Trying to navigate nursing programs in NYC — where do I even start? — Forums

James R.OP

May 27, 2026

Okay so I've been going back and forth on this for months and I finally need to just ask people who've actually been through it. I'm 26, currently working as a home health aide in the Bronx, and I want to get my CNA first and then eventually go the NP route. I've been looking at certified nurse assistant programs near me but there are SO many options and I honestly can't tell which ones are legit vs. just trying to take my money.

Someone in my Facebook group shared this huge spreadsheet someone made of nurse practitioner programs in the US — it had tuition, NCLEX pass rates, program length, everything. Has anyone seen something like that? Or know where I can find updated info on nursing schools in NYC specifically? I've been looking at CUNY options and a couple of nursing trade schools but I'm not sure if trade school routes are taken seriously by hospitals.

My end goal is FNP or AGNP. I've heard about accelerated nurse practitioner programs for career changers but I don't even have my RN yet — is that realistic to plan for at this stage? Any advice from people who started from scratch would mean a lot.

rachel_s

May 28, 2026

I started exactly where you are — CNA first, then LPN, then my ADN at Bronx Community. Took me 5 years total but zero debt because I worked the whole time. The spreadsheet you're thinking of sounds like the one floating around on Reddit's r/nursing — search 'NP program comparison sheet 2024' and it should pop up. For NYC specifically, Hunter College and NYU both have strong BSN programs. CUNY is your best bang for your buck if you qualify for in-state tuition.

emily_w

May 28, 2026

Honestly the trade school question is real — some of the for-profit CNA programs around Brooklyn are fine for getting your certification quickly but they won't prep you well for anything beyond that. I went through a hospital-based program (Montefiore had one) and I think that gave me a leg up when I applied internally for a patient care tech role. The NCLEX pass rates are public info btw, you can find them on the NY State Education Department site. Worth checking before you commit anywhere.

Mike_T

May 28, 2026

Don't sleep on the accelerated BSN programs if you already have a bachelor's in anything. Pace University and Adelphi both have solid ones in the NYC area and some are 16 months. It jumps you ahead faster than the traditional route. You'd still need your RN licensure before NP programs but the timeline compresses a lot.

Trying to navigate nursing programs in NYC — where do I even start?

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