Nursing Programs in Rochester, NY
Are you passionate about helping others and interested in a career as a nurse? Demand for skilled nurses is high, and projected to grow even further over the next several years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the Rochester area, there are a number of accredited nursing training programs to get you started on a path to an exciting and rewarding career as a nurse. There is a strong demand for passionate, skilled nurses for those who reside in the Rochester vicinity.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Rochester
Monroe Community College
Rochester, NY - Public 2-Year - monroecc.edu
Associate - Nursing Associate of Applied Science
Campus Based - Visit Website
Monroe Community College's Nursing Associate of Applied Science program equips students with the skills and knowledge for a successful nursing career. The program boasts high NCLEX-RN pass rates, exceeding state and national averages. Students gain hands-on clinical experience at top Rochester healthcare facilities. The curriculum covers essential nursing practices, patient care, and professional ethics. Admission requires a grade of C or better in High School Biology and Chemistry, and Mathematics Level 7. The program spans four semesters, totaling 64 credit hours, with a focus on anatomy, physiology, and nursing fundamentals. Graduates are prepared for roles like Nurse Supervisor and RN, meeting New York State licensing requirements.
- Exceeds NCLEX-RN averages.
- Hands-on clinical training.
- 64 credit hours total.
- Four-semester program.
- High employment rates.
- Diverse clinical experiences.
- Campus-based learning.
- Requires High School Biology.
- Mathematics Level 7 needed.
- Accredited by ACEN.
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI - Public 4-Year - oakland.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Oakland University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Rochester Hills, MI, is designed to turn your passion into a rewarding career. This campus-based program prepares you to become a registered nurse in just three years, with a curriculum that includes pharmacology, nursing leadership, and a capstone project. With small class sizes, expert faculty, and over 500 clinical partnerships, you'll gain hands-on experience in Southeast Michigan's top medical systems. The program boasts a 99% job placement rate post-graduation and NCLEX-RN exam success. Accredited by leading nursing education bodies, it's a solid step towards advanced nursing roles.
- Three-year program.
- 125 credit hours.
- Small class sizes.
- Expert faculty.
- 500+ clinical partnerships.
- 99% job placement rate.
- NCLEX-RN exam prep.
- Accredited program.
- Hands-on learning.
- Capstone project included.
Roberts Wesleyan University
Rochester, NY - Private 4-year - roberts.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Roberts Wesleyan University's Nursing B.S. program offers a comprehensive and holistic approach to healthcare education. Students receive rigorous academic training combined with a Christian worldview, preparing them to become compassionate and skilled nurses. With a remarkable 95.7% NCLEX pass rate, the program emphasizes whole-person care, integrating science, technology, and spiritual development. Students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation experiences, clinical placements at top hospitals, and opportunities to serve both locally and internationally. The program prepares graduates for diverse nursing careers across various specialties, with competitive median annual wages and potential for advanced practice opportunities.
- 95.7% NCLEX Pass Rate
- State-of-the-art simulation technology
- Whole person healthcare approach
- Christian faith integration
- Clinical placements at top hospitals
- Total program cost: $52,129
- Advanced practice opportunities available
Rochester Community and Technical College
Rochester, MN - Public 2-Year - rctc.edu
Associate - Associate Degree Nursing Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program at Rochester Community and Technical College equips students with essential skills for professional nursing. It blends classroom learning with hands-on lab and clinical experiences. The program emphasizes critical thinking, caring, and collaboration. An LPN Mobility track offers advanced placement for licensed practical nurses, reducing completion time to three semesters. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam, stepping into roles in hospitals, clinics, and more. The program fosters a deep understanding of nursing interventions and professionalism, setting a solid foundation for a rewarding healthcare career.
- Four-semester generic option.
- Three-semester LPN Mobility track.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Combines classroom, lab, clinical learning.
- Focus on critical thinking, caring.
- Professional nursing practice emphasis.
- Available Fall and Spring semesters.
- For hospitals, clinics, home health.
- Advanced placement for LPNs.
- Embedded nursing interventions concepts.
