Best Nursing Schools in 2021

University at Buffalo (UB) is a public research-intensive university. It is the flagship and the largest most comprehensive campus in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. UB has three campuses—the North, South, and Downtown Campus. Its School of Nursing has provided high-quality nursing education for more than 75 years. It was founded in 1936 and was initially called the Division of Nursing in the School of Medicine. The school offers Simulation Labs with high-fidelity simulation technologies for students to experience real nursing issues prior to real-patient interaction.

Baccalaureate in Nursing Programs - With CCNE accreditation, there are several options to obtain a BSN degree in UB – the traditional BS, the RN to BSN, and the Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (ABS) program. The Traditional BS program has 624 clinical hours with three-week preceptorship as a program culmination. The RN to BS Program on the other hand, can be completed in one or two years for a full-time or part-time study plan. It is offered completely online. The credit units available for transfer must be coming from a regionally accredited institution. Lastly, the ABS is a second-degree option for students who possess a non-nursing baccalaureate degree. It can be completed in 12 months in a full-time and intensive study option.

DNP Program - This CCNE-accredited program equips students for an expanded and comprehensive role as nurse practitioners. Two entry points are offered for the program—the Post-BS to DNP for baccalaureate prepared nurses, and the Post-MS to DNP for established advanced practice nurses. A DNP Early Assurance Program is also available for early acceptance given for qualified undergraduate students.

PhD Program - With an aim to prepare nurse scientists and academicians for knowledge and theory contribution, this PhD program also has a Post-BS and Post-MS entry option. Moreover, similar to the DNP program, an early assurance PhD Program is also offered for qualified BSN students. 

Advanced Certificates - For those who would like to expand their skills and practice scope, UB also offered advanced certificate programs. The available tracks are: Family Nurse Practitioner Advanced Certificate, Nursing Education Advanced Certificate, and Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Advanced Certificate.

Located in Rochester, St. John Fisher College is an institution of higher education which places emphasis in the liberal arts. With small class size, students will get personalized attention from the faculty. Students in its Wegmans School of Nursing will benefit from hands-on experiences conducted throughout the Rochester region and in health care mission trips abroad.

Traditional Nursing Program - This traditional nursing program has its foundation in discipline knowledge and evidence-based practice. Completion of the college core and prerequisites are given focus in the first two years of the program. In the latter part, nursing theory through clinical coursework is given emphasis. A simulation center which mirrors a hospital unit is also enhanced training.

Online RN to BSN Program - This flexible and accelerated program is designed for RNs who possess a nursing diploma or an associate degree. With online delivery, 24/7 access to online tutoring support services is available. Some courses have embedded project-based experiential learning. The program can be completed in 12 or 18 months for a full-time or part-time study plan, respectively.

M.S. in Nursing Programs- This MSN program has five options for specialization, and is offered for RNs with a baccalaureate degree in nursing and a current NYS license. The said tracks of specialization are: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (PCFNP), Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS). Upon program completion, students can also pursue a post-master’s certification in any of the above specializations. An online option for the PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP and AGPNCP is also available.

Fast-Track Master's Nursing Options - The Accelerated Opportunity allows students to include courses in the master’s degree in their undergraduate program. These fast tracks their attainment of a master’s degree. There are two options available to do this—through the BS to MS option and the RN to BS to MS Option.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program - Two entry options are available for students wanting to obtain a DNP degree. The first one is the post-master’s option requiring at least 33 credit hours of coursework. The second one is through a baccalaureate degree in nursing option, requiring 62-72 credit hours. Coursework is delivered in a hybrid method inclusive of seminars and simulations.

Founded in 1924, Nazareth College is a co-educational, religiously independent college in Rochester. The college places emphasis on civic engagement as well as experience-based learning. Students of the Nursing and Public Health Department can study abroad or be dual-enrolled in Belize or Finland. In terms of simulation and clinical experiences, the college has clinical affiliation agreements with several healthcare centers and organizations. It also has state-of-the-art simulation labs. Nazareth College’s baccalaureate nursing program is CCNE-accredited.

B.S. in Nursing - This four-year program aims to produce professional nurse generalists who can provide nursing care across a variety of health care settings. As part of the degree requirement, completion of the core curriculum coursework is required to set as a foundation for the liberal arts and sciences. Moreover, in the first two years in the program, an overall GPA of 2.75 or better must be maintained with a CGPA of 2.75 needed for nursing major progression. Upon program completion, students are conferred a BSN degree, and are eligible to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

LPN to BS Nursing - With a total of 120 credit units required, this program provides an opportunity for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to obtain a BSN degree. Upon program completion, graduates can take the NCLEX-RN. The time needed to complete the program depends on the student’s college credits in sciences and liberal arts. Hence, student’s transcripts will be reviewed individually. Moreover, an LPN Bridge Course Sequence is also available for LPNs with clinical experiences of at least a year.

