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 County Community College's Associate in Applied Science in Nursing curriculum integrates general education with hands-on clinical training across medical-surgical, mental health, family, and community settings. Clinical experiences begin in the first semester at local hospitals and long-term care facilities, allowing students to develop real-world patient care skills. The program emphasizes patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates for RN roles in diverse healthcare environments. Distinctive advantages include free applications, an LPN-to-RN waiver pathway, articulation agreements for seamless BSN transfer, small cohorts, and faculty mentoring. Nursing courses require a minimum grade of C+. On the NCLEX-RN, Cayuga posted an exceptional 100% first-time pass rate in 2023 and 96.8% in 2024.
- 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 offers a two-year Nursing A.A.S. program designed to prepare students for RN licensure through a curriculum blending nursing theory, scientific knowledge, and hands-on clinical training across specialties like geriatrics, oncology, cardiovascular care, and neonatology. The program boasts recent NCLEX-RN pass rates of 90.4% (2023) and 89.1% (2024), with high job placement. Unique features include a dual admission pathway to SUNY Upstate Medical University, a summer transition track for LPNs, and ACEN accreditation. Complete with free student support services and financial aid options, this campus-based program equips graduates for roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and home health settings.
- 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. is a 64-credit, two-year campus program blending classroom theory with hospital-based clinical training. The ACEN-accredited curriculum emphasizes patient advocacy, compassionate care, safety, teamwork, and clinical reasoning, with a low 8:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized instruction. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN; recent pass rates across the Morrisville and Norwich campuses ranged from 70.97% to 95.9% in 2023-2024. The program reports high employment rates and supports seamless transfer to the online RN to B.S. degree at the same institution. Laptop learning and financial aid are available, and the program is offered at both SUNY Morrisville campuses.
- 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’s online RN to B.S. in Nursing is a 120-credit completion track for licensed RNs. The ACEN-accredited curriculum focuses on patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, informatics, leadership, and professionalism, with courses covering health assessment, research, policy, and community health, plus practicums. Admission requires an associate degree in nursing and current NCLEX-RN licensure; no SAT or ACT is required. The 100% online format suits working professionals. Graduates may pursue graduate study in such specialties as nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or nurse educator. Though the B.S. is not NCLEX-preparatory, the school’s ADN cohorts saw pass rates from 70.97% to 95.9% on the 2023-2024 NCLEX-RN, indicating a strong clinical foundation.
- 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 Syracuse North campus in Liverpool offers a CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) designed to launch registered nursing careers. This 125-credit, 32-month campus-based program combines theory and practice through coursework in anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology, mental health, and community health, followed by clinical internships at partner healthcare facilities. Students develop leadership and critical-thinking skills in nursing management and a practicum. The TEAS entrance exam is required for admission, but the application fee is waived. The program is military-friendly and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN. Recent NCLEX pass rates for the BSN: 100% in 2023 (5 students) and 82.09% in 2024 (67 students). Graduates can pursue roles in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.
- 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 on the Syracuse campus integrates rigorous coursework with real-life clinical practice. Students study fundamental nursing, health information systems, patient care, health policy, and community health. The CCNE-accredited program emphasizes small class sizes and the Jesuit value of cura personalis—care for the whole person. Graduates are prepared for advanced degrees and a profession with 6% projected growth for registered nurses. Unique dual-degree partnerships with St. Joseph's Hospital and Crouse Hospital provide accelerated options, and an RN-BS track supports associate degree holders. No ACT/SAT requirement is stated in program materials; prospective students should verify admission policies. Financial aid is available.
- 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%
