When choosing a nursing program in New York, consider its academic quality, the curriculum, format options, cultural fit, and costs. This guide explores how to become a nurse in New York, what you can expect to earn as a nurse, and how to find the best nursing program for your needs.
Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in New York.
The Best Nursing Schools in New York
While the best school for you depends on your goals and background, this guide can help you choose between the many nursing schools in New York. Because proper nursing school accreditation is vital to your career success, we only offer accredited nursing program options.
Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in New York, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
How to Choose a Nursing Program in New York
Factors to consider when exploring nursing schools in New York include the following:
- Cost and tuition (in-state or out-of-state eligibility)
- Academic quality and how well the curriculum matches your interests
- Graduation and National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rates which can indicate how well the program prepares you to become a nurse
- Class sizes
- Location
- Program format
Why Become a Nurse in New York
The demand for nurses continues to grow in New York. According to Projections Central, between 2018 and 2028, nursing jobs could grow by 24.6% in the state, compared to 9% nationally. New York RNs also earn a competitive salary at $89,760, the BLS reports.
In addition to the amenities New York City offers, New York state offers smaller, rural communities that may appeal to working nurses. While most nursing programs in New York take place at institutions in larger cities, many nursing schools in New York offer online options as well.
In April of 2022, New York became the 25th state to grant full practice authority to nurse practitioners (NPs). The move will allow NPs to provide a greater range of care with less oversight. Full practice authority may also result in better retention rates and pay for NPs.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in New York
Nursing salaries in New York are among the highest in the country, with the average RN salary at $93,320, and the nurse practitioner salary at $126,440, according to the BLS. However, while the cost-of-living index in New York is higher than the national average at 143.7, New York City is still ranked as one of the best places to live in the world.
By 2030, New York is expected to experience a nursing shortage of 2,220 nurses. Earning a New York nursing license can help meet the demand and result in a good investment for your career.
New York's overall cost of living is higher than the average U.S. cost of living. This explains a wider range of salaries for nurses in New York. The right city for you depends on salary, cost of living, and what ranks most important to your family and lifestyle.
| Top Paying Metropolitan Areas | Average Salary for RNs |
|---|---|
| New York — Newark — Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $94,920 |
| Kingston, NY | $81,660 |
| Buffalo — Cheektowaga — Niagara Falls, NY | $77,580 |
| Albany — Schenectady — Troy, NY | $73,160 |
| Watertown — Fort Drum, NY | $70,990 |
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in New York
Every state incorporates its own individual state RN licensing requirements. However, the general requirements remain similar, including a degree from an accredited and approved program, passing the NCLEX licensing exam, and completing a background check.
RN Requirements
To become an RN in New York, you must attend an approved nursing school and earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. You then have to pass an infection control and a child abuse reporting course, the NCLEX-RN examination, and a background check.
The licensing application fee is $143, with a renewal fee of $73. The state's nursing board lists all requirements on its website.
APRN Requirements
New York requires that advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) graduate from a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program, get APRN board certification, take state-approved pharmacology coursework, pass a background check, and apply for a license to the state board of nursing. A nurse practitioner application costs $85, and a clinical nurse specialist license costs $80.
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