Best New York LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
New York provides LPN to RN bridge programs designed to expand nursing practice. Students study advanced subjects such as health assessment and pharmacology. Clinical placements prepare graduates for licensure and registered nursing roles across healthcare environments.
2027 Best LPN to RN Programs in New York
Utica University
Utica, NY - Private 4-year - utica.edu
Associate - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Utica University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is a hybrid program tailored for LPNs seeking RN licensure. Combining online coursework with hands-on labs and clinical rotations at top healthcare facilities, it accommodates working professionals. Ideal for candidates with at least 65 non-nursing college credits or a prior bachelor's degree, the curriculum emphasizes patient assessment, medication administration, and care coordination. Graduates are ready for the NCLEX-RN and roles in hospitals, clinics, and schools. The program can be completed in as few as 16 months with three start dates annually. It is military-friendly. The program does not specify ACT or SAT requirements for admission.
- 16-Month program
- 3 start dates per year
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Hybrid online and in-person learning
- Clinical rotations at top facilities
- Leverages non-nursing college credits
Monroe College
Bronx, NY - Private 4-year - monroecollege.edu
Associate - LPN to RN Option
Campus Based - Visit Website
Monroe University provides licensed practical nurses an accelerated route to registered nursing through its one-year, full-time LPN to RN option on campus. Completing the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree blends nursing fundamentals with liberal arts courses in anatomy, chemistry, pharmacology, and healthcare. A featured course, Culturally Competent Care of the Child-Bearing Family, prepares students for diverse populations. Hands-on career training and faculty with decades of practice experience help graduates succeed on the NCLEX-RN. Admission is selective, with holistic review for limited seats; accepted students must pass background checks and physical exams. This immersive program suits LPNs seeking career progression.
- 1-Year program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Limited number of seats
- Holistic clinical admission review
- Background check and physical exam required
- Featured course: Culturally Competent Care of the Child-Bearing Family
- Experienced faculty with 40 years nursing practice
CUNY LaGuardia Community College
Long Island City, NY - Public 2-Year - lagcc.cuny.edu
Associate - LPN to RN Bridge Course
Campus Based - Visit Website
LaGuardia Community College (CUNY) offers a three-credit LPN-to-RN bridge course designed for licensed practical nurses ready to advance to registered nursing. Instruction centers on medical-surgical and pharmacological nursing concepts, emphasizing the nursing process, informed clinical decision-making, and formulation of patient care plans with measurable expected outcomes. This lecture-based, campus-delivered course prioritizes critical thinking and practical application, ensuring graduates are prepared for RN licensure and roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care. Prerequisites are required. Military-friendly, it offers working LPNs a structured pathway to career progression. This course provides the clinical knowledge for a seamless transition to RN practice.
- 3 total credit hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Bridge for LPNs pursuing RN licensure
- Covers medical surgical and pharmacological concepts
- Emphasizes nursing process and informed decision making
- Students develop appropriate plans of care
- Lecture course format
Molloy University
Rockville Centre, NY - Private 4-year - molloy.edu
Associate - LPN to BS/RN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Molloy University's LPN to BS/RN program is a campus-based pathway for licensed practical nurses to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing. Following the same comprehensive curriculum as the traditional BSN, coursework includes humanistic nursing practice, health assessment, and evidence-based care. Advanced standing recognizes prior experience, allowing course waivers. Students build clinical reasoning, patient-centered care, and leadership skills, preparing for RN roles across hospitals, clinics, and community agencies. The program features small classes, hands-on learning, and faculty mentorship. Applicants need a current New York LPN license and a minimum 3.0 GPA; transfer credits are accepted. No ACT or SAT requirements are mentioned. This flexible route enables LPNs to advance their careers.
- 3.0 GPA minimum
Genesee Community College
Batavia, NY - Public 2-Year - genesee.edu
Associate - Advanced Placement LPN to RN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Genesee Community College's Advanced Placement LPN to RN track is a one-year, hybrid program for licensed practical nurses seeking registered nurse status. The curriculum blends online coursework with on-campus labs and clinical rotations at healthcare facilities across Western New York, including Rochester and Buffalo. Students study medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, and leadership, then complete a four-week capstone with an RN preceptor. This ACEN-accredited program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN, achieving a 95.9% licensure pass rate, and consistently exceeds state and national averages. High-fidelity simulation technology, small clinical groups, and membership in Alpha Delta Nu and the Nurse's Club enrich the learning experience. The program starts in fall and spring at a state-of-the-art facility.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 1-Year program
- Starts fall/spring
- 95.9% licensure pass rate
- 4 clinical hours
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Capstone with RN preceptor
- Higher NCLEX pass rates than state/national averages
- State-of-the-art facility in Med-Tech Park
- Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society
New York LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
New York LPNs who plan to bridge to RN should expect selective admission and state specific prerequisites. While each college sets its own standards, applicants commonly need:
- Active, unencumbered New York LPN license and graduation from an approved practical nursing program
- High school diploma or equivalent and proof of U.S. high school level English proficiency if educated abroad
- Minimum college GPA set by the school, often with recent completion of key prerequisites such as anatomy and physiology I and II with labs, microbiology, English composition, psychology, human development or lifespan psychology, and math or statistics
- Standardized entry testing used by many programs, such as TEAS or HESI, meeting a minimum score
- Current BLS CPR for healthcare providers, physical exam, required immunizations, TB screening, and drug and background checks for clinical placement
- Possible validation of LPN competencies through a transition course, skills check-off, or challenge exams to receive advanced standing
- Good academic standing, and for competitive programs, recent direct patient care experience can strengthen an application for working LPNs
After program completion, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN and meet New York licensure requirements, which include approved coursework in infection control and child abuse identification. Details are maintained by the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN to RN bridge curricula in New York build on practical nursing experience and prepare students for entry-level professional RN practice. You will study:
- Advanced adult medical surgical nursing, pathophysiology, and pharmacology with dosage calculation
- Health assessment across the lifespan with emphasis on clinical reasoning and documentation
- Maternal newborn, pediatric, and psychiatric mental health nursing
- Geriatric and community or population health nursing, including care coordination
- Leadership, ethics, and evidence based practice appropriate to the ADN or BSN level
Clinical learning occurs in supervised settings such as hospitals, long term care, and community agencies, with skills and simulation labs on campus. These experiences prepare graduates to take the NCLEX-RN and transition to practice.
In New York, an RN program must be registered by the State Education Department to qualify graduates for licensure. Many schools also seek programmatic accreditation, commonly from ACEN for associate programs or CCNE for baccalaureate programs. State registration confirms the program meets New York educational standards and enables graduates to pursue licensure. National accreditation supports transfer credit, access to graduate programs, employer recognition, and often financial aid eligibility.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
Across New York, LPN to RN pathways are offered by a range of institutions, including public community colleges, city and state university campuses, and private colleges. Some hospital affiliated schools also offer RN pathways. Programs may be structured as LPN to ADN for the quickest route to RN or LPN to BSN for a broader general education foundation and expanded career mobility.
Coursework typically includes a transition course that bridges LPN scope to RN scope, advanced medical surgical nursing, maternal child, pediatrics, mental health, pharmacology, health assessment, and community health. Students learn care planning, prioritization, interprofessional collaboration, and quality improvement. Upper division BSN coursework adds population health, nursing research, leadership, and informatics. Clinical rotations progress from foundational skills to complex patient care in acute and community settings.
Career Outlook
Registered nurses in New York work in diverse settings, including academic and community hospitals, long term and subacute care, home health, federally qualified health centers, specialty clinics, behavioral health, schools, and public health. Many roles include 12 hour or 8 hour shifts, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, which can provide scheduling flexibility along with variable work life balance depending on the unit and employer.
Compared with LPN roles, RNs practice under a broader scope with greater responsibility for comprehensive assessment, care planning, patient education, and coordination of interprofessional care. This wider scope generally supports higher earnings potential, access to specialty certifications, and clearer pathways into leadership, education, case management, and advanced practice with further study. Demand for RNs in New York is sustained by hospital services, aging populations, home and community based care expansion, and ongoing needs in behavioral health and primary care.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full time bridge programs: Often 12 to 18 months to complete nursing requirements after prerequisites for LPN to ADN, and approximately 24 to 36 months for LPN to BSN depending on general education transfer
- Part time options: Commonly extend timelines to 18 to 30 months for ADN level study, and 3 to 4 years for BSN, depending on course load and clinical availability
- Evening or weekend formats: Designed for working LPNs, typically mirror part time timelines, with clinicals scheduled on evenings or weekends when partner sites are available
Total time to graduation depends on how many prerequisites you have completed, validation of prior learning, clinical placement capacity, and whether summer terms are available.
