Best Nursing Schools in New York in 2024

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.

Stony Brook University is part of the SUNY consortium and enrolled its first students in 1957. This research university has a robust health science and medicine department, which also includes the School of Nursing. It’s one of six nursing schools in the Health Sciences Center, and has full-time and part-time nursing programs. They offer a CCNE accredited BSN program, as well as graduate opportunities to earn an MSN, DNP, or PhD in Nursing.

Basic Baccalaureate Program - After completion of two years of pre-admission, students can begin with the nursing major leading to a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing. Patient-centered nursing practice is given emphasis in the curriculum. Program graduates can sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

Accelerated Baccalaureate Program - This on-site accelerated program designed for college graduates can be completed in one year or 12 months. Clinicals are conducted in Stony Brook University Hospital and other settings for this second bachelor’s degree program.

Registered Nurse Baccalaureate Program - Designed for students who possess an associate degree in nursing, this program places focus on Liberal Arts and Upper Division Nursing courses. The mode of delivery is through distance education with on-site requirements.

Registered Nurse Baccalaureate to Master’s Program - This program has similarities to the Registered Nurse Baccalaureate Program. However, upon meeting the criteria for progression, students can proceed to a Master’s degree program with their chosen track of specialization.

Master of Science Program - The Master of Science Program in Stony Brook University has several tracks to choose from to fit the student’s career and professional goals. Among the tracks available are: Nursing Education/Leadership, Adult-Gerontology Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/ Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Midwifery.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program - This program equates to the highest level of preparation attainment in nursing specialty practice. A post-baccalaureate DNP program is also offered with required 87 credit units and at least 1000 hours of scholarly clinical practice.

Doctor of Philosophy Program - This terminal degree in nursing research focuses on fields such as health promotion and illness prevention, self-management, and symptom science, among others. A competitive edge for this program is the School of Nursing’s partnership with several health professions schools.

Located in Park Avenue, Hunter College is one of the constituents of the City University of New York (CUNY system). Its nursing baccalaureate, master’s, post-graduate and DNP programs under its School of Nursing (SON) is CCNE-accredited. Moreover, students in the SON benefit from clinical experiences conducted throughout various community, ambulatory, and hospital affiliated settings across New York City. It is conveniently located near Bellevue Hospital, VA Medical Center, and NYU Langone Medical Center.

Undergraduate Nursing Programs - Three programs leading to a BSN degree are offered at Hunter College. The Generic Program is a traditional study which requires four-year completion. The RN-to-BS Program is designed for RNs with an associate’s degree in nursing. Meanwhile, the Accelerated Second-Degree Nursing Program (A2D) is for those with baccalaureate degrees in another field. The program places emphasis on a comprehensive and humanistic approach to healthcare with foundation on professional education and liberal arts.

Graduate Nursing Programs - Hunter College offers five specializations for students seeking a master’s degree in nursing. The said program specializations are: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (42 credits), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (48 credits), Community/Public Health Nursing (42 credits, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (42 credits), and Nursing Administration/Urban Policy and Leadership (52 credits). The last specialization is a dual-degree program.

Post-Graduate Advanced Certificate Program - This Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Advanced Certificate Program has a total 36 credit units. It equips RNs for provision of psychiatric and mental health services. It has a total of 630 hours of supervised clinical experience.

Doctoral Program - Designed to prepare nurse practitioners for evidence-based advanced nursing services for a diverse population, this program has three tracks of specialization. The said tracks are Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Nurses with bachelor’s or master’s degrees are eligible for admission. The program is available for a full-time or part-time study with required 1000 supervised clinical hours.

PhD in Nursing - This 50-credit PhD program which has rigorous coursework and residency can be completed in 3 years. A 360-hour research residency with a mentor is required in the first two years in the program. Graduates are prepared for various academic positions with their research skills gained from the program.

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.

University of Rochester is one of the leading universities in the world. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Its School of Nursing, established in 1972, offers high-quality nursing programs and extensive clinical experience. A transformative and life-long education is at the core of the curriculum taught through a student-first approach. Its nursing baccalaureate and master’s degree program as well as its DNP program are accredited by CCNE.

Bachelor’s Programs - The University of Rochester does not offer a traditional four-year undergraduate nursing degree program. However, the accelerated bachelor’s program, the RN to BS program and the dual degree in nursing program are several ways to earn a BSN degree at the university. The accelerated option is for non-nurses with a bachelor’s degree in another field. It can be completed in as few as 12 months. Meanwhile, the RN to BS program is for licensed RNs who possess a nursing diploma or an associate degree. Coursework is done online. Lastly, the Dual Degree in Nursing (DDN) program allows completion of both a Bachelor of Arts or Science and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It can be completed in four-and-a-half years or ten semesters.

Master’s Programs - This program equips advanced practice nurses as leaders in their profession. With flexible delivery, students can work full-time while being enrolled in the program. A variety of programs are available to cater to students’ various career and academic goals. Among the programs available are: Accelerated Master’s Program for Non-Nurses, RN to BS to MS, Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, Leadership in Health Care Systems and Nursing Education.

Post-master’s certificate programs - Designed for students who would like to expand or transition to a different advanced practice nursing role, this post-master’s certificate program is designed for nurses who possess a master’s degree. Plan of study for program completion is individualized depending on prior clinical coursework.

Doctoral Programs - Two entry tracks are offered in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program—The Post-BS to DNP and the Post-Master’s Entry. A PhD program is also available through the MS-PhD accelerated program, and the PhD in Nursing & Health Science Program.

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.

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.

Named after its location, Farmingdale State College (FSC) is a part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. This public college holds the record of being the largest college of applied science and technology in the SUNY system. FSC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Its Nursing Department under the School of Health Sciences places emphasis on inclusiveness and student-centered learning. Hands-on learning opportunities are available through the college’s simulation laboratory. Its baccalaureate programs in nursing are CCNE-accredited.

Bachelor of Science Degree - With 126 total units required, this program equips students with the competencies needed for their entry in the nursing profession. Two curriculum patterns are available for this program—the 4-year BS Nursing Prelicensure and the 3-year BS Advance Standing. Theoretical knowledge is reinforced with clinical practice in laboratories and clinicals conducted in various healthcare settings. In terms of student engagement, the department has a Student Nurse Association and the Student Nurse Civic Engagement Program. Program graduates are conferred a BS degree in Nursing and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

Nursing RN to BS Completion Online - With a balance in general education and nursing courses, this program equips registered nurses for professional nursing care provision. Evidence-based, safe, and patient-centered nursing services are given emphasis in the curriculum. Lesson delivery is conducted online with clinical practice in various healthcare settings. The program requires 120 credit units in total while building on the students initial nursing knowledge and skills.

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.

With more than 100 years of service, Russell Sage College is a coeducational college with two campuses located in Troy and Albany. It has an average class size of 16 and a student to faculty ratio of 11:1. Its Department of Nursing under the School of Health Sciences has CCNE-accredited undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Moreover, all its programs in the said department are registered in the New York State Education Department.

Nursing (Bachelor of Science) - With a total of 120 credits, this BSN program is available in full-time or part-time study. Curriculum is focused on nursing prerequisites and general education in the first two years, while the last two years places emphasis on 54-credit intensive nursing classes. Included in the last two years are clinical rotations of 760 hours. An opportunity to choose a patient population of interest is also available in the last semester of the capstone practicum.

Nursing (Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree options for RNs) - This flexible and self-paced program is designed for Registered Nurses seeking a baccalaureate and/or master’s degree in nursing. Lesson delivery is through hybrid classes and builds on student’s prior knowledge and skills. Program is taught by faculty who have graduate and doctoral preparation.

Nursing (Master’s) - With program credits ranging from 42 to 48 credits depending on chosen specialization track, this program can be completed in around two years for a full-time study. A part-time option is also available. Course schedule is flexible and is offered in online and hybrid classes. Theoretical knowledge is reinforced through clinical experiences with placement depending on the chosen program track.

Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS) in Nursing Education and Leadership - This DNS program equips expert nurses for innovation and for their roles as transformational leaders and educators. It offers flexibility since the coursework in the first three years of the program is delivered online. Required in-person sessions are only three weekends per semester. The program has a cohort-based admission.

Located in Burrstone Rd, Utica College is a MSCHE-accredited four-year private educational institution. It was founded in 1946, and presently has 5000+ enrolled students. Students in the college’s nursing department will have the opportunity to learn from the cutting-edge facilities and equipment available at the Dr. Albert and Gloria Shaheen Nursing Lab. The said lab houses a modern hospital reproduction, an isolation room with vital sign monitoring equipment, and a smart classroom. Moreover, the baccalaureate, master’s and post-graduate APRN certificate programs in its Nursing department are CCNE-accredited.

It even has an isolation room with advanced diagnostic and vital sign monitoring equipment. UC’s curriculum offers a blend of clinical experience, practical training, and foundational studies which is complemented by liberal arts coursework. Utica's nursing program further emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, quick and sound decision-making, thoughtful communication, and leadership skills. Students may apply bi-annually for enrollment in the fall and spring semesters.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program - Several tracks are available at Utica to earn a BSN degree. The traditional option is a campus-based program which can be completed in four years. A hybrid BS Nursing track is also available. This rigorous, full-time program offers schedule flexibility, and coursework is conducted in an interactive e-Learning platform.  Lastly, an RN to BSN option is available for registered nurses who possess an associate degree. It is offered purely online with 20-month completion.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) - Those with non-nursing baccalaureate degrees can obtain a BSN degree in as few as 16 months through this accelerated program. Aside from online coursework, hands-on and clinical experiences are also conducted in several sites. The program has three annual start dates—January, May, and August.

Graduate Nursing Programs (M.S.) - Students seeking an MSN degree can choose from the following tracks—Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, and Nursing Leadership. The Family Nurse Practitioner is a 48-credit program which can be completed in 8 semesters. The Nursing Education Track consists of 42 credit hours for a 7-semester completion. Lastly, the Nursing Leadership Track has 35-credit hours and 6-semester completion,

Online post-master’s certificate - Online post-master’s certificates in similar tracks as the MSN programs are also available at Utica. The Family Nurse Practitioner Certification is a 31-credit hour program which can be completed in one year. The Nursing Education can be completed in 16 months, and consists of 25 credit hours.

Established 1835, SUNY Brockport is a four-year accredited public institution. Its Department of Nursing under the School of Education, Health, and Human Services houses state-of-the-art simulation rooms, fundamental and assessment labs, as well as a computer lab. Moreover, the baccalaureate degree program in nursing under the said department is accredited by both CCNE and New York State Department of Education.

Nursing RN-to-BSN Fast-Track - Registered Nurses (RNs) who possess an associate’s degree in Nursing can obtain a BSN degree through the RN-to-BSN Fast-Track. This 30-36 credit program can be completed in 12 of 18-24 months for a full-time or part-time study, respectively. It is delivered in a flexible, fully-online format with local and international availability for clinical experiences.

Nursing Major (BSN) - Designed to equip nurses for health care provision towards a diverse community, this program has a rigorous academic curriculum. Graduates are prepared for advanced education and/or employment in various clinical settings.

Nursing Accelerated (Second Degree) BS to BSN Program - Graduates with non-nursing baccalaureate degree can obtain a BSN degree in as few as 15 months, inclusive of summer classes. The curriculum is delivered through a blend of classroom and clinical experiences.

Family Nurse Practitioner (MS) - Designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles, this 42-credit MSN program is delivered fully online for its non-clinical part. Meanwhile, clinical courses are delivered in a hybrid format. High-quality care is emphasized in the program by building on the previously learned nursing fundamental principles.

Family Nurse Practitioner (CAS) - This program provides eligibility to sit in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) licensing exam upon completion. Non-clinical courses are delivered completely online while the clinical parts are conducted in hybrid format. Curriculum is individualized depending on the student's needed knowledge to become an FNP.

Doctor of Nursing Practice - This 30-credit program is delivered through a blend of online coursework and in-person meetings. Students can work while enrolled in the program because it is offered in a self-paced approach, allowing one course at a time completion.

Hartwick College is a private non-profit educational institution in Oneonta, NY. This four-year college fosters a thoughtful exchange environment may it be on- or off-campus. Hartwick College’s baccalaureate degree in nursing is CCNE-accredited. Its nursing program places emphasis on hands-on experiences through future-focused labs and clinical-competency building as early as the first year in the program. Furthermore, its Nursing Simulation Lab houses a mannequin that can simulate various cardiac symptoms. 

Accelerated Nursing Programs- This accelerated program has two years and one summer completion. Meanwhile, an accelerated nursing program with just 18 months completion is also offered for individuals seeking a second career. This option is also known as the Rural Nursing Opportunities Program with sequential courses of 4-6 weeks. Majority of program applicants have previous non-nursing bachelor’s degrees; however, it is not a prerequisite. 

Educational Mobility Program for Registered Nurses - Registered nurses who possess a nursing associate degree may qualify as an advanced standing candidate for the BSN degree. Moreover, a Partnership for Nursing Opportunities program is also available for Bassett Medical Center full-time employees. 

Nursing for High School Graduates - This option is for high school students taking up nursing. Nursing skills are taught in the first semester, with the said semester ending with clinical application of those skills. Depending on the chosen time of completion, students can finish the said program in four or three years. The four-year option consists of 12-16 credits per semester. Meanwhile, the three-year option has 16-20 credits per semester. 

Nursing for transfer students - Transfer students who would want to take up nursing can finish the program in four or three years. GPAs of 2.5 and 3.0 are required in the four-year and three-year program options, respectively. In order to progress in the latter option, the student must have a grade of C or better on all major-required courses.