Your Guide to the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in NY

Inside Online RN to BSN Programs in New York

Convenience and affordability are key features of all online RN to BSN programs in New York. Beyond that, each program offers its own curriculum focus and content delivery. You’ll find programs presented entirely online with no in-person requirements, and others that include on-campus attendance for labs, seminars, and short-term residencies. You may be required to complete clinical experiences in program-approved practice settings. It’s critical to gain a detailed understanding of all course and content delivery requirements before settling on your RN to BSN program.

To help you learn more about RN to BSN programs, here are spotlights of three quality online RN to BSN programs currently offered in New York State.

FAQs for New York RN to BSN Online Students

If you’ve read this far, you’ve likely found the answers to many of the questions you had about online RN to BSN programs in New York. You may have others, so here are the answers to five questions commonly asked by prospective RN to BSN students.

How will an RN to BSN program in New York prepare me for more nursing career opportunities?

The coursework for RN to BSN programs builds on the core nursing knowledge and skills taught in the student’s associated degree program, with particular emphasis on leadership and management, community/public health, evidence-based research, and (in some programs) advanced nursing practice in one or more medical specializations. Each program offers its own unique focus, so it’s important that you carefully review the specific topics covered in each program before applying for admission. Regardless of your ultimate program choice, earning your BSN will prepare you for nursing administration and leadership positions in the full range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, nursing care facilities, home healthcare services, and more.

How long does it take to complete an RN to BSN program in New York?

The completion times of online RN to BSN programs vary somewhat from program to program depending on a number of factors, the most impactfully being the student’s chosen study pace (i.e. full or part time). In general terms, most full-time students in online RN to BSN programs in New York (like those at SUNY Empire and Monroe University) will complete their studies in 10 to 12 months. Program lengths of 18 months to three years (sometimes longer) are common for part-time programs (like those at SUNY Delhi and SUNY Plattsburgh). Regardless of study pace, your actual program length may also be affected by the need to complete any prerequisite courses or additional general education coursework required to meet the total credit requirement for your degree.

How affordable are RN to BSN programs in New York?

Costs for online RN to BSN programs in New York also vary by specific program. In large part, these programs offer surprisingly affordable tuition rates, as the figures mentioned in the spotlights above and those listed below indicate. This is particularly true when it comes to rates for NY residents at programs offered by public colleges and universities. In general terms, total tuition costs for public school online RN to BSN programs in New York range from around $10,000 to $15,000 while total tuition costs at private schools can run anywhere from $17,000 to $25,000.

This doesn’t mean you should reject RN to BSN programs from private schools. Private school programs (like Mount Saint Mary’s) often offer discounted tuition rates to RN to BSN students that are substantially lower than their other bachelor’s degree programs. Additionally, all prospective RN to BSN students should consider financial aid resources when determining a program’s actual cost, regardless of whether the program is from a public or private school.

Binghamton University (SUNY)

BS in Nursing Online Program for Registered Nurses

Total Credits: 27

$295/credit (New York residents); $353/credit (out-of-state residents)

Roberts Wesleyan College

RN to BS in Nursing

Total Credits: 36

$22,896 (total program cost)

University at Buffalo (SUNY)

RN to BSN Program – Online

Total Credits: 32

$12,000 to $14,000 (total program cost)

What are the admission requirements for RN to BSN programs in New York?

Variations continue when it comes to admission requirements for online RN to BSN programs in New York, so be sure that you carefully review the requirements for any program before applying. You can expect to meet requirements like the following:

• Active and unincumbered RN license; most online RN to BSN programs in New York require a New York State-issued license while others accept licenses from other U.S. jurisdictions
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or (in a small number of cases) diploma from an accredited nursing program
• A stated minimum cumulative GPA on all previously completed undergraduate coursework; specific minimums vary by program, but typically range from 2.5 to 3.0 (and sometimes higher)
• Prerequisite coursework may also be needed in anatomy and physiology, communications, critical thinking, general science, psychology, and/or statistics

In New York, what should I look for in a quality RN to BSN program?

Proper accreditation. Accreditation is the process through which college and universities – and the programs they offer – are vetted for academic soundness. Institutional accreditation of U.S. colleges and universities is overseen by several independent regional and national agencies recognized by the Department of Education. Accreditation of nursing schools and programs themselves (including RN to BSN programs) is administered primarily by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Accreditation information is normally listed on school and program websites, but you can also check current accreditation status at the Department of Education.

Ranking the Best Online RN to BSN Bridge Programs in New York

We’ve surveyed the entire landscape of online RN to BSN programs in New York and listed what we believe to be the best of those programs in the rankings below. Or choices are based on a review of a number of important student-focused program elements, including accreditation, affordability, (including access to valuable financial aid resources), curriculum content, study flexibility, and the availability of quality academic and career support services.

Salary & Career Comparison: RN vs. BSN

There are advantages and disadvantages that go along with each of the different education credentials (diploma, ADN, BSN) leading to a career as a registered nurse. One of the biggest advantages to having a BSN degree is bigger paychecks. How much bigger? According to online job marketplace ZipRecruiter, registered nurses with a BSN degree employed in New York State earned an average of over $101,000 annually as of the end of 2024. That’s over 10% higher than the average annual salary ($91,431) of New York RNs with only an ADN. And those are average salary figures. Registered nurses in New York filling top positions collect salaries of $150,000 a year and, for some, up to $170,000 and more.

Regarding job security and opportunity for advancement, we mentioned in the introduction that the job market for RNs in New York is “exceptionally hot.” That’s no exaggeration, as evidenced by recent figures from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Projection Central website that put the projected long-term (2022-2032) job growth rate for RNs in New York State at 25.5%. By comparison, the projected growth rate for all occupations combined in the U.S. during that same period is 2.8%.