2027 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in New York
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Utica University |
|
|
| Monroe College |
|
|
| SUNY Adirondack |
|
|
Tuition and Costs
Program costs vary by institution type and length:
- Public community and state colleges: In state tuition for the nursing portion of an LPN to ADN commonly falls in the low to mid five figure range when including fees and labs, depending on credits needed
- Public university LPN to BSN: Total tuition is higher due to additional upper division credits, often in the mid five figure range for in state students
- Private colleges and universities: Tuition can range substantially higher than public options
Additional expenses to budget:
- Textbooks, course materials, skills lab supplies, uniforms, shoes, stethoscope
- Background check, drug screening, immunizations, physical exam, and CPR certification
- Transportation and parking for clinicals, which may be off campus and vary by semester
- Licensure costs after graduation, including the New York RN licensure application fee and the NCLEX examination fee
- Housing and living costs, which vary widely across New York. Many ADN students commute, while some university based BSN programs offer on campus or affiliated housing at market rates
2027 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in New York
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Monroe College |
|
|
| CUNY Kingsborough Community College |
|
|
| CUNY LaGuardia Community College |
|
|
Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
New York permits nursing programs to deliver some theory courses online, so many LPN to RN pathways are offered in hybrid formats that combine online lectures with on campus labs and in person clinical rotations at approved healthcare facilities. Fully online prelicensure RN programs are not available because hands on skills labs and direct patient care are required for licensure preparation.
Working LPNs often choose hybrid or evening and weekend schedules to balance employment and school. Clinical schedules are set by the program in collaboration with clinical partners and may include weekday, evening, or weekend hours.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in New York
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
Graduates of LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge programs must pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain RN licensure in New York. You will apply for RN licensure with New York State and separately register for the exam with the official NCLEX program. After New York determines your eligibility, you will receive an Authorization to Test to schedule your exam. Exam results are sent directly to the state; a passing result is required for licensure. New York also requires completion of state-approved Infection Control and Barrier Precautions training and Child Abuse Identification and Reporting coursework for initial licensure.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
New York grants RN licensure by endorsement to nurses licensed in another U.S. state or territory who have passed the NCLEX-RN or a predecessor exam and meet New York’s education and training requirements. New York does not have reciprocity agreements that allow practice on another state’s RN license. New York is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so multistate licenses from compact states do not authorize practice in New York. RNs licensed in New York who want to work in other states must obtain that state’s license. Since New York is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, a New York license does not grant multistate practice privileges.
Licensure Requirements
The New York State Education Department Office of the Professions, Nursing regulates RN licensure. To become an RN in New York you must:
- Be at least 18 years old and of good moral character.
- Graduate from an approved RN education program (ADN or BSN) or an equivalent program accepted by New York.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN.
- Complete New York approved Infection Control and Barrier Precautions training, and Child Abuse Identification and Reporting coursework.
- Submit the application for licensure and first registration with required fees.
- Arranged for your nursing school to send official verification of education directly to the state; if you are licensed elsewhere, arrange official verification of that license for endorsement.
License Renewal
In New York, the RN license is permanent, but you must renew your registration to practice every three years. New York does not require a set number of general continuing education hours for RNs. You must complete Infection Control and Barrier Precautions training every four years and the Child Abuse Identification and Reporting course once for initial licensure unless exempt. Renew before your registration end date and retain documentation of required training for audit purposes.
Average LPN State Salary in New York
$66,380
2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Average RN State Salary in New York
$110,490
2024 RN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 1 to 2 years.
Credential Awarded:
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) or Associate in Science (AS).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
This pathway builds upon the LPN's existing knowledge, focusing on core nursing concepts, comprehensive patient care strategies, and pharmacology to prepare for the RN role.
Average In-State Tuition in New York:
Tuition varies by institution type. For community colleges (SUNY/CUNY), it can range from approximately $5,206 to $6,704 per year. Private colleges will have higher tuition rates.
Best For:
LPNs seeking the quickest route to becoming a Registered Nurse and entering the RN workforce. It is also a good option for those who want a more affordable initial path to an RN license.
School Types:
Community colleges are the most common providers of LPN to ADN bridge programs.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Generally 1 to 3 years, depending on the program structure and the student's prior credits.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
The curriculum is more comprehensive than an ADN program, including advanced nursing concepts, leadership, research, evidence-based practice, and community health.
Average In-State Tuition in New York:
Tuition is higher than ADN programs and varies significantly between public (SUNY/CUNY) and private institutions. Public university tuition can be around $8,741 annually, while private universities can be upwards of $37,000 per year.
