Nursing in New York

New York’s nursing education system serves a large population but is centered mostly in New York City and surrounding metro areas, leaving many rural parts of the state with fewer local options. of its 205 nursing programs, most operate in 15 counties around NYC, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and the Hudson Valley. 

Licensing in New York requires state-specific credentials since the state is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses cannot use licenses from nearby compact states to practice here without applying for New York licensure. This means you will need to follow the state’s full licensing process if you want to work here.

The job market for registered nurses varies across regions. Urban areas have many hospital and specialty care jobs but also higher competition for entry-level roles. Rural locations often have continued shortages, especially in home health and long-term care settings. Salaries for RNs average about $106,620 yearly but differ widely by location and specialty. Nurse practitioners and CRNAs earn more but must consider New York’s high cost of living, which is among the highest in the nation, especially in New York City.

New York’s nursing program costs reflect this economic divide. Community colleges offer the most affordable LPN and ADN programs, often totaling under $20,000. Public university BSN degrees usually cost between $25,000 and $40,000. Private colleges and accelerated programs charge substantially more, sometimes exceeding $60,000. When choosing a program, weigh tuition alongside living expenses, especially if attending school in NYC or Long Island.

NCLEX pass rates for New York programs average 82.8 percent, slightly below the national average. Variation is common, with better outcomes at public universities and lower success rates at some for-profit schools, prompting increased state oversight. Reviewing pass rates by program can help you find a quality education matched to your career goals.