Associate - LPN Mobility track
Campus Based - Visit Website
The LPN Mobility track at Rochester Community and Technical College is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses seeking to advance their careers. This program allows LPNs to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing in just three semesters, leveraging their previous education and experience. It prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, opening doors to roles in hospitals, clinics, and more. The curriculum focuses on professionalism, critical thinking, and nursing interventions, blending classroom learning with clinical practice. Admission requires graduation from a state-approved practical nursing school and completion of specific general education courses. This track is a fast-paced, efficient path for LPNs aiming to become Registered Nurses.
- Three-semester program
- For Licensed Practical Nurses
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Blends classroom and clinical learning
- Requires state-approved LPN graduation
- Includes general education courses
- Focuses on critical thinking
- Emphasizes nursing interventions
- Offers advanced placement
- Fast-paced career advancement
Rochester University
Rochester Hills, MI - Private 4-year - rcu.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rochester University's Nursing BSN program in Rochester Hills, MI, prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing with a focus on leadership and clinical skills. The program boasts a high NCLEX pass rate and offers direct admissions for qualified students starting Fall 2025. With a total of 124 credit hours, including general education, support courses, and nursing major courses, students gain comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience. The program emphasizes community involvement and culturally diverse healthcare practices, preparing graduates for various roles in hospital and community settings.
- High NCLEX pass rate
- Direct admissions available
- 124 total credit hours
- Focus on leadership skills
- Community involvement emphasis
- Culturally diverse practices
- Campus-based program
- Prepares for hospital roles
- Prepares for community roles
- Comprehensive nursing education
Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Rochester, NY
The first step in becoming a registered nurse is an entry-level training program, which will prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and provide you with the skills needed to land your first job as an RN. In the Rochester area, options for entry-level programs include LPN to RN programs, Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
LPN to RN Programs
Many nurses begin their career as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and then transition to RNs in order to earn a higher wage and gain additional patient care responsibilities. The pathway to an RN license for these LPNs is an “LPN to RN” training program, which builds on the practical nurse’s previous education and experience. Nazareth College offers an LPN to BSN program in which practical nurses are able to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and graduate prepared to take a job as an RN.
ADN Programs
Many community colleges and vocational schools offer ADN programs that take around two years to complete and prepare students for jobs as RNs. One example in the Rochester area is Monroe Community College, a two-year program with a 91 percent NCLEX-RN pass rate that places students in Rochester area hospitals and health care facilities for clinical training.
Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs
BSN programs are generally found in four-year colleges and universities and include in their curriculum general education courses in addition to nursing major classes. One example of a BSN program is found at St. John Fisher College, which places students in clinical settings in the Rochester area and reinforces clinical practice hours with study in the Wegman’s School of Nursing simulation center, which mirrors an actual hospital unit.
Learn more about New York Accelerated BSN Programs
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Rochester, NY
For ADN-educated nurses who wish to advance their careers and learn new skills, a popular path to career growth is earning a higher degree. RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs are designed to help experienced nurses with their ADN earn a BSN or MSN by building on their existing education and training and delivering a higher degree in less time than a traditional BSN or MSN program.
RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN programs build on the ADN-holding nurse’s foundational training and knowledge and add on more advanced courses in nursing research, leadership, pharmacology and nursing practices. Many programs, such as the one offered at The College at Brockport, are available online and can be completed in as little as 12 months of full-time study.
Learn more about New York RN to BSN Programs
RN to MSN Programs
Less common than the RN to BSN offering are RN to MSN programs. These programs take a nurse from ADN to an advanced practice Master of Science in Nursing degree to prepare them for careers as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, administrators, and leaders. The RN to MSN program at the University of Rochester offers an RN to BS to MS program on an accelerated timeframe in which students can choose from various nurse practitioner tracks or a nurse educator track.
