Online Nursing Schools in NY: Searching for Top Programs
The nursing field is growing rapidly in New York. To meet this heightened need of nurses, we have created this guide to inform prospective nursing students in New York about the best-in-class online nursing programs. Keep reading to get an inside look at increasingly popular online options, find out more about state requirements, and get details on the job outlook and salary potential for nurses in New York. Keep reading to find the nursing program that’s just right for you.
In Depth Look at the Types of Online Nursing Programs in New York
Each nursing program caters to different needs in terms of program length and pace. Some provide an accelerated pace, while others allow you to take classes part time while you continue working full time. Similarly, some nurses want to further their education in stages, while others want to complete their entire education before focusing on full-time work. Make sure a program fits the length and pace you want and allows you to bridge to a higher level if that is your goal.
Many New York nursing programs now offer flexible online programs with working RNs in mind. Some programs have residency or clinical requirements, meaning that students must meet periodically at the campus or at a satellite campus, but many are 100% online nursing programs in New York for those who already have (or will soon have) their RN license.
Below, explore the range of online nursing programs available in New York.
Online Undergraduate Degree Programs
You’ll find a number of accredited, prestigious undergraduate nursing degree programs in New York. These are ideal for students who don’t have many college credits or are interested in entry-level nursing work. Explore options including certificates, licenses, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees below.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
If you want to dip your toes into the nursing profession while not enduring a lot of school and still fulfilling an in-demand role, consider becoming a CNA. You’ll provide basic care and support to your patients in a variety of healthcare settings. CNAs work under the supervision of registered nurses and other medical professionals.
Example: Lehman College Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Hybrid
- Cost: $999 tuition + $150 CPR certification
- Length: 6 weeks
- Mode: Hybrid
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
The next option in pre-licensure nursing programs is an LPN certificate program. When you work as an LPN, you’ll fulfill many of the same patient care duties — but also may oversee CNAs. You’ll monitor patient vital signs, perform routine care tasks, help educate patients, and document patient symptoms.
Example: Niagara County Community College
- Cost: $9,450
- Length: 12 months
- Mode: Online classes available for some classes, mostly in person
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
ADN programs prepare students for professional practice as RNs. Through a combination of classroom instruction and clinical practice, students are ready to take the NCLEX-RN exam upon graduation. Most ADN programs take about two years to complete, and some have significant online offerings.
Example: Excelsior University Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
- Cost: $35,750
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A traditional BSN program prepares students for professional practice as RNs. A BSN generally takes four years and prepares you for leadership, administrative, and management roles in addition to direct patient care. New York requires all new nurses to obtain a BSN within 10 years of receiving their RN licenses, in what’s often referred to as the BSN-in-10 requirement.
Example: Dual Degree Nursing program (RN and BSN) at St. Bonaventure University
- Cost: $42,220 per year
- Length: 4 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN programs are typically for students who have a bachelor’s degree in another field and who have completed nursing prerequisites like nutrition, chemistry, and statistics. These programs are designed for those with non-nursing degrees to move into a nursing career and can be completed in as little as a year.
Example: University of Mount Saint Vincent ABSN
- Cost: $67,600
- Length: 16 months
- Mode: Hybrid
Graduate and Post-Graduate Degree Programs
Graduate nursing programs are for nurses who already hold a bachelor’s degree — either in nursing or another field. You’ll study advanced concepts and often specialize to establish expertise in a specific field. Below, find master’s degrees, doctorates, and post-master’s certificate programs that will help you level-up your nursing skills and earn a top salary in the field.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
MSN programs are for nurses who want to pursue advanced health careers as administrators, nurse educators, and clinical nurse leaders. MSN graduates fill roles as nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and more. Programs are available for specializations and generally take two to three years to complete.
Example: Empire State University Master of Science in Nursing
- Cost: New York residents pay $5,655 per semester (full-time students), whereas non-residents pay $6,785 per semester
- Length: 10 months to 2 years
- Mode: Hybrid or online
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs prepare RNs or advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to meet the complex health needs of diverse populations in various settings. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs prepare nurses to conduct research across a range of populations and health conditions. DNP and PhD students need a BSN or MSN in nursing as well as RN licensure or eligibility.
Example: SUNY Upstate Medical University College of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Cost: $12,560 per year for New York residents
- Length: 2.5 years
- Mode: Online
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Post-graduate certificates prepare nurses for roles in advanced practice in areas like psychiatric/mental health, gerontology, pediatrics, midwifery, and informatics. These certificates are for nurses who want to refine their practices toward specific patient populations for work in advanced practice roles as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse educators, and nurse informaticists.
Example: Upstate Medical University Post-Graduate Advanced Certificates
- Cost: $5,652 per year for residents
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Bridge Degree Programs
RN bridge programs support nurses who are ready to take the next step in their careers by completing their next degree. In a bridge program, you won’t start from scratch; instead, both your previous school and work experience will be considered to help you graduate more quickly.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
LPNs who want to become RNs can take a nursing bridge program to earn their ASN or BSN degree. These programs recognize the academic preparation and clinical experience of LPNs and provide opportunities for credit equivalency.
Example: SUNY Genesee LPN to RN track
- Cost: Full-time students pay $5,250 per semester
- Length: 1 year
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
RN to BSN programs allow RNs with associate degrees or diplomas to obtain their BSNs in as little as two years while continuing to work. Sometimes partially or fully online, these programs in New York focus on increasing general science knowledge while expanding professional expertise.