Best For:
LPNs who have long-term career goals that may include leadership, management, or advanced practice nursing roles. It is also for those who want to be more competitive in the job market and have higher earning potential.
School Types:
Four-year colleges and universities offer LPN to BSN bridge programs.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- Faster Entry into the RN Role: The shorter program duration allows for a quicker transition to working as a registered nurse.
- Lower Initial Cost: Community college tuition is generally more affordable than that of four-year universities, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Foundation for Further Education: An ADN serves as a solid base for later pursuing a BSN through an RN to BSN bridge program.
- Immediate Career Advancement: Graduates can immediately take on more responsibilities and earn a higher salary than as an LPN.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- "BSN in 10" Law: New York state law requires RNs to obtain a BSN within 10 years of initial licensure, making this a proactive step.
- Broader Career Opportunities and Higher Earning Potential: A BSN opens doors to a wider range of nursing roles, including leadership and specialized positions, and is associated with a higher salary.
- Enhanced Skill Set: The curriculum provides a deeper understanding of nursing theory, research, and leadership, preparing graduates for more complex healthcare environments.
- Pathway to Advanced Degrees: A BSN is the necessary foundation for pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree in nursing.
List of LPN to RN Programs in New York
Batavia, NY
Genesee Community College
- Associate - Advanced Placement LPN to RN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 1-Year program
- Starts fall/spring
- 95.9% licensure pass rate
- 4 clinical hours
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Capstone with RN preceptor
- Higher NCLEX pass rates than state/national averages
Bronx, NY
Monroe College
- Associate - LPN to RN Option
Campus Based - Website
- 1-Year program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Limited number of seats
- Holistic clinical admission review
- Background check and physical exam required
- Featured course: Culturally Competent Care of the Child-Bearing Family
- Experienced faculty with 40 years nursing practice
Brooklyn, NY
CUNY Kingsborough Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Bridge Course
Campus Based - Website
- Prerequisite courses required
- Bridge for LPNs to RN licensure
- Covers medical surgical nursing
- Includes pharmacology and nutrition concepts
- Emphasizes nursing process and decision-making
Corning, NY
SUNY Corning Community College
- Associate - LPN Advanced Placement
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 3-Semester program
- The nursing component can be completed in three semesters
- Apply by 2026-07-17
- Starts spring
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
Long Island City, NY
CUNY LaGuardia Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Bridge Course
Campus Based - Website
- 3 total credit hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Bridge for LPNs pursuing RN licensure
- Covers medical surgical and pharmacological concepts
- Emphasizes nursing process and informed decision making
- Students develop appropriate plans of care
- Lecture course format
Middletown, NY
Orange County Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts spring/fall
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Nursing Bridge Course required before start
- Advanced placement into second semester
New York, NY
Berkeley College-New York
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Accelerated Pathway
Campus Based - Website
- Seven semesters full-time.
- LPN license required.
- 2,080 clinical hours needed.
- Accelerated Pathway format.
- Campus-based program.
- NCLEX-RN exam eligibility.
- BSN degree awarded.
- New Jersey licensure meets.
Queensbury, NY
SUNY Adirondack
- Associate - Nursing
Concentration: LPN to RN - Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 3-Semester program
- Complete in three consecutive semesters
- 66 total credit hours
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 96% licensure pass rate
- 2.8 GPA minimum
Rockville Centre, NY
Molloy University
- Associate - LPN to BS/RN
Campus Based - Website
- 3.0 GPA minimum
Selden, NY
Suffolk County Community College
- Associate - Accelerated LPN-RN Program
Campus Based - Website
- 12-Month program
- Starts summer
- Prerequisite courses required
- Fast-track LPN to RN route
- In-person lectures, labs, and clinicals
- Condensed six-week summer courses
- Admission based on performance rubric
- Up to 10 bonus points for LPN experience
Utica, NY
Utica University
- Associate - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 16-Month program
- 3 start dates per year
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Hybrid online and in-person learning
- Clinical rotations at top facilities
- Leverages non-nursing college credits
Related Articles
- Most Affordable LPN/LVN Programs for 2026: Your Path to Nursing Success on a Budget
- LPN / LVN History & Background
- LPN to RN Bridge Programs: Accelerating Career Growth for Practical Nurses
- You Will ALWAYS Be Learning!
- Nursing in Long Term Care
- Full Time Mother and LPN
- Culture of LPNs and RNs in Team Nursing
- How to Prepare for Your LPN/LVN Program Entrance Exam