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Top New York RN to BSN Programs

The US healthcare system is in the midst of a massive overhaul. In the past several years, RNs have seen their responsibilities expand considerably due to a broad range of factors which include things like newly enacted legislation and an aging population. In addition to being asked to take on additional duties, RNs have also been asked to go further in their education in ways that weren't previously asked of them. Thus, forward-thinking nurses looking to stay competitive in their field are going back to school to earn their BSN degrees. At the same time, colleges and universities have made it incredibly simple for RNs to earn BSN degrees from the comfort of their own homes, while they continue to work full-time. With so many schools offering RN to BSN programs, though, finding the best one isn't always easy. That's why we've done the heavy lifting and have put together a list of the top RN to BSN programs in New York state.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in New York

Picking which RN to BSN program to attend is a big decision that should be taken seriously. While you scroll through New York's top RN to BSN programs, consider the following factors:

  • Program acceptance rate
  • Student satisfaction rate
  • Cost of attendance (tuition, etc.)
  • Faculty experience
  • Program accreditation and recognition
  • Age of the program
  • Scholarship/financial aid opportunities
  • Graduate employment data
  • Class sizes
  • Internship opportunities
  • Cost of living in the immediate area

Testing and Certification

ADN-educated registered nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam before they can acquire their nursing licenses. This means that RN to BSN students aren't required to take the licensing exam again.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in New York

1. Lehman College

First established in 1931, Lehman College is a senior college of the City University of New York (CUNY) in the Bronx borough of New York City. LC offers students an online, 37.5 credit hour RN to BSN bridge program which focuses on the development of critical thinking skills, health assessments, and serving diverse patient populations. During the program, students will take courses like Professional Nursing Practice, Clinical Decision Making, and Trends & Issues in Nursing & Healthcare, among others. Students can choose to study full-time or part-time. Lehman College offers one of the most affordable RN to BSN programs in the state.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Bronx Care Health System
  • NYC Health + Hospitals North Central Bronx
  • Calvary Hospital

Tuition:

While residents of New York state can expect to pay around $8,325 plus additional fees to attend LC's RN to BSN program, out-of-state residents can expect to pay about $17,137 plus fees.

2. SUNY Plattsburgh

Founded 130 years, SUNY Plattsburgh is a public liberal arts college that's situated in the city of Plattsburg. The college offers a well-established, online RN to BSN program that has an excellent record of preparing RNs for what they'll face during their careers in the healthcare field. The 33 credit hour program, which emphasizes applied learning experiences, consists of courses like Informatics in Healthcare, Theoretical Foundations of Nursing and Healthcare, and Topics in Pathophysiology, to name a few.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • CVPH
  • The University of Vermont Health Network

Tuition:

For info on SUNY Plattsburgh's program tuition, contact them at (518) 564-2000.

3. SUNY Delhi

Established in 1913, SUNY Delhi is a public college located in the Town of Delhi. SUNY offers a flexible, 61 credit hour RN to BSN program that working nurses can complete at their own pace, entirely online. Although the program's coursework can be completed online, students are required to conduct their practicums at the college's various on-site locations. The program boasts affordable SUNY tuition rates, a state-of-the-art curriculum delivered by faculty with the highest credentials in the field, and intuitive, web-supported classes that have tutoring and technical assistance available. New cohorts begin twice a year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • O'Conner Hospital
  • Margaretville Memorial Hospital
  • UHS Delaware Valley Hospital

Tuition:

While residents of New York state can expect to pay around $19,765 plus additional fees to attend LC's RN to BSN program, out-of-state residents can expect to pay about $21,533 plus fees.

4. The College at Brockport

The College at Brockport is public liberal arts college in Brockport that's over 185 years old. Students can complete 30-36 credit hour RN to BSN program at the College of Brockport online over a 12 month or 18 to 24 month period, depending on whether they choose to study full-time or part-time. The program, which is designed to enable RNs to earn advanced standing based on clinical experience, also has a clinical component that students can complete within their own local communities or they can opt for international experiences that are available in Peru and Costa Rica. According to the college, 50 percent of their RN to BSN graduates report moving into positions of nursing leadership within the first year of graduation. New cohorts begin three times per year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • UR Medicine Strong West
  • Lakeshore Memorial Hospital
  • United Memorial Medical Center
  • Rochester General Hospital

Tuition:

For current tuition info for the College of Brockport, reach out to them at (585) 395-2211.

5. Hunter College

Founded in 1870, Hunter College is one of the constituent colleges of the CUNY system in New York City. Hunter College, which is home to the flagship nursing school in the CUNY system, offers a 30 credit hour, online RN to BSN program that students can complete on a part-time or full-time basis. Students who enroll in the program can expect to take courses like Pathopharmacology, Nursing and Societal Forces, and Health Assessment. In addition to the online coursework, students are required to complete one on-site practicum.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Bellevue Hospital Center
  • NYC Health + Hospitals Metropolitan
  • Rockefeller University Hospital

Tuition:

While residents of New York state can expect to pay around $14,630 plus additional fees to attend LC's RN to BSN program, out-of-state residents can expect to pay about $30,00 plus fees.