Learn more about New York RN to MSN Programs
Brockport, NY
SUNY Brockport
- RN to BSN - Nursing RN-to-BSN Fast-Track (BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Degree Completion
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Designed for RNs with Associate's Degree
- Flexible Clinical Experience Options
- Advanced Career Opportunities
- New York State Education Registered
Rochester, NY
Nazareth University
- RN to BSN - R.N. to B.S. in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Two-year R.N. completion program
- 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- Clinical experiences diverse settings
- Modern nursing simulation center
- Interprofessional healthcare training
- Global study opportunities
- CCNE-accredited program
- Faculty support throughout studies
Roberts Wesleyan University
- RN to BSN - R.N. to B.S. in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- 12-24 Months Completion
- 36 Total Credits
- No Entrance Exam Required
- 45% Tuition Discount Available
- 125 Non-Patient Clinical Hours
- Small Class Sizes
- CCNE Accredited Program
- RN to MSN - R.N. to M.S.
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Website
- 20-month program duration.
- 100% online coursework.
- 60 total credits required.
- Focus on Nursing Education.
- No GRE/GMAT required.
- Flexible for working nurses.
- Affordable tuition rates.
- Prepares for academic roles.
- RN to MSN - RN to MS
Concentration: Nursing Leadership and Administration - Online Learning - Website
- 20-month program duration.
- 100% online learning format.
- 60 total credits required.
- Focus on Nursing Leadership and Administration.
- Unencumbered RN license required.
- Current RN employment needed.
- $360 per credit (B.S.).
- $979 per credit (M.S.).
St. John Fisher University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Online
Online Learning - Website
- 12-18 month completion time
- Fully online program format
- 24/7 online tutoring access
- No prerequisite courses required
- 60 total nursing credits
- Part-time and full-time options
- Project-based experiential learning
- Fast-track to MSN available
University of Rochester
- RN to BSN - RN to BS Online Program
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Coursework
- 16-Month Program Length
- Mobile iPad Learning Technology
- 50-100% Scholarship Options
- Expert Nursing Faculty Support
- Career Advancement Focus
- 4 Semesters Core Coursework
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Rochester, NY
Nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nursing specialties are growing in demand and popularity nationwide. In order to pursue a career in one of these areas, nurses will need to earn a master’s degree or higher. In the Rochester area, nurses can choose from MSN programs, post-master’s certificate programs, and doctoral programs.
MSN Programs
MSN is the degree level needed to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse leader, nurse educator, and other advanced practice specialties. The length of a traditional MSN program can vary from school to school, but in general take two to three years to complete. Most programs allow you to concentrate your studies in an area that meets your career goals, such as the program at St. John Fisher College, which offers several nurse practitioner concentrations along with a clinical nurse leader concentration.
Learn more about New York Nurse Practitioner Programs
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
Nurses who have earned their MSN but would like to learn an additional advanced practice specialty may be interested in a post-graduate certificate program. Post-graduate certificate programs allow students to take their careers in a new direction. The University of Rochester offers post-master’s certificates in several nurse practitioner specialties as well as in the clinical nurse leader role and nursing education.
Learn more about New York Post-Master's Certificate Programs
DNP & Ph.D. Programs
Nurses who wish to advance to the highest level of nursing leadership, research, and clinical practice may want to consider earning a doctoral degree. Doctoral programs in the Rochester area include Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs that prepare nurses for careers in ground-breaking research, as well as Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs that enable nurses to become expert clinicians who can influence standards of care and healthcare policies. St. John Fisher College, for example, offers a general DNP program for interested students.
Learn more about New York DNP Programs
Brockport, NY
SUNY Brockport
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science degree with eligibility for licensure as an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Master's degree with AGPCNP licensure
- Hybrid online/in-person program
- 525 total clinical hours
- Part-time track spans three years
- State-of-art simulation learning environment
- CCNE accredited program
- Advanced diagnostic and clinical skills training
- Graduate Certificate - Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (CAS)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Part-time advanced nursing program
- 16 credit hours, 300 clinical hours
- Online and hybrid delivery
- Multiple nursing specialties eligible
- Master's degree required
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- National certification preferred
- Individualized curriculum
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- 30-credit post-masters program
- Fully online, self-paced format
- Clinically focused DNP project
- Minimum 3.2 graduate GPA
- Active clinical faculty mentors
- Advanced practice nursing focus
- Flexible for working professionals
- Leadership and systems change
Rochester, NY
Roberts Wesleyan University
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 100% Online, 1-week campus visit
- 36-month program duration
- 54 total credit hours
- 600+ clinical hours
- Total program cost $51,516
- 3.30 minimum GPA required
- No entrance exam needed
- Two years nursing experience
- BSN to MSN - Nursing Leadership & Administration, M.S.
