4 answers
Lorena
Student
Bronxville, New York
1
Question
Updated
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How can I become a Registered Nurse in NYS
I never took an health associate degree back in Bronx Community College. Rather went for digital design.
I actually tried to get a second degree there at BCC but my application was rejected due to my grade in PSY 11 being less than it is required to be readmitted to get a second associate degree to become an RN. I tried contacting them to help me readmit to just take PSY 11 again before filling out the form to go for my second degree as a nurse (ADN) but they suggested I go to Lehman College for my BSN. I honestly feel for BSN I should be an RN already? I feel I'm given many obstacles here and cannot find solutions.
What can I do to get a licensure as a nurse in NYC? Do you advise I get LPN before becoming an RN? What are some schools with programs such as this? Can be CUNY or SUNY schools. Not private.
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4 answers
Gena Beliveau, MSN, RN
7
Answers
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Gena’s Answer
Hello,
My advice may seem counter-intuitive. Go where you can get in. If you can get into a BSN program a year yearlier, you'll be an RN earning a salary a year earlier. ADN programs can be less expensive, but the GPA requirements can be very high due to the competition for limited spots (there are typically 5-7 applicants for every slot, sometimes more). If you're not highly competetive (think 3.8 + GPA) you might have a few semesters of wait time. Many colleges also limit retaking classes, even prohibit it, to intentionally slow the flow of applicants. GPA requirements at BSN programs are also high, but coming in as a transfer and taking a few classes to get your GPA in line gives you some time and positioning. The GPA requirements are still highly competitive, but you can build it up a bit in a BSN program.
ADN programs are great, they produce excellent nurses and healthcare would struggle without them. That is why the "mandatory BSN" has never gotten off the ground despite being threatened since I was high school student in the 1980's. I did an ADN program in the 1990's; I received a thorough education and was ready to practice. If I had to wait, even a semester or two, to get in, I would have lost $55,000 in my first year salary way back then. Go to an accredited program as soon as you can get in!! Even if you have borrow, you'll have ROI.
Nursing is a fantastic career field. There are tons of opportunities to find your passion and every day you get to make an impact. Best of luck to you!!
Kindly,
Gena Beliveau, MSN, RN
My advice may seem counter-intuitive. Go where you can get in. If you can get into a BSN program a year yearlier, you'll be an RN earning a salary a year earlier. ADN programs can be less expensive, but the GPA requirements can be very high due to the competition for limited spots (there are typically 5-7 applicants for every slot, sometimes more). If you're not highly competetive (think 3.8 + GPA) you might have a few semesters of wait time. Many colleges also limit retaking classes, even prohibit it, to intentionally slow the flow of applicants. GPA requirements at BSN programs are also high, but coming in as a transfer and taking a few classes to get your GPA in line gives you some time and positioning. The GPA requirements are still highly competitive, but you can build it up a bit in a BSN program.
ADN programs are great, they produce excellent nurses and healthcare would struggle without them. That is why the "mandatory BSN" has never gotten off the ground despite being threatened since I was high school student in the 1980's. I did an ADN program in the 1990's; I received a thorough education and was ready to practice. If I had to wait, even a semester or two, to get in, I would have lost $55,000 in my first year salary way back then. Go to an accredited program as soon as you can get in!! Even if you have borrow, you'll have ROI.
Nursing is a fantastic career field. There are tons of opportunities to find your passion and every day you get to make an impact. Best of luck to you!!
Kindly,
Gena Beliveau, MSN, RN
Grecia Solano
Registered Dental Hygienist
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Grecia’s Answer
You already received great recommendations. Try also Hostos Community College, they have a nursing program too. Getting into a medical program at a CUNY college is tricky but doable. Go to the admission office, sit with a counselor, and try to understand what is required of you.
Do not give up, NYC needs nurses, and you are willing to be one.
Good Luck.
Do not give up, NYC needs nurses, and you are willing to be one.
Good Luck.
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Lorena !
You would obtain your nursing license in/for New York State, not New York City. Your situation sounds unusual because you already have one Associates Degree and all you're trying to do is go for a second Associates Degree which many, many, many people do. Your Associates is complete regardless if you have a low grade in one course as you apparently had enough credits to get the Associates Degree. Also, you do not apply a course from one Associates to a second Associates. You would ordinarily take that course over for the second Associates. If it were me, I would stop dealing with Bronx Community College as it seems as though they are not willing to work with you and have unusual guidelines for your situation.
