Top Online Nursing Programs in New York (2024)

In recent years, the healthcare industry has been growing rapidly & with complex health demands- leading to significant demand for qualified nurses.

With the advancement of technology, pursuing a nursing degree online has become increasingly popular.

Therefore, in this article, we list some of the top online nursing programs in New York, which are flexible enough for you to attend while working.

These programs offer a variety of specializations, such as critical care, pediatrics, and oncology. With these online nursing programs, you can pursue your passion for nursing while still maintaining a work-life balance.

Online RN to BSN Programs in New York

1. D’Youville University’s Online RN to BSN Program

Program Overview

If you’re a working RN looking to advance your nursing career while maintaining a busy schedule, D’Youville University’s online RN to BSN program is designed for you. The program is CCNE-accredited and offers a flexible course schedule with online courses available 24/7 and no on-campus visits required.

The program consists of 30-62 credit hours, with a minimum of 30 credits needed to meet residency requirements. There are seven courses in the major, and up to 92 transfer credits are accepted. The cost per credit is $395, and you can complete the program in as few as 9 months.

Flexible Course Schedule

D’Youville’s online RN to BSN program offers nursing courses in an 8-week format and other courses to meet degree requirements in 8 or 15-week formats. This flexibility allows you to move through the program at your own pace, whether studying full-time or part-time.

Admission Requirements

  • Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree from an accredited program with a conferral date, or a diploma in nursing
  • Official college/university transcripts
  • Active, unrestricted RN license in New York or Ontario, Canada (if you are a new associate degree graduate who is not yet licensed, you must pass the NCLEX-RN during your first semester)
  • Minimum overall GPA of 2.5

Cost

The total cost of attendance for the full program with transfer credits is $12,330, making it an affordable option for you to advance your nursing career and earning potential.

2. Stony Brook’s RN Baccalaureate Program

Program Overview

Stony Brook University’s Registered Nurse Baccalaureate Program is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Specifically, if you have an associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing, you’re eligible for this Registered Nurse Baccalaureate Program.

This program is largely online- offered through Distance Education, with a few mandatory onsite days. You can complete the program in 2 years.

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of 60 credits of upper-division coursework, including Nursing and Liberal Arts courses, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing.

The program emphasizes leadership development, clinical prevention and population health, socially just care, and evidence-based practice. You will also learn about information management and the integration of technologies into practice, as well as interprofessional collaboration and communication.

You will have clinical experiences in population health and nursing leadership which will provide you with opportunities to apply nursing and other theories to clinical practice, promoting the transition of competencies to the baccalaureate level of proficiency.

Clinical Placement

You’ll be glad to know that Stony Brook’s Office of Clinical Placements helps you with the processing of clinical placement requests and contracts for all clinical affiliations. The office works closely with faculty to ensure that you can secure suitable clinical placement sites.

Admission Requirements

  • Current, unencumbered New York State RN license (or be a new graduate nurse who will be licensed within 6 months of the program’s start)
  • Minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA
  • Completed all pre-admission coursework with a grade of C or higher
  • Personal statement
  • 3 online letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
  • Meet the Technical Standards for Admission and Retention
  • Pay the application fee or provide an approved waiver.

Cost

The cost per credit is $467.20. You can check the breakdown for tuition & other fees here.

3. Upstate Medical University Online RN to Bachelor of Science program

Program Overview

If you’re a registered nurse in New York State with an associate degree or diploma in nursing, then consider Upstate Medical University’s online RN-to-BS degree program. The program is designed to build on your AAS education to help you achieve the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education.

The fully online program offers both full-time and part-time tracks, with the ability to complete degree requirements in as little as 16 months for full-time students and 22 months for part-time students. Since all courses are offered online, you can create a schedule that meets your needs.

Dual Admission Program

If you’re currently pursuing an associate degree in nursing (ADN) from Onondaga Community College or Cayuga Community College, you can simultaneously enroll in Upstate’s RN to Bachelor of Science program through a Dual Admission Program agreement.

This means you can begin taking courses for the online Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree while still enrolled at one of the community colleges. The ultimate goal is to provide a direct path to obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing and to foster a pipeline of well-qualified nurses to work at Upstate Medical University hospitals.

Admission Requirements

  • completed or be in the last semester of an associate’s degree in nursing
  • Minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA, and a grade of “C” or higher in each prerequisite course
  • Current and unencumbered United States RN license
  • Current CPR certification

Tuition

The tuition fees are $7,070 per year for full-time students and $3,540 per year for part-time students for New York State residents, making it program among the most affordable online nursing programs in New York. These rates are based on SUNY Tuition rates & fees.

4. University at Buffalo Online RN to BS Program

Program Overview

University at Buffalo offers an online RN to BS program that is ranked #25 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Again, with this program, you can continue working while continuing your education. The coursework is completely online with no required login times, allowing you to meet the course deadlines on your own schedule.

