Nursing Programs in Albany, NY
Are you interested in a career as a registered nurse but aren't sure where to start? Or are you an experienced nurse with your associate's degree who wants to earn a higher degree? If so, the Albany area has a number of schools to choose from with accredited programs that will help turn your career dreams into reality.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:
Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Albany, NY
Entry-level nursing programs are designed for students who do not have any previous nursing education or experience. The options for entry-level nursing programs in Albany include the Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. Both of these programs will prepare students with an introduction to nursing principles and skills, as well as prepare them to take the NCLEX certification exam. ADN programs are quick to complete and generally less expensive, while BSN programs provide a more in-depth education with additional courses and a longer completion time.
ADN Programs
ADN programs can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, and some colleges and medical centers, and train aspiring nurses for their first entry-level jobs in nursing. As one example, the ADN program at Hudson Valley Community College can be completed in two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
BSN programs are generally offered at four-year colleges and universities and include coursework not usually included in ADN programs, such as community health nursing, leadership topics, and research. The Sage Colleges offer BSN programs for high school graduates or students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, which includes 54 nursing credits and 27 supporting credit hours for the bachelor’s degree.
Learn more about New York Accelerated BSN Programs.
Albany RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| Albany | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Students Total | 1,896 | 12,143 |
| NCLEX-RN Students Passed | 1,470 | 9,454 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 77.5% | 77.9% |
Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Albany
Listed below are the top nursing schools in Albany based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for New York out of 101 other accredited programs offered in the state:
- Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing - #14
- St. Peter's Hospital College of Nursing - #10
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Columbia-Greene Community College
| 4400 NY-23 Hudson, NY 12534 (518) 828-4181 |
Excelsior College | 7 Columbia Cir Albany, NY 12203 (518) 464-8500 |
Hudson Valley Community College
| 80 Vandenburgh Ave Troy, NY 12180 (518) 629-4822 |
Maria College
| 700 New Scotland Ave Albany, NY 12208 (518) 438-3111 |
Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing
| 1300 Massachusetts Ave Troy, NY 12180 (518) 274-3382 |
St. Peter's Hospital College of Nursing
| 714 New Scotland Ave. Room 111 Albany, NY 12208 (518) 525-6850 |
The Belanger School of Nursing
| 650 McClellan Street Schenectady, NY 12304 (518) 243-4471 |
The Sage Colleges
| 65 1st Street Troy, NY 12180 (518) 244-2000 |
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Albany, NY
Many nurses with their associate’s degree consider going back to school to earn their BSN or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in order to earn a higher salary and move into more advanced nursing jobs. Some schools offer specially designed RN to BSN or RN to MSN programs with these nurses in mind. These programs provide an accelerated route to a higher degree, which takes into account prior coursework and clinical experience completed by the working nurse.
RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN programs enable nurses with their RN license to earn their BSN, and in many cases classes are offered online or on flexible schedules to accommodate working students. The RN to BSN program at SUNY Empire State College offers students the option of online or face-to-face courses on a full- or part-time basis for maximum convenience for working students.
Learn more about New York RN to BSN Programs.
RN to MSN Programs
RN to MSN programs are also available in the Albany area, and they allow professional nurses to earn their MSN in preparation for advanced practice nursing careers such as nurse practitioner. Many of these programs allow students to choose from a particular career track, such as the program at The Sage Colleges, which offers the choice of Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator and Nurse Executive-Administrator.
Learn more about New York RN to MSN Programs.
Albany, NY
Excelsior University
- Bachelor's - RN to BS in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Nursing Degree
- Flexible Scheduling Options
- Generous Credit Transfer Policy
- Comprehensive Arts and Sciences Curriculum
- Develops Critical Nursing Skills
- Master's - RN to Master of Science in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online learning
- Accredited by ACEN
- Requires active RN license
- Focus on nursing education
- Dynamic curriculum
- Prepares for diverse roles
- Efficient dual-degree path
- Focus on learning theories
- Master's - RN to Master of Science in Nursing Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online learning
- Earn BS and MS degrees
- Flexible path for working nurses
- Focus on nursing informatics
- Practical experiences included
- Prepares for leadership roles
- Covers data and information management
- ACEN accredited program
Maria College of Albany
- Bachelor's - RN-BS Degree in Nursing Completion
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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
- Bachelor's - RN-BS Degree in Nursing Completion
Online Learning - Website
- 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
University at Albany
- Bachelor's - BS in Nursing completion program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit nursing completion program
- Full-time and part-time options
- 90 hours clinical learning experiences
- Requires AS/AAS in Nursing
- 2.5 minimum GPA requirement
- Advanced career preparation
- Public health focus
- Leadership skill development
Saratoga Springs, NY
Empire State University
- Bachelor's - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Online nursing courses
- Flexible 10-month completion
- Part-time/full-time options
- 41 upper-division nursing credits
- Practice experience included
- Mentorship throughout program
- CCNE accredited program
- 8-week or 15-week courses
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Albany, NY
Albany, NY
Excelsior University
- Master's - MS in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Website
- Online nursing education program
- Designed for working RNs
- Advanced teaching strategies
- Leadership in nursing education
- Flexible program structure
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Learning
- 36 Total Credit Hours
- No On-Campus Requirements
- Courses Start Every 8 Weeks
- Prepares for Clinical Informatics Roles
- 22% Job Growth Projected
- Accredited by ACEN
- Practice Experience Included
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Nursing Leadership Degree
- 38 Total Credit Hours
- Fully Accredited Program
- No on-campus requirements
- Designed for Working RNs
- Capstone with 135 Practice Hours
- Leadership Career Preparation
- Courses Start Every 8 Weeks
Saratoga Springs, NY
Empire State University
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Administration
Online Learning - Website
- 33-credit online program.
- Designed for BSN holders.
- Focus on nursing management leadership.
- Covers healthcare finance and budgeting.
- Includes a capstone project.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Explores informatics and healthcare technology.
- Emphasizes population health and diversity.
Troy, NY
Russell Sage College
- Master's - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program
Campus Based - Website
- Master's in Nurse Practitioner
- 590 total clinical hours
- 45 total program credits
- Requires 1 year RN experience
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Diverse clinical placement locations
- Advanced clinical assessment skills
- Master's - Masters in Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Online with in-person clinicals
- $950 per credit
- 42-48 total credits
- 2.5 years full-time completion
- 300+ clinical partnerships
- RN license required
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Two recommendation letters needed
- Master's - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- M.S. Degree in Nursing
- Hybrid Program Format
- NY State Certification Eligible
- 48 Total Credits Required
- Comprehensive Mental Health Focus
- Clinical Lab Fee Mandatory
- National Certification Preparation
- Multiple Practice Settings