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- 18-20 Months Completion
- 39 Total Credits
- No Entrance Exam Required
- 3.0 GPA Recommended
- One Year Nursing Experience
- Small Class Sizes
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Graduate Certificate - Nursing Leadership and Administration Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- Post-graduate nursing leadership certificate
- 4 online, asynchronous courses
- Prepare for Nurse Executive Certification
- Designed for working professionals
- Includes healthcare leadership internship
- Master's degree required
- Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
- Current RN licensure needed
St. John Fisher University
- BSN to MSN - Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
Concentration: Adult/Gerontology - Campus Based - Website
- 44 total course credits
- 500 clinical practice hours
- Weekday evening classes
- On-campus nursing pathway
- NYS RN license required
- Ranked #31 graduate nursing
- Clinical placements outside employment
- BSN to MSN - Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Online part-time program
- 46 total credit hours
- 600 clinical placement hours
- One campus immersion
- Prepares for AANPCB certification
- Ages 13+ patient care focus
- State-of-the-art nursing facilities
- Holistic patient-centered approach
- BSN to MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Online part-time program
- 50 total program credits
- 600 clinical placement hours
- 32-month completion timeline
- Prepare for PMHNP-BC certification
- Trauma-informed care focus
- Coursework across lifespan
- Community clinical rotations
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Dual-degree DNP program
- 103 total credit hours
- 2600+ clinical hours
- Post-baccalaureate entry
- Post-masters entry option
- Full-time program only
- Scholarly DNP project required
- Advanced anesthesia techniques
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- Post-baccalaureate and post-master's tracks
- 33-72 credit hour options
- Hybrid learning format
- Simulation and case study focus
- Rochester Regional Health partnership
- Leadership-oriented curriculum
- Flexible full/part-time study
University of Rochester
- BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- Acute care specialty focus
- National certification preparation
- Multiple degree pathway options
- ICU and hospital practice settings
- Advanced patient care skills
- BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- Diagnose adult/geriatric health issues
- Multiple clinical practice settings
- National certification preparation
- Master's degree pathway
- Advanced nursing specialization
- BSN to MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 37 credits required.
- 448 clinical immersion hours.
- Hybrid online and in-person.
- 100% CNL exam pass rate.
- Focus on safety and quality.
- Expands healthcare management roles.
- Nursing background required for admission.
- Financial aid available.
- BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Primary care across life stages
- Prepare for national certification
- Multiple degree pathway options
- Practice in diverse settings
- Focused on underserved populations
- BSN to MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- National certification preparation
- Multiple degree pathways
- Comprehensive pediatric care focus
- Advanced behavioral health training
- BSN to MSN - Pediatric/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program
Concentration: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Dual specialty pediatric/neonatal focus
- Level IV NICU clinical experiences
- National certification preparation
- Advanced clinical training
- Comprehensive infant care curriculum
- BSN to MSN - Pediatric/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Neonatal - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Dual specialty nurse practitioner training
- National certification preparation
- Level IV NICU clinical experiences
- Comprehensive neonatal care focus
- Advanced infant healthcare training
- Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Advanced Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format.
- Focus on acute care.
- Includes clinical hours.
- Advanced health assessment.
- Faculty-guided degree plans.
- Specialized NP courses.
- Prepares for complex care.
- For adult and geriatric care.
- Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP Advanced Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Advanced clinical specialty courses
- 224 clinical hours per course
- Hybrid program format
- Comprehensive nurse practitioner training
- Specialized adult-gerontology focus
- Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Advanced Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two advanced certificate options
- Hybrid online/face-to-face format
- 18-credit Education Focus track
- 10-credit Clinical Focus track
- Designed for APRN graduates
- Prepares nurses for faculty roles
- NLN certification eligible
- Can be completed in 3-4 semesters
- Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Advanced Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- Online professional curriculum
- Across the lifespan program
- Comprehensive clinical practicums
- 11 specialized mental health courses
- 616 total clinical training hours
- Advanced psychiatric nursing focus
- Multiple psychotherapy course options
