Nursing Programs in Syracuse, NY
If you are considering a career in nursing, or if you are a working RN who wants to expand his or her skills or advance to an advanced practice position, there are a number of schooling options available in the Syracuse area. Below we have outlined the various program options and schools in the area to make entering the next phase of your nursing career even simpler.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Syracuse
Rankings help students identify quality nursing programs by comparing key metrics. Registerednursing.org is creating the "Best Nursing Schools in Syracuse" rankings based solely on NCLEX pass rates. This objective data provides a clear measure of program effectiveness in preparing graduates for licensure. For more details on our methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
Syracuse area nursing programs show stable performance with slight year-over-year variation.
- 2024 average pass rate: 89.31% (234 students)
- 2023 average pass rate: 89.14% (189 students)
Top Performing Schools
These institutions demonstrate strong NCLEX preparation across multiple years.
- Cayuga County Community College: 98.04% average pass rate (51 students)
- Pomeroy College of Nursing at Crouse Hospital: 91.94% average pass rate (180 students)
- SUNY Morrisville: 84.99% average pass rate (120 students)
BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison
Program type shows notable differences in student outcomes and enrollment.
- ADN programs: 91.89% average pass rate (148 students)
- BSN programs: 82.09% average pass rate (67 students)
Pass Rate by Program Size
Medium-sized programs outperform smaller programs in this dataset.
- Small programs (<50 students/year): 83.87% average pass rate (62 students)
- Medium programs (50-100 students/year): 90.85% average pass rate (153 students)
Consistently High Performing Schools
These schools maintain exceptional pass rates over multiple years.
- Cayuga County Community College: 98.04% average pass rate (51 students, 2 years data)
- Pomeroy College of Nursing at Crouse Hospital: 91.94% average pass rate (180 students, 2 years data)
Cayuga County Community College
Auburn, NY - Public 2-Year - cayuga-cc.edu
Associate - Nursing A.A.S.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Cayuga County Community College's Nursing A.A.S. program, accredited by ACEN, prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam through a 64-credit curriculum blending general education with nursing courses. The campus-based program, available at Auburn and Fulton locations, emphasizes clinical practice and requires a C+ minimum in nursing and biology courses. Admission is competitive with prerequisites in high school or college biology and chemistry. Recent NCLEX pass rates are strong, with 100% in 2023 and 96.77% in 2024. As an associate degree program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- High NCLEX-RN pass rate.
- Campus-based program.
- Competitive admission process.
- Requires C+ in nursing courses.
- 64 credit hours total.
- Offered at two campuses.
- Includes clinical practice.
- Prerequisites in biology and chemistry.
- Two-application admission process.
Onondaga Community College
Syracuse, NY - Public 2-Year - sunyocc.edu
Associate - Nursing A.A.S.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Onondaga Community College's Nursing A.A.S. program in Syracuse delivers a comprehensive two-year curriculum that prepares graduates for RN licensure. This ACEN-accredited campus program emphasizes hands-on clinical training, integrating scientific knowledge with practical nursing theory. Recent NCLEX-RN pass rates of 89-90% demonstrate strong exam preparation, while the 100% job placement rate reflects employer confidence in graduates. The program requires no ACT or SAT entrance exam and offers dual admission pathways to SUNY Upstate Medical University for students seeking bachelor's degrees.
- Accredited by ACEN
- 2-year duration
- In-person format
- 89% NCLEX-RN success rate
- 100% job placement
- Dual admission with SUNY Upstate
- Focus on clinical skills
- Prepares for RN licensure
- High employer satisfaction
- Strong graduate satisfaction
SUNY Morrisville
Morrisville, NY - Public 4-Year - morrisville.edu
Associate - Nursing A.A.S.
Campus Based - Visit Website
SUNY Morrisville's Nursing A.A.S. program is a two-year, campus-based program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam through hands-on clinical experiences and classroom learning. This associate-level program requires ACT or SAT scores for admission. It focuses on compassionate care and patient advocacy, with small clinical settings for personalized instruction. Graduates can seamlessly transition to the online RN to B.S. program. The program is ACEN-accredited and includes 64 credit hours, with campuses in Morrisville and Norwich. For NCLEX performance, recent ADN programs show pass rates ranging from 71.0% to 95.9% across 2023-2024, indicating variable outcomes that students should consider when preparing for licensure.
- 2 years to complete
- 64 credit hours
- In-person course format
- Morrisville and Norwich campuses
- Small student-to-faculty ratio
- Clinical experience included
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Seamless RN to B.S. transition
- ACEN accredited
- Financial aid available
Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.
Online Learning - Visit Website
SUNY Morrisville's online Nursing B.S. program is designed for RNs seeking career advancement through a 100% online format. This bachelor's-level program requires applicants to have completed an AAS in Nursing and passed the NCLEX exam before the second semester. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, nursing informatics, and leadership, with courses in advanced health assessment, public health, and community nursing. Graduates are prepared for advanced roles or further education in specialties like healthcare administration. The program is accredited by ACEN and NYSED. For NCLEX pass rates, recent data shows varying results: in 2023, ADN programs had rates of 71.4% (21 students) and 95.9% (49 students), while 2024 saw 71.0% (31 students) and 94.7% (19 students).
- 100% online format.
- Focus on five core nursing concepts.
- Requires AAS in Nursing.
- NCLEX exam success required.
- Accredited by ACEN and NYSED.
- Prepares for advanced nursing roles.
- Includes public and community nursing.
- Advanced health assessment courses.
- Health promotion emphasis.
- Leadership and management training.
Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse North
Liverpool, NY - Private 4-year - bryantstratton.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree
Campus Based - Visit Website
Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse North's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program provides comprehensive nursing education with a strong focus on patient-centered care, nursing management, and leadership development. The 32-month, 125-credit hour curriculum covers essential areas including family nursing, mental health, and adult care while emphasizing ethical, legal, and cultural aspects of nursing practice. This CCNE-accredited program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. Recent NCLEX data shows a 100% pass rate in 2023 and 82.09% in 2024, indicating solid preparation for nursing licensure. Students gain hands-on clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings.
- 32 months program length
- 125 credit hours total
- On-campus learning
- Accredited by CCNE
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Focus on nursing management
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Covers ethical and legal aspects
- Includes mental health care
- Family nursing care focus
Le Moyne College
Syracuse, NY - Private 4-year - lemoyne.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Le Moyne College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program integrates the Jesuit principle of cura personalis, focusing on holistic patient care. The curriculum covers nursing fundamentals, health information systems, and community health, with hands-on clinical practice in diverse healthcare settings. Small class sizes ensure personalized faculty attention. This CCNE-accredited program prepares graduates for the evolving healthcare landscape. As a bachelor's-level program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams. NCLEX pass rate data is not provided; prospective students should contact the school for this information.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
- Focus on cura personalis.
- Hands-on clinical practice.
- Small class sizes.
- CCNE accredited.
- Prepares for diverse healthcare settings.
- Covers nursing fundamentals.
- Includes health information systems.
- Focus on patient care.
- Community health education.
Entry Level ADN Programs in Syracuse, New York
For individuals interested in beginning a career in nursing, an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is a great jumping off point. An ADN program provides students with a basic foundation in the theory and practice of nursing and prepares them for the NCLEX-RN certification exam. These programs can be found at community colleges, vocational schools as well as some colleges and universities.
ADN Programs
With a program length of around two years or less, ADN programs are ideal for aspiring nurses who wish to begin working as soon as possible. The ADN program at Onondaga Community College is a highly ranked program that offers self-paced learning outside of the classroom for the theory portion of the program, coupled with traditional classroom and clinical experience in hospitals and community agencies. For those with a non-nursing bachelor's, you should consider a New York ABSN Program.
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Syracuse, NY
For nurses who hold an RN license and have completed their ADN, an RN to BSN or MSN program provides a pathway to a higher nursing degree that can be completed in less time than a traditional BSN or MSN program. Also called a “bridge program,” an RN to MSN or RN to MSN program takes into account previous diploma coursework and clinical experience, saving students the time and expense of repeating coursework.
RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN programs, like the one at Le Moyne College, RN to BSN programs are designed for registered nurses who have completed their ADN. The RN to BSN program at Le Moyne College offers courses in flexible scheduling to accommodate working students, with some courses offered in an online or hybrid format to increase convenience for RNs.
Learn more about New York RN to BSN Programs.
RN to MSN Programs
Like RN to BSN programs, RN to MSN programs take into account previous nursing education to provide a streamlined pathway to a higher degree, in this case, the Master of Science in Nursing. As an example, the RN to MSN program at SUNY Upstate Medical University is designed for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who hold the RN license. Students take five bachelor's level nursing courses and then matriculate into the traditional MSN program.
Learn more about New York RN to MSN Programs.
List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs
Morrisville, NY
SUNY Morrisville
- RN to BSN - Nursing, BS
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online nursing courses
- 60 total credits required
- RN-to-BS pathway
- Accredited nursing program
- Advanced clinical experiences
- Leadership and management focus
- Prepares for graduate studies
- Practical experience included
Syracuse, NY
Le Moyne College
- RN to BSN - RN-BS Program
Campus Based - Website
- Bachelor of Science Degree
- For RNs with Associate's Degree
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Flexible Professional Pathway
- Comprehensive Nursing Education
Upstate Medical University
- RN to BSN - RN to Bachelor of Science
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online nursing program
- Part-time and full-time options
- Asynchronous learning format
- For licensed RNs
- Prepares for graduate study
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Syracuse, NY
In order to meet a demand for advanced practice nurses with higher degrees, many nurses are considering going back to school to earn an advanced practice degree. Examples of these programs include MSN programs designed for nurses who hold a BSN as well as post-master’s certificate programs for MSN-educated nurses who would like to learn a new discipline.