RN to BS in Nursing - By building on students’ prior knowledge and skills, this program allows RNs with an associate degree or diploma to obtain a BSN degree. Coursework can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis, with program completion varying on factors such as advanced standing, and transfer credits, among others. To be eligible for program admission, applicants must have at least a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better in his/her diploma or associate degree. A grade of C or higher in all lower-level nursing courses is also required.

Located in Rockville Center, Molloy College is a private educational institution offering multidimensional education grounded in the Catholic faith. Class size is small for personalized and compassionate mentoring for every student. Its Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences’ philosophy has its philosophy of humanistic clinical practice. Students in its nursing programs have the opportunity to practice in a safe, high-tech and interactive environment through the School’s Clinical Learning Center.

Bachelor of Science - This undergraduate program which prepares students to become Registered Nurses (RNs) can be completed in four years. Graduates are equipped to provide humanistic professional nursing practice in various healthcare settings.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) R.N. Completion Program - This flexible program allows registered nurses with a diploma in nursing or an associate degree to earn a BSN degree in an accelerated time-frame. With 120-credit required, students have the option to choose between 7-or 14-week courses.

Bachelor of Science-Master of Science (B.S.-M.S.) R.N. Completion - This accelerated program is designed for registered nurses who possess a diploma in nursing or an associate degree. This allows dual admission into the BS and MS program. This track allows for eligibility to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

Accelerated Second Degree/BS-MS Nursing Program - A Second-Degree Program is available for nurses with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree. After completion of the former program, students can complete an MS program after completion of a baccalaureate program in nursing.

LPN to BS Mobility- This is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who would like to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Program of study followed is the same as that of the generic nursing students. Upon program completion, students can sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

Post-Master's Advanced Certificate Programs- Certificate programs are also available at Molloy College. Among the tracks offered are: Nursing Administration with Informatics, Family Nurse Practitioner Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology - Nurse Practitioner. Adult-Gerontology - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist: Adult-Gerontology Health, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Education.

Doctor or Nursing Practice - This program is designed to equip APRNs to lead in meeting the 21st century healthcare needs. Three entry options are available for this program, the Post-Baccalaureate Degree to DNP, the Post-Masters Degree to DNP, and the Post-Graduate Advanced Certificate Program for DNP.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing - Designed to equip nurses for leadership roles, this program is grounded on humanities. It aims to develop humanistic nursing behavior grounded on caring principles.

NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing is the nation’s second-largest private university college of nursing. It was founded in 1932 and continues its aim of providing patient-centered care. Its nursing baccalaureate, master’s, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate program received full accreditation from CCNE.

Accelerated 15-Month - This accelerated program allows students with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree to obtain a BSN program in just 15 months. The program can be completed in four consecutive semesters for a full-time study. Graduates are eligible to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. A non-accelerated option is also available for students with non-nursing baccalaureate degree.

Traditional 4-year - High school students who want to obtain a BSN degree can enroll in this traditional four-year program. With 128 credit hours, 64 of these are for nursing core and clinical courses. Nursing courses start at the student’s third year in the program. Graduates are eligible to sit in the NCLEX licensing exam.

BS/MS - This dual-degree program allows students to obtain a BSN degree and advance into a master’s degree. Available advanced practice areas are Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP/Primary Care NP, Pediatrics NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, Nurse-Midwifery, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Informatics. Prior to undergraduate program graduation, completion of one graduate course is required.

Advanced Certificate - Several tracks for advanced certificates are offered at this college for master’s degree holders. These are designed to achieve excellence in various subspecialities.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - This terminal degree in nursing equips students for evidence-based clinical practice. Three entry tracks are available for this program—Post-BS to DNP, Advanced Standing DNP, and Advanced Certificate to DNP.

Florence S. Downs PhD Program in Nursing Research and Theory Development - This program is one of the nation’s first PhD in nursing programs. Curriculum is founded in scientific inquiry, theory development, research designs, and methodological approaches.

Cayuga Community College is a public community educational institution with two campuses- Auburn Campus and Fulton Campus. It was founded in 1953 and initially called Auburn Community College. Prior to its current name, it was also formerly known as Cayuga County Community College. Cayuga is one of the colleges under the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Its School of Health Sciences offers a seamless transfer through the college’s articulation agreements with several universities. Moreover, its Nursing program is registered by the Office of Professions and accredited by ACEN.

