New York is one of the highest-paying states for nurses in the country and home to some of the most prestigious nursing programs in the world. It is also one of the more complex states to navigate: New York is not part of the Nursing Licensure Compact, licensing requirements are strict, and program admission at top schools is highly competitive. This guide covers what you need to know about nursing programs, licensing, costs, and the job market in New York.
Nursing education landscape in New York
New York’s nursing education system is shaped by the state’s density and institutional diversity. New York City alone has more nursing school options than most entire states – from the CUNY and SUNY systems, which collectively operate dozens of programs, to elite private universities like Columbia, NYU, and Cornell (Weill Cornell Medicine).
Outside New York City, the SUNY system is the backbone of nursing education. SUNY has campuses with nursing programs throughout the state – Stony Brook (Long Island), University at Buffalo, SUNY Upstate Medical University (Syracuse), Albany, Plattsburgh, and more. Long Island University, Hofstra/Northwell, Adelphi, Pace, and other private colleges add further capacity in the metro area.
Upstate New York has a different character: more rural, with programs at Rochester (including University of Rochester and St. John Fisher), Syracuse-area colleges, and regional community colleges serving smaller healthcare markets.
New York is not a member of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). A New York RN license is a single-state license only. Nurses who want to practice in other states must apply for endorsement in each additional state individually. This matters particularly for nurses interested in travel nursing or those who might relocate – entering a compact state from New York requires a separate licensure process. For more on the compact and which states participate, see the nursing compact license guide.
The New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions (NYSED) regulates nursing education and licensure in the state, not a standalone Board of Nursing.
Admission requirements
New York nursing programs – especially at the BSN level – are competitive. Here is what programs typically require:
For ADN programs (community college):
- Minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 on prerequisite science courses
- ATI TEAS or HESI A2 entrance exam – most CUNY and SUNY community colleges use TEAS
- Prerequisite courses: Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, English Composition, Psychology
- CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association preferred)
- Criminal background check before clinical placements
- Some programs use waitlist-based admission; others use competitive point systems
For BSN programs (university):
- Minimum GPA of 3.0–3.7; top programs at Columbia, NYU, and Stony Brook are highly competitive with averages above 3.5
- TEAS or HESI (varies by institution)
- Prerequisite courses: A&P I and II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, English Composition, Nutrition, Psychology
- Letters of recommendation (typically 2–3)
- Personal statement
- Many programs require 40–100 hours of documented healthcare experience
For applicants with lower science GPAs, a strong entrance exam score and healthcare experience can partially offset academic record. See the guide on nursing schools that accept low GPAs for strategies.
Types of nursing programs in New York
New York has a full spectrum of nursing programs, from CNA certificates through doctoral programs.
| Program type | Credential | Typical duration | Typical cost range (in-state) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA certificate | CNA | 4–8 weeks | $1,200–$4,000 |
| LPN certificate | LPN | 12–18 months | $10,000–$22,000 |
| ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) | RN | 2 years | $10,000–$25,000 (CUNY/SUNY); higher at private colleges |
| BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) | RN | 4 years (or 12–18 mo for RN-to-BSN) | $35,000–$70,000 (SUNY); $100,000–$200,000+ (elite private) |
| MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) | NP, CNS, educator, administrator | 2–3 years post-BSN | $40,000–$80,000 |
| DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) | Advanced practice / leadership | 3–4 years post-BSN | $50,000–$100,000+ |
CNA programs are offered through vocational schools, community colleges, and some long-term care facilities. New York requires a minimum of 100 hours of training plus a competency evaluation through the state registry (certified through the NYS Department of Health).
LPN programs are widely available through BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) vocational programs and community colleges. LPN-to-RN bridge programs are available through the CUNY system and community colleges statewide, making the LPN route a viable pathway to RN licensure for those who want income during their nursing education.
ADN programs through CUNY and SUNY community colleges are the most cost-effective route to RN licensure in New York. Hostos, Bronx, Queensborough, Nassau, and other community colleges operate large ADN programs that feed directly into the NYC hospital system and metro-area employers. Hunter College (CUNY) offers a direct-entry BSN and is among the more accessible four-year options in the city.
BSN programs range from heavily subsidized SUNY options (Stony Brook, University at Buffalo, Binghamton) to elite private programs. Columbia University School of Nursing and NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing are internationally recognized and highly competitive, with strong placement in NYC’s academic medical centers. Long Island University and Adelphi have historically strong hospital relationships on Long Island.
New York also has strong second-degree accelerated BSN programs for applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. NYU, Columbia, Pace, and Molloy University offer these programs, compressing BSN completion to 12–18 months. See accelerated BSN programs for the full picture.
Graduate programs (MSN, DNP) are available at Columbia, NYU, Stony Brook, University at Buffalo, SUNY Downstate, and others. NP tracks in Family, Psychiatric-Mental Health, and Adult-Gerontology are most common. Columbia’s nurse anesthesia and nurse midwifery programs are nationally known.
For an overview of degree options, see BSN programs and MSN programs.
