# The 19 Best 2 Year Nursing Programs in Rochester, NY – 2026 - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/the-19-best-2-year-nursing-programs-in-rochester-ny-2023/ - Published: 2024-02-27 - Author: Charlene Farwell - Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/) --- The demand for nurses across New York continues to grow rapidly with the nursing field projected to experience over 18% job growth by 2026 (BLS). Rochester in particular is expected to see a strong need for qualified nurses and healthcare professionals to meet the needs of its expanding population. Two year nursing programs offer an accessible and affordable pathway to begin a rewarding nursing career. Students graduate ready to sit for nursing licensure exams and meet the rising health needs in Rochester and beyond. This guide profiles the top 19 two year nursing programs in the greater Rochester area based on curriculum quality, student outcomes, cost value, and graduate feedback. ## 1. Roberts Wesleyan University Roberts Wesleyan University‘s AAS in Nursing Science program develops students into compassionate, competent nurses grounded in evidence-based practice. Small class cohorts receive abundant one-on-one guidance from faculty averaging 10+ years of field expertise each. With ACEN accreditation, the curriculum balances cutting-edge simulation training with over 540 site partnership clinical hours. Roberts Wesleyan equips grads to provide ethical, holistic care with a Christian worldview. The program boasts stellar Board licensure exam pass rates and 100% graduate employment. Competitively-priced thanks to generous institutional aid, Roberts develops nursing skills and judgment to enhance community wellbeing across settings. Alumni attest to the life-changing personal and professional growth realizing, "This program changed me for the better." ## 2. Nazareth College Through inter-professional simulation labs reflecting real healthcare dynamics, Nazareth College‘s Nursing AAS fast-tracks students‘ clinical judgment and assessment abilities. With CCNE accreditation and expert faculty guidance, the program develops versatile nurses ready to enhance care coordination across today‘s integrated health systems. Hands-on clinical rotations begin early on and culminate in a precepted capstone ensuring grads can confidently transition into practice. Small class sizes ensure abundant instructor access and feedback. Nazareth fosters a spirit of servant leadership so students grow compassion and emotional intelligence alongside nursing expertise. ## 3. Rochester Educational Opportunity Center (REOC) With tuition under $6,000 total, REOC‘s LPN program removes barriers to make nursing education accessible. The year-long, full-time program balances lab skill-building with over 500 site partnership clinical hours to equip learners for practice in myriad care settings. Skilled nursing, long term care, private practice, and hospital sites provide real patient care insight. The curriculum meets all educational requirements for taking the NCLEX-PN exam. 94% of REOC LPN graduates in 2022 passed the licensure test and gained employment shortly after. ## 4. Bryant & Stratton College Bryant & Stratton College holds ACEN accreditation for its AAS Nursing program preparing high-caliber pre-licensure nurses through a curriculum integrating cutting edge simulation technology and hands-on clinical hours. Small class cohorts ensure abundant personalized faculty feedback. The program develops clinical judgment, patient assessment, care planning, and documentation skills applicable across the care continuum with opportunities ranging from population health to mental health nursing. Graduates report feeling ready to provide compassionate care and make meaningful impacts through nursing. ## 5. SUNY Empire State College With one of the most affordable RN pathways in the region at under $25,000 total, SUNY Empire State empowers learners from all backgrounds to access nursing. The flexible program options ranging from full to part-time enrollment suit working professionals. Expert faculty help students master essential concepts in class and during abundant area hospital clinicals. NCLEX-RN exam pass rates consistently meet or exceed state averages thanks to SUNY Empire State‘s quality, individualized education model. Graduates praise the supportive environment and advising received. ## 6. RIT Golisano Institute for Sustainability Uniquely integrating sustainability science alongside nursing curriculum requirements, RIT‘s accelerated second degree BSN pathway develops clinical leaders balancing health equity with environmental justice. Designed for learners who hold a prior non-nursing bachelor‘s degree, the 15 month full-time program includes an intensive 10 week summer term. Expert faculty lead dynamic discussions on social determinants‘ impacts linking medical and ecological systems. With climate-conscious practice gaining prominence in healthcare, RIT nursing graduates emerge ready to champion sustainable care transformations. Practicum hours provide real-world insight across diverse community care contexts in Rochester. ## 7. University of Rochester School of Nursing Within a top 50 NIH-funded public medical research institution, University of Rochester Nursing graduates earn deep insight into scientific mechanisms and discoveries shaping care. With flexible full and part-time ABSN options, the program integrates classroom learning with over 500 hours of supervised clinical rotations. CCNE-accredited and well-reputed for NCLEX exam pass rates exceeding state and national averages, Rochester Nursing prepares compassionate scientific thinkers ready to enhance systems-based care. Graduates especially praise the dedicated career placement support and abundance of hospital partnership sites offering early professional network-building. ## 8. St. John Fisher University St. John Fisher University holds ACEN accreditation and offers full or part-time ABSN programming seamlessly blending online coursework with intensive simulation lab instruction. Nursing candidates from other disciplines refine clinical reasoning through unfolding patient case studies and build physical assessment and technical skills. Abundant hospital/facility partnerships supply over 600 supervised clinical hours focused on evidence-based interventions, holistic care ethics, and professional development. Pass rates for board exams outpace averages signaling the programs‘ capacity to ready competent, practice-ready nurses. Graduates especially praised the lifelong professional mentoring received. ## 9. Yeshiva of Rochester, Talmudical Institute of Upstate New York While not a traditional nursing program, Yeshiva of Rochester‘s health science offerings develop community care skills from a wholistic lens inclusive of spiritual health. Combining EMT training with course modules on ethics, mental health dynamics, and social determinants‘ care impacts, graduates gain practical insight for meeting diverse population needs. Coursework dives deeper into community public health initiatives, health literacy, and cultural competency issues through a specialized community healthcare fellowship. For those seeking unconventional pathways toward impactful nursing and care roles, Yeshiva‘s offerings foster a more holistic understanding of wellbeing. ## 10. University of Rochester As a top 100 school for NIH funding advancing medical research innovation, University of Rochester supplies a scientifically rigorous foundation to inform nursing practice. Rochester‘s ABSN in Interprofessional Healthcare Studies engages students in dynamic discussions and patient case studies bridging their prior learnings into care contexts. The hybrid program includes a 10 week intensive summer term to build physical exam and clinical skills proficiency through high-fidelity simulation. Rochester Nursing celebrates diverse perspectives while coaching students‘ clinical reasoning to make sound practice decisions improving safety and quality outcomes. Over 640 supervised clinical hours provide live care experience in Rochester‘s nationally-ranked medical center and diverse community clinics. ## 11. Rochester Institute of Technology Complementing strong medical and tech research as one of the nation‘s premier STEM institutions, RIT Nursing emphasizes evidence-evaluation, ethical practice and leadership foundations transferable into graduate specializations. The accelerated 15 month second degree BSN pathway supplies 650 supervised clinical hours. RIT prioritizes interprofessional development across simulations and rotations, readying coordianted systems-level thinkers able to enhance care through data fluency and quality improvements. Class Delivery blends online and intensive on-campus learning periods. Graduates especially praise the dedicated career placement support and flexible pacing options catering to working professionals. ## 12. The Hurlbut Receiving numerous quality recognitions as a U.S. News Best Nursing Home, The Hurlbut provides opportunities for aspiring nurses to gain practical skills through clinical rotations alongside licensed nurses delivering empathetic long-term care. Nursing schools seeking to strengthen gerontology experiences recognize The Hurlbut‘s person-centered 4:1 resident-staff ratio, enabling pre-licensure students abundant hands-on mentorship fine-tuning clinical techniques and judgment. Through cooperative arrangements, students witness interdisciplinary care coordination addressing whole-person wellness beyond singular diagnoses. Developing strong communications ability and resilience through end-of-life insights, The Hurlbut rotation reflects a microcosm of community nursing vital for new nurses‘ perspectivetaking. ## 13. University of Rochester Medical Center Public Health Sciences With research spanning epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and behavioral health interventions, Public Health Sciences crafts evidence-backed practices optimizing community wellness. Offering field experience and nursing electives delving into social determinants, health literacy, cultural dynamics, and vulnerable population advocacy, PHS supplies vital public health insights informing compassionate systems-level nursing perspectives. Rotations engage with community health workers and constructed environment assessment initiatives working to reshape care access and health equity. Rochester Medical Center PHS particularly bolsters nursing skills tackling vaccine hesitancy, opioid epidemics, HIV interventions, maternal health, and environmental health triggers through data and community-centered solutions. ## 14. Monroe Community College With extremely affordable LPN and RN pathways taught by industry experts, Monroe Community College Nursing graduates consistently surpass national licensure exam pass rate averages. MCC‘s programs seamlessly transfer classroom learning into 800+ hours of live patient care clinical rotations across Rochester‘s major hospitals and long term care facilities. Developing confident communicators and compassionate systems thinkers, MCC Nursing keeps pace with the latest medical advances and best practices through a robust network of institutional partnerships, readying adaptable nurses able to enhance person-centered care. Especially praised for the abundant instructor support and career placement resources supplied, MCC Nursing offers exceptional value. ## 15. Clara Barton School No. 2 Through established partnerships with Rochester General Hospital, Clara Barton School No. 2 provides a pipeline for youth in the Rochester City School District to access mentorship opportunities, academic support, and self-efficacy coaching to prepare strong nursing school candidates from within the community. Programming nurtures interest in healthcare careers through field trips, job shadows, college application help and paid summer work experiences. Clara Barton No. 2 plays a vital role in fostering inclusivity within nursing by empowering motivated students from disadvantaged backgrounds through individualized guidance and united community encouragement. ## 16. Center for Workforce Development Offering flexible LPN licensure programs with affordable pay-as-you-go tuition under $18,000 total, BOCES Center for Workforce Development Nursing welcomes diverse adult learners from an array of backgrounds and accommodates unique scheduling needs. Their hybrid LPN pathway combines online learning with intensive monthly on-campus lab days practicing vital diagnostic, assessment, intravenous and medication administration skills essential for practice. With faculty averaging 15 years of field expertise each, CWD develops confident clinicians able to demonstrate competencies across care settings. ## 17. St. Ann‘s Community St. Ann’s Community cares for Greater Rochester‘s elders through their elderwood assisted living residences across three campuses, together supplying over 280 beds and employing over 225 caregivers. Aspiring nurses gain meaningful skills through CNA apprenticeships alongside St. Ann‘s compassionate staff meeting around-the-clock care needs. With a PersonFirst approach keeping residents‘ dignity, choice and purpose at the fore, St. Ann‘s welcomes motivated learners to fluidly cross-train medical skills alongside social and spiritual support competencies essential for nurturing whole health. Developing patience and pride through their CNA program, graduates gain advantage entering nursing schools and long-term care roles. ## 18. Strong Beginnings Serving one of New York‘s most diverse urban populations through University of Rochester Medical Center, Strong Beginnings OB unit welcomes passionate students to help staff their specialized childbirth education curriculum for families. Through shadowing opportunities and multi-lingual workshop assistant roles, learners directly support families navigating pregnancy‘s joys and unknowns. The hands-on experiences build cultural awareness around birthing preferences while strengthening vital health literacy and communications skills useful in women‘s health nursing roles. Strong Beginnings volunteers gain insider knowledge of birthing procedures and caregiver dynamics that inspire their pursuit of mother/baby nursing specialties. ## 19. Monroe Community College With extensive partnerships across Rochester‘s healthcare networks, MCC gives learners early advantage through their Clinical Workplace Experience offering guaranteed nurse extern jobs at Rochester General Hospital and Unity Hospital upon enrollment. The paid CWE builds invaluable experience and coaches essential nurse competencies. Alongside classroom and simulation lab concept mastery guided by renowned faculty, the CWE creates a bridge to full-time practice. MCC also offers a 30% tuition reduction for employees of Rochester Regional Health System, making its quality programming extremely affordable and convenient for healthcare workers seeking growth. When researching two year nursing programs in the greater Rochester region, prospective students should prioritize curriculum rigor, affordability, and graduate outcomes. Seek accredited institutions whose licensure exam pass rates and graduate job placement figures outpace state and national averages. Programs offering early placement into abundant supervised hospital/facility clinical rotations better prepare graduates for smooth transition into practice. Reputable schools integrate cutting-edge simulation technology to build clinical judgment in risk-free settings alongside traditional course modules. Investigate prospective schools‘ networking pipelines, faculty qualifications, and support services as well. The most reputable acceleracted BSN, ABSN, and RN diploma programs coach professional development from start to finish so students gain employer visibility and career search tools promoting placement and advancement post-graduation. While Rochester hosts numerous accredited nursing pathways, nuances distinguish their focuses based on partnerships, specialization offerings, flexibility, disability/veteran services and teaching methods. Define your professional interests and scheduling needs beforehand when comparing quality options that align with personal advancement goals. --- Source: [The 19 Best 2 Year Nursing Programs in Rochester, NY – 2026](https://33rdsquare.com/the-19-best-2-year-nursing-programs-in-rochester-ny-2023/)