on the program. You can find many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_new_york.html">cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA</a> to ensure you find a program within your budget.
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<h3 id="section---CanYouBecomeAnRNInOneYear">Can You Become an RN in One Year?</h3>
<p>Yes, you can certainly earn your RN license in just one year. Accelerated and bridge programs make this a realistic option.
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<h2 id="section---FindAnOnlineNursingDegree">Find an Online Nursing Degree</h2>
<p>If you're looking for an exciting career in healthcare, an accelerated nursing degree might be right for you. New Yorkers have numerous options to find the perfect program. Continue exploring Learn.org to find the right online nursing degree program for you.</p>