Explore Online Associate Nursing Programs in New York (NY)
If you’re ready to launch your nursing career in New York, an online associate program may be right for you. Discover top schools, key features, and more in this guide.
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Have you been thinking about becoming a nurse in New York but are unsure where to start?
Pursuing an online associate degree in nursing (ADN) can set you on an affordable, accelerated path to a rewarding career. As a prospective nursing student, you know that New York is renowned for its exceptional healthcare facilities, from NYU Langone to Lenox Hill Hospital, where you can gain hands-on clinical experience.
You’re likely also aware that the state is facing growing demand for qualified nurses to care for its diverse population. In fact, New York’s Department of Health predicts the state will face a shortage of almost 40,000 nurses by 2030.
If you’re eager to begin your training at a premiere facility so that you can help address this need, keep reading. In this guide we’ll explore highly ranked New York schools offering online ADN degrees, provide an overview of what to look for when evaluating programs – from clinical placement support to curriculum focused on cultural competence — and outline the key steps to certification and licensure in the state upon graduation. We’ll also leave you with a host of resources designed to help online nursing students succeed at every step of their journey.
If you’re ready to start making a real difference in patient lives (and your own), an online ADN program in New York is a great place to begin. Let’s dive in by looking at who made our list of this year’s top schools.
SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Canton, New York
Public
CUNY LaGuardia Community College
Long Island City, New York
Public
CUNY Bronx Community College
Bronx, New York
Public
CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College
New York, New York
Public
CUNY Queensborough Community College
Bayside, New York
Public
Excelsior University
Excelsior College offers a CCNE-accredited online Associate in Applied Science degree in nursing with courses that can be completed in self-paced 8-week terms. The curriculum focuses on core nursing competencies like ethics, communication, assessment, and more. Students are encouraged to embrace the fundamental values of the School of Nursing: patient-centered care, nursing judgment, professional identity, and spirit of inquiry.
Current LPNs, LVNs, or paramedics, can build on their knowledge of nursing theory through this degree.
Excelsior helps connect students to over 200 partner hospitals and medical centers statewide at which they can complete their clinical training and develop professional connections. The program boasts impressive NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates that approach state and national averages. Nursing alumni praise Excelsior’s flexibility and career support services. Consider this program to gain the experience and skills you need to begin practicing as an RN in diverse care settings.
Finger Lakes Community College
Finger Lakes Community College offers an top associate-level pathway into nursing through its Health Care Studies program. The curriculum equips students with a foundational understanding of concepts in allied healthcare and hands-on clinical training ideal for prospective nursing school applicants. Coursework covers topics in anatomy and physiology, nutrition, lifespan development and more — in line with the prerequisites for many Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.
Graduates are well-equipped to pursue additional education in fields like Cardiovascular Perfusion, Medical Imaging/Radiography, and Medical Technology. When surveyed, former students report satisfaction with the school’s small class sizes, accessible instructors, and career preparation services. Finger Lakes provides an affordable associate-level option that allows aspiring nurses to gain experience in allied healthcare settings prior to pursuing further education.
SUNY Delhi
SUNY Delhi offers an online Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program for aspiring nurses in New York. Notably, it’s one of only 10 colleges nationwide recognized by the National League of Nursing as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education from 2019 to 2023.
Its cutting-edge curriculum leverages interactive simulations to build clinical judgment and competencies, and meet the needs of a culturally diverse population. The program weaves together theory and hands-on training that prepare students for clinical rotations at hospitals, nursing facilities, and other healthcare settings.
SUNY Delhi nurtures caring, effective communicators ready to provide compassionate nursing care and lead change across New York’s dynamic healthcare landscape. As a graduate of this program, you’ll also receive dedicated advising plus access to SUNY’s wide alumni network for employment connections upon graduation.
What to Look for in New York ADN Programs Online
As you research online ADN programs in New York, it will be important to consider key indicators that they will elevate your academic understanding and professional preparedness.
Accreditation is the most important feature of any ADN program, as it ensures your degree meets rigorous quality standards. Next, look for schools with robust clinical placement coordination that provides access to local facilities and opportunities to implement nursing skills directly with patients statewide.
As a prospective nurse in New York, take the time to examine whether the curriculum emphasizes cultural competence essential for effectively treating the state’s diverse populations.
High NCLEX-RN pass rates are a hallmark of programs that prepare graduates for licensure success. As is approval by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), which indicates a school is recognized for producing nursing graduates eligible to practice in the state after completing the necessary requirements.
Keep reading for a closer look at each of these features and their importance in an ADN program:
Accreditation
Accreditation should be a key consideration when evaluating online ADN programs. Focus your search on options endorsed by the Commission on CollegiateNursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), which uphold rigorous standards of quality and integrity for nursing curriculums and institutional operations.
Accredited nursing programs produce graduates ready to excel on licensure exams and on the job, where they’ll be prepared to safely handle complex patient cases from day one.
Clinical Placement Opportunities
Look for online associate nursing programs in New York that facilitate valuable in-person clinical placements at some of the nation’s most prestigious medical facilities. Partnerships with leading metropolitan hospitals, trauma centers, community clinics and more allow you to gain firsthand experience implementing nursing knowledge across diverse real-world environments. This exposure and networking builds the essential skills you’ll need to thrive in dynamic clinical settings statewide upon graduation.
Cultural Competence Emphasis
Given the incredible diversity of New York’s population, an effective nurse is one who can demonstrate cultural competence — the ability to understand and inclusively address varying patient perspectives, values, and needs.
Quality online ADN programs in New York weave cross-cultural sensitivity, non-bias, and related themes throughout all facets of their nursing education. This produces graduates ready to improve minority health outcomes and serve as empowering caregivers to people from all walks of life.
NCLEX Pass Rates
The NCLEX-RN exam is a pivotal milestone on the path to practicing as a licensed nurse able to apply clinical judgment and exercise safety competency. To gauge whether a program thoroughly prepares students to earn passing scores, look for its first-time NCLEX pass rates.
Online associate nursing options with a history of pass rates of 85% or higher indicate the program’s education and training prepare students to excel on this critical test and the career that lies beyond.
NYSED Licensure Approval
Before committing to any online nursing program, check that they’ve received approval through the New York State Education Department (NYSED). NYSED’s published list of vetted colleges confirms which associate degree tracks graduate students eligible to become registered nurses. Choosing an approved program streamlines the endorsement you need to begin working in the state.
Certification & Licensure Requirements in NY
New York mandates that all associate-prepared nurses complete certain steps to demonstrate their readiness for professional duties.
In this section, we’ll outline each of these steps to earning your licensure, reinforcing your professional expertise, and maintaining your status as a registered nurse.
Criminal Background Check
All prospective New York nurses undergo an in-depth criminal background check to ensure safe patient environments. Disclose any past legal offenses upfront and be prepared to explain mitigating circumstances. Failure to pass the background check generally bars candidates from achieving licensure.
NCLEX-RN Examination
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) assesses clinical judgment through a 6-hour computerized test. Passing this standardized benchmark proves nursing competencies and makes you eligible for Registered Nursing (RN) roles.
Registration with the New York State Board of Nursing
Upon completing an approved nursing program and passing the NCLEX, you must submit an endorsement application (with fees) to receive your official licensure through the State Board of Nursing. This grants you the legal authority to work as a nurse.
Continuing Education
While optional in some states, pursuing annual, approved continuing education (CE) is necessary to maintain your nursing license in New York. On top of which, it demonstrates a dedication to advancing your abilities. Seminars, certification programs, and specialized training can all count toward your CE requirements. The New York State Nurses Association is a great resource for continuing education and professional development.
FAQs About Online Associate Nursing Programs in New York
As a prospective nurse researching online ADN programs, you’re likely have several questions before applying.
Below, we explore common inquiries about program timeframes, affordability, access to financial assistance, and career outlooks for New York associate degree nursing graduates. Refer to these responses for data-backed insights to guide your educational decisions.
How long do NY ADN programs take to complete?
Most online ADN programs in New York can be completed in 5-8 academic terms over the course of 2-3 years from admission to graduation. Accelerated tracks that condense this timeframe also exist at certain colleges, enabling motivated learners to qualify for licensure and employment faster.
How much do online associate nursing programs cost in NY?
The average cost of tuition for public online ADN programs is between $6,000 and $8,000 for in-state students, while the cost of private and out-of-state options is typically higher. Finger Lakes Community College, for example, charges $207 per credit hour. Various factors determine the cost of programs.
Don’t forget to add expenses, like textbooks, clinical fees, exam costs, etc., to more accurately estimate the cost of your program.
Is financial aid available to help me fund my ADN program in New York?
Yes, eligible New York residents can access federal/state grants, subsidized loans, military benefits, and scholarships to substantially offset online ADN tuition and expenses.
For example, the “Nurses For Our Future” Scholarship covers tuition for 1,000 new or current healthcare workers to earn an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at a two-year or four-year New York State public college or university.
Check out the New York State Education Department to learn more about funding opportunities.
What does the job market look like for graduates of New York associate in nursing programs?
Fueled by an aging population and growing healthcare system, the job outlook for ADN nurses in New York is extremely promising across hospitals, clinics, and other facilities, all of which offer competitive salaries.
The state’s Department of Health predicts the state will face a shortage of almost 40,000 nurses by 2030 — meaning job opportunities will be plentiful for a variety of nursing roles.
Resources & Support for NY ADN Students
If you still have questions or are looking for additional resources and support, these websites and organizations can help.
The following list identifies five exceptional organizations that provide networking, career navigation, supplemental education, and data resources to empower both aspiring and current nursing students across the state.
- American Nurses Association New York – As a state chapter of the American Nurses Association, this group represents and advocates for the interests of over 42,000 registered nurses across New York through events, continuing education, news updates and more.
- Minority Nurse– Minority Nurse is the largest minority nursing association advocating for equity through career advice, stipends, mentorship, and events for marginalized student nurses.
- New York State Department of Health – The state’s Department of Health website has a wide variety of resources for both nurses and nursing students. One notable resource is its data and reports section, featuring community health dashboards, a community health indicator report, and detailed papers on healthcare data trends across the state.
- Nurses4NYC – NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public healthcare system in the nation, serving more than a million New Yorkers in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs annually. Nurses4NYC helps support nurses with a variety of resources.
- Nursing Students Association of New York State – This state society facilitates leadership trainings, networking meetups, annual conferences, and more to support NY nursing students professionally.