Duration & Credits

The program can be completed in 1-2 years on a full- or part-time basis, and it requires 30-32 credits depending on whether you already have a bachelor’s degree. If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, the program will be 32 credits- including UB Seminar and UB Capstone.

Clinical Practicums

You will need to complete clinical practicums in NBC 311, NBC 410, and NBC 494. These practicums can be conducted at your workplace or a community setting.

Scholarships

The UB School of Nursing awards more than $180,000 in scholarships to admitted/approved undergraduate nursing students. RN to BS students get emailed a scholarship link application in the fall semester.

Admission Requirements

  • Recommended cumulative GPA of 2.5. For GPAs below 2.5, you must submit a Personal statement & 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • Minimum Grade of “C” in Prerequisites
  • Resume
  • Nursing degree
  • Unencumbered U.S. RN license

Tuition

The tuition for the program ranges from $12,000 to $14,000 for residents and non-residents.

5. CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) RN to BS Online Program

Program Overview

CUNY SPS RN to BS program is fully online with no onsite requirements. Even better, learning is done in an asynchronous format, which really speaks to the flexibility of the program. The program features small class sizes, often ranging between 18 and 25.

Some of the core competencies you will develop from this program include health assessment, leadership and management, nursing research, care of culturally diverse populations, global health and policy, and nursing informatics.

Clinical Placement

SPS assists students with finding and organizing clinical placements. However, you are free to attend your clinical placement at your usual place of work or within a community setting.

Credits

You need at least 30 credits to complete SPS’s online RN to BS program. Besides, the school accepts transfers of up to 105 undergraduate credits, which should make your tuition more affordable.

Admission Requirements

  • Associate’s degree in nursing with an overall GPA of at least 3.0
  • Current licensure in New York State as a Registered Professional Nurse, or eligibility to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination – RN (NCLEX-RN) – in New York State
  • Diploma nurses with an NYS RN license may apply and receive 36 credits for their nursing education but must complete additional coursework to earn a BS in Nursing degree

Tuition

The tuition is $305 per credit. And good news! From winter 2023, tuition is the same irrespective of your state residency- really making CUNY SPS online RN to BS degree one of the best online nursing programs in New York.

6. Mount Saint Mary College RN to BS Program

Program Overview

The Mount Saint Mary College RN to BS program is designed to provide nurses with an opportunity to advance their education and earn a BSN degree. This program is specifically designed for RNs who’ve already completed their associate degree in nursing and want to take the next step in their nursing education.

Flexibility of the Program

One of the key features of the RN to BS program at Mount Saint Mary College is the flexibility it offers. Since the program is entirely online, you can complete your coursework and assignments from anywhere, at any time, as long as you have internet access. This means that you can complete your degree while balancing your busy schedule, whether you have work or family commitments.

Program Structure and Duration

The RN to BS program consists of at least 30 credits and 9 nursing courses. In addition to completing coursework, you will also need to complete 80 practice hours. Most students take around 18 months to complete the program, but it is possible to complete it in as little as one year.

Tuition Fees

The cost of tuition for the RN to BS program is $500 per online credit- slightly more expensive than other options; however, the flexible schedule and online delivery of the program mean that you can complete your degree without having to relocate or take time off work- potentially saving you money in the long run.

Online MSN Programs in New York

1. Adelphi University Online Master’s in Nursing Education

Program Overview

Adelphi University’s Nursing Education Master’s program is one of the best online nursing programs in New York, designed to accommodate working professionals with a schedule that fits their needs. As a fully online program, it is available to you regardless of where you live, including out-of-state RNs.

By obtaining a master’s degree in Nursing Education, you’ll acquire the necessary skills to teach students, assess their progress, and develop and execute new strategies for nursing education.

Although a career in higher education is one possible option, completing a master’s in nursing education will also equip you to educate nurses in clinics and hospitals, work as a clinical supervisor in healthcare facilities, or serve as a consultant for educational institutions.

Graduate Merit Scholarship

The program offers a Graduate Merit Scholarship, which provides yearly awards ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. This scholarship can be renewed every year, helping students save substantially on tuition.

Tuition Discounts

In addition to the scholarship, students enrolled in Adelphi University’s College of Nursing and Public Health’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Nursing Education (NED) master’s programs who are also employees of Northwell Health and NYU Langone Health are eligible for a 15% tuition discount on those programs. Students employed by NYU Langone-Long Island (formerly Winthrop Hospital) and Westchester Medical Center are also eligible for Adelphi’s discounted tuition rate.

Additionally, if you’re employed by Northwell Health, NYU Langone Health, NYU Langone—Long Island (formerly Winthrop Hospital), or Westchester Medical Center, you may be eligible for a 15 percent tuition discount on Adelphi’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Nursing Education (NED) master’s programs.

Application Requirements

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • B or above in all science and nursing classes
  • Graduate application $60 fee
  • 2 letters of recommendation from master’s-prepared nurses or above
  • Resume
  • 500-word personal essay
  • Submit previous college transcripts
  • Current New York State RN license.

Cost

You can check the cost & other program fees here.

