Guide and Resources

Going to nursing school is possible with help from the Partnership. Whether you’re exploring a career in nursing or already enrolled in a program, our education and career advisors can guide you through every step of your nursing journey by helping you explore options, finance your education, prepare for entrance exams, succeed as a student, and launch your career.
 

Connect With a Partnership Advisor 

(800) 253-4332 Option 1
[email protected]

Not sure where to start? We’ll help you choose the right nursing path and find a program that fits your schedule and goals.

Understand Nursing Career Paths 

Learn the differences between Direct Support roles, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and a Registered Nurse (RN) - and what educational paths each requires.

• Partnership Nursing Webinar 
  This webinar can help you make an informed decision on whether a career in nursing is right for you. | Partnership Nursing Webinar Handout
   
• How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) 
  Learn about license requirements, training, and accreditation. Find applications and instructions to apply for or renew your NYS nursing license.
   
• How to Become a Registered Nurse (RN) 
  Learn about license requirements, training, and accreditation. Find applications and instructions to apply for or renew your NYS nursing license. 
   

Choose a Learning Format

Compare different learning formats like online, hybrid, evening & weekend, or part-time programs to find the right fit for your schedule, budget, and learning style.

• LPN to RN Bridge Programs 
  Become an RN faster through an LPN to RN Bridge Program, which gives you credit for prior education and experience, cutting down on time and coursework.
   
• Micro-Credentials for Direct Support Workers 
  Grant opportunity for current Direct Support Professionals and those interested in joining the field to take college coursework and earn national certification for free.
   
• SUNY Micro-Credential Programs 
  Compact academic credentials, designed to be completed in months that empower you with essential skills, knowledge and practical experience in high-demand fields.
   
• Online Nursing Programs | CUNY School of Professional Studies
  Online degrees and advanced certificate programs in nursing to help you advance within your career while continuing your education in a timely, flexible, and affordable way.

Pick the Right School 

Choose a quality program that meets state requirements and supports your long-term goals. 

• Schools That Accept Partnership Tuition Benefits  
  View a full list of participating Partnership education institutions listed by CSEA Region.
   
• National-Accredited Nursing Programs  
  Get information about accredited nursing programs nationwide.
   
• New York State-Accredited Nursing Programs 
  Search inventory of all New York State-approved nursing programs by institution, subject area, certification, and professional license.
   
• New York State-Accredited LPN Programs 
  View a detailed directory of all state-approved LPN programs in New York State. 
   
• Prior Learning Credit Options 
  Receive credit for approved college-level courses and exams, professional and military training, health care credentials, and industry certifications.
  
   

As a CSEA-represented NYS employee, you have access to resources that make nursing school more affordable and accessible. We’ll help you reduce the cost of nursing school and take advantage of your CSEA benefits.

Maximize your Tuition Benefits

Make the most of the Partnership’s programs to manage education costs, pay for school, and find schools that accept tuition vouchers and reimbursements for nursing courses. 

• Partnership Tuition Benefits Program
  CSEA-represented NYS employees can receive up to $7500 in tuition assistance to help cover nursing school, exams, certifications, and licensure renewal costs by combining their standard and targeted benefits.
   
• Schools That Accept Partnership Tuition Benefits
  Discover which schools participate in our Tuition Benefits Program to get the most out of your CSEA benefits.
   
• Partnership Tuition & Financial Assistance Advisement 
  Partnership advisors can help you navigate your tuition benefits, financial assistance options, and direct you to resources that will reduce out-of-pocket costs for nursing school.
   

Explore Free Education Options

Learn local and statewide funding programs that further reduce your education costs.

• SUNY Reconnect
  A free associate degree program for New Yorkers between the ages of 25 to 55 without a college degree. It covers tuition, fees, books, and supplies after other forms of aid is applied. 
   

Apply for Scholarships & Grants

Discover and apply for scholarships, grants, and programs that may fully cover your tuition and books. 

• Nursing Scholarships
  Explore scholarship, grants, and loan forgiveness programs for BSN, RN or advanced nursing degrees. 
   
