Online Nursing Programs in New York
Online nursing programs in New York may provide a pathway for prospective students to join the ranks of the approximately 320,000 nurses already practicing in the state. Our comprehensive list of online nursing schools in New York guides aspiring nurses to the many distance education options available and allows them to compare programs by annual tuition and NCLEX pass rates. Following this list, we provide information on specific career paths in the nursing field, such as Certified Nursing Aide (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), and Advanced Practice Nurse (APRN).
Comprehensive List of Online Nursing Schools in New York
| School | Annual Tuition | NCLEX Pass Rate | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelphi University | $40,300 | 85.2% | Garden City |
| Berkeley College | $26,500 | Not Reported | Multiple Locations |
| Bryant & Stratton College Online | $14,834 | Not Reported | Orchard Park |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $61,788 | 83.85% | New York |
| D'Youville College | $27,880 | 76.92% | Buffalo |
| Dominican College of Blauvelt | $29,844 | 78.13% | Orangeburg |
| Excelsior University | Not Provided | 83.3% | Albany |
| Farmingdale State College | $18,448 | 96.3% | Farmingdale |
| Mercy College | $19,594 | 61.54% | Dobbs Ferry |
| Molloy College | $32,600 | 93.12% | Rockville Centre |
| Monroe College | $15,860 | 79.6% | Bronx |
| Mount Saint Mary College | $32,772 | 95.3% | Newburgh |
| New York University | $53,308 | 89.8% | New York |
| Pace University | $46,446 | 84.06% | New York |
| Pacific College of Oriental Medicine | $8,699 | Not Reported | Multiple Locations |
| Roberts Wesleyan College | $32,494 | 75.0% | Rochester |
| The Sage Colleges | $31,883 | 86.8% | Troy |
| Saint Joseph's University - New York | $29,190 | 76.47% | Brooklyn (and 1 other) |
| St. John Fisher College | $35,150 | 94.64% | Rochester |
| Stony Brook University | $27,845 | 98.7% | Stony Brook |
| SUNY at Binghamton | $27,791 | 92.7% | Vestal |
| SUNY College at Brockport | $18,590 | 88.68% | Brockport |
| SUNY College at Plattsburgh | $18,782 | 86.96% | Plattsburgh |
| SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | $15,477 | 81.54% | Alfred |
| SUNY College of Technology at Canton | $12,580 | 87.5% | Canton |
| SUNY College of Technology at Delhi | $12,330 | 81.82% | Delhi |
| SUNY Empire State University | $17,515 | Not Reported | Saratoga Springs |
| SUNY Polytechnic Institute | $18,413 | Not Reported | Utica |
| Teachers College at Columbia University | $41,736 | Not Reported | New York |
| Ulster County Community College | $10,220 | 77.8% | Stone Ridge |
| University at Buffalo | $28,194 | 98.5% | Buffalo |
| Upstate Medical University | $24,001 | Not Reported | Syracuse |
| Utica University | $22,110 | 94.74% | Utica |
Becoming a Nurse in New York
Becoming a nurse in the state of New York may be a smart choice for individuals who want to make a difference in people's lives while also pursuing a promising career. As one of the most populous states, New York employs more nurses than almost all other states in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for most types of licensed nurses is projected to increase by 8-13%, which is on par with or slightly above all occupations. However, demand for nurse practitioners is expected to grow by 52% due to the increasing demand for primary healthcare providers. The Health Care Association of New York's 2020 report adds that there is increasing demand for home healthcare aides — as much as 52% — because so many older patients are opting to "age in place" at home.
As one of the most populous states, New York employs more nurses than almost all other states in the country.
A nursing career begins with an accredited nursing program, and many types are available online. These include certificates, associate degrees, bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degrees, and even online RN-to-BSN programs for licensed nurses who want to complete their baccalaureate degrees. Professionals can also advance their careers by pursuing a wide range of online master of science in nursing (MSN) programs in specializations such as gerontology and pediatrics or online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. Online nursing programs may require some on-campus or in-person training, so prospective students should review program requirements before enrolling.
To learn more about online nursing programs in other states, explore our Nursing Degrees by State hub.
How to Get Certified Nurse Aide Certification in New York
In New York, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are called certified nurse aides. They are responsible for helping 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. Aides in New York earn an annual mean salary of $40,620.
