A Guide to Nursing in New York

When most people think of New York, they automatically think of NYC. And why not? There is the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and all the shopping you could possibly handle. But New York is so much more than that. Head upstate to visit the college town of Syracuse. Or take an extended visit to the Finger Lakes region. Visit the New York side of Niagra Falls. As you continue west, head over to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. Just don’t get stuck in the snow.

If you are a registered nurse (or are thinking of becoming one) read on to find the information you need, from licensing info, continuing education requirements, job & salary outlook, top hospitals, and nursing associations. Let us help you find your dream job!

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In this article, we will cover:

• Licensing information
• Steps for renewing a New York nursing license
• Continuing education requirements
• Job & salary outlook for nurses in New York
• Top hospitals in New York
• Nursing organizations & associations in New York
• Basic steps for licensing and certification
• Contact information

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Licensing information

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in New York whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to New York from another state. For more information visit the New York licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Application fee: $143

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $143 (RN/LPN); $85 (NP)

License renewal fee:

• Application fee: $73 (RN/LPN); $35 (APRN)

*Fees are subject to change.
**Most states require a background check, but prices are not always listed.

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Steps for renewing a New York nursing license

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Continuing education requirements

RN/APRN:

• Complete 3 contact hours in Infection Control at initial licensure and every four years thereafter
• One-time requirement of 2 hours in Child Abuse Identification and Reporting
• APRNs must maintain national certification

LPN: Complete 3 contact hours in Infection Control at initial licensure and every 4 years thereafter

Those authorized to prescribe controlled substances are required to complete at least 3 hours of training in pain management, palliative care, and addiction, every 3 years.

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The New York State Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.

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Job & salary outlook for nurses in New York

Due to the shortage of nurses, these healthcare professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the profession will grow by about 9% between 2020-2030. The annual mean wage is $89,760.

We can also help you check out salary estimates to help determine if New York is the right state for you.

[ MORE: Average nurse salary in New York ]

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Top hospitals in New York

If you’re not already picking up the phone to call movers, maybe this list of the best hospitals in New York will sway you in the right direction. Here are the top hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report:

• New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia and Cornell – New York, NY: This prestigious facility is ranked No. 7 on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll. This hospital is a member of the Magnet Recognition Program^® and is nationally ranked in eight specialties and 14 procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
  • Neurology/neurosurgery (No. 2)
  • Cardiology and heart surgery (No. 4)
  • Rheumatology (No. 4)
  • Psychiatry (No. 4)
  • Diabetes/endocrinology (No. 5)
  • Learn more

• NYU Langone Hospitals – New York, NY: This facility is ranked No. 8 on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll. This hospital is a member of the Magnet Recognition Program^® and is nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and rated high performing in 15 adult procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
  • Diabetes & Endocrinology (No. 4)
  • Cardiology & Heart Surgery (No. 5)
  • Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (No. 5)
  • Cancer (No. 22)
  • Learn more

• Mount Sinai Hospital – New York, NY – This facility is ranked No. 17 on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll. It is nationally ranked in 11 adult and 4 pediatric specialties and rated high performing in 13 adult procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
  • Geriatrics (No. 1)
  • Cardiology & Heart Surgery (No. 6)
  • Diabetes & Endocrinology (No. 10)
  • Rehabilitation (No. 14)
  • Learn more

*Magnet status – Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is considered the “gold standard” for excellence in nursing practice and care. Hospitals must meet certain criteria and apply to be designated.

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Nursing organizations & associations in New York

Once you become a registered nurse (or even if you’re in the process), joining a nursing organization or association will give you access to networking, job opportunities, and a wealth of information shared between fellow nurses. Here are a few of the organizations and associations for nurses in New York:

New York State Nurses Association – “The New York State Nurses Association is a union of 42,000 frontline nurses united together for strength at work, our practice, safe staffing, and healthcare for all.”

Southern New York Association – “A major focus of our organization is to provide information and consultation to our membership to enhance quality of care for residents while assuring that members are prepared for policy and legislative changes that impact nursing homes.”

Nursing Students Association of New York State – “The purpose of Nursing Students Association of New York State (NSANYS) is to aid in the transition from undergraduate nursing students to the professional world. Our goal is to help mold the future of nursing by first developing accountable, responsible and motivated leaders; only through involvement can we create change… and this change can start with you.”

Check out the comprehensive list of national organizations as well.

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Basic steps for licensing and certification

Step 1: Education

Attend an accredited nursing school to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years to earn a BSN. If you already have an ADN, there is an ADN to BSN bridge program that allows you to earn a BSN in 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN bridge which takes three semesters of nursing courses to be completed in one year. These programs will save you time and money. The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job. 

Step 2: Licensing

When you are six weeks away from graduation, you can apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 75 to 265 questions on the NCLEX-RN with a five-hour time limit for completion. If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.

The NCLEX includes questions on the following topics to test nursing candidates’ knowledge:

1. Safe and effective care environment
2. Health promotion and maintenance
3. Psychosocial integrity
4. Physiological integrity

Step 3: Experience

This step in the process is to gain hands-on experience. This will provide you with invaluable opportunities to work with patients making you attractive to future employers.

Step 4: Certification

The final step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. Requirements for earning a certification vary so it is important to check with the governing body for information. Incredible Health offers free courses in order to obtain or renew certification requirements. Create a free account to access professional development mandates and get instant certificates.

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Contact information

New York State Education Department Office of the Professions
State Board of Nursing
Phone: (518) 474-3817, Press 1 then ext. 120
Fax: (518) 474-3706

Email: https://eservices.nysed.gov/professions/contact-us/#/
Website: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/nurse/

89 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12234-1000

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