Eldean WalterBrooklyn is home to a wide range of nursing schools offering programs from practical nursing certificates to advanced nursing degrees. These institutions provide rigorous academic training combined with hands-on clinical experiences in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. Students benefit from modern simulation labs, experienced faculty, and strong ties to local healthcare facilities. Whether pursuing an entry-level role or advancing to specialized practice, Brooklyn’s nursing schools cater to diverse educational and career goals, attracting both local residents and students from other areas.
Top 30 Nursing Schools in Brooklyn
1. AMG School of Nursing
Located in Downtown Brooklyn, AMG School of Nursing is well known for its Practical Nursing certificate program. The school focuses on providing hands-on, accelerated training that equips students for the NCLEX-PN exam. With a strong pass rate over the years, AMG emphasizes small class sizes and personal attention from experienced instructors. Students benefit from modern facilities, clinical experiences in local healthcare settings, and a curriculum designed to prepare them for entry-level nursing positions in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
2. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn offers a highly respected accelerated second-degree BSN program. Students with a previous degree can complete their nursing qualification in just 15 months. The university also provides MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate programs for advanced nursing roles. Known for high NCLEX pass rates, SUNY Downstate combines academic rigor with clinical experience at affiliated hospitals. Graduates leave well-prepared for careers in diverse healthcare environments, from large medical centers to community health programs, making it one of Brooklyn’s most competitive nursing schools.
3. New York City College of Technology
New York City College of Technology, or City Tech, offers an Associate Degree in Nursing designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice in local healthcare facilities. City Tech also has an RN-to-BSN completion program for nurses seeking to advance their education and career. With experienced faculty, strong community connections, and a supportive learning environment, City Tech is a popular choice for students looking for affordable and accessible nursing education in Brooklyn.
4. Touro College Brooklyn
Touro College’s Brooklyn campus offers multiple nursing pathways, including a traditional BSN, an accelerated second-degree BSN, and an RN-to-BSN completion program. Students receive clinical training in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, cultural competence, and professional ethics. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam and a variety of nursing roles. Touro’s programs are structured to accommodate diverse student needs, including those balancing work and study, making it a flexible and reputable choice for nursing education.
5. Kingsborough Community College
Kingsborough Community College, part of the CUNY system, offers an Associate Degree in Nursing accredited by ACEN. The program combines classroom lectures, simulation labs, and real-world clinical experiences in local hospitals. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. The college focuses on building strong foundational skills in patient care, critical thinking, and communication. With affordable tuition and a supportive academic environment, Kingsborough provides an accessible entry point into nursing for Brooklyn residents and has a strong reputation for preparing competent nurses.
6. Helene Fuld College of Nursing
Helene Fuld College of Nursing in Brooklyn is a private, non-profit institution specializing in nursing education. Programs include LPN-to-RN, generic BSN, and RN-to-BSN completion options. The college is known for small class sizes and a personalized approach to teaching. Students receive extensive clinical training and access to modern simulation labs. Accredited by major nursing bodies, Helene Fuld emphasizes academic excellence, professional ethics, and patient-centered care. Graduates are prepared to work in hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations across New York City.
7. St. Joseph’s University New York Brooklyn Campus
St. Joseph’s Brooklyn campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing along with Master of Science in Nursing programs in specialties such as Adult-Gerontology and Family Nurse Practitioner. The school emphasizes a holistic approach to nursing education, integrating liberal arts with professional training. Students gain hands-on clinical experience in a range of healthcare settings. With small class sizes, supportive faculty, and a focus on leadership, St. Joseph’s prepares nurses who are not only skilled clinicians but also compassionate advocates for their patients.
8. Medgar Evers College
Medgar Evers College, part of the CUNY system, offers an Associate Degree in Nursing as well as an RN-to-BSN program. The ADN program typically spans four semesters and includes both academic coursework and clinical practice. Students are trained to meet the health needs of diverse urban communities. The college emphasizes cultural competence, patient advocacy, and evidence-based care. Affordable tuition, faculty mentorship, and strong community ties make Medgar Evers an appealing choice for aspiring nurses in Brooklyn seeking quality education close to home.
9. LIU Brooklyn
Long Island University’s Brooklyn campus provides a comprehensive nursing program that includes BSN, accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, and various MSN tracks. Students benefit from advanced simulation labs, strong faculty support, and clinical rotations in top New York City hospitals. LIU Brooklyn emphasizes leadership, critical thinking, and interprofessional collaboration. The curriculum integrates theory with extensive hands-on practice, preparing graduates for both the NCLEX-RN and a wide range of professional nursing roles in acute care, community health, and advanced practice settings.
10. St. Francis College
St. Francis College in Brooklyn offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an RN-to-BSN completion program. The nursing curriculum is designed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring graduates are ready for the NCLEX-RN exam. Students participate in clinical placements across diverse healthcare environments. The college fosters a close-knit academic community, with small class sizes and individualized attention from faculty. St. Francis places strong emphasis on compassion, professionalism, and community service, shaping graduates into dedicated healthcare professionals.
11. CUNY Brooklyn College Nursing Partnership Program
Brooklyn College does not directly offer a full nursing program but partners with other CUNY institutions to provide nursing pathways. Students can complete prerequisites at Brooklyn College before transferring to an accredited nursing school to finish their degree. This approach allows students to benefit from Brooklyn College’s strong science programs while preparing for nursing education. The partnership model is ideal for those who want a flexible start, affordable tuition, and a smooth transition into accredited nursing programs in the CUNY system.
12. Plaza College Brooklyn Extension
Plaza College, while headquartered in Queens, has a Brooklyn extension offering its Practical Nursing program to local students. The curriculum prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN and entry-level nursing positions. Students gain both classroom instruction and clinical experience in local healthcare facilities. The program emphasizes patient care, safety, and ethical practice. With flexible scheduling options and a focus on practical skills, Plaza College’s nursing program appeals to those seeking a shorter route into the healthcare field without sacrificing quality training.
13. Mildred Elley School Brooklyn Campus
The Mildred Elley School in Brooklyn offers a Practical Nursing program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN and immediate employment. The program blends classroom instruction, simulation lab work, and clinical practice. Students learn essential skills in patient assessment, medication administration, and basic nursing care. With a supportive environment and career services assistance, Mildred Elley helps graduates transition smoothly into the nursing workforce. The school’s flexible class schedules make it accessible to working adults or those with family commitments.
14. ASA College Brooklyn
ASA College in Brooklyn provides an Associate Degree in Nursing program focused on preparing students for the NCLEX-RN. The program combines academic coursework with clinical rotations in local hospitals and healthcare centers. ASA College emphasizes small class sizes, faculty mentorship, and hands-on training. Students develop skills in patient care, communication, and critical thinking. The nursing program is structured for individuals who want an accessible and affordable path into the profession while gaining practical experience in New York’s diverse healthcare environment.
15. CUNY School of Professional Studies Brooklyn Access
The CUNY School of Professional Studies offers an online RN-to-BSN completion program accessible to Brooklyn residents. Designed for registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma, the program focuses on leadership, research, and community health. Coursework is delivered online, with some local clinical components. This flexible format allows working nurses to advance their education without sacrificing their jobs. The program is accredited and recognized for its academic quality, helping graduates expand their career opportunities and prepare for advanced nursing roles.
16. Allen School of Health Sciences Brooklyn Campus
The Allen School of Health Sciences in Brooklyn offers a Practical Nursing program designed for quick entry into the healthcare field. The curriculum includes medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, and geriatric care. Students train in modern labs and participate in clinical rotations at local hospitals and nursing facilities. The program emphasizes professionalism, patient safety, and hands-on skill development. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN and pursue roles in hospitals, long-term care centers, or outpatient facilities, making it an appealing career pathway.
17. Med-Life Institute Brooklyn
Med-Life Institute offers a Practical Nursing program in Brooklyn that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN. The program focuses on essential nursing skills such as patient care, pharmacology, and health assessment. Students benefit from a combination of classroom instruction, simulation-based learning, and clinical experience. The institute aims to create competent and compassionate healthcare providers who can thrive in various healthcare settings. Flexible scheduling and supportive instructors make it a good option for students balancing other responsibilities alongside their nursing education.
18. Metropolitan Learning Institute Brooklyn Campus
The Metropolitan Learning Institute in Brooklyn offers a Practical Nursing program for students aiming to become licensed practical nurses. The curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and hands-on patient care training. Students gain experience through clinical placements in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. The school emphasizes practical skills, critical thinking, and cultural sensitivity in nursing practice. With small class sizes and accessible tuition rates, the institute provides a supportive learning environment for aspiring nurses from diverse backgrounds in Brooklyn.
19. Sanford-Brown Institute Brooklyn
Although Sanford-Brown campuses have undergone changes over the years, the Brooklyn location historically offered Practical Nursing programs focused on preparing students for the NCLEX-PN. Students received both classroom and clinical training, with an emphasis on patient care, ethics, and medical terminology. The program’s structure aimed to balance academic rigor with hands-on practice, ensuring graduates were workplace-ready. While the institution’s current operations may differ, its nursing program was known for producing skilled and compassionate entry-level nurses who could adapt to fast-paced healthcare settings.
20. Interboro Institute School of Nursing
Interboro Institute, during its operation in Brooklyn, offered programs that trained students to enter the nursing field, particularly at the LPN level. The curriculum focused on nursing fundamentals, anatomy, physiology, and direct patient care. Students engaged in both simulated lab work and real-world clinical practice. The school aimed to serve a diverse urban student body, offering accessible tuition and career-oriented education. While no longer active in the same form, it contributed to preparing many local residents for nursing careers in New York.
21. College of Staten Island Brooklyn Access Program
The College of Staten Island, part of CUNY, offers nursing degrees but provides access to Brooklyn residents through certain extension and online components. Students can complete general education or prerequisite courses locally before transitioning into the nursing major. The school offers ADN, RN-to-BSN, and MSN programs. This pathway is beneficial for Brooklyn-based students seeking to enter nursing through a CUNY institution while completing initial coursework closer to home, saving both time and commuting expenses during the early stages of study.
22. Hostos Community College Brooklyn Partnership Program
Hostos Community College, while located in the Bronx, partners with Brooklyn institutions to make its nursing program more accessible to students in the borough. The college offers an Associate Degree in Nursing with strong clinical components in local hospitals. Students start with prerequisite courses before entering the nursing sequence, which prepares them for the NCLEX-RN exam. This arrangement benefits Brooklyn residents who want a CUNY nursing degree but prefer to begin their studies with support from a nearby partner location.
23. Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing Brooklyn Extension Access
Hunter College’s Bellevue School of Nursing is one of New York’s top nursing schools, and while based in Manhattan, it offers online and hybrid courses accessible to Brooklyn residents. Programs include BSN, accelerated second-degree BSN, and MSN tracks. Brooklyn students can complete some general education and prerequisite coursework locally before attending in-person labs or clinical rotations. This access model gives students the benefit of Hunter’s rigorous nursing curriculum while maintaining the flexibility to study closer to home for part of their degree.
24. Wagner College Brooklyn Clinical Affiliations
Wagner College, located on Staten Island, provides nursing education that is partially accessible to Brooklyn students through clinical placements and partnerships with local healthcare facilities. The nursing program offers BSN and MSN pathways, with an emphasis on leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice. Brooklyn students can complete certain components near their home borough, particularly clinical rotations, reducing travel while benefiting from Wagner’s high academic standards and comprehensive nursing training designed for both entry-level and advanced practice nurses.
25. Mercy College Brooklyn Clinical Sites
Mercy College offers BSN, RN-to-BSN, and graduate nursing programs, with clinical training sites available in Brooklyn. This setup allows students who live in Brooklyn to complete essential clinical components without commuting far from home. Mercy’s programs emphasize patient-centered care, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Students benefit from a mix of classroom learning, simulation labs, and real-world healthcare experiences. The flexibility of completing some requirements locally makes Mercy College an attractive option for Brooklyn residents seeking a reputable nursing degree program.
26. Cochran School of Nursing Brooklyn Access
The Cochran School of Nursing, based in Yonkers, has partnerships with healthcare institutions in Brooklyn, enabling students from the borough to complete certain clinical requirements locally. The school offers an Associate Degree in Nursing designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN. With a long history of training nurses, Cochran emphasizes strong clinical skills, patient safety, and professional ethics. Brooklyn residents can benefit from its reputable program while minimizing travel for practical training components through these collaborative clinical arrangements.
27. Molloy University Brooklyn Clinical Opportunities
Molloy University, based on Long Island, offers BSN and graduate nursing programs with clinical placements available in Brooklyn hospitals and healthcare centers. Students complete classroom coursework on campus or online and gain practical experience in diverse Brooklyn settings. The program focuses on evidence-based care, leadership, and service to the community. Brooklyn residents in the program benefit from reduced commuting for clinical rotations while still receiving the full academic and professional advantages of a Molloy nursing degree.
28. Adelphi University Brooklyn Partnerships
Adelphi University offers nursing programs including BSN, accelerated BSN, and MSN tracks. While the main campus is on Long Island, Adelphi has clinical partnerships in Brooklyn, allowing students to gain experience in urban healthcare settings. The curriculum blends theory with extensive clinical practice, preparing graduates for a range of nursing roles. Brooklyn-based students can complete some practical components closer to home, which enhances convenience and strengthens ties to the local healthcare community while pursuing a respected Adelphi nursing education.
29. Pace University Brooklyn Clinical Access
Pace University’s Lienhard School of Nursing provides BSN, accelerated BSN, and graduate nursing programs. Though based in Manhattan and Westchester, the school maintains clinical partnerships with Brooklyn healthcare facilities. This allows students from Brooklyn to fulfill some clinical requirements locally while benefiting from Pace’s rigorous academic programs. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, leadership development, and research-based practice. For Brooklyn students, these local clinical opportunities reduce travel time and foster connections with healthcare employers in their own community.
30. Columbia University School of Nursing Brooklyn Clinical Sites
Columbia University’s School of Nursing, a nationally recognized institution, offers BSN, MSN, and doctoral-level nursing education. While classes are held in Manhattan, the school places students in clinical rotations across New York City, including Brooklyn. These placements give nursing students exposure to diverse patient populations and urban healthcare challenges. Columbia’s curriculum emphasizes advanced practice, research, and interprofessional collaboration. Brooklyn-based students gain valuable experience in local hospitals and clinics while earning a degree from one of the nation’s top nursing programs.
Requirements For Top Nursing Schools in Brooklyn
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum GPA requirement, often between 2.5 and 3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy
- Passing score on entrance exams like TEAS or HESI
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
- Proof of immunizations and health clearance
- Background check and drug screening
Cost of Top Nursing Schools in Brooklyn
- AMG School of Nursing – approximately \$32,000 for the full program
- SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University – around \$7,000 per year for in-state students
- New York City College of Technology – about \$5,500 per year for in-state students
- Touro College – approximately \$14,000 per semester for the BSN program
- LIU Brooklyn – around \$38,000 per year for full-time undergraduates
- St. Francis College – about \$28,000 per year for full-time undergraduates
Application Process For Top Nursing Schools in Brooklyn
- Complete and submit the online application form through the school’s portal
- Provide official transcripts from all previous schools attended
- Submit entrance exam scores if required by the program
- Upload letters of recommendation and a personal statement
- Attend an interview if invited by the admissions committee
- Pay the application fee and await admission decision
Conclusion
Nursing schools in Brooklyn offer a variety of pathways to enter or advance in the nursing profession, from affordable community college programs to highly ranked university degrees. Their combination of academic rigor, clinical experience, and professional development prepares graduates to meet the demands of modern healthcare. With careful research into requirements, costs, and application procedures, aspiring nurses can choose the program that best fits their goals and circumstances, setting the stage for a rewarding career in patient care and health advocacy.