How To Become a Nurse in New York 2025

Registered nurses (RN) are in demand across the country, and that's especially true in New York State. RNs are responsible for taking care of patients in healthcare facilities.

RNs must be licensed in all states, but the licensure requirements and how to become a nurse vary between states. Keep reading to learn how to become a nurse in New York.

What Does an RN Do?

A certified registered nurse is responsible for providing and coordinating patient care. They assess patients, administer treatments and medication, and help educate patients on their conditions. RNs primarily work in hospitals but can also work in places like clinics, nursing homes, and other types of healthcare facilities.

The specific job duties of an RN can vary depending on what type of patients they work with. For example, someone working in the emergency room will have very different patients, and therefore different tasks, than someone working in the intensive care unit.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in New York?

How long it takes to become a nurse in New York depends on what type of degree you earn and how long it takes you to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Associate degrees usually take two to three years to complete, and some schools offer 12-month accelerated nursing programs for those with previous education. Many students pass the NCLEX-RN on their first try.

4 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in New York

To become an RN in New York, you must obtain an RN license. This involves meeting the educational requirements for nurses, as well as passing the NCLEX-RN. We've broken down the steps below.

Step 1: Earn a Nursing Degree

The first step to becoming a nurse in New York is to complete an educational program for registered nurses that has been approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Board of Regents. There are several options.

Those who do not yet hold a degree can pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Associate degrees are faster, but a bachelor's degree prepares you for graduate study or leadership roles. A diploma is also acceptable in New York, but these programs are rare.

If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can look at second bachelor's programs in nursing, which are often accelerated. You can also consider nursing master's degrees.

Whatever program you choose will provide you with coursework on core nursing topics as well as clinical experiences.

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN

After graduating from nursing school, you'll be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN. This is a national exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

The exam will assess your understanding of client needs, fundamental nursing processes, and clinical judgment. It takes about six weeks to receive your official results, and you can retake the test if you don't pass.

Step 3: Obtain and Maintain Licensure

Now that you've completed your degree and passed the NCLEX-RN, you can apply for licensure in New York. You'll need to pass a criminal background check and pay an application fee.

Note that New York requires applicants to take training in child abuse reporting and infection control. Degree programs approved by the NYSED include this in their curriculum, but if you're applying from an out-of-state school, you may still need to fulfill this requirement.

After you qualify for a license as an RN, NYSED will issue you a license parchment and a registration certificate. Your license is valid for life unless it is surrendered, revoked, annulled, or suspended. You must renew the registration certificate every three years.

Step 4: Consider Furthering Your Education and Career

Many schools offer opportunities for nurses to advance their careers. For example, if you earned an ADN and have your nursing license, you can complete your bachelor's through an RN to BSN program.

If you're interested in becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), like a nurse practitioner or nurse midwife, you'll need to complete a graduate program. Both Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) options are available.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in New York

Several colleges and universities in New York offer NYSED-approved nursing programs for RNs as well as online nursing programs for career advancement. We've highlighted some top options below.

1. University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo is a public research institution in Buffalo, NY. It's one of the flagship campuses of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and offers a BSN that had a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in the most recent year.

The curriculum covers biomedical and social sciences, clinical nursing, and university general education courses. The School of Nursing also offers an accelerated BSN as well as DNP programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,936 per year (in-state); $31,536 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and NYSED

2. Monroe Community College

At Monroe Community College, students can earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in nursing. This program prepares students to enter the job market with confidence, hands-on clinical training, and the skills needed for immediate workplace success.

MCC, a public SUNY community college, is located in Rochester, NY. Its AAS in nursing has a 100% NCLEX pass rate and offers an accelerated option for those with a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,006 per year (in-state); $11,056 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and NYSED

3. LaGuardia Community College

LaGuardia Community College offers an AAS in nursing that leads to licensure. LaGuardia is a public community college in the City University of New York (CUNY) system.

The AAS program trains students to meet patient needs in various settings. Students in this degree program had a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate and employment rate in the most recently reported years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,218 per year (in-state); $8,098 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE, ACEN, and NYSED

4. Orange County Community College

The AAS at Orange County Community College prepares students to become registered nurses. It places particular emphasis on direct client care within a career in nursing.

SUNY Orange, with campuses in Middletown and Newburgh, NY, is a public SUNY community college. Its Newburgh campus has a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,526 per year (in-state); $12,334 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE, ACEN, and NYSED

5. Finger Lakes Community College

Finger Lakes Community College is a public SUNY community college in Canandaigua, NY. It offers an AAS that combines a comprehensive healthcare curriculum with hands-on experience at local healthcare facilities.

Students take courses in medical and surgical care, maternal and newborn health, and mental health. The program has a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,234 per year (in-state); $8,418 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE, ACEN, and NYSED

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in New York

The job outlook for nurses in New York State is positive. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expected jobs for RNs to increase nationwide by 6% by 2033, in New York, jobs for RNs are expected to increase by 26%.

The median annual salary for RNs in New York is $105,600, higher than the national median of $93,600. However, salary also depends on where you work � those in the New York City metro earn a median salary of $113,490 per year, while those in non-metro areas, like Elmira, earn a median of $79,990.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in New York

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about how to become an RN in New York.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in New York?

The cost of a nursing degree in New York depends on multiple factors, such as what school you choose, what degree you're earning, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, and what financial aid you qualify for.

Many public community colleges in New York allow you to earn an ADN for under $20,000, and even less if you qualify for financial aid like the Excelsior Scholarship. To find out what you qualify for, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There are many online colleges that accept FAFSA in New York.

Note that in addition to tuition, you'll have other costs to cover, like textbooks and supplies. You'll likely also need a laptop, so you might want to consider the best laptops for nursing students that are both affordable and high-quality.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Prerequisites for nursing degrees can vary slightly by program. Most schools require you to have completed courses in biology, anatomy, and chemistry. Some offer self-paced nursing prerequisites online.

You'll also likely need to have a minimum GPA from either high school or your prerequisite courses. Many schools also require entrance exams like the Test of Academic Skills (TEAS).

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

For students who do not have a degree yet, the fastest way to become a nurse in New York is to complete an ADN program and obtain your license.

If you're interested in furthering your education, many schools offer RN to BSN programs. These are often flexible and allow you to complete your BSN while still working as an RN.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

For most students, the easiest nursing degree is an RN to BSN program. These degrees are usually designed with flexibility in mind.

As a result, many schools offer these programs online and allow you to complete your clinicals at the healthcare facility where you work. These programs usually take one to two years to finish.

Find a Nursing Degree

Start your journey toward reaching your RN career by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual programs to learn more about their nursing programs.