2. D’Youville University’s Online MS – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Overview

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner, D’Youville University offers an online MS program in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) that may be just what you’re looking for!

This program is perfect for working nurses and other students who hold a BSN degree, including international medical graduates, unmatched U.S. medical graduates, and graduates of Doctor of Chiropractic programs.

Curriculum

The curriculum covers various advanced medical concepts, including nursing theory and development, prescription writing, advanced pathophysiology, women’s reproductive health, best practices in pediatrics, and adult health in aging populations. With a total of 15 courses and 40 credit hours, you can expect to complete this program in approximately three years.

The program is designed as a low-residency program, combining convenient online coursework with in-person intensives at D’Youville’s Buffalo, New York campus. Clinical courses require periodic meetings with faculty that take place on campus.

Admission requirements

  • US-based accredited BSN degree
  • Resume with at least one year of RN practice with a baccalaureate degree
  • Overall GPA of at least 3.00
  • Official college/university transcripts, showing completion of a 3-credit descriptive statistics course or equivalent with a grade of C or better
  • Active unencumbered RN licensure in your state (New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Ontario)
  • CPR certification with a psychomotor component

NB: Applicants who work full-time are not eligible to complete the Family Nurse Practitioner track on the planned two-year completion timeline.

Cost

The cost per credit is $1,110, with a total cost of attendance of $45,360 for the online MS-FNP program.

Disclaimer: This program meets licensure requirements in the state of New York. Applicants from outside of New York are responsible for verifying with their Board of Nursing that this program meets the requirements for future nurse practitioner licensure.

3. D’Youville University’s Online MS- Nursing Education (Clinical Focus)

Program Overview

D’Youville University’s Online MS- Nursing Education Program (Clinical Focus) is designed to provide working nurses with convenient access to graduate education. This program combines 100% online coursework with practicum experiences, allowing you to complete all coursework online while also gaining practical experience.

Curriculum

It is a 40-credit hour program consisting of 16 courses. Your classes will last eight to 15 weeks, with an estimated completion time of two years, including summer study.

Over the course of your program, you will conduct and evaluate nursing research, plan and evaluate lessons and curricula, apply effective instructional techniques in clinical settings and traditional or virtual classrooms, assess student performance, design and implement community health initiatives, and formulate and advocate for health policies.

Upon graduation, you will take the NLN Nurse Educator Certification Exam.

Practicum Experience

You will complete 180 hours of in-person teaching practicum experience, 120 hours of a community-based family care practicum, and a capstone project. This practical experience will equip you to guide and train new nurses on their journey toward clinical practice.

Admission Requirements

  • US-based accredited BSN degree
  • Overall GPA of at least 3.00
  • Active unencumbered RN licensure in your state
  • CPR certification with a psychomotor component
  • Resume documenting at least one year of RN practice with a baccalaureate degree
  • Official college/university transcripts
  • Completed courses in health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology in your college transcripts

Cost

The cost per credit for this program is $750, and the full program total is $30,960.

4. D’Youville University’s Online MS – Nursing Management and Quality Leadership

Program Details

The Nursing Management and Quality Leadership program is an online master’s degree program designed to prepare you to take on leadership & managerial roles in healthcare. The program consists of 30 credit hours and 12 courses, and it can be completed in just 18 months.

The cost per credit hour is $750, and the program accepts up to nine transfer credits completed within the past five years. Also, the program has small class sizes, and the instructors are nursing faculty who have experience working in clinical settings. They understand the difficulties that current healthcare leaders encounter.

Practicum Experience

During the program, you will have the chance to gain hands-on experience through 180 hours of precepted clinical practice. This experience will allow you to put into practice the theories and concepts you learn in the program, in real-life situations.

Convenient and Flexible Hybrid Learning

The program is presented in a format that combines 100% online coursework with the 180-hour practicum experience. This hybrid learning approach is designed to offer you the flexibility you need to balance your studies with your busy schedule. You may also have the option to complete your practicum experience where you currently work.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the program, you must:

  • US-based accredited BSN degree
  • Resume documenting at least one year of RN practice with a baccalaureate degree
  • Official college/university transcripts, showing completion of baccalaureate-level courses in health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology
  • Overall GPA of at least 3.00. Applicants with an overall GPA between 2.70-2.99 are considered based on their professional experience and CV, but preferential admissions are given to applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Active unencumbered licensure as an RN in your state.
  • CPR certification with a psychomotor component.

Cost

The total cost for the program is $23,140.

Wrapping Up

The best online nursing programs in New York should offer you a convenient and flexible way to pursue your education while growing in the healthcare field. With the ability to complete coursework online, these programs provide a well-rounded education to set you up for success.

Best of luck in your nursing career!

Disclaimer:

  • Information on these programs may change without notice. So, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and accuracy. You’d have to check with the school and do further research. Our review list is simply for guidance and cannot be relied upon exclusively without research on your part.
  • Before enrollment, check with your state regarding licensing rules or whether your desired program meets your home state’s certification requirements and licensure.

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