• Caring Gene Program | Free Tuition and Books
  The Caring Gene Career Pathways Training (CPT) covers full tuition and books to select human services careers in New York State.
  
   

Getting into nursing school often requires entrance exams and strong academic preparation. We’ll connect you to the educational support and exam resources you need to get ready. 

TEAS Exam Support 

TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is used by many schools to assess readiness for LPN and RN programs.  

• What is the TEAS?
  Learn what’s on the exam, how to study, and what scores you’ll need to qualify for nursing programs. 
   
• Partnership Exam Fee Reimbursement 
  Get reimbursed for approved TEAS prep courses and the TEAS exam through the Partnership’s Tuition Benefits Program.  

Academic Planning & Prep 

Prepare to return to learning. 

• Partnership Education Planning Advisement   
  Partnership advisors can help you find approved online TEAS prep courses, evaluate transfer credits and prior learning assessments, and explore credit by exam options like College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST), and Thomas Edison College Examination Program (TECEP).
   
• SUNY Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC)
  Receive support with entering college and securing a job, as well as help addressing challenges like food and housing insecurity, tuition - free for all who qualify.
   
• Partnership ESOL and Adult Education Basics (AEB) Skills Support  
  The Partnership offers classes to build foundational skills in English, writing, and math to help prepare you for going back to school. Advisors can also connect you to community resources and other high school equivalency or prep courses. 

Nursing programs are demanding. We’ll keep you on track by directing you to resources, courses, and additional financial supports that help you balance school, work, and life. 
 

Strengthen your Skills   

Gain the knowledge and skills needed to help achieve balance between work and life.

•  Partnership Skills for Success Courses
  The Partnership offers free in-person and online classes to build skills like stress management, budgeting, and resume writing among others. 
   

Get Financial Help for Indirect Costs

Explore programs that help pay for indirect education expenses like transportation and family care assistance.

• NYS-Ride Program
  NYS-Ride is a state employee benefit that allows you to use pre-tax dollars and save about 30% on a variety of qualified public transit and parking costs.
   
• Childcare Support - Early Care & Learning Council (ECLC)
  Statewide, not-for-profit organization that coordinates and plans agencies for local childcare services. They provide support to childcare providers, parents, businesses, and local governments.
   
• Dependent Care - Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA) 
  Allows you to pay for up to $5,000 custodial care for a dependent child under the age of 13, elder care, or disabled dependent care expenses with tax-fee dollars while you are at work.

As you near graduation, we’ll help you prepare for the NCLEX exam, explore career opportunities within NYS service, and direct you to resources that help you with your continuing education requirements. Explore the information and resources below to get started.
 

Pass the NCLEX 

Browse approved NCLEX prep programs to help you complete your licensing.

• Top NCLEX Review Courses for Nurses 
  Decide which NCLEX test prep course is right for you. Find out the best NCLEX review courses based on cost, program details, length of access, and more.

Advance Your Career

Plan your next steps in nursing with one-on-one advising and tools that deliver NYS job titles, required qualifications, and career opportunities in state service. 

• Partnership Career Advisement  
  Partnership career advisors are here to help you identify your strengths, explore career possibilities, set goals, and build a customized action plan to achieve your nursing career ambitions. 
   
• State Jobs NY  
  New York State agencies are now hiring for thousands of positions statewide, offering exciting opportunities to build a rewarding nursing career you’ll love.
   
• New York State Career Mobility Office (CMO)  
  CMO advisors can help you with career planning, resume writing and interview assistance. Their Glossary of Titles - Inquiry Tool (GOT-IT) allows New York State employees to learn more about and search job titles within the State.   
   

Maintain Your License 

Review the continuing education requirements for both RNs and LPNs to maintain your license and get your LPN License renewal fees reimbursed.  

• Continuing Education | New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)
  NYSNA members can access free or discounted continuing education, including certification reviews, workshops, and seminars to advance their practice.
   
• LPN Infection Control Training
   All LPNs and RNs must complete infection control training related to barrier precautions and transmission prevention. 
   
• Partnership LPN License Fee Reimbursement Program
  Get reimbursed by the Partnership, tax free for LPN license renewal fees required for State employment.