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2024 Best Online Nursing Programs in New York

Updated August 24, 2023

Compare some of the best online nursing degrees available in New York. Students can choose from a variety of nursing programs at all degree levels, from online associate nursing degrees to master's in nursing degrees. The growing popularity of online learning is a result of its convenience and flexibility, enabling prospective nurses to balance their educational pursuits with other life obligations.

Our 2023 list includes colleges in New York that offer online nursing degrees and have available NCLEX data, so you can easily determine which online nursing program results in graduates with the best pass rate.

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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Comprehensive List of Online Nursing Schools in New York

School Annual Tuition NCLEX Pass Rate Locations
# Adelphi University $43,800 85.2% Garden City
# Berkeley College $28,600 Not Reported Multiple Locations
# Bryant & Stratton College Online $15,292 Not Reported Orchard Park
# Columbia University in the City of New York $66,139 83.85% New York
# CUNY Hunter College $15,332 91.7% New York
# CUNY Lehman College $15,360 82.9% Bronx
# D'Youville University $31,170 76.92% Buffalo
# Dominican University New York $32,120 78.13% Orangeburg
# Excelsior University Not Provided 83.3% Albany
# Farmingdale State College $18,486 96.3% Farmingdale
# Keuka College $36,191 Not Reported Keuka Park
# Mercy University $21,358 61.54% Dobbs Ferry
# Molloy University $36,030 93.12% Rockville Centre
# Monroe College $17,442 79.6% Bronx
# Mount Saint Mary College $37,940 95.3% Newburgh
# New York University $58,168 89.8% New York
# Pace University $50,026 84.06% New York
# Pacific College of Health and Science $8,742 Not Reported Multiple Locations
# Roberts Wesleyan University $36,124 75.0% Rochester
# The Sage Colleges $35,351 86.8% Troy
# Saint Joseph's University - New York $32,370 76.47% Brooklyn (and 1 other)
# St. John Fisher College $37,748 94.64% Rochester
# Stony Brook University $28,480 98.7% Stony Brook
# SUNY at Binghamton $28,203 92.7% Vestal
# SUNY College at Brockport $18,530 88.68% Brockport
# SUNY College at Plattsburgh $18,791 86.96% Plattsburgh
# SUNY College of Technology at Alfred $15,942 81.54% Alfred
# SUNY College of Technology at Canton $13,119 87.5% Canton
# SUNY College of Technology at Delhi $12,490 81.82% Delhi
# SUNY Downstate Medical Center $23,763 94.1% Brooklyn
# SUNY Empire State University $17,540 Not Reported Saratoga Springs
# SUNY Polytechnic Institute $19,338 Not Reported Utica
# Teachers College at Columbia University $35,430 Not Reported New York
# Ulster County Community College $11,020 77.8% Stone Ridge
# University at Buffalo $28,702 98.5% Buffalo
# Upstate Medical University $24,113 Not Reported Syracuse
# Utica University $24,308 94.74% Utica

Becoming a Nurse in New York

Becoming a nurse in New York is an option for individuals who want to make a difference in people's lives during their career. As one of the most populous states, New York employs more nurses than almost all other states in the country.



As one of the most populous states, New York employs more nurses than almost all other states in the country.

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) issues licenses for each type of nurse in the Empire State, including licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The same department oversees the certified nurse aide (CNA) training programs and certification.

A New York nursing career begins with an accredited nursing program, and many types are available online. These include Associate Degrees in Nursing (ADNs), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. Depending on your current level of education, you might choose an online RN-to-BSN program to help finish a bachelor's degree faster.

To learn more about online nursing programs in other states, look through our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below:

Nursing Degrees by State

How To Get Certified Nurse Aide Certification in New York

CNAs in New York help patients with activities of daily living, such as using the bathroom, getting dressed, feeding, and bathing. Most work in nursing facilities, hospitals, and continuing care facilities, although some assist patients in their homes.

Applicants will need to complete a state-approved CNA training program and pass the New York State Nursing Home Nurse Aide Competency Examination. A representative from the completed educational program or a representative from a current place of healthcare employment will need to fill out a portion of the application for the exam.

New York CNA licenses must be renewed every two years. A CNA can renew the credential as long as they have been working in a healthcare facility providing CNA care for a minimum of eight consecutive months within the previous two years.

How To Get a Licensed Practical Nurse License in New York

LPNs work primarily in nursing facilities and hospitals but may also find employment in doctors' offices. They are responsible for monitoring patients' health status, keeping records, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to care for patients.

Applicants who wish to become LPNs in New York must go through the license and registration process with the NYSED's Office of the Professions. Candidates will need to do the following:

  • Present photo ID and proof of last name change, if applicable
  • Be at least 17 years old when applying
  • Complete an approved practical nursing program after high school
  • Complete extra required coursework about infection control and child abuse reporting
  • Either pass the National Council Licensure Examination for practical nursing (NCLEX-PN) or prove that they hold an LPN license in good standing from another state
  • Demonstrate good moral character according to the state's definition
  • Pay a registration fee

Qualified New York LPNs retain their New York nursing license for life unless it is revoked, suspended, or annulled by the New York State Board of Regents. But LPNs must re-register every three years or they won't be able to practice.

How To Get a Registered Nurse License in New York

RNs work in doctors' offices, hospitals, and other healthcare systems. Among other responsibilities, they assess and record patients' conditions, help perform diagnostic tests, and provide patients with counseling and care-related information.

The RN application process in New York requires applicants to take these steps:

  • Show photo ID and proof of last name change, if needed
  • Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
  • Supply official transcripts for an ADN or BSN degree
  • Complete additional coursework on infection control and child abuse reporting
  • Either pass the NCLEX-RN or demonstrate licensure from another state
  • Answer questions about their moral character
  • Pay the registration fee

New York RN licenses are valid forever unless revoked, suspended, or annulled. Similar to LPNs, RNs must renew their credential every three years. Renewal requires nurses to complete continuing education in areas such as infection control and child abuse during each renewal period.

How To Get an Advanced Practice Nurse License in New York

New York recognizes two types of APRNs who have higher levels of practice autonomy than other nurses: the nurse practitioner (NP) and the clinical nurse specialist (CNS). NPs provide advanced nursing care for their patients, which includes assessing patients' health status, ordering lab tests, developing treatment plans, and prescribing medications. CNSs also provide a high level of patient care and they are often involved in training other health professionals and conducting research into nursing best practices. 

To practice as an APRN, a nurse must hold an active RN license in New York and be certified and registered as an NP or CNS in the state. This requires an applicant to do the following:

  • Prove their RN licensure in New York
  • Submit photo ID and proof of any name changes
  • Turn in an application for certification and registration along with a fee payment

Candidates need to complete some additional steps based on which type of APRN license they're applying for.

Nurse Practitioners

  • Provide proof of graduation from an NP education program deemed acceptable by the NYSED or prove NP certification through a national certifying body
  • Complete coursework in pharmacology (NPs in New York have prescriptive authority)
  • Show proof of coursework and applicable professional experience in one or more of the following specialties: acute care, adult health, college health, community health, family health, gerontology, holistic care, neonatology, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, pediatrics, palliative care, perinatology, psychiatry, school health, or women's health

Certified Nurse Specialists

  • Provide proof of graduation from an approved CNS graduate program or meet alternate criteria based on professional experience
  • Choose one or more of the following specialty areas: adult health, oncology, pediatrics, or psychiatry/mental health.

Candidates receive licensure certification and a registration certificate once the NYSED approves their applications. NP and CNS certifications last forever in New York, but registration must be renewed every three years with the NYSED.

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