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:

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Syracuse
Registerednursing.org is proud to present the best nursing schools in Syracuse, providing rankings that help students choose programs with confidence. Our rankings are based solely on NCLEX pass rates, the gold standard for nursing education. This approach allows students to compare program effectiveness at a glance. Learn more about our methodology: https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
The average pass rate in Syracuse nursing programs remained stable year-over-year, while the number of test-takers increased significantly.
- 2024: 89.31% average pass rate (234 students)
- 2023: 89.14% average pass rate (189 students)
Top Performing Schools
Cayuga County Community College stands out as the top performer in the region with a 98.04% average pass rate over two 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)
Pass Rate by Program Size
Medium-sized programs with 50-100 students per year outperformed smaller cohorts, suggesting an optimal program size for student success.
- Medium (50-100 students): 90.85% average pass rate (153 students)
- Small (under 50 students): 83.87% average pass rate (62 students)
Consistently High Performing Schools
Two Syracuse-area schools achieved an average pass rate above 90% across multiple years, demonstrating exceptional consistency.
- Cayuga County Community College: 98.04% average pass rate (51 students, 2 years)
- Pomeroy College of Nursing at Crouse Hospital: 91.94% average pass rate (180 students, 2 years)
Cayuga County Community College
Auburn, NY - Public 2-Year - cayuga-cc.edu
Associate - Nursing A.A.S.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Cayuga Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing that prepares students for entry into professional nursing and eligibility for the NCLEX-RN exam. The curriculum integrates general education with nursing theory, lab practice, and clinical experiences across medical-surgical, mental health, family, and community settings. Students gain hands-on skills at local hospitals and long-term care facilities, with clinicals beginning in the first semester. The program emphasizes patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration. Graduates are prepared for roles as registered nurses in diverse healthcare environments, including hospitals, clinics, and community agencies. Distinctive features include a free application, LPN-to-RN waiver pathway, articulation agreements with four-year BSN programs, and a strong pass rate on the NCLEX-RN. With small cohorts and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized support throughout their nursing education.
- LPN to RN waiver available
- Articulation agreements with BSN programs
- Clinical experiences start first semester
- Two-step admission process
- Campus locations in Auburn and Fulton
- Free application for admission
- Minimum grade C+ in nursing courses
- CPR certification for healthcare provider
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 prepares you for a rewarding career as a Registered Professional Nurse. The curriculum blends scientific knowledge, nursing theory, and hands-on clinical skills, covering the latest medical techniques and technology. Graduates work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, home care, and schools, with roles including geriatric, oncology, cardiovascular, and neonatology nursing. The program boasts an 89% NCLEX-RN pass rate and 89% job placement. Unique features include a dual admission pathway to SUNY Upstate Medical University and a summer transition option for LPNs. ACEN-accredited and delivered in person, the program offers robust support services and financial aid assistance to help you succeed.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 2-Year program
- 89% licensure pass rate
- 89% job placement rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Dual Admission with SUNY Upstate
- Employer Satisfaction 100%
- Graduate Satisfaction 100%
- Summer Transition for LPNs
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 blends classroom theory with hands-on clinical practice in hospital settings, preparing you for the NCLEX-RN exam and a career as a registered nurse. You'll gain skills in patient advocacy, compassionate care, and clinical reasoning through a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes safety and teamwork. The program boasts a low 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in labs and clinicals. Graduates enjoy high employment rates, with many pursuing a seamless online RN to B.S. pathway. With campuses in Morrisville and Norwich, this ACEN-accredited program offers a supportive learning environment with experienced faculty dedicated to your success.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 2-Year program
- 64 total credit hours
- 82% licensure pass rate
- 93% job placement rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- In-person course format
- Morrisville and Norwich campuses
- Low 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio
Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.
Online Learning - Visit Website
SUNY Morrisville offers an online RN to B.S. in Nursing program designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. The curriculum emphasizes five core concepts: patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, nursing informatics, leadership, and professionalism. Courses cover health assessment, health promotion, nursing research, healthcare policy, and community and family health, with required practicum experiences. Graduates are prepared for graduate studies in nursing specialties such as clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, or nurse educator, as well as informatics and healthcare administration. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and can be completed 100% online, offering flexibility for working professionals. Admission requires an associate degree in nursing and NCLEX-RN licensure.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, State Education Department Division of Professional Education accredited
- 120 total credit hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- 100% online program
- RN to B.S. completion track
- Accredited by ACEN
- Prepares for graduate nursing study
- Practicum experiences required
- Requires AAS in Nursing
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's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in New York prepares you for a rewarding career as a registered nurse. The curriculum combines rigorous academics with hands-on clinical experience, covering topics like anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology, mental health nursing, and community health. You'll develop critical thinking, leadership, and patient care skills through courses such as Nursing Management and Leadership and a nursing practicum. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure. The program is accredited by the CCNE and features no application fee. With a focus on real-world application, you'll complete clinical internships at partner healthcare facilities, gaining confidence and competence. This 32-month, 125-credit program is offered on-campus at several New York locations, including Liverpool, Albany, and Orchard Park. Career opportunities include roles in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and community health settings, with potential for advancement in nursing leadership and graduate studies.
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 32-Month program
- 125 total credit hours
- $0 application fee
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Clinical internship opportunities
- TEAS exam required
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 (BSN) program, offered on the Syracuse campus, prepares students to become compassionate, skilled nurses through a blend of rigorous coursework and real-life clinical practice. The curriculum covers fundamental nursing principles, health information systems, patient care, health policy, and community health. Students benefit from small class sizes and dedicated faculty who emphasize the Jesuit value of cura personalis—care for the whole person. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates are ready to pursue advanced degrees and enter a growing field: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth for RNs. Unique partnerships with St. Joseph's Hospital and Crouse Hospital offer dual degree pathways, while an accelerated track is available for second-degree students. The RN-BS program also serves associate degree holders seeking to advance their education.
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- Financial aid available
- Small class sizes
- Real-life clinical practice
- Prepares for advanced degrees
- Dual Degree Partnership with St. Joseph's Hospital
- Nursing Degree Partnership with Crouse Hospital
- RN-BS Program available
- Accelerated DDPN for second-degree students
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
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- 120 total credit hours
- Prepares for NCLEX
- 100% online program
- Requires accredited AAS nursing degree
- Seamless transfer from Morrisville AAS
- Prepares for advanced nursing degrees
- Practical experiences in community health
Syracuse, NY
Le Moyne College
- RN to BSN - RN-BS Program
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- Ideal for associate degree RNs
Upstate Medical University
- RN to BSN - RN to Bachelor of Science
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Full-time and part-time options
- Asynchronous online classes
- Accommodates work and family life
- Builds foundation for graduate study
- For RNs with associate's or diploma
- Explore vast field of nursing
- Discover new areas to practice
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
- 46 credits required
- 810 clinical hours required
- Full-time and part-time options
- On-campus once weekly
- Post-Master's Certificate available
- Prepares for national certification
- CCNE accredited
- Fall start available
- MSN to DNP - Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Apply by 2026-05-15
- Full-time and part-time options
- Starts fall
- Asynchronous online classes
- Cohort-based structure
- 810 clinical hours
- Capstone required
Upstate Medical University
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid format classes
- Seven semesters duration
- Prepares for FNP certification
- Advanced practice nursing focus
- Seamless DNP pathway available
- Online DNP program option
- Part-time DNP flexibility
- Clinical practice preparation
- MSN to DNP - Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Campus Based - Website
- 4 concentration options
- More clinical hours than master's
- Leadership and evidence-based practice focus
- Multiple specialty tracks available
- MSN to DNP - Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- 4 concentration options
- Enhanced leadership and evidence-based practice
- More clinical hours than a master's degree
- Interprofessional collaboration skills
- Prepares for diverse healthcare settings
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- 88 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 900 clinical hours
- Capstone required
- Prepares for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification examination
- 200 project hours required
- Fall start available
- Spring start available
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 7 concentration options
- Part-time available
- Accepts post-master's students
- Focus on leadership and policy
- Prepares for highest APRN level
- Evidence-based practice focus
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited
- 7 concentration options
- Part-time available
- Post-master's level program
- Leadership and health policy focus
- Evidence-based practice translation
- Aligned with AACN Essentials
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Syracuse, NY
Auburn, NY
Cayuga County Community College
- Associate - Nursing A.A.S.
Campus Based - Website
- LPN to RN waiver available
- Articulation agreements with BSN programs
- Clinical experiences start first semester
- Two-step admission process
- Campus locations in Auburn and Fulton
- Free application for admission
- Minimum grade C+ in nursing courses
- CPR certification for healthcare provider
Liverpool, NY
Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse North
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 32-Month program
- 125 total credit hours
- $0 application fee
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
Morrisville, NY
SUNY Morrisville
- Associate - Nursing A.A.S.
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 2-Year program
- 64 total credit hours
- 82% licensure pass rate
- 93% job placement rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- In-person course format
- Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.
Online Learning - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, State Education Department Division of Professional Education accredited
- 120 total credit hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- 100% online program
- RN to B.S. completion track
- Accredited by ACEN
- Prepares for graduate nursing study
Syracuse, NY
Le Moyne College
- Bachelor's - Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- Financial aid available
- Small class sizes
- Real-life clinical practice
- Prepares for advanced degrees
- Dual Degree Partnership with St. Joseph's Hospital
- Nursing Degree Partnership with Crouse Hospital
- RN-BS Program available
Onondaga Community College
- Associate - Nursing A.A.S.
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 2-Year program
- 89% licensure pass rate
- 89% job placement rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Dual Admission with SUNY Upstate
- Employer Satisfaction 100%
