Every day, nurses strive to develop solutions through front-line patient care for some of the most important health challenges that plague our population. With dedication and evidence-based practice, nurses bring their ‘all’ to their rotation every day they’re at work. In order to be at their most effective, however, many nurses decide to return to school to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree – called a BSN for short – which positions them for greater practice and more leadership opportunities as well as higher salaries.
2026 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in New York
SUNY College at Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh, NY - Public 4-Year - plattsburgh.edu
RN to BSN - RN-to-B.S. Nursing Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
SUNY College at Plattsburgh offers a robust online RN-to-BSN program designed to elevate registered nurses' professional capabilities. Tailored for nurses holding associate degrees or diplomas, this fully online curriculum delves deep into comprehensive scientific and behavioral studies. The program features flexible learning experiences with an emphasis on professional development. Students benefit from personalized clinical coordination, enabling them to explore expanded nursing roles while maintaining their current employment. With CCNE accreditation and a competitive admission process requiring a minimum 2.5 GPA and an unencumbered RN license, this program provides a strategic pathway for career advancement in healthcare. Professional mentorship opportunities further enhance the educational experience.
- Fully online RN completion program
- Builds on associate degree nursing
- Competitive admission process
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- CCNE fully accredited program
- Unencumbered RN license needed
- Additional student expenses apply
- Flexible learning experiences
- Professional mentorship available
Maria College of Albany
Albany, NY - Private 4-year - mariacollege.edu
RN to BSN - RN-BS Degree in Nursing Completion
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Maria College of Albany's hybrid RN-BS Nursing Completion Program offers licensed registered nurses a dynamic pathway to career advancement. This innovative program blends online and on-campus learning, accommodating working professionals with full- and part-time options. Accredited by ACEN, the curriculum delves into evidence-based practice, leadership development, and community health principles. Students explore advanced nursing theory, healthcare informatics, and critical research methodologies. With a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical decision-making, the program requires an unencumbered RN license and maintains a minimum 2.5 GPA threshold. Graduates emerge equipped to navigate complex healthcare environments with enhanced clinical expertise.
- Hybrid learning format
- Top nursing school
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Flexible full/part-time options
- ACEN accredited program
- 60 total credit hours
- Clinical experience included
- Online and campus options
- Unencumbered RN license required
- Minimum 2.5 GPA needed
RN to BSN - RN-BS Degree in Nursing Completion
Online Learning - Visit Website
Maria College of Albany's fully online RN-BS Degree Completion program provides registered nurses a streamlined 12-month educational experience. Priced competitively at $385 per credit, the program enables nurses to advance their education without disrupting professional commitments. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes healthcare policy, transformational leadership, and holistic patient care. Students engage in 90 hours of clinical experience while developing advanced nursing skills. ACEN-accredited and designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible semester structures with fall and spring enrollment options. An unencumbered RN license and minimum 2.5 GPA are required, ensuring a high-quality learning environment for career-driven nurses.
- Fully online 12-month program
- Competitive $385 per credit
- Designed for working RNs
- 90 hours clinical experience
- ACEN Accredited program
- Fall and Spring enrollment
- Requires unencumbered RN license
- Minimum 2.5 GPA requirement
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- Flexible semester structure
CUNY Hunter College
New York, NY - Public 4-Year - hunter.cuny.edu
RN to BSN - RN-to-BS Nursing Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY Hunter College's RN-to-BS Nursing Program offers a dynamic hybrid learning pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced professional development. Through fully online nursing major courses, students can complete their bachelor's degree with flexible part-time or full-time study options. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes research, community wellness, and professional nursing practice, strategically preparing nurses for leadership roles. Admission requires a 3.2 GPA, 36 liberal arts credits, and a current New York State RN license. With competitive CUNY tuition rates and a strong academic reputation, this program provides an accessible route for nurses to expand their clinical knowledge and career opportunities without compromising their current professional commitments.
