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
Choosing the best nursing program in Rochester requires careful consideration of key performance indicators. Registerednursing.org creates rankings to help students evaluate schools objectively, focusing on NCLEX pass rates as the primary criteria. These rankings provide transparent data to support informed decisions about nursing education. For detailed methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
Analysis of NCLEX pass rates in Rochester shows annual performance variations. The data indicates stable high performance with minor fluctuations.
- 2024: Average pass rate 91.35% with 104 students
- 2023: Average pass rate 92.7% with 96 students
Top Performing Schools
Schools with consistently high NCLEX performance demonstrate strong nursing education outcomes. These institutions maintain excellence across multiple years.
- SUNY Brockport: Average pass rate 92% across 200 students over 2 years
Pass Rate by Program Size
Program scale can influence educational outcomes and resource allocation. Larger programs show maintained performance levels.
- Large programs (>100 students/year): Average pass rate 91.35% across 104 students
Consistently High Performing Schools
Schools maintaining exceptional performance over multiple years provide reliable nursing education options. These institutions show sustained excellence in preparing graduates.
- SUNY Brockport: Average pass rate 92% across 200 students over 2 years
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 prepares students for RN licensure through a comprehensive 64-credit, four-semester curriculum. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical training at Rochester healthcare facilities and requires a grade of C or better in High School Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics Level 7 for admission. With NCLEX-RN pass rates consistently high (93.6% in 2023 and 100% in 2024), graduates are well-equipped for nursing roles. This campus-based program, accredited by ACEN, focuses on anatomy, physiology, nursing fundamentals, and professional ethics without requiring ACT or SAT entrance exams.
- 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.
St. John Fisher University
Rochester, NY - Private 4-year - sjf.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
St. John Fisher University's Nursing program in Rochester, NY, emphasizes patient- and family-centered care through 840 clinical hours with a favorable 1:5-1:8 faculty-to-student ratio. The program demonstrates strong outcomes with a 97% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2023, and students gain practical experience locally and internationally, including simulation center training that replicates hospital environments. It offers accelerated graduate study options and focuses on care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a bachelor's-level program, it requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam. Graduates often secure employment from clinical placements, supported by evidence-based coursework and precepted clinical role transitions.
- 840 clinical hours
- 1:5-1:8 faculty ratio
- 97% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- Hands-on regional and international experience
- Accelerated graduate study options
- Simulation center training
- Focus on intellectual and developmental disabilities
- High graduate employment rate
- Evidence-based clinical coursework
- Precepted clinical role transition
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY - Private 4-year - rochester.edu
Bachelor's - 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's
Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Rochester's 12-Month Accelerated BSN program offers an intensive path to nursing for college graduates. This campus-based program requires a bachelor's degree for admission but no prior nursing experience or entrance exams like ACT/SAT. Students complete over 650 clinical hours and prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program demonstrates strong NCLEX performance with a 96.92% pass rate in 2024. With three annual start dates and financial aid including full tuition scholarships for UR Nursing Scholars, it provides a fast-track to nursing careers in Rochester.
- 12-month program duration
- 650+ clinical training hours
- Three annual start dates
- Full tuition scholarships available
- No prior nursing experience required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Located in Rochester, NY
- Intensive, fast-track curriculum
- Financial aid options
- Bachelor's degree required for admission
Bachelor's - 24-Month Accelerated Bachelor's
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Rochester's 24-Month Accelerated BSN program combines hybrid-online coursework with onsite clinical experiences. Designed for those with previous bachelor's degrees, this program requires no entrance exams. Students complete 49 nursing credits, 90 lab/skills hours, and 650+ clinical hours over six semesters. The program shows excellent NCLEX preparation with a 96.92% pass rate in 2024. With flexible scheduling that accommodates work commitments and financial aid options, this summer-start program offers accessible RN licensure preparation through the University of Rochester Medical Center.
- 24 months program length
- Hybrid-online format
- 49 nursing credits
- 90 lab/skills hours
- 650+ clinical hours
- Summer semester start
- Applications open July 16
- Applications close Nov. 1
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
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 provides a holistic education rooted in Christian values, preparing students for diverse nursing careers. The program emphasizes whole-person care through rigorous academics, state-of-the-art simulation technology, and clinical placements at top hospitals. With a 95.7% NCLEX pass rate for 2024, graduates demonstrate strong clinical competency. This bachelor's-level program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams. Students benefit from opportunities for local and international service, advanced practice pathways, and integration of faith with healthcare principles.
- 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
SUNY Brockport
Brockport, NY - Public 4-Year - brockport.edu
Bachelor's - Traditional Nursing Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
SUNY Brockport's Traditional Nursing Program offers a CCNE-accredited BSN with a rigorous curriculum combining academic study and hands-on clinical training. The program features a state-of-the-art simulation lab for practical experience and emphasizes cultural diversity in healthcare. Admission is competitive, requiring a separate application during sophomore year, but does not require ACT or SAT exams. Graduates achieve excellent outcomes, with a 91.35% NCLEX pass rate in 2024 and 100% employment within six months, working in diverse settings from trauma centers to schools. The program prepares students for immediate nursing careers while providing a foundation for advanced specialty studies.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- State-of-the-art simulation lab.
- 100% employment within six months.
- Competitive admission process.
- Prepares for diverse nursing careers.
- Opportunities for advanced studies.
- Hands-on clinical experiences.
- Dedicated faculty guidance.
- Cultural diversity focus.
- Rigorous academic curriculum.
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
List of RN to BSN/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
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
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Rochester
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
- 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 format.
- 39 credit program.
- $979 per credit cost.
- No GRE/GMAT required.
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
- B.S. in nursing needed.
- RN licensure required.
- One year RN experience.
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
- Master's degree program.
- Prepares for acute care settings.
- Eligible for national certification.
- Includes adult and older adult care.
- Curriculum with multiple pathways.
- On-campus program format.
- Focus on diagnosis and treatment.
- Advanced nursing care training.
- 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 credit program.
- 448 clinical immersion hours.
- Hybrid online format.
- Evening coursework available.
- Prepares for CNL certification.
- 100% first-time exam pass rate.
- Focus on safety and quality.
- Evidence-based practice emphasis.
- 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
- Hybrid program format.
- Neonatal concentration available.
- Master's degree option.
- Clinical experience at Gosnell NICU.
- Dual national certification eligibility.
- Prepares for NICU settings.
- Focus on low- and high-risk infants.
- Pediatric and neonatal specialties combined.
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Rochester, NY
Brockport, NY
SUNY Brockport
- Bachelor's - Traditional Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- Accredited by CCNE.
- State-of-the-art simulation lab.
- 100% employment within six months.
- Competitive admission process.
- Prepares for diverse nursing careers.
- Opportunities for advanced studies.
- Hands-on clinical experiences.
- Dedicated faculty guidance.
Rochester, NY
Bryant & Stratton College-Greece
- Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 64 credit hours
- Under 2 years completion
- On-campus program
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Focus on real-world skills
- Includes Family Child Nursing
- Medical/Surgical Nursing courses
Monroe Community College
- Associate - Nursing Associate of Applied Science
Campus Based - Website
- 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.
Nazareth University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Direct admission into nursing major.
- 97% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate.
- Clinical experiences in diverse settings.
- State-of-the-art nursing simulation center.
- Study abroad opportunities in Belize, Finland.
- Interprofessional course with health students.
- Faculty advisors from first semester.
- Prepares for collaborative healthcare teams.
- Bachelor's - LPN to B.S. in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format.
- 97% NCLEX-RN pass rate.
- Cultural competence focus.
- Clinical experiences included.
- Interprofessional collaboration.
- LPN license required.
- Financial aid available.
- Prepares for diverse roles.
- Bachelor's - R.N. to B.S. in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Cultural competence focus
- Clinical experiences included
- CCNE accredited
- High licensure exam pass rates
- Flexible for working professionals
- Leadership skills development
Roberts Wesleyan University
- Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.
Campus Based - Website
- 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
St. John Fisher University
- Bachelor's - Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 840 clinical hours
- 1:5-1:8 faculty ratio
- 97% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- Hands-on regional and international experience
- Accelerated graduate study options
- Simulation center training
- Focus on intellectual and developmental disabilities
- High graduate employment rate
University of Rochester
- Bachelor's - 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month program duration
- 650+ clinical training hours
- Three annual start dates
- Full tuition scholarships available
- No prior nursing experience required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Located in Rochester, NY
- Intensive, fast-track curriculum
- Bachelor's - 24-Month Accelerated Bachelor's
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 24 months program length
- Hybrid-online format
- 49 nursing credits
- 90 lab/skills hours
- 650+ clinical hours
- Summer semester start
- Applications open July 16
- Applications close Nov. 1
