According to the New York State Education Department (NYSED), the number of registered nurses (RNs) in the state is on the rise, with the number of new RN licenses issued increasing from approximately 21,500 in 2019 to more than 55,000 in 2023. And the counties within the New York City metropolitan area were listed among those with the highest number of licensed RNs in the state in 2024.
To become a nurse in NYC, individuals must meet specific state licensure requirements. To qualify, aspiring RNs must complete an RN training program and pass the national registered nurse licensing examination.
What Does a Nurse in NYC Do?
As of 2023, hospitals employ 58% of all RNs across the country, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Nurses are also employed in clinics, doctor’s offices, hospice facilities, long-term care centers, and public schools.
Common RN responsibilities include:
Assisting with diagnostic tests, such as biopsies and electrocardiogram tests
Consulting with other healthcare providers
Administering medications and treatments
Observing and assessing patients’ conditions
Educating patients on their medication and treatment plans
Recording patients’ vital signs, such as their blood pressure readings
Steps to Become a Nurse in NYC
Nurses must gain licensure from their state of residence to practice as an RN. The steps to become a registered nurse in NYC are similar to those in other cities and towns, but there are some state-specific processes.
1. Earn a Nursing Degree
To become a nurse in New York City, individuals first need to earn a nursing degree. Those who attend nursing school in New York state must choose a program that is registered with the NYSED. Those who attend nursing school in another state need to have the NYSED approve their completed training program.
In New York City, Saint Paul’s School of Nursing offers an approved Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program to prepare students for the RN licensure exam. In as little as 20 months of full-time enrollment, students learn skills in patient-centered care, communication, decision-making, professional responsibility, and nursing theory.
2. Complete Mandatory Coursework
The NYSED requires all future RNs to complete child abuse reporting and infection control coursework from an NYSED-approved program. Students enrolled in nursing degree programs typically have these coursework requirements included in their curriculum. Some prospective nurses may qualify for an exemption from these requirements.
3. Pass the Nursing Licensure Examination
After completing their degree program, individuals must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The computerized, multiple-choice test has a maximum of 145 questions. Test categories include Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiological Integrity.
4. Apply for a New York Nursing License
The NYSED offers several pathways to licensure, including a specific path for graduates of a New York-based nursing education program, one for those with a foreign degree, and one for those with a degree from a program in another state or U.S. territory.
New graduates must submit an application for licensure and pay the applicable fees. Nursing schools in New York state automatically submit transcripts to the NYSED; out-of-state graduates need to request transcripts from their school. NCLEX-RN results are sent to the state where a candidate is pursuing licensure.
Nurses in New York are issued a three-year registration certificate and a license parchment. The parchment is a diploma-like document that is only issued once.
Job Outlook for Nurses in NYC
According to the BLS, the New York-Newark-Jersey City area is the metropolitan area with the highest employment level of RNs as of May 2023. There are more than 184,000 RNs employed in this area, which accounts for about 19 positions per 1,000 jobs locally.
The U.S. Department of Labor projects a 25% increase in employment of RNs in New York state from 2022 to 2032, with about 5,200 job openings expected to be available on average every year during that period. This projected growth rate is much higher than the BLS’ national job growth rate projection for RNs between 2023 and 2033, which is 6%.
In terms of employment opportunities, New York City is home to some top U.S. medical facilities. In U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals Honor Roll list, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia and Cornell, Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health, and NYU Langone Hospitals are among the top-performing facilities.
Start on Your Path to Become a Nurse in NYC
Whether you are just starting out in your career or want to change your career to nursing, there are clearly defined steps to take to gain nursing licensure in the state of New York. Becoming a nurse in NYC can open doors to areas of specialization and other potential career advancement opportunities.
By completing the Associate Degree in Nursing program at Saint Paul’s School of Nursing, individuals can become eligible to sit for their licensure exam in as little as 20 months. Offered at the Queens and Staten Island campuses, the ADN program combines academic coursework with clinical experiences to give students an in-depth nursing education. Core nursing classes address topics that include therapeutic communication, medical-surgical nursing, medical math, and trends in nursing.
Find out how Saint Paul’s School of Nursing can help you reach your career goals today.
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