Students at Cayuga Community College will learn how to make safe clinical judgments and communication techniques to ensure they can effectively relay information to members of their healthcare team, as well as patients and their families. CCC also has formal partnerships (articulation agreements) with several baccalaureate nursing programs, making the transition between an ADN to BSN program a streamlined process.

Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing - Offered at both Auburn and Fulton campuses, this 64-credit program equips students for their roles as entry-level nurses. Theoretical knowledge is applied through clinical practice conducted in nursing laboratories and various clinical settings. A balance between nursing and general education courses is also ensured in the curriculum. Among the clinical sites are: Upstate University Hospital Community Campus, Oswego Hospital, Finger Lakes Center for Living, and Cayuga County Health Department, among others. Students are trained to provide safe clinical judgments, caring behavior, and patient-centered care. In order to progress in the program, a grade of C+ or 77 or better is required in each nursing course. Graduates are conferred an Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing and can sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. The college also has articulation agreements with schools offering baccalaureate nursing programs, hence, students can seamlessly transfer earned credits towards a BSN degree.

Erie Community College is located in Buffalo, NY and is part of the SUNY consortium. They offer an ACEN accredited ADN program that focuses on preparing graduates for nursing roles in diverse settings, and their ability to provide patient-centered, quality care in a complex, dynamic society. Classes are offered at the City Campus and the North Campus. City Campus applicants must apply by September 15, while North Campus applicants must apply by February 15. Students will complete a curriculum that combines nursing theory with courses such as sociology and English composition and literature. Providing a comprehensive education is of the essence to Erie’s nursing division, as their program aims to graduate nurses who are valuable team members with self-awareness and critical thinking skills, which allows them to excel in the nursing field.

Erie does offer academic and transfer counsel, providing students guidance if they choice to transfer into a BSN program upon graduation.

Located in Suffern, Rockland Community College (RCC) is an MSCHE-accredited two-year public college, and is the only public higher educational institution in Rockland County. RCC places emphasis on a supportive learning environment with personalized classes, made possible through the college's average section size of 18. Aside from its MSCHE accreditation, RCC also received authorization from the Board of Regents to award two-year Associate degrees in Science (AS), in Arts (AA) and in Applied Science (AAS) programs. Moreover, in terms of accreditation, its Nursing Program under the School of Nursing, Health, and Wellness is accredited by ACEN and licensed by New York State Education Department.

Associate of Science (Nursing) - With 64 total credit hours taken in four sequential semesters (or two years), this Associate of Science in Nursing program prepares students for competent, humanistic, and patient-centered care provision. Aside from the two-year completion, a part-time study option is also available. Program admission is two times every year. Graduates are eligible to sit in the NCLEX-RN needed for practice as entry-level nurses. Meanwhile, an LPN to RN pathway is also available for licensed practical nurses seeking an associate degree in nursing.

Since 1903, the Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing has educated students in the nursing field. The school is located on the second floor of St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy, NY and offers an immersive, ACEN accredited ADN program. Because of the school’s ideal location, students are exposed to seamless clinical experiences. The Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing is affiliated with St. Peter’s Health Partners, which consists of an extensive healthcare and community network, connecting students with opportunities in various healthcare settings.

The program further boasts a small student teacher ratio, ensuring that each student receives one-on-one attention. The faculty places importance on a holistic approach to patient care, incorporating evidence-based and culturally sensitive principles into preparing nurses who are excellent team players, communicators, and care givers. Samaritan also has partnerships with various colleges throughout the state that offer BSN program, providing a seamless transfer into these program if a student wishes to do so.

Genesee Community College is located in Batavia, New York.  They offer an associate's degree program and an advanced placement option for LPNs, where the LPN enters the program in the third semester.  They also have affiliations with other local universities so that their graduates may attend for their BSN easily after graduation.

Monroe Community College is located in Rochester, New York.  Their program is an associate's degree program.  They do have an advanced placement option available for LPNs.  There is also an option available for high school graduates that would like to have a place in the program during their freshman year of college.

Hudson Valley Community College was founded in 1953 and is located in Troy, NY. HVCC offers an ACEN accredited ADN program, in addition to a one-year advanced placement option. This is a very competitive program, and it is advised to ensure that basic criteria can be met before applying. The advanced placement option is 12 months long and starts in the summer. There is also a part-time evening nursing program, which takes four years to complete and is suitable for those who balance other time consuming commitments in their everyday life. Do note that the advanced placement track offers day-time instruction only.