MSN Programs
Le Moyne College in Syracuse offers an MSN program that allows students to specialize their studies along two professional tracks, Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator. These 39-credit hour programs include core advanced practice nursing courses, clinical practice hours and then specialized courses for each concentration.
Learn more about New York Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Post-master’s certificate nursing programs allow nurses with an MSN degree to learn a new specialty of advanced practice nursing without repeating their previous MSN coursework. For example, Le Moyne College offers a post-master’s certificate in nurse education that is comprised of 15 credit hours over two years and includes a teaching practicum.
Learn more about New York Post-Master's Certificate Programs.
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Syracuse
Syracuse, NY
Le Moyne College
- BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Master of Science in Nursing (FNP)
- 46 total credit program
- 810 clinical practice hours
- Three enrollment options
- Once weekly on-campus
- Two year full-time track
- Three year part-time track
- Post-Master's Certificate available
- MSN to DNP - Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 29-credit doctoral curriculum
- Hybrid learning model
- Full-time and part-time options
- 810 clinical practice hours
- CCNE Accredited program
- Small cohort class sizes
- Practice-experienced faculty
- NYS FNP certification path
Upstate Medical University
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Family Nurse Practitioner Track
- Hybrid Course Delivery
- 7 Semester Part-Time Program
- $11,310 Annual Tuition (NYS)
- National Board Certification Preparation
- Online DNP Pathway Available
- Extensive Clinical Opportunities
- Up to 5 Years Completion Time
- MSN to DNP - Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Campus Based - Website
- Less than 3-year degree completion
- 87 credit hours total
- Hybrid course delivery
- $25,120 annual tuition (NYS)
- Multiple specialty track options
- 200 clinical project hours
- Advanced leadership training
- Evidence-based practice focus
- MSN to DNP - Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- Three-year DNP program
- 87 credit hours required
- Hybrid course delivery
- $25,120 annual tuition
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner track
- Advanced clinical skill development
- Leadership and evidence-based focus
- Multiple healthcare work settings
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- 88 Total Credits
- 900 Clinical Training Hours
- 200 Project Hours
- Full-Time and Part-Time Options
- Advanced Psychiatric Care Focus
- Comprehensive Nursing Coursework
- ANCC Certification Preparation
- Multiple Clinical Management Courses
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- Part-time Post-Master's DNP
- 40 Semester Credit Hours
- CCNE Accredited Program
- NYS Resident Tuition $12,560/Year
- Multiple Start Options
- Designed for Working Professionals
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Degree
- Part-time Post-Master's Program
- 40 Credit Hour Curriculum
- NYS Resident Tuition $12,560/Year
- Designed for Working Professionals
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Multiple Start Options
- Can Complete in 2.5 Years
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Online part-time DNP program
- 40 credit hours total
- Designed for working nurses
- NYS residents $12,560/year
- Multiple start options
- CCNE accredited program
- 100% online delivery
- 6-7 semester completion
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Syracuse, NY
Auburn, NY
Cayuga County Community College
- Associate - Nursing A.A.S.
Campus Based - Website
- Accredited by ACEN.
- High NCLEX-RN pass rate.
- Campus-based program.
- Competitive admission process.
- Requires C+ in nursing courses.
- 64 credit hours total.
- Offered at two campuses.
- Includes clinical practice.
Liverpool, NY
Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse North
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree
Campus Based - Website
- 32 months program length
- 125 credit hours total
- On-campus learning
- Accredited by CCNE
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Focus on nursing management
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Covers ethical and legal aspects
Morrisville, NY
SUNY Morrisville
- Associate - Nursing A.A.S.
Campus Based - Website
- 2 years to complete
- 64 credit hours
- In-person course format
- Morrisville and Norwich campuses
- Small student-to-faculty ratio
- Clinical experience included
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Seamless RN to B.S. transition
- Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online format.
- Focus on five core nursing concepts.
- Requires AAS in Nursing.
- NCLEX exam success required.
- Accredited by ACEN and NYSED.
- Prepares for advanced nursing roles.
- Includes public and community nursing.
- Advanced health assessment courses.
Syracuse, NY
Le Moyne College
- Bachelor's - Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
- Focus on cura personalis.
- Hands-on clinical practice.
- Small class sizes.
- CCNE accredited.
- Prepares for diverse healthcare settings.
- Covers nursing fundamentals.
- Includes health information systems.
Onondaga Community College
- Associate - Nursing A.A.S.
Campus Based - Website
- Accredited by ACEN
- 2-year duration
- In-person format
- 89% NCLEX-RN success rate
- 100% job placement
- Dual admission with SUNY Upstate
- Focus on clinical skills
- Prepares for RN licensure
