Nursing Programs in Brooklyn, NY

Last Updated On Aug 6, 2026

Expert Verified: Jessica Guzzetti, MBA, BSN, RN, CCHP-RN

3 Min Read

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Brooklyn

Rankings help prospective nurses compare programs based on objective data, simplifying the search for a quality education. To identify the Best Nursing Schools in Brooklyn, Registerednursing.org analyzed recent student performance, using NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criterion. For a full explanation of our methodology, see https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Average pass rates improved by 3.16 percentage points from 2023 to 2024, while the number of test-takers remained similar.

2024: 86.21% average pass rate (4,068 students)
2023: 83.05% average pass rate (4,102 students)

Top Performing Schools

The following programs achieved the highest average pass rates across the dataset, all with at least 20 students tested.

CUNY LaGuardia Community College: 98.8% (168 students, 2 years)
CUNY Queensborough Community College: 97.57% (165 students, 2 years)
CUNY Hunter College: 95.1% (264 students, 2 years)

Pass Rate by Program Size

Medium-sized programs post the strongest average pass rate, while large programs account for the most students.

Small (under 50 students): 81.89% (265 students)
Medium (50-100 students): 89.97% (698 students)
Large (over 100 students): 85.47% (2,959 students)

Biggest Improvements

Several schools demonstrated dramatic gains in pass rates, signaling enhanced academic support and curriculum changes.

Touro University: +23.2 points (70.45% to 93.65%)
Plaza College: +13.0 points (83.3% to 96.3%)
CUNY York College: +12.35 points (81.4% to 93.75%)

Consistently High Performing Schools

These institutions maintained average pass rates above 90% across at least two years of data.

CUNY LaGuardia Community College: 98.8% (168 students)
CUNY Queensborough Community College: 97.57% (165 students)
CUNY Hunter College: 95.1% (264 students)
College of Staten Island CUNY: 95.02% (181 students)
CUNY Bronx Community College: 95.0% (20 students)

CUNY LaGuardia Community College

Long Island City, NY - Public 2-Year - lagcc.cuny.edu

Associate - NRS-AAS Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Associate in Applied Science in Nursing at CUNY LaGuardia Community College prepares students to become registered nurses. The curriculum blends nursing theory with general education, covering the nursing process, direct client care, and legal-ethical frameworks. Classroom learning is enhanced through online collaborative activities, while clinical courses include lab experiences and hands-on practice in local healthcare facilities. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN for licensure. The program features pre-clinical and clinical phases, with special progression standards. Accredited by ACEN and the NYS Board of Regents, it offers a comprehensive pathway to a nursing career.

New York State Board of Regents, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Balance of nursing and general education
Online collaborative activities supplement instruction
Clinical practice in area health care facilities
Special progression standards apply
Pre-clinical and clinical phases
Candidacy registration required
Nursing Student Handbook available

CUNY Queensborough Community College

Bayside, NY - Public 2-Year - qcc.cuny.edu

Associate - Nursing (A.A.S.)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Nursing at Queensborough Community College prepares students for entry-level registered nursing practice. The curriculum integrates general education, biological sciences, social sciences, and nursing science, with clinical experiences in acute care and community settings across Queens and Nassau. Students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation labs and a computer resource center. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. With options for evening sessions and advanced standing for LPNs, the program offers flexibility for diverse learners.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
Entrance exam required
Starts fall/spring
3.0 GPA minimum
Prerequisite courses required
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Evening session offered each fall
Clinical sites in Queens and Nassau
Simulation and computer labs
LPN advanced standing available

Bachelor's - Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

CUNY's innovative Nursing dual/joint degree program provides a seamless pathway for community college students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Designed for working professionals and career changers, this program prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare through flexible online learning. With high completion rates and impressive job placement statistics, students gain advanced skills to meet evolving healthcare challenges and pursue graduate studies.

Online nursing degree format
High 94-96% program completion
80-92% job placement rate
Leadership healthcare preparation
Dual/joint degree partnership
Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
National League for Nursing exam

Show 1 More Programs ˅

CUNY Hunter College

New York, NY - Public 4-Year - hunter.cuny.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing at CUNY Hunter College's Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing is a flagship program combining liberal arts education with comprehensive professional training. Over four years of full-time study, students complete prerequisite courses in chemistry, psychology, and statistics before advancing to nursing coursework covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, adult health, maternal-child nursing, public health, mental health, and gerontology. Clinical experiences in diverse NYC healthcare settings prepare graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue careers as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community health. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, person-centered care, and interprofessional collaboration. Accredited by the CCNE, the curriculum also provides a strong foundation for graduate study. Admission is competitive, with 100 students accepted annually based on GPA and Nursing Entrance Exam scores.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
Entrance exam required
4-Year program
Starts fall
3.2 GPA minimum
Prerequisite courses required
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Flagship nursing school of CUNY
Eligible for NCLEX-RN licensure
100 students admitted annually

College of Staten Island CUNY

Staten Island, NY - Public 4-Year - csi.cuny.edu

Associate - Associate Degree in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing at the College of Staten Island provides a solid foundation for a career as a registered nurse. The curriculum integrates science, humanities, and nursing theory with hands-on clinical practice. Students gain supervised experience in diverse healthcare settings, from hospitals to home care, and train in advanced nursing laboratories featuring a High Fidelity Simulation Center. This program prepares graduates to sit for the national RN licensure exam, opening doors to roles in hospitals, ambulatory care, skilled nursing, and more. Accredited by ACEN, the program emphasizes critical thinking, patient care skills, and evidence-based practice. Whether you are a high school graduate, a career changer, or someone with a prior degree, you will find a supportive learning environment with faculty advisors available to guide you. The program's focus on real-world readiness ensures you enter the workforce confident and competent.

ACEN accredited
Clinical experiences in varied settings
High Fidelity Simulation Center
Prepares for RN licensure exam
Career in hospitals and clinics
Faculty advisor available

CUNY Bronx Community College

Bronx, NY - Public 2-Year - bcc.cuny.edu

Associate - Nursing AAS

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Nursing AAS program at Bronx Community College prepares students for a career as a registered nurse through a comprehensive curriculum focused on safe, patient-centered care. Students develop clinical reasoning, leadership, and collaboration skills while learning to integrate evidence-based practices and informatics. The program is accredited by the ACEN and approved by the New York State Education Department, ensuring graduates meet high professional standards. With a strong emphasis on quality improvement and ethical practice, students gain hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings. Graduates are ready to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations. The program's small class sizes and dedicated faculty provide personalized support throughout the journey.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
Approved by NY State Education Department
Member of National League for Nursing
Program Director: Shanell Rawls
Focus on evidence-based practices
Leadership and management principles
Collaboration with inter-professional team

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Dual/Joint with Bronx Community College

Campus Based - Visit Website

CUNY's innovative Nursing Dual/Joint program offers registered nurses a seamless pathway to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Designed for students at Bronx Community College, this flexible online degree prepares healthcare professionals to advance their careers and leadership potential in dynamic medical settings. Graduates gain comprehensive skills to excel in hospitals, community agencies, and prepare for potential graduate studies.

Online flexible nursing degree
High 94-96% program completion
89% job placement rate
Minimum 2.50 GPA required
Leadership career preparation

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*U.S. Department of Education institutional data (IPEDS 2025).

Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Brooklyn, NY

Entry-level nursing programs are designed to train students for their first professional jobs and to take the appropriate certification exams. The two most common entry-level programs are Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN). Both provide a foundational knowledge of nursing principles and practices, though a BSN degree is more in-depth and takes longer to complete than the ADN. Less common than the ADN and BSN degrees as an entry point to a career in nursing are direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, which are designed for aspiring nurses who have earned their bachelor’s degree in another field.

ADN Programs

ADN programs are ideal for students who would like to begin working as soon as possible, as they are typically the fastest to complete and are lower cost than BSN degree programs. The ADN at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn is a 64-credit hour program that is designed to be taken over four semesters ( two years).

Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

A BSN program also prepares students to take the licensing exam and apply for their first nursing job, but provides a more in-depth nursing education than the ADN program. Completion time varies from school to school, but as one example the BSN program at Long Island College – Brooklyn is offered in a traditional full-time daytime format, a part-time nights and weekend format and an accelerated 16-month format for students who have earned their bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing subject.

Learn more about New York Accelerated BSN Programs

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

Less common than the ADN or BSN degrees, some schools offer a direct-entry MSN program that allows students who have earned their bachelor’s degree in another subject an accelerated pathway to a master’s degree in nursing, which saves students the time and expense of taking a traditional BSN followed by MSN program. The 15-month Master’s Direct Entry program at Columbia University prepares students to enter the nursing field as master’s-credentialed nurses with an emphasis on care coordination.

Learn more about New York Accelerated MSN Programs

RN to BSN Programs in Brooklyn, NY

Many ADN-educated nurses are considering returning to school to earn their BSN degree in order to earn a higher salary and open the door to additional job opportunities. Specially designed “bridge programs” are available with these RNs in mind. RN to BSN programs provide a pathway to a higher degree which takes into account prior coursework and clinical experience, resulting in shorter completion times and less expense for the student.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN programs may be offered in traditional on-campus formats, as well as online formats, which may be more convenient for nurses who wish to continue working while studying for their BSN. The RN to BSN program at CUNY School of Professional Studies is offered fully online and includes coursework on health assessment, leadership and management, nursing research, care of culturally diverse populations, global health and policy and nursing informatics.

Learn more about New York RN to BSN Programs

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

This list shows RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs across the country. Each entry includes the school's city and state, key program highlights, and a direct link to the program page. Use these details to compare options and find the right fit for nursing career goals. Explore the table below to see what each school offers and take the next step toward advancing education.

Jump to City:

Bronx, NY

CUNY Lehman College

RN to BSN - RN to BS Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Rolling admissions
- Starts spring/fall
- Prerequisite courses required
- 37.5-credit nursing major
- 120 total credits for graduation
- Online or traditional format
- Requires NY RN license
- Foundation for graduate study

Brooklyn, NY

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

RN to BSN - RN to BS in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- 3-Semester program
- 125 total credit hours
- Starts fall
- Online classes with clinical component
- Designed for working nurses
- Prepares for graduate nursing study
- Affordable tuition cost
- Highly rated program

St. Francis College

RN to BSN - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, R.N. to B.S.N.
Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Rolling admissions
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- Work experience required
- Designed for working RNs
- Up to 92 transfer credits accepted
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Small classes for individual attention