Best RN Programs in New York for 2024

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.

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.

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.

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.

St. Joseph’s College of Nursing is located in Syracuse NY and offers an ACEN accredited ADN program. They offer several tracks towards completion. The Weekday RN option requires four-semesters of attendance and takes two years to complete. The Evening/Weekend RN option begins in the summer, and classes meet every other weekend from Friday afternoon through Sunday.

They also offer a dual degree partnership program with Le Moyne College, which requires students to study at Le Moyne for the first and last year if the program, and the second and third year will be spent at St. Joseph’s College of Nursing. This program is suitable for students seeking a more traditional college experience. Another program offered is the accelerated dual degree partnership with Le Moyne College. This 18-month option is ideal for students who hold a previous non-nursing bachelor’s degree who want to become a nurse. Upon graduation from the program, students will have earned an ADN from St. Joseph’s College as well as a BSN from Le Moyne College.

Tompkins Cortland Community College is located in Dryden, NY. The college offers an ACEN accredited ADN program with a focus on providing students with clinical opportunities in various health care settings. There are scholarships available exclusively to nursing students. Students may also take on an internship during the summer following the second semester of the program, as well as during the winter break following the third semester. These internships are a total of 100 to 150 hours, with guidance from a faculty mentor. The program has business partners who offer graduates from the Tompkins Cortland program positions in their medical facilities. The college is also part of the SUNY system, thereby providing students with transfer opportunities to 4-year schools and university centers. The program enrolls a new class annually in the fall.

In partnership with Guthrie Cortland Medical Center, Tompkins Cortland offers an evening nursing program in a hybrid format. There will be online instruction, as well as face-to-face and clinical experiences. In-person instruction is thrice weekly, on Monday, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 4pm to 10pm.

The Pomeroy College of Nursing is located in Syracuse, NY and offers an ACEN accredited ADN program. The program has affordable tuition rates and boasts small class sizes and a state-of-the-art environment. They have numerous RN to BSN affiliations, offering a seamless transition from Pomeroy to a BSN program. The nursing school is conveniently located across from Crouse Hospital, providing easy access to clinical experiences. Students will receive faculty advising, career counseling and job placement assistance. They also offer a “Degree in 3” program in partnership with Le Moyne College, offering dual matriculation at both Pomeroy and Le Moyne colleges with an ADN and BSN degree.

Students have various options for completing the ADN curriculum. There’s a full time option, extended program (which lasts 5 semesters), and an evening/weekend option (18 months).

Clinton Community College was established in 1966 in the Town of Plattsburgh, NY. CCC has a residential campus, providing an immersive educational experience. They offer an ADN program and an LPN-RN bridge program. Both offerings are ACEN accredited and students may apply and enroll annually in the fall. The core values of the nursing department consist of integrity, holistic care, academic excellence and lifelong learning, diversity, and critical reasoning and reflection. They place great importance on analysis skills in order to apply evidence-based, clinically judged nursing care for patients of all creeds. The nursing department’s philosophy is: “Educating students to integrate the science and caring art of nursing, while providing safe, quality, patient-centered care, and utilizing evidence-based practice, teamwork and technology.”

Students may apply and enroll annually in the fall. CCC's program has a solid statewide reputation for providing excellent nursing education on the ADN level. The program values knowledge as much as the well-being of its students, placing a focus on self awareness as well as the cultivation of professional identity.