The college has a small class size and student to faculty ratio of 19:1 to provide increased attention from instructors. Its Nursing and Surgical Technology Department’s curriculum places emphasis on correlation between theory and practice.  Clinical experience site includes, but not limited to: Ellis Hospital, Albany Medical Center, Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and Van Rensselaer Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation.

HVCC has a nursing resource lab, offering simulated patient care experiences with vital sign simulation manikins in a non-threatening atmosphere. The nursing lab has a full-time education specialist who provides students with supplemental instruction and remediation in a one-on-one setting.

Nursing (AAS) - This Associate Degree Program can be completed in two or four years for a full-time or part-time study, respectively. This prepares students for nursing care provision in various healthcare settings. Hands-on-activities are conducted in the college’s state-of-the art facilities. Its Nursing Resource Lab provides opportunities for evidence-based practice both through self-directed and facilitated learning. The laboratories are also smart classrooms and are equipped with life-size adult, infant, and pediatric manikins. Moreover, Vital-SIM (vital sign simulation) manikins are also available. Program admission is competitive. Upon program completion, students can sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Meanwhile, an Advanced Placement Nursing option is also available for eligible students allowing them to complete their Nursing AAS degree and start with their BSN degree in one year of study. The said BSN advanced placement option is offered through the Empire State College.

Westchester Community College opened in 1953 and is located in Valhalla, NY. They offer an ACEN accredited ADN program. Graduates from their program are guaranteed admission to a SUNY four-year campus to complete their BSN if they so desire. Applicants are required to take the TEAS exam, a determinant of admission to the nursing program. The TEAS exam is a 3.5 hour long examination in math, English, reading, and science. During the first three semesters at WCC students will have three days of program commitments every week, consisting of 1 day of class, 1 day of clinical, and 1 day of lab. During the last semester students will have a 4-day school week, consisting of 2 days of class and 2 days of clinical.

WCC does not offer an evening-only option, but does have evening clinical options. Advanced placement is available for LPNs. WCC enrolls students annually in the fall. Westchester Community College also has a daycare center on-site, the Virginia Marx Children’s Center provides care for preschool children of both staff and students.

Onondoga Community College is located in Saratoga, NY. They offer an ACEN accredited ADN program, and offers a hybrid curriculum. Theoretical components of the curriculum, mostly involving nursing theory, are taught online and reviewed in face-to-face settings. Students will have hands on clinical and lab experiences, as well as one-on-one sessions with faculty to ensure knowledge is being acquired appropriately and adequately. Because of its hybrid set up, students are able to complete the program at a flexible pace, allowing them to retain part-time employment and take care of their families. OCC also offers LPNs up to 10 hours of credit for their previous education, but they will still have to complete at least three semesters of nursing courses.

The coursework is a blend of general knowledge, nursing theory, and clinical experience. The core values of the nursing curriculum consist of safe and competent practice, diversity, leadership, critical thinking, caring, technology, and professionalism.

Jefferson Community College opened its doors in 1961, and is located in Watertown, NY. The college offers an ADN program that is ACEN accredited. Nursing students at JCC will benefit from the small class sizes and the simulation laboratory. The program does come with two different pacing options: full-time weekday, meaning that students will complete the program in two academic years, with classes beginning in August; or there’s a part-time weekend option, which is two full years—meaning a summer semester is included as well—and it starts each January.

JCC has transfer agreements with several baccalaureate programs, providing for an easy transition from an ADN to a BSN, if desired. Students will become acquainted with the various specialties in the nursing field, such as pediatrics, medical/surgical nursing, and pharmacology. JCC boasts a caring faculty that takes a student-oriented and supportive approach to preparing excellent nurses.

Maria College is a private Catholic school in Albany, NY. They offer an ADN program, as well as an RN to BSN program, and both are ACEN accredited. The campus has a 6,500 square foot nursing teaching and learning facility, providing students with simulated patient-care experiences and hands-on learning. Maria College’s ADN program prepares students for a career in the nursing field by laying a foundation of general education and clinical experience. The program does offer different options for attendance, providing access to traditional and non-traditional students. Students may choose evening or daytime sessions. The program has a small student to teacher ratio, which allows students to receive personal development and guidance as they work through the curriculum.

The RN to BSN program can be completed on a full time or part time basis, and is designed for RNs who want to further develop their knowledge and career prospects. They also offer reduced tuition rates for RNs who work at partnered healthcare institutions.