If you already have a bachelor's degree and are ready for a meaningful career shift, New York's Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs offer a powerful way to make it happen. These second-degree nursing programs are designed for individuals who are driven and want to transition into nursing without starting from the beginning. With a fast-paced curriculum and hands-on clinical training, ABSN programs can get you licensed and into the field in as little as 12 to 18 months. It's a smart, focused path for turning your passion for healthcare into a professional reality.

2026 Best ABSN Programs in New York

At RegisteredNursing.org, we've carefully analyzed and ranked the best Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs across New York state. Our comprehensive evaluation considers crucial factors like program reputation, clinical placement opportunities, faculty expertise, student outcomes, and overall academic quality. New York offers some of the most competitive and innovative nursing education pathways for students seeking to quickly transition into the nursing profession. These ABSN programs provide an intensive, comprehensive curriculum designed for career changers and graduates from non-nursing backgrounds who want to become registered nurses in an accelerated timeframe. Whether you're looking to make a meaningful career shift or pursue your passion for healthcare, these top-ranked programs offer exceptional training and preparation for nursing success. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

Monroe College

Bronx, NY - Private 4-year - monroecollege.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing, BS - Accelerated 2nd Degree General Option

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Monroe College's Accelerated Second Degree Nursing BS program provides a dynamic pathway for professionals transitioning into nursing. Designed as a hybrid learning experience, students complete coursework through a flexible blend of online and on-campus instruction. Candidates must hold a prior bachelor's degree and complete prerequisite courses in anatomy, chemistry, and psychology. The program's curriculum emphasizes comprehensive nursing education, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical clinical skills. With a holistic admission review process, Monroe College ensures students are thoroughly prepared for the complex healthcare environment. The accelerated format allows career changers to rapidly enter the nursing profession, making it an attractive option for motivated individuals seeking a swift career transformation.

  • Accelerated program for degree holders.
  • Hybrid learning options available.
  • Holistic admission review process.
  • Focus on core nursing classes.
  • Prerequisites include anatomy, chemistry.
  • Prepares for real-world nursing challenges.
  • Emphasizes theory and practice integration.
  • Fast-track to nursing career.
  • Located in New York.
#2

Dominican University New York

Orangeburg, NY - Private 4-year - duny.edu

Bachelor's - Accelerated BS in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Dominican University New York's Accelerated BS in Nursing (ABSN) program provides an expedited 12-month pathway for career transitioners seeking nursing credentials. The campus-based curriculum delivers comprehensive nursing education through immersive learning experiences. Designed for motivated professionals, students benefit from expert faculty with extensive clinical backgrounds. The program accommodates working students through flexible weekend options, ensuring accessibility. CCNE accreditation guarantees rigorous academic standards. Prospective students should note that entrance exams may be required, and the program emphasizes practical skills preparation for healthcare environments. Military-friendly features enhance the program's appeal for diverse student populations.

  • Complete in 12 months.
  • Campus-based program.
  • Expert nursing faculty.
  • Weekend option available.
  • CCNE accredited.

Bachelor's - Weekend Accelerated BS in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Dominican University New York's Weekend Accelerated BS in Nursing (WABSN) offers a strategic 24-month program tailored for working professionals pursuing nursing careers. This innovative campus-based curriculum enables students to maintain full-time employment while advancing their education. Featuring expert faculty with substantial nursing education experience, the program prepares students for complex healthcare challenges. CCNE accreditation ensures high-quality instruction and comprehensive skill development. The program specifically targets career changers, providing flexible scheduling and comprehensive nursing preparation. Students can expect a rigorous academic experience designed to seamlessly integrate professional development with advanced nursing knowledge.