Example: Empire State University RN to BSN
- Cost: 4 years
- Length: Full-time students pay $3,535 per semester
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to MSN
These programs are designed for students with an ASN or ADN to obtain both a BSN and a Master of Science in Nursing. Students who complete this bridge nursing program in New York will be prepared for advanced nursing practice in roles like nurse practitioners, midwives, educators, and nurse managers.
Example: Stony Brook University Registered Nurse Baccalaureate to Master’s Program
- Cost: Full-time students who are residents pay $5,655 per semester; non-residents pay $13,165 per semester
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
Online BSN to DNP programs are specifically for nurses seeking to develop their clinical skills and versatility. The skills of Nurse Practitioners (DNPs) make them essential resources in many different settings. DNPs can choose a variety of workplace options, depending on their scope of practice and population served.
Example: Upstate Medical University Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BS-DNP)
- Cost: $25,120 – full time per year for New York residents
- Length: 3 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Direct-Entry MSN
These graduate-level, direct-entry programs are often designed for non-nurse college graduates who want to become an RN or APRN. You’ll focus on building foundational nursing knowledge and skills, and when you graduate, you’ll be prepared to sit for the NCLEX exam and begin your nursing career.
Example: University of Rochester Master’s Direct Entry into Nursing Practice
- Cost: $109,600
- Length: 16 months
- Mode: Hybrid
New York Licensing Requirements for Registered Nurses Licensing
Now that you’ve potentially found a type of nursing program in New York that fits your needs, it’s time to explore the specific licensing and certification steps necessary to be in good standing in the state. You’ll want to spend some time researching New York nursing guidelines, keeping the following steps in mind.
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
Practicing RNs in New York must hold degrees from programs that are accredited, indicating that the programs meet high academic standards. Accreditation comes through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE only accredits bachelor and master’s degree programs, while the ACEN accredits all levels of nursing programs from practical to doctorate. Equally important, your program must be registered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) as one that meets its quality standards.
2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is required for licensure, so you’ll want to make sure the program you choose prepares its graduates well for that exam and has a high pass rate. Be sure to check your school’s NCLEX-RN pass rate through the NYSED. You can also access beginner study guides and other resources to help improve your performance.
3 – Apply for State Licensure
Becoming an RN is a similar process from state to state, but each has its own requirements outlined by its Board of Nursing. Find the latest New York state information on licensing requirements and processes on New York’s board of nursing page before you begin your program. The step-by-step list below gives an overview of the requirements for first-time RNs completing New York nursing programs.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
To practice in New York State, your professional license must be registered, and you can renew your registration online. If your registration has lapsed for longer than four months, you’ll submit a delayed registration application. Every level of nursing has its own licensure and renewal rules and regulations, so access checklists and forms at the NYSED.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
If you’re looking to pursue a specific field or gain expertise to potentially increase your career satisfaction, earning potential, and opportunities for professional growth within your field, specialty certifications are recommended. You’ll deepen your knowledge and expertise in your healthcare area of interest, enabling you to provide more focused, tailored care to your patients. After auditing your specific interests, you can choose specialties related to critical care, dermatology, diabetes, domestic violence, emergency, and many more.
Ranking the Top Online Nursing Programs in New York
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top online four-year and two-year nursing programs in New York for 2025. This ranking uses data from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, including (but not limited to):
- Number of online programs in the subject area
- Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class
- Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full time
- Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates
- Student/faculty ratio
The results are tallied in the rankings below.
Keuka College
Keuka Park, New York
Private
CUNY Lehman College
Bronx, New York
Public
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, New York
Public
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Public
SUNY College at Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh, New York
Public
SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Canton, New York
Public
Molloy College
Rockville Centre, New York
Private
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
Delhi, New York
Public
Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale, New York
Public
Saint John Fisher College
Rochester, New York
Private
Utica University
Utica, New York
Private
SUNY Brockport
Brockport, New York
Public
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, New York
Private
Roberts Wesleyan College
Rochester, New York
Private
Daemen University
Amherst, New York
Private
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
Brooklyn, New York
Public
University of Rochester
Rochester, New York
Private
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
Career & Salary Projections for Registered Nurses in New York
The future looks bright for registered nurses in New York. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a 25.50% increase in jobs, which means an additional 5,200 positions created annually. This makes it a great time to pursue a nursing degree, whether you're training for the first time or seeking further education. If you're considering another location, the prospects are also promising. In the United States, 193,100 new jobs will be added to the profession yearly, representing a 5.60% increase.
Below, you will find information about the salaries RNs earn in New York. The 10th percentile of nurses make $69,450, while the 90th percentile earn $136,780. The median salary is $104,570. In different areas of the state, nurses earn varying amounts. In Rochester, the range is $67,900 to $110,810, with an average of $87,010. Elmira nurses earn between $62,250 and $91,400, with an average of $76,890.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $69,450 | $104,570 | $136,780 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $68,210 | $85,120 | $109,910 |
| Binghamton, NY | $67,110 | $84,680 | $108,080 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY | $68,440 | $87,200 | $113,350 |
| Elmira, NY | $62,250 | $76,890 | $91,400 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $57,980 | $82,040 | $99,780 |
| Ithaca, NY | $67,090 | $97,610 | $117,680 |
| Kingston, NY | $63,360 | $87,360 | $104,570 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $79,220 | $108,540 | $136,480 |
| Rochester, NY | $67,900 | $87,010 | $110,810 |
| Syracuse, NY | $65,700 | $80,970 | $107,290 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $62,510 | $82,920 | $99,830 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | $44,670 | $78,200 | $107,410 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| New York | 204,040 | 256,080 | 52,040 | 25.50% | 5,200 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
