Nurses are in demand across the country, with 11 million additional nurses needed by 2026 to avoid shortages. In New York State, we’ll need 39,000 new nurses by 2030. Leaders at SUNY and across New York State are working to prepare more nurses to meet this demand and to serve as front-line health care heroes to New York. In November, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the Nurses for Our Future Scholarship, a new scholarship for New York nursing students that will cover tuition for 1,000 new students in a SUNY or CUNY Registered Nurse (RN) program.
Interested students must apply for the nursing education scholarship by 02/05/222.
While the details of the scholarship are still developing, here’s what we know about the Nurses for Our Future Scholarship:
Who is eligible for the Nurses for Our Future Scholarship?
The scholarship is for new students who want to become an RN.
Do nursing students have to attend full-time to get the scholarship?
Both part-time and full-time students are eligible to apply when the scholarship becomes available.
Do students have to work in New York after graduation?
Like the Excelsior Scholarship, there is a work requirement. Students will do 2 years’ service in a New York State healthcare facility following graduation.
Will the nursing scholarship cover all tuition and expenses for nursing school?
The nursing scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship, which means it covers any remaining gap in tuition expenses, after other federal and state grants and scholarships are applied.
The scholarship for aspiring New York nurses makes it possible to afford a nursing education at their local SUNY college. Currently, SUNY offers more than 70+ nursing programs and 17 credentials in nursing, often ranked among the best in the state.
Before you apply to any nursing school, make sure you make the right choice to protect your money, your time, and your opportunities for licensure.
When you start your search for a nursing school and program:
- Verify that it is listed with the New York State Department of Licensure. Fortunately, all SUNY schools are registered with the state.
- Find the best fit for your schedule. Inquire about full-time and part-time options, weekend and night programs, and accelerated nursing programs.
- Ask if you will be eligible to take the National Comprehensive Licensing Examination (NCLEX) For Registered Nurses after graduation.
- Inquire about the clinical requirements and availability in your area.
- Consider tuition costs and the financial aid options available for students.
What Does Nursing School Involve?
All aspiring students should be aware of what is required to become an RN, or registered nurse, in New York State to be prepared for a successful educational experience. You cannot earn your RN online, but many SUNY schools offer flexible schedules and options to make it easier to earn a nursing degree around your busy schedule. A typical nursing program to become an RN requires:
- Algebra or equivalent academic math, biology, and chemistry classes w/labs to be admitted
- A C-grade or Passing grade for general education or foundation courses before moving on to the next nursing course
- Lecture, independent, and clinical component
- 60-64 credits to earn a degree
This does not include requirements for RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs at SUNY. In 2017, New York law required RNs to earn a bachelor’s degree within 10 years of earning their RN license. This is the BSN in Ten law, which applies to RNs who earned their license after the law was enacted.
It is important that you talk to an admissions counselor at the nursing school of your choice to learn about admission and graduation requirements.
How to Become an RN in New York State After Graduation
According to NYSED’s Office of the Professions, applicants must satisfy six requirements to become an RN:
- be of good moral character
- be at least eighteen years of age
- graduate from a nursing education program acceptable to NYSED with an associate degree or professional nursing diploma
- complete New York State required infection control coursework and child abuse reporting coursework
- pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)
- apply for an RN license with NYSED. If you have questions about nursing at SUNY, inquire online or contactSUNY’s Recruitment Response Center.
For all those who care about people and want to make a difference, a nursing degree at SUNY can make it happen. If you have questions about nursing at SUNY, inquire online or contact SUNY’s Recruitment Response Center.