Maybe BCC was trying to say that you should go to Lehman college as a freshman, go the four years as a Nursing Student. You'd have the first two years in Nursing with Lower Tier courses and Upper Tier courses in your Junior and Senior year. Maybe they didn't mean just go to Lehman for the upper tier courses to get a Bachelors.
Look into Westchester Community College in Valhalla in the county that you live in, CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College, and the Helene Fuld College of Nursing of North General Hospital. Read about their Nursing Programs on the websites and see what is required. It only seems logical that if you hold one Associates Degree already, you should be able to go for a second Associates in any subject and you most likely can take that Psych course over as a fulfillment for your General Ed courses for your second Associates Degree.
What you've described sounds unusual to me. There will be Psychology classes within a nursing program, too, but BCC should at least "allow" you to take the Psych course over for a higher grade while doing a second Associates Degree. So my advice is to start interacting with a different college for your Associates in Nursing and then decide which University to go to for your Bachelors in Nursing. You do need the two year Associates Nursing path for nursing before you go for your Bachelors in it.
I would not recommend Lehman. They only offer a Bachelors and Masters and a post Masters Nurse Practitioner Program. You are right to know that you should start with the Associates in Nursing to become an RN.
Keep in mind that Psych 11 at BCC was an Introduction to Psychology course and that course is offered at almost every college. You'll have better results if you start interacting with a college other than BCC.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
You would obtain your nursing license in/for New York State, not New York City. Your situation sounds unusual because you already have one Associates Degree and all you're trying to do is go for a second Associates Degree which many, many, many people do. Your Associates is complete regardless if you have a low grade in one course as you apparently had enough credits to get the Associates Degree. Also, you do not apply a course from one Associates to a second Associates. You would ordinarily take that course over for the second Associates. If it were me, I would stop dealing with Bronx Community College as it seems as though they are not willing to work with you and have unusual guidelines for your situation.
Maybe BCC was trying to say that you should go to Lehman college as a freshman, go the four years as a Nursing Student. You'd have the first two years in Nursing with Lower Tier courses and Upper Tier courses in your Junior and Senior year. Maybe they didn't mean just go to Lehman for the upper tier courses to get a Bachelors.
Look into Westchester Community College in Valhalla in the county that you live in, CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College, and the Helene Fuld College of Nursing of North General Hospital. Read about their Nursing Programs on the websites and see what is required. It only seems logical that if you hold one Associates Degree already, you should be able to go for a second Associates in any subject and you most likely can take that Psych course over as a fulfillment for your General Ed courses for your second Associates Degree.
What you've described sounds unusual to me. There will be Psychology classes within a nursing program, too, but BCC should at least "allow" you to take the Psych course over for a higher grade while doing a second Associates Degree. So my advice is to start interacting with a different college for your Associates in Nursing and then decide which University to go to for your Bachelors in Nursing. You do need the two year Associates Nursing path for nursing before you go for your Bachelors in it.
I would not recommend Lehman. They only offer a Bachelors and Masters and a post Masters Nurse Practitioner Program. You are right to know that you should start with the Associates in Nursing to become an RN.
Keep in mind that Psych 11 at BCC was an Introduction to Psychology course and that course is offered at almost every college. You'll have better results if you start interacting with a college other than BCC.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Lorena
I am happy to help out ! Have a great day, Lorena !
Michelle M.
Damon Jones
5
Answers
Updated
Damon’s Answer
I graduated from CUNY-BCC, so I understand how things work there. Right now, your grades are low, and it's important to recognize that you're in a challenging situation. However, with some hard work and dedication, you can still reach your goals. Becoming an RN is a professional path, and the college has high expectations. I remember some students struggled with Bio 101, but don't let that discourage you. I recommend speaking with an academic advisor or the Dean of Student Affairs for guidance.
Think of college as more than just a school—it's also a place that invests in you. They provide resources like books and lab materials, expecting you to succeed. It's your chance to show them that their investment is worthwhile by aiming for high grades. You've got a challenge ahead, but it's definitely achievable if you're committed to earning your degree.
Best wishes,
Damon Jones
Data Processing Graduate
AAS Class of 2003
Talks with an acadmic advisor/Dean of Student Affairs.
Get your grade up.
If you have to go to another college in the CUNY system, go....
Think of college as more than just a school—it's also a place that invests in you. They provide resources like books and lab materials, expecting you to succeed. It's your chance to show them that their investment is worthwhile by aiming for high grades. You've got a challenge ahead, but it's definitely achievable if you're committed to earning your degree.
Best wishes,
Damon Jones
Data Processing Graduate
AAS Class of 2003
Damon recommends the following next steps: