Nursing Programs in Buffalo, NY

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Buffalo

#1

Bryant & Stratton College-Buffalo

Buffalo, NY - Private 4-year - bryantstratton.edu

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

Campus Based - Visit Website

Bryant & Stratton College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing Generalist program provides comprehensive nursing education designed to prepare students for a dynamic healthcare career. Spanning 32 months and encompassing 125 credit hours, this on-campus program equips students with critical clinical skills and evidence-based knowledge. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and can pursue diverse nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, covering areas like family nursing, mental health, and community healthcare, with a strong focus on practical experience and professional development.

• 32-month comprehensive program
• 125 total credit hours
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation
• On-campus learning format
• Generalist nursing concentration
• Multiple clinical practice settings
• CCNE accredited program
• Hands-on clinical experience

#2

D'Youville University

Buffalo, NY - Private 4-year - dyu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

D'Youville University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) prepares students for dynamic healthcare careers through a comprehensive, concept-based curriculum. Students gain hands-on experience via state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical training at renowned regional healthcare facilities. The program offers flexible pathways including traditional, accelerated, and RN-to-BSN tracks, accommodating diverse student backgrounds. CCNE-accredited and designed to meet current healthcare demands, graduates are equipped to take the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue specialized nursing roles across various healthcare settings.

• CCNE-accredited nursing program
• Multiple program tracks available
• Online and in-person options
• 30-120 total credits
• Clinical experiences at top hospitals
• Low 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Interprofessional learning environment
• State-of-the-art simulation training
• Potential international clinical opportunities

#3

Erie Community College

Buffalo, NY - Public 2-Year - ecc.edu

Associate - Nursing, A.A.S.

Campus Based - Visit Website

Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY, offers an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Nursing, designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in healthcare. This program blends nursing and general education courses with hands-on laboratory experiences, covering areas like medical/surgical, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, and psychiatric nursing. Graduates are ready to work in hospitals, public health agencies, and more. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA, and passing an entrance exam. The curriculum is structured over two academic years, but flexibility allows for extended completion. Costs and specific admission dates can be found on the college's website.

• Accredited by NLNAC.
• Day and evening options.
• Hands-on clinical experiences.
• Requires entrance exam.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• 72.0 total degree credits.
• Covers diverse nursing areas.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Physical exam required.
• Immunization against Hepatitis B recommended.

#4

Trocaire College

Buffalo, NY - Private 4-year - trocaire.edu

Bachelor's - BS in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Trocaire College in Buffalo, NY, offers an online BS in Nursing program designed for RNs looking to advance their careers. The program requires only 135 hours of off-site nursing experiences, fewer than many competitors, and assists students in selecting their locations. Financial aid options include a 20% RN discount and an additional 30% off for Trocaire alumni. The college has updated its transfer credit policies, allowing more flexibility for students. With a strong local connection and over 80% job placement within a year of graduation, this program is a solid choice for nurses in Western New York.

• Online BS in Nursing.
• 135 off-site hours required.
• 20% RN discount available.
• 30% alumni discount.
• Flexible transfer credits.
• High job placement rate.
• Local WNY connections.
• Small, supportive environment.
• Assistance with site selection.
• Updated credit equivalencies.

Bachelor's - Online RN to BS in Nursing Program

Online Learning - Visit Website

Trocaire College's Online RN to BS in Nursing Program is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. This program offers flexibility with online classes, making it ideal for working professionals. It focuses on leadership, management, and expanded role competencies in nursing. With generous transfer credits, students can complete the program in just 30 credit hours. Financial aid options, including scholarships and tuition discounts, make this program affordable. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, it prepares graduates for advanced roles in healthcare.

• Online classes for flexibility.
• 30 credit hours to complete.
• Affordable tuition rates.
• Accredited nursing program.
• Focus on leadership skills.
• Generous transfer credits.
• Financial aid available.
• Personal attention from faculty.
• Prepares for advanced nursing roles.
• Healthcare Heroes Scholarship offered.

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#5

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY - Public 4-Year - buffalo.edu

Bachelor's - Traditional Baccalaureate in Nursing Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University at Buffalo's Traditional Baccalaureate in Nursing Program offers a comprehensive curriculum blending biomedical and social sciences with clinical nursing. Designed for aspiring nurses, it prepares students for diverse roles in healthcare. The program features 120 credits, split between prerequisites and upper-division courses, with an estimated tuition of $6,000 per semester for residents. Admissions require meeting GPA and prerequisite course criteria, with applications opening in early December for a fall start. Clinical rotations provide over 600 hours of hands-on experience, including innovative Dedicated Education Units for real-world practice. Graduates are ready to take the NCLEX-RN and excel in nursing careers.

• 120 total credits
• $6,000 per semester
• Fall start term
• 4 years to complete
• 600+ clinical hours
• NCLEX-RN preparation
• Dedicated Education Units
• Biomedical sciences focus
• Social sciences integration
• Hands-on learning

*Citation: IPEDS 2024, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. DOE.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Buffalo, NY

Whether you want to commit for the long term with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, jump into nursing with an ADN, or transition from an LPN job, nursing has a range of gateways suitable to most situations. Buffalo-area colleges and universities offer the full assortment of programs for those looking to enter or advance in this stable field.

LPN to RN Programs

LPNs take pulses and vital signs as well as monitor wound dressings and bandages for indications of infection. Yet Licensed Practical Nurses who would like to help their patients more can do so by completing an LPN to RN option. Genesee Community College, located about 50 minutes east of Buffalo, offers a competitive-entry LPN to RN bridge program for nurses who wish to develop their careers. The nursing program is recognized in the greater Western New York area because its graduates have NCLEX pass rates that exceed both NY state and national averages.

ADN Programs

Nursing offers career stability and longevity and has few barriers to entry.  The most efficient way to enter the profession is via a two-year, career-focused Associate of Science in Nursing program. Trocaire College in Buffalo offers a clinical-heavy nursing option that transitions the student to real-world healthcare in about three semesters. The comprehensive program covers Anatomy and Physiology to Pediatric Nursing and Mental Health. Its NCLEX-RN pass-rate for first-time program graduates is 80%.

Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

Begin your career in the middle as a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree. Hospitals and medical centers strongly prefer to hire nurses with BSN degrees. In fact, many hospitals today require their nurses to earn the degree within a certain number of years. Niagara University, situated north of Buffalo, NY, offers both accelerated and traditional BSN tracks.  They focus on nursing fundamentals and include clinical intensives with area hospitals. Coursework such as critical analysis and problem-solving for nurses is covered, as is complex disease management and health assessments.

Find out more about New York Accelerated BSN Programs

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Buffalo, NY

Efficiency-focused bridge RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs make it possible for RNs who work to achieve their education and career goals. Most bridge pathways in Buffalo, New York are offered either entirely or partially online and allow you to complete coursework and projects at a pace that suits your busy life. Because they focus only on essential nursing courses with no extras, bridge RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs tend to cost less, too.

RN to BSN Programs

RNs can quickly leverage their valid license, along with their associate degree and bedside experience, to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Recognized for its quality, Daemen College, which is located north-east of Buffalo, offers a hybrid online and on-campus bridge program for professional nurses who wish to pursue a degree at their own pace. Created for expediency, the rigorous, competitive entry program prides itself on its nursing core competencies.

Find out more about New York RN to BSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs

Nurses who know they want to become Nurse Practitioners or hold other advanced roles may wish to enroll in an RN to MSN program. While a bit more intensive than RN to BSN programs, this bridge program prepares nurses for higher-level, more specialized nursing positions. Daemen College offers multiple RN to MSN pathways, including one that prepares nurses for Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner roles, as well as one designed for RNs who hold a non-nursing baccalaureate degree.

Find out more about New York RN to MSN Programs

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Buffalo, NY

Nursing has become a more progressive line of work as advanced practice nurses are taking on greater patient care functions. They are moving into leadership positions and gaining more autonomy and authority in diagnosing and treating patients.  To step into these positions, RNs in Buffalo must pursue advanced academic programs such as master’s degrees, post-master's certs and doctor’s degrees in nursing.

MSN Programs

Today’s patients are as likely to be seen by a Nurse Practitioner for routine exams and wellness checks as they are to be seen by a physician. The demand for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to perform these general practice roles at hospitals and outpatient centers is high. D'Youville College in Buffalo, New York, offers practitioner and leadership-focused Master's of Science in Nursing programs for nurses looking to take the plunge. Most programs require a two-year commitment and have at least some online coursework.

Find out more about New York Nurse Practitioner Programs

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

For nurses with an existing Master's of Science in Nursing, certificates can be a way to specialize without having to commit to a long-term academic program. The University at Buffalo, a State University of New York (SUNY) school, offers a range of certs including Family Nurse Practitioner, Mental Health Nursing and Leadership. Though the length of each cert varies, most can be completed in a blend of face to face and distance learning formats. Designed for working nurses, certs are offered on a part-time schedule.

Find out more about New York Post-Master's Certificate Programs

DNP Programs

Nurses are said to be the lifeblood of the healthcare profession and the center of patient care. Advanced practice nurses today are playing a more impactful role in diagnosing, assessing and treating patients than ever before. D'Youville College, a private Catholic-traditioned school in Buffalo, NY, offers two clinically intensive Doctor of Nursing Practice options, the Family Nurse Practitioner and Mental Health. Program length may vary as each applicant completes a skills gap assessment to determine the coursework required for graduation.

Find out more about New York DNP Programs