Licensing in New York
Nursing licensure in New York is managed by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), Office of the Professions – not a separate Board of Nursing. This is a distinctive feature of New York’s regulatory structure.
For RN licensure by examination:
- Graduate from a NYSED-registered nursing program (ADN or BSN)
- Pass the NCLEX-RN
- Submit application to NYSED (fee: $143 for initial licensure)
- Complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check
- Meet the child abuse identification requirement (2-hour mandatory training)
For LPN licensure:
- Graduate from a NYSED-registered LPN program
- Pass the NCLEX-PN
- Submit application and fees; background check required
Non-compact state: New York does not participate in the NLC. A New York nursing license is valid in New York only. To practice in another state, you must apply for licensure by endorsement in that state – which involves additional fees and processing time. New York nurses who want to travel or relocate should budget for this process. See nursing license requirements by state for state-by-state details.
New York RN licenses are registered (not renewed) every 3 years with 3 continuing education credits in infection control and barrier precautions, plus child abuse identification training. NYSED also requires a mandatory coursework or training in infection control before initial licensure.
Nursing job market and salary in New York
New York’s nursing job market is dominated by New York City, which has the highest density of major academic medical centers, specialty hospitals, and large health systems in the United States. NewYork-Presbyterian, NYU Langone, Mount Sinai Health System, Northwell Health, Montefiore, NYC Health + Hospitals, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and dozens of other major employers create deep, sustained demand for nurses at all levels and specialties.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2024 OEWS), the mean annual wage for registered nurses in New York is approximately $110,490 – among the highest in the country and well above the national mean of $93,600. The 10th percentile for New York RNs is approximately $78,000; the 90th percentile exceeds $150,000.
New York City metro wages are higher than upstate. RNs in the NYC metro – including Long Island and the Hudson Valley – typically earn in the $100,000–$130,000 range depending on specialty and employer. Upstate markets (Buffalo, Albany, Rochester, Syracuse) pay considerably less, typically $70,000–$90,000, which is more in line with national averages. The high cost of living in New York City significantly offsets the wage premium for nurses in the five boroughs.
The long-term care and home health sectors are also major employers in New York, particularly as the state’s aging population grows. NYC Medicaid and Medicare population creates consistent demand for nurses in community health and ambulatory settings.
For a full state-by-state salary comparison, see the nursing salary by state guide.
Financial aid and scholarships
New York has several state-specific financial aid programs that benefit nursing students:
Federal aid: All accredited programs qualify for FAFSA. Complete it as early as possible (October 1 opening) to maximize Pell Grant and subsidized loan eligibility. See nursing school FAFSA guide.
New York state programs:
- Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): New York’s flagship need-based grant for state residents attending eligible New York institutions. Available to full-time and part-time students at CUNY and SUNY nursing programs. Awards vary based on family income.
- Excelsior Scholarship: Tuition-free access to CUNY and SUNY for families earning under $125,000/year, including nursing programs at community colleges and four-year institutions. Income cap varies by income bracket.
- NYS Nurses for Our Future Program: Provides full scholarships to registered nurses enrolled in an accelerated BSN or graduate nursing program who commit to practicing in New York after graduation.
- Federal Nurse Corps Scholarship Program: Covers tuition, fees, and a living stipend for nursing students who commit to practicing in an HPSA-designated underserved area. Highly competitive but substantial.
Northwell Health, NYC Health + Hospitals, and other large New York health systems also offer tuition assistance and scholarship programs for nurses employed during or after training.
Frequently asked questions
Is New York in the nursing compact?
No. New York is not a member of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). A New York nursing license is single-state only. If you want to work in compact states, you will need to apply for endorsement individually. This is a meaningful distinction for travel nurses and nurses considering relocation.
How competitive are nursing programs in New York City?
Very. CUNY community college ADN programs in New York City are typically oversubscribed, with competitive point-based or waitlist admission. BSN programs at Hunter, Stony Brook, and private universities are selective. Columbia and NYU are among the most competitive nursing programs in the country at the graduate level. Applicants should have strong prerequisite GPAs, solid TEAS or HESI scores, and documented healthcare experience.
What is the NCLEX pass rate requirement in New York?
NYSED requires that approved programs maintain NCLEX pass rates above a minimum threshold; programs falling below that threshold are placed on monitoring status. Nationally, first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for US-educated candidates have ranged from approximately 82–88% in recent NCSBN reporting cycles. Look up program-specific pass rates on NYSED’s registered program database before enrolling.
How long does it take to become an RN in New York?
An ADN takes approximately two years after prerequisites (which typically take one year). A BSN takes four years from the start of undergraduate study, or 12–18 months via an accelerated second-degree program. An LPN-to-RN bridge can shorten the timeline if you already hold a New York LPN license. For more on prerequisites, see nursing school prerequisites by state.
Can I work as a travel nurse with a New York license?
Travel nursing with a New York license is possible but limited compared to compact state licenses. You would need to obtain individual state licenses for each additional state where you want to work. Many travel nurses obtain a compact state license as their “home state” license to maximize their coverage. See nursing compact license guide for options.