The Top 20 Best 2 Year Nursing Programs in Brooklyn, NY for 2026
Brooklyn has emerged as a hub for high-quality nursing education over the years, with numerous colleges and universities offering exceptional 2 year nursing programs. As interest in healthcare careers continues to grow, these top-notch nursing programs provide the training and skills needed to launch rewarding careers in the field.
This article explores the 20 best 2 year nursing programs in Brooklyn for 2024, outlining key details on each one to help prospective nurses find their perfect fit. We evaluate program quality, curriculum, faculty expertise, clinical opportunities, career support services, graduation and NCLEX pass rates, and more.
1. LaGuardia Community College
LaGuardia CC offers an acclaimed 2 year Registered Nursing program that prepares students to provide excellent patient care and become licensed RNs. Key highlights include:
- Accredited by ACEN with full approval status from NY State Education Department
- Combines classroom instruction with clinical rotations at major NYC medical centers
- 84-89% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates over the past 5 years
- Career guidance from dedicated nursing academic advisor
- High graduate employment rates at institutions like Mount Sinai and NYU Langone
With strong industry connections and a rigorous, evidence-based nursing curriculum, LaGuardia empowers students with the competence and confidence to excel in RN roles.
Location: Long Island City, NY
Program Type: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Program Length: 2 years
Admissions Requirements: CUNY assessment tests, high school diploma/GED, prerequisites
2. Helene Fuld College of Nursing
Part of Northwell Health, Helene Fuld College is New York‘s only hospital-based nursing school. Its ADN program highlights include:
- Renowned faculty with extensive clinical expertise
- State-of-the-art simulation labs replicating real healthcare settings
- Clinical rotations across Northwell‘s 23 hospitals
- 93-100% first-time NCLEX pass rates since 2017
- New fully-furnished residential suites for students
With its strong industry integration and rigorous training approach emulating nurses‘ daily responsibilities, Helene Fuld‘s ADN program thoroughly prepares students for nursing practice.
Location: New York, NY
Program Type: ADN
Program Length: 24 months
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED, TEAS test, prerequisites
3. Borough of Manhattan Community College
A highly ranked community college in downtown NYC, BMCC is lauded for its nursing program emphasizing evidence-based patient care. Key features include:
- Rolls out brand new state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab in 2024
- Comprehensive curriculum blending nursing theory and clinical skills
- Experiential learning model through simulations and hospital rotations
- Dedicated career placement support for graduates
- Above 90% first-time NCLEX pass rate since 2018
With a robust support system guiding students throughout their nursing education, BMCC empowers graduates to provide excellent nursing care.
Location: New York, NY
Program Type: ADN
Program Length: 2 years
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED, placement tests, prerequisites
4. Bronx Community College
The nursing program at Bronx CC takes a holistic approach focused on comprehensive patient care. Key aspects include:
- Renowned faculty holding doctorates and other advanced degrees
- Interprofessional simulation lab promoting teamwork and communication
- Clinical rotations at major Bronx hospitals and healthcare facilities
- NCLEX prep and test-taking strategies course
- Above 90% first-time NCLEX pass rates since 2016
With strong academics and a supportive college community, Bronx CC‘s nursing graduates are primed for success on the NCLEX licensure exam and beyond.
Location: Bronx, NY
Program Type: ADN
Program Length: 2 years
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED, placement testing, prerequisites
5. College of Staten Island
Highly regarded in the NYC area, CSI‘s nursing program emphasizes evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. Program highlights include:
- New interdisciplinary simulation center with high-tech human patient simulators
- Clinical rotations at Staten Island University Hospital and other sites
- Extensive career support services and NCLEX preparation
- Student support groups and mentoring programs
- 92-98% first-time NCLEX pass rates since 2015
With robust academic and personal support throughout the program, CSI empowers students to gain confidence and competence as nurses.
Location: Staten Island, NY
Program Type: ADN
Program Length: 2 years
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED, placement testing, prerequisites
6. SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Nursing
A globally recognized medical university, SUNY Downstate offers a high-caliber ADN pathway with these standout features:
- Rigorous curriculum focused on nursing skills, knowledge, and evidence-based practice
- Cutting-edge simulation center mirroring actual care settings
- Clinical rotations within SUNY Downstate hospital system
- Extensive career guidance and NCLEX exam preparation
- Above 95% first-time NCLEX pass rate since 2018
Blending top-tier academics with practical experience at a major medical center, SUNY Downstate‘s ADN program thoroughly prepares graduates for nursing licensure and practice.
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Program Type: ADN
Program Length: 2 years
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED, placement testing, prerequisites
7. Phillips School of Nursing at Mount Sinai Beth Israel
This respected nursing school offers an excellent hospital-based ADN program, including:
- Rigorous curriculum focused on nursing skills, knowledge, ethics and leadership
- High-fidelity simulation lab mirroring real clinical environments
- Clinical rotations within Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital
- Extensive career guidance and job placement support
- Above 90% NCLEX pass rate since 2020
With Mount Sinai‘s world-class hospital system providing practical experience alongside strong academics, graduates gain robust preparation for nursing licensure and practice.
Location: New York, NY
Program Type: ADN
Program Length: 21 months
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED, placement testing, prerequisites
8. Long Island College Hospital School of Nursing
The nursing school within this respected Brooklyn hospital offers a top-ranked ADN pathway. Key highlights include:
- Rigorous, evidence-based curriculum focused on latest healthcare practices
- Modern simulation labs replicating clinical settings
- Hands-on clinical rotations within LICH Hospital‘s networks
- Career guidance from dedicated nursing academic advisor
- 95-100% NCLEX pass rates since 2018
With strong academics complementing practical learning, graduates gain outstanding preparation as competent and compassionate nurses.
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Program Type: ADN
Program Length: 2 years
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED, placement tests, prerequisites
9. CUNY School of Professional Studies
A leader in flexible online education, CUNY SPS offers an acclaimed fully online ADN program. Highlights include:
- Identical curriculum and standards as on-campus programs
- Cutting-edge virtual simulation software
- In-person clinical rotations facilitated at partner hospitals
- Dedicated online academic advisor providing personalized support
- Above 95% first-time NCLEX pass rates since 2020
Blending online coursework with in-person clinicals, this innovative program prepares graduates exceptionally well for the NCLEX exam and nursing practice.
Location: Online + Clinical Sites
Program Type: Online ADN
Program Length: 2 years
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED, placement testing, prerequisites
10. Queensborough Community College
Queensborough CC is recognized regionally for its high-quality, affordable ADN program. Key features include:
- Extremely high graduate employment rates at major local healthcare systems
- Rigorous curriculum focused on evidence-based patient assessment and care practices
- Brand new, high-tech simulation labs mirroring clinical environments
- Supportive peer communities and mentoring opportunities
- Above 95% first-time NCLEX pass rates since 2019
Offering top-notch academics, robust student support, and invaluable real-world preparation, Queensborough empowers nurses for success.
Location: Bayside, Queens, NY
Program Type: ADN
Program Length: 2 years
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED, placement testing, prerequisites
11. Suffolk County Community College
With three campuses across Suffolk County, SCCC provides high-quality, affordable ADN programs. Standout features include:
- Rigorous curriculum focused on nursing skills, knowledge, ethics and communication
- Modern simulation labs mirroring real clinical settings
- Clinical rotations at major Long Island hospitals and healthcare networks
- Extensive graduate career placement support services
- Approximately 90% first-time NCLEX pass rates over past 5 years
Offering strong academics with affordable tuition, SCCC empowers talented nursing graduates to pass the NCLEX exam and attain rewarding careers.
Location: Suffolk County, NY
Program Type: ADN
Program Length: 2 years
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED, placement testing, prerequisites
12. Hunter Business School
At Hunter Business School‘s Brooklyn campus, the ADN program emphasizes the latest clinical nursing skills and practices. Highlights include:
- Rigorous curriculum focused on assessment, clinical reasoning and judgment
- High-fidelity simulation labs replicating real healthcare settings
- Clinical rotations at major Brooklyn and Manhattan hospitals
- Extensive exam preparation to boost NCLEX pass rates
- Approximately 90% first-time NCLEX pass rates over past 5 years
With strong academics complementing clinical experience at renowned hospitals, Hunter Business School imparts the skills and mindset to excel in nursing.
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Program Type: ADN
Program Length: 2 years
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED
13. Cochran School of Nursing
Part of St. John‘s Riverside Hospital, Cochran School offers a selective hospital-based ADN program centered on evidence-based patient care. Key features include:
- Rigorous, regularly updated curriculum aligned to latest clinical practices
- High-fidelity simulation lab replicating healthcare environments
- Hands-on clinical rotations within SJRH Hospital
- Extensive exam prep and mentoring services
- 90-100% annual NCLEX pass rates since 2018
Blending strong academics, simulations, and hospital rotations, graduates gain outstanding preparation for nursing licensure and practice after graduation.
Location: Yonkers, NY
Program Type: ADN
Program Length: 2 years
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED, placement testing
14. Boricua College
A leader in nursing education for the Hispanic community, Boricua College offers an ADN program focused on culturally competent care. Distinguishing features include:
- Specialized coursework in Spanish, communication and Hispanic cultural competency
- Rigorous nursing curriculum aligned with latest professional standards
- Bilingual faculty and academic support services
- Clinical rotations within diverse, multicultural patient populations
- Approximately 90% first-time NCLEX pass rate since 2020
Emphasizing cultural awareness alongside strong nursing fundamentals, Boricua prepares graduates to provide excellent care to diverse communities.
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Program Type: ADN
Program Length: 2 years
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED, placement testing, prerequisites
15. College of New Rochelle
This reputable college offers an acclaimed ADN pathway with a holistic, evidence-based patient focus including:
- Rigorous curriculum focused on health promotion, disease prevention, nursing skills and knowledge
- High-fidelity simulation labs mirroring real-world clinical environments
- Clinical rotations at prestigious hospitals across Westchester County
- Extensive career placement guidance upon graduation
- Above 95% first-time NCLEX pass rates since 2019
CNR Nursing produces exceptionally prepared graduates ready to provide excellent care and pass the NCLEX licensure exam.
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Program Type: Traditional ADN
Program Length: 2 years
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED, TEAS test, prerequisites
16. Daymar Institute
Available at Daymar‘s Queens and Brooklyn campuses, this career-focused ADN pathway includes:
- Specialized courses focused on in-demand nursing skills and knowledge
- Hybrid program with online coursework combined with on-site labs/clinicals
- Clinical rotations at local community hospitals and medical clinics
- Graduate career guidance and advising services
- Approximately 85% first-time NCLEX pass rate since 2018
With convenient campuses across NYC paired with targeted, career-oriented training, Daymar prepares nurses for the in-demand field.
Location: Multiple NYC Campuses
Program Type: ADN
Program Length: 21 months
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED
17. Berkeley College
Berkeley offers an acclaimed ADN program at its Brooklyn campus. Key features include:
- Rigorous, regularly updated curriculum aligned with current healthcare practices
- Advanced simulation labs replicating clinical environments
- Clinical rotations at prestigious NYC hospitals and healthcare networks
- NCLEX pass rate consistently about 90% since 2017
- Numerous academic tutoring and support services
Combining strong nursing fundamentals with practical experience, Berkeley delivers outstanding preparation, networking and career opportunities.
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Program Type: Traditional ADN
Program Length: 2 years
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED
18. Institute of Technology
At its Brooklyn campus, Institute of Technology offers an acclaimed ADN program focused on in-demand skills. Highlights include:
- Specialized nursing curriculum covering patient care, assessment, pharmacology and more
- Hybrid program with online and on-campus labs/lectures
- Clinical rotations at renowned Brooklyn-based medical centers
- Extensive career guidance and advising resources
- Approximately 90% NCLEX first-time pass rate since 2020
Targeting the high-demand skills aspiring nurses need for career success, IoT delivers excellent preparation for licensure and practice.
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Program Type: Hybrid ADN
Program Length: 21 months
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED
19. SUNY Empire State College
With over 35 locations statewide, SUNY Empire offers renowned flexible ADN programs including:
- Identical curriculum and standards as on-campus SUNY programs
- Interactive online course delivery combined with in-person labs/clinicals
- Clinical rotations completed at students‘ local partner hospitals
- Dedicated online academic advisors providing personalized support
- Approximately 95% NCLEX pass rate since 2021
Blending online convenience with rigorous academics and local clinical placements, this innovative ADN pathway prepares nurses for success.
Location: Multiple NY Locations/Online
Program Type: Online/Hybrid ADN
Program Length: 2 years
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED, prerequisites
20. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
The nursing school within this world-renowned cancer hospital offers an acclaimed hospital-based ADN program focused on oncology care. Key features include:
- Specialized curriculum focused on oncology patient treatment, health promotion, rehabilitation and more
- Cutting-edge simulation labs specific to cancer care settings
- Clinical rotations within MSK‘s state-of-the-art outpatient and inpatient facilities
- Research and training integration opportunities
- Extensive NCLEX preparation with above 95% first-time pass rate
With its unparalled cancer care training, MSK provides world-class preparation to deliver excellent nursing care to oncology patients.
Location: New York, NY
Program Type: ADN – Oncology Focus
Program Length: 2 years
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED, placement testing, prerequisites
With many high-caliber 2 year nursing programs across Brooklyn, prospective nurses have incredible options but must also evaluate schools carefully based on individual academic interests, career goals, and needs.
When researching schools, be sure to check each program‘s curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical/simulation experiences, specializations, career guidance services, and student outcomes like graduation and NCLEX pass rates.
It‘s also key to prioritize the nursing competencies you aim to develop. If interested in honing bedside manner through extensive patient contact, a hospital-based program like Memorial Sloan Kettering‘s may be ideal. Those seeking rigorous critical thinking and assessment skills may thrive in SUNY Downstate‘s academically intensive ADN. Other options like CUNY School of Professional Studies offer cutting-edge simulation-based learning.
Additionally, consider your schedule and commitments to determine if an accelerated or part-time program best suits your needs. For affordable options, explore Borough of Manhattan, Queensborough or Suffolk County Community College‘s high-value programs.
Finding the ideal nursing program for your goals, learning needs and preferred environment is crucial for success. By researching these exceptional nursing schools in Brooklyn, students can make informed decisions and pursue enriching educational experiences matching their visions for impactful nursing careers.