CNA registry is managed by the New York State Department of Health. Applicants who wish to obtain a New York CNA certificate will need to complete a state-approved CNA training program and pass the New York State Nursing Home Nurse Aide Competency Examination. The competency exam measures applicants' clinical and verbal communication skills. 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.
Applicants who wish to obtain a New York CNA certificate will need to complete a state-approved CNA training program and pass the New York State Nursing Home Nurse Aide Competency Examination.
The certifying authority for a New York CNA license is the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Professional Credentialing. To renew a New York CNA license, applicants will need to visit the Prometric website to access the application itself. Applicants are eligible for renewal as long as they have been working in a healthcare facility providing a CNA level of care for a minimum of eight consecutive months within the previous two years.
How to Get a Licensed Practical Nurse License in New York
Licensed practical nurses (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. LPNs in New York earn an annual mean wage of $51,300.
Applicants who wish to become licensed practical nurses in New York must go through the license and registration process with the Office of the Professions in the New York State Education Department (NYSED), which is the state's board of nursing.
LPN Licensure Requirements
- Have photo ID and proof of last name change, if applicable.
- Be at least 17 years old at the time of application.
- Complete the education requirements, which for an LPN is a high school degree or equivalent, plus a nursing program recognized and approved by New York.
- Complete the specific coursework required by New York, which includes infection control and child abuse reporting.
- Meet examination requirements.
- Pay the $143 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. The New York LPN registration certificate lasts for three years before renewal is necessary. Nurses cannot legally practice if their registration is expired.
How to Get a Registered Nurse License in New York
Registered nurses (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. New York-based RNs earn an annual mean wage of $89,760. The amount of time it takes to become an RN in New York depends on several factors, including whether a student earns a two- or four-year degree, has any transfer credits, and passes the NCLEX exam on the first attempt.
Applicants who wish to become an RN in New York must go through the license and registration process with the Office of the Professions at NYSED after earning their nursing degree.
RN Licensure Requirements:
- Have photo ID and proof of last name change, if applicable.
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Complete the education requirements, which could be an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree, or a diploma program recognized by NYSED as qualifying for an RN licensure.
- Complete the specific coursework required by New York, which includes infection control and child abuse reporting.
- Take the nursing license exam (NCLEX).
- Pay the $143 registration fee.
Once applicants have qualified for the New York nursing license, the license is valid forever unless revoked, suspended, or annulled by the New York State Board of Regents. The New York RN registration certificate lasts for three years before renewal is necessary. Registered nurses in New York must complete contact hours in areas such as infection control and child abuse during each renewal period. Nurses cannot legally practice if their registration is expired.
How to Get an Advanced Practice Nurse License in New York
New York recognizes two types of advanced practice nurses (APRNs) who have a higher level of practice autonomy than other nurses: the nurse practitioner (NP) and the clinical nurse specialist (CNS). In doctors' offices and hospitals, nurse practitioners provide advanced nursing care for their patients, which includes assessing patients' health status, ordering lab tests, developing treatment plans, and prescribing medications. The annual mean salary for NPs in New York is $126,440. 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. Nationwide, CNSs earn a median annual salary of $75,330.
To practice as an NP or CNS, a nurse must hold an active RN license in New York and be certified and registered as an NP or CNS in the state. Nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists are certified in one or more specialty areas. To be certified and registered as a CNS or NP, an applicant should:
- Currently be licensed and registered as an RN in New York.
- Have photo ID and proof of last name change, if applicable.
- Submit an application for certification and registration, along with an $85 fee.
Additional Requirements for Nurse Practitioners:
- Provide proof of graduation from an NP education program deemed acceptable by the NYSED or have NP certification from 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, depending on which specialty the applicant is seeking certification in: Acute Care, Adult Health, College Health, Community Health, Family Health, Gerontology, Holistic Care, Neonatology, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Oncology, Pediatrics, Palliative Care, Perinatology, Psychiatry, School Health, and Women's Health.
Additional Requirements for Certified Nurse Specialists:
- Provide proof of graduation from an approved CNS education program with a master's degree or higher, or meet alternate criteria based on professional experience.
- Choose one or more of the following specialty areas: Adult Health, Oncology, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry/Mental Health.
When candidates are approved, they will receive a certification certificate and registration certificate. NP and CNS certifications last forever in New York, but registration must be renewed every three years with NYSED.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nursing Programs in New York
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