- Hybrid program with online nursing courses
- Requires 3.2 GPA minimum
- 120 total credits required
- Part-time and full-time options
- Accredited nursing program
- No foreign language requirement
- Fall and spring admissions
- Online nursing major courses
- Liberal arts transfer credits accepted
- Prepares for graduate nursing study
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY - Public 4-Year - stonybrook.edu
RN to BSN - Registered Nurse to Baccalaureate Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Stony Brook University's online RN to BSN program offers registered nurses a dynamic pathway to academic advancement. This hybrid learning format provides flexibility for working professionals, allowing seamless integration of clinical experience with advanced nursing education. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive patient care, leadership development, and evidence-based practice across diverse healthcare environments. With a structured pathway requiring a 2.50 GPA and 60 college credits, students can leverage their existing RN licensure to expand professional opportunities. The program's 60 upper-division credits are strategically designed to enhance communication skills, research competencies, and critical thinking essential for modern nursing practice. Ideal for associate degree nurses seeking career progression.
- Hybrid distance learning format
- 60 upper-division credits
- RN license required
- Designed for associate degree nurses
- Emphasizes leadership skills
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Comprehensive patient care curriculum
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica, NY - Public 4-Year - sunypoly.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BS Nursing Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers a dynamic online RN to BS Nursing Program tailored for licensed registered nurses seeking professional advancement. This flexible program enables working nurses to complete their baccalaureate degree without career interruption. Uniquely structured with full-time and part-time options, students can seamlessly integrate academic growth with professional responsibilities. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes professional nursing practice, health assessment, research methodologies, leadership strategies, and public health nursing science. Admission requirements include maintaining a 2.5 GPA, possessing a current RN license, and completing 26 lower division semester hours in specific sciences. The program features synchronous and asynchronous learning formats, allowing maximum educational accessibility for diverse nursing professionals.
- Online flexible learning format
- Full or part-time options
- Requires current RN license
- No application fee
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Practicum experiences available
- Synchronous/asynchronous classes
- Up to 76 transfer credits
- Strong arts and sciences base
Fast & Affordable Program Options
Nurses live busy lives and going back to school isn’t always an option, especially with the rising costs of tuition. Fortunately for working nurses, an RN to BSN program presents a valuable option to “level up” their education without the long enrollment period and expensive tuition costs associated with a traditional RN to BSN program.
Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options
Most RN to BSN students graduate in two years or less when enrolled full-time. This is considerably shorter than a traditional BSN program which will require at least 4 years of study. If you’re looking to graduate in under a year, there are many options available in New York to do so:
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| Monroe College | Online RN to BSN | 11 Months |
| Empire State University | Online RN to BSN | 10 Months |
Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.
Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?
It is possible to get your BSN degree in only 6 months, though you will need to meet several important enrollment requirements. Essentially, you’ll need to have a large number of transferable credits and you’ll need to find an RN to BSN program in New York that accepts these credits, in addition to the other primary requirements (RN licensure, experience in the field). If you think that you may qualify, talk to your prospective school’s registrar.
Affordable Online RN to BSN Options
RN to BSN programs are especially known for their affordability. Because you’ll only be required to commit to 1-2 years of full-time study, you can expect to pay around half price for your tuition. Keep in mind that you will still be required to pay full-price in fees, room and board, and other hidden costs, but ultimately, you’ll be paying much less. Here are a few of the most affordable RN to BSN programs in the state:
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| Hunter College | Online RN to BSN | $6,930 per year (Resident) $18,600 per year (Non-resident) |
| Stony Brook School of Nursing | Online RN to BSN | $7,070 per year (Resident) $26,860 per year (Non-Resident) |
Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.
Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs
New York RNs who decide to pursue their BSN degree are forward-thinking individuals who are committed to their ongoing professional development – both for career advancement and to advance the practice of patient care across the state and beyond. While each accredited institution varies in how they select the best candidates for the RN to BSN stream, listed here are many of the criteria that you might encounter.
- Present evidence of an ADN from a regionally accredited college program
- Articulate a maximum of 24 nursing credits for transfer
- Have completed up to 36 credits in liberal arts for transfer
- Submit a transcript from each post-secondary institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher
- Applicants must have completed a minimum of 36 credits in liberal arts & sciences
- Possess a valid and up to date RN license for New York State
- Submit evidence of current liability and health insurance
- Submit evidence of up to date CPR credentials
Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs offered throughout New York State provides a robust theoretical and practical framework for graduate and doctoral options. Colleges such as Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing offer courses like the following in order to broaden undergraduates’ understanding of leadership in this culturally diverse era:
- NURS 379: Nursing and Societal Forces
- NURS 380: Nursing Research & Theory
- NURS 384: Nursing Culturally Diverse Families
2026 List of RN to BSN Programs in New York
To find the best RN to BSN programs in New York, take a look at our listings below.
Find RN to BSN Programs By City: