Registered nurses (RNs) treat patients, perform diagnostic tests, administer various types of treatments and medications, and operate medical equipment. They maintain intravenous lines, establish care plans, and educate patients about medical conditions. Some RNs run general health screenings or immunization clinics, while others may run blood drives or present public seminars on conditions.
To obtain the skills needed to enter this competitive field, all states require a prelicensure degree from an accredited school and a passing score on the NCLEX-RN national licensure examination. In the state of New York, aspiring nurses typically choose either an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. The state also has one remaining RN diploma program at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, NY; this is a relic of a prior age when RN education was performed primarily at hospitals. Once licensed as a registered nurse, students may choose to further their education by pursuing a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree in order to compete for positions at New York’s top hospitals. MSN (and BSN) degree-holders command higher salaries and are often the first in line for advancement opportunities.
Below is a list of accredited New York schools that offer some of the state’s top registered nursing programs.