  • 24-month program length.
  • Weekend classes available.
  • Campus-based learning.
  • Accredited by CCNE.
  • Expert nursing faculty.
  • Designed for career changers.
  • Allows full-time work.
  • Focus on nursing skills.
  • Quality education guaranteed.
  • Prepares for healthcare challenges.
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#3

Binghamton University

Vestal, NY - Public 4-Year - binghamton.edu

Bachelor's - Baccalaureate Accelerated Track (BAT) program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Binghamton University's Baccalaureate Accelerated Track (BAT) nursing program delivers an innovative pathway for bachelor's degree holders transitioning into nursing. Students navigate an intensive 12-month curriculum encompassing comprehensive theoretical instruction and hands-on clinical experiences designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN examination. The program strategically accommodates career changers by offering a condensed learning model that demands academic rigor and professional commitment. With a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and 126 total credit hours, participants develop advanced nursing competencies across diverse healthcare environments. The accelerated format emphasizes practical skills, critical thinking, and rapid professional integration, enabling students to efficiently launch their nursing careers.

  • 12-month accelerated program.
  • Requires 126 credit hours.
  • Campus-based learning.
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
  • NCLEX-RN exam preparation.
  • Clinical practice included.
  • For bachelor's degree holders.
  • Rigorous curriculum.
  • Diverse healthcare settings.
  • Fast-paced career change.
*Federal data: IPEDS 2024, administered by the National Center for Education Statistics.

List of New York Accelerated BSN Programs

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs in New York offer a fast-track pathway for career changers and students seeking to enter the nursing profession quickly. These intensive programs typically take 12-18 months to complete and are designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. The following comprehensive list highlights New York's top ABSN programs, providing key details about location, program features, and direct links to help prospective nursing students make informed educational choices.
Jump to City:

Bronx, NY

CUNY Lehman College

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 15-Month program
    • 75 total credit hours
    • Full-time enrollment
    • Starts summer
    • 2.8 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required

Monroe College

  • Bachelor's - Nursing, BS - Accelerated 2nd Degree General Option

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Accelerated program for degree holders.
    • Hybrid learning options available.
    • Holistic admission review process.
    • Focus on core nursing classes.
    • Prerequisites include anatomy, chemistry.
    • Prepares for real-world nursing challenges.
    • Emphasizes theory and practice integration.
    • Fast-track to nursing career.

University of Mount Saint Vincent

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 16-Month program
    • 3 start dates per year
    • Starts winter/spring/fall
    • Hybrid classes with nursing labs at Riverdale
    • Clinical training at Saint Joseph's Medical Center
    • State-of-the-art facilities in four NYC locations
    • Dedicated ABSN admission counselors
    • Ideal for career changers with bachelor's degree

Buffalo, NY

D'Youville University

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 15-Month program
    • 53 total credit hours
    • Starts summer
    • 2.8 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure
    • Clinical partnerships with top hospitals
    • Small class sizes and engaged faculty

University at Buffalo

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • $24,000 total program tuition
    • 1-Year program
    • 59 total credit hours
    • Full-time enrollment
    • Starts summer
    • 600 clinical hours
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Second degree option

New York, NY

CUNY Hunter College

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Second-Degree Nursing Program (A2D)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • 18-Month program
    • 51 total credit hours
    • Starts fall
    • 3.2 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN

Orangeburg, NY

Dominican University New York

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated BS in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 12-Month program
    • Full-time enrollment
    • Weekend option for working professionals
    • Faculty with 40+ years experience
    • Info sessions held monthly
    • Designed for career changers
  • Bachelor's - Weekend Accelerated BS in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited
    • 24-Month program
    • Weekend classes allow full-time work
    • Designed for second-degree students
    • Monthly information sessions
    • Faculty with 40+ years of experience
    • Clinical placements at partner institutions

Stony Brook, NY

Stony Brook University

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Baccalaureate Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Designed for non-nursing bachelor's holders
    • Leads to RN licensure
    • On-site program
    • Interviews may be required
    • Sample course: Pathophysiology
    • Sample course: Fundamentals of Pharmacology
    • Career as Registered Nurse
    • Career as Nurse Practitioner

Utica, NY

Utica University

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 16-Month program
    • 3 start dates per year
    • 588 clinical hours
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Hybrid learning model
    • NCLEX pass rate 93.5%
    • Clinical rotations at top hospitals

Vestal, NY

Binghamton University

  • Bachelor's - Baccalaureate Accelerated Track (BAT) program

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12-Month program
    • 126 total credit hours
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • 0 letters of recommendation (minimum)
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Second bachelor's degree
    • Clinical partnerships with UHS and Guthrie
*Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/, IPEDS 2024 release.

