New York State has more than 340,000 licensed nurses working across a broad range of healthcare settings. There are numerous hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, surgery centers, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities in every corner of the state. Head to Troy, New York, and you’ll find hundreds of nurses working at local facilities like St. Mary’s Hospital, Samaritan Hospital, Albany Memorial Hospital, and Stratton VA Medical Center.
To qualify for positions at these hospitals, you will need a certificate, diploma, or degree from an accredited nursing school. The required program depends on the role. For example, registered nurses (RNs) must hold a hospital diploma or an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in professional nursing. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) must complete a shorter diploma or certificate program in practical nursing. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are simply required to take a brief training course.
Thankfully, some of Troy’s top schools offer these and other highly regarded nursing programs. The Sage Colleges offer a breadth of local options. Russell Sage College leads a traditional bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program, while the School of Professional and Continuing Education has campus-based and online RN-to-BSN pathways. For graduate students, the School of Health Sciences leads master of science in nursing (MSN) and doctor of nursing science (DNS) programs. The MSN has an unlimited number of tracks ranging from family nurse practitioner to acute care nurse practitioner. At the community college level, Hudson Valley Community College offers an associate of applied science in nursing, and the Questar III Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) has a CNA certificate program.
These programs prepare students to take a licensure examination and assume role-specific responsibilities. For example, RNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam tests their preparedness for a broad range of healthcare duties. RNs perform diagnostic tests, operate medical equipment, coordinate patient care, administer medications, and educate patients about medical conditions.
Practical nurses must pass their own licensure exam, the NCLEX-PN. LPNs typically change bandages, check vital signs, maintain health records, listen to patient concerns, and relay patient information to RNs and doctors. They may also supervise CNAs.
Nursing assistants must pass a competency test to become certified. CNAs are responsible for basic care such as bathing, feeding, and repositioning patients. They frequently transfer patients between wheelchair and bed, change their linens, and sanitize medical equipment.
Salaries for Troy’s nursing professionals vary significantly by role. RNs are at the top of the pay scale: they average $62,000 in annual pay, while those in senior and administrative roles can earn $72,000-$80,000 or more per year. The average local salary for LPNs is $41,400, and a typical CNA in Troy earns approximately $27,500 annually.
If you want to start your nursing career in Troy, New York, don’t hesitate. We’ve compiled below a comprehensive list of the city’s accredited nursing schools to kickstart your search.