New York’s registered nurse shortage could reach nearly 40,000 by 2030, according to projections cited by the New York State Department of Health. The demand for nurses is contributing to increased employment opportunities: The U.S. Department of Labor projects a 25.5% rise in the number of jobs for registered nurses across the state from 2022 to 2032. These trends illustrate why this is an opportune time to consider entering the nursing field in New York.
Individuals interested in becoming a registered nurse (RN) and serving some of New York City’s nearly 9 million residents must first complete a nursing degree program, such as a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. Before enrolling in a nursing program, prospective nurses should learn what two-year nursing programs in NYC typically entail.
What Is a 2-Year Nursing Degree Program?
A two-year nursing program is an associate-level nursing degree that prospective nurses can complete to meet the minimum educational requirement to become a registered nurse. The program can be a stepping stone toward completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program.
Some individuals who enroll in ADN programs are recent high school graduates, while others are working professionals looking to make a career change to nursing.
ADN programs are designed to teach students the fundamentals of nursing practice including all essential nursing elements and concepts. Program coursework typically covers the following subjects:
Anatomy and physiology
Microbiology
Nutrition
Pharmacology
Nursing fundamentals
Medical-surgical nursing
Students also may learn about other key nursing elements, such as emergency care procedures and various legal requirements. Two-year nursing programs in NYC commonly require students to complete a specific number of supervised clinical hours within a controlled medical environment prior to graduation. ADN programs often also include general education courses in the curriculum, such as English composition, psychology, and sociology courses.
2-Year Nursing Program Requirements in NYC
ADN program applicants usually must have a high school or GED diploma and must be at least 18 years old to enroll. Some programs have standardized testing, grade point average (GPA), or coursework prerequisite requirements, so candidates should explore the specific requirements of the school they plan to attend before applying.
The typical program length of an ADN program is two years, although this could extend to three years or more for part-time students. Some NYC programs, such as the ADN program offered at Saint Paul’s School of Nursing’s Staten Island and Queens campuses, can be completed in as little as 20 months by dedicated full-time students.
To graduate, Saint Paul’s nursing students must complete 69 credit hours of coursework, including classroom and clinical instruction, with a passing grade of C+ (78) for nursing and prerequisite courses and C- (70) for all other courses.
After completing a nursing degree program, prospective nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and obtain an RN license from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to be qualified to practice.
Steps to Enroll in a Nursing Program in NYC
The process of enrolling in a two-year nursing program in NYC includes several steps. Saint Paul’s School of Nursing assigns an admissions advisor to each prospective student to guide them down this path.
Step 1: Complete Secondary Education and Testing Requirements
Individuals must earn a high school or GED diploma prior to enrolling in a two-year nursing program. They may also be required to take a standardized test. For example, Saint Paul’s School of Nursing requires applicants to score a 19 or higher on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam prior to admission.
Applicants must also submit to and pass a drug screening test and a criminal background check, have a physical exam and receive certain immunizations, and obtain basic life support certification.
Step 2: Submit an Application
Prospective nursing students must submit an application to the nursing school they want to attend. The online applicant information form at Saint Paul’s School of Nursing includes a personal statement requirement. This allows the school to better assess the individual and their goals, which can help them determine whether or not the applicant is a good fit for the program.
Step 3: Complete an Interview
For some programs, including Saint Paul’s ADN program, students may be required to sit for an interview with an admissions advisor or administrative staff member. This process can give administrators further insight into a student’s long-term career goals, while also allowing the prospective student to learn more about the program requirements and other key elements such as financial aid or student support.
Once the requirements are completed and the student is accepted into the program, the student can begin building their class schedule.
Begin Your Journey Today
When you enroll in a two-year nursing program in NYC, you are taking the first step toward a fulfilling career providing healthcare services to others. Professional nurses capable of providing quality care are in demand, and those who enter the field with the knowledge and skills obtained through an ADN program can start making an impact quickly. The acumen developed through the program can also serve as a foundation for career advancement.
Saint Paul’s School of Nursing’s Associate Degree in Nursing program, which is offered at our Staten Island and Queens campuses, combines nursing coursework and clinical instruction with a liberal arts education. This combination can help you cultivate a holistic approach to nursing care, emphasizing ethical, empathetic care for every patient you encounter.
Learn how we can help you take your first step toward a rewarding future as a nurse.
Recommended Readings
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How to Ask Someone to Be Your Nurse Mentor
Why Make a Career Change to Nursing?