2026 Affordable ABSN Programs in New York

Nursing students in New York have growing opportunities to pursue accelerated bachelor's degree programs across major regions like New York City, Buffalo, and Rochester. Finding affordable programs that provide quality education is crucial for aspiring healthcare professionals. These accelerated nursing programs offer an efficient pathway for students wanting to enter the nursing field quickly, with options that help manage educational expenses. Prospective students can explore various tuition ranges and program highlights that make advanced nursing education more accessible. By comparing different schools and their unique offerings, students can find programs that balance educational quality with reasonable pricing, helping them achieve their career goals without overwhelming financial burden.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
CUNY Hunter College
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • 18-Month program
  • 51 total credit hours
  • Starts fall
  • 3.2 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • $5,900 - $8,900 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $12,300 - $18,400 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Mercy University
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • $74,765 total program tuition
  • 18-Month program
  • 122 total credit hours
  • Apply by 2025-10-31
  • 96% licensure pass rate
  • 2.8 GPA minimum
  • $85K Salary Average Pay
  • $18,300 - $27,500 (Undergraduate)
University at Buffalo
  • $24,000 total program tuition
  • 1-Year program
  • 59 total credit hours
  • Full-time enrollment
  • Starts summer
  • 600 clinical hours
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Second degree option
  • $8,700 - $13,100 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $25,200 - $37,800 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Niagara University
  • CCNE accredited
  • 12-Month program
  • 57 total credit hours
  • Rolling admissions
  • 93% licensure pass rate
  • 100% job placement rate
  • 675 clinical hours
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • $31,500 - $47,200 (Undergraduate)
Russell Sage College
  • 16-month duration
  • 54 credits required
  • $788 per-credit cost
  • 760 clinical hours
  • Campus-based program
  • Starts in fall semester
  • NCLEX-RN exam eligible
  • Expert faculty mentorship
  • $30,500 - $45,800 (Undergraduate)
Manhattanville College
  • 14-Month program
  • Complete in 4 consecutive semesters
  • 61 total credit hours
  • Rolling admissions
  • Full-time enrollment
  • 2 start dates per year
  • Starts spring/fall
  • Cohort-based structure
  • $35,700 - $53,500 (Undergraduate)
Iona University
  • CCNE accredited
  • 16-Month program
  • 61 total credit hours
  • 90% licensure pass rate
  • 100% job placement rate
  • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • $37,800 - $56,700 (Undergraduate)
Pace University
  • $75,900 total program tuition
  • 11-Month program
  • 51 total credit hours
  • 3 start dates per year
  • Starts fall/spring/summer
  • 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
  • 500 clinical hours
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • $42,800 - $64,200 (Undergraduate)
CUNY Lehman College
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • 15-Month program
  • 75 total credit hours
  • Full-time enrollment
  • Starts summer
  • 2.8 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • $5,900 - $8,900 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $12,300 - $18,400 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
University of Rochester
  • Partnership with URMC
  • Prior bachelor's degree required
  • State-of-the-art learning environment
  • Student ambassadors program
  • Clinical experiences in med-surg, OB, peds, psych
  • Graduates employed at URMC
  • Nationally-ranked university
  • Fully-accredited nursing degree
  • $53,700 - $80,500 (Undergraduate)
*Based on: IPEDS 2024, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Exploring nursing schools in New York? Don't miss our main NY nursing guide, a go to resource for discovering all the education pathways available across the state. Whether you’re just getting started or planning the next step in your nursing career, it’s packed with helpful info to point you in the right direction.

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