According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2,982,280 Registered Nurses were employed all across the US in 2019. 178,320 out of those RNs were working in the state of New York. On the other hand, 697,510 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses were working in the US, with 46,320 of those helping the residents of New York.

Should I Become a Nurse in New York?

Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare system of a country. Without nurses, it simply would not be possible to run an efficient healthcare setup.

If you think you have what it takes to become a nurse, then read the following guide.

Education Required Different for LPNs and RNs
Major Requirement Nursing
License/Certification Required
Experience/Training Not compulsory but beneficial.
Key Skills/Qualities Physical Fitness, Observational Skills, Patience, Strong Mental Strength, Strong Emotional Skills, etc.
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National $77,460 (Registered Nurses)

$48,500 (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses)

Job Outlook (2018-28) 12% (Registered Nurses)

11% (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses)

Annual Mean Salary (2019) – New York $87,840 (Registered Nurses)

$49,860 (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses)

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Outlook

As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses will enjoy 12% job growth in the US between 2018 and 2028. For the same period, the job growth for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses is projected to be 11%. Both figures are substantially higher than the average job growth of all other occupations.

Steps to Become a Nurse in New York

    1. Meet Educational Requirements

Candidates who want to become Registered Nurses in the US, need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution as a minimum requirement. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses can land an entry level job with a postsecondary nondegree award in most cases. Better credentials of course help with getting a job and career progression.

    1. Clear the Licensure Exam

Once the educational requirements have been met, candidates will have to pass the licensure exam. To become a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse, it is mandatory to clear the NCLEX-PN, whereas candidates aspiring to become Registered Nurses have to pass the NCLEX-RN.

    1. Clear Background Checks and Look for Jobs

Candidates will have to apply for a license with the relevant state board/authority. They will have to fulfill other requirements along with clearing a background check. Once they have passed these steps, they will get their license and can start to look for jobs straight away.

How long Does It Take to Become a Nurse in New York?

The duration to become a nurse in New York varies for Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses. It will take around 1 to 2 years to become an LPN whereas it can take anywhere between 4 to 5 years to become a Registered Nurse.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Nurse in New York?

You have to meet the following requirements to become a nurse in New York:

  • Get the right educational credentials
  • Sit for and pass the relevant NCLEX test
  • Clear background checks and get a license
  • Apply for jobs

How Much Does a Nurse Earn in New York?

As per the information provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in New York earned $49,860 in annual mean income in 2019. Registered Nurses working in New York made $87,840 as annual mean salary. Both figures are higher than their respective national averages.