NYSNA: Continuing Education Opportunities for Nurses
Registered Nurses (RNs), guided by the Code of Ethics for Nurses, are obligated to engage in continuous learning to maintain competence and advance their practice. Recognizing this need, the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) provides its members with numerous opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills through a variety of continuing education programs. This commitment stems from the understanding that a nurse's professionalism is deeply rooted in ongoing knowledge enhancement.
Free and Low-Cost Educational Programs
NYSNA offers a range of free and low-cost classes designed to meet the diverse educational needs of its members. These include mandatory courses mandated by New York State, accessible online for free. These courses cover critical topics such as:
- Infection Control
- Child Abuse
- The New York State Mandatory Prescriber Education Guidance course (specifically for Nurse Practitioners)
Specialty Certification
Many nurses aspire to become certified in their specific area of practice. Achieving specialty certification offers numerous advantages, including:
- Demonstrated expertise in a specialized field
- Eligibility for certification differentials, which can lead to increased pay as per the collective bargaining agreement
- Opportunities for career advancement within their facilities, such as climbing the clinical ladder, which may also result in increased base pay
Certified nurses often report feeling more confident and competent in their daily practice.
Grants for Further Education
NYSNA offers grants to members pursuing higher education, specifically a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master's degree.
Read also: Guide to NYSNA Tuition
NYSNA: An Accredited Resource for Continuing Education
The New York State Nurses Association holds accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation as a provider of nursing continuing professional development. It is also accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and authorized to issue IACET continuing education units (CEUs).
To receive Continuing Hours (CHs) or CEUs, participants must meet the following requirements:
- Attend the entire workshop
- Complete all in-session program assignments
- Complete an evaluation form
- Complete and return a post-program Survey Monkey® questionnaire and/or a post-program checklist (where applicable)
NYSNA e-LeaRN Platform
Registration for all NYSNA classes and workshops is conducted through the NYSNA e-LeaRN platform. NYSNA provides educational programs both in person and online, offering flexibility to accommodate different learning preferences and schedules.
Seminar at Sea
NYSNA's Seminar at Sea offers nurses a unique and relaxing learning environment. The Seminar at Sea 2026 is scheduled as an 8-Night Cruise to Japan, China, and Korea, scheduled for May 18-26, 2026.
Opportunities at NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the nation, serving over a million New Yorkers annually across more than 70 patient care locations. Their team of over 8,000 nurses plays a vital role in providing high-quality health services and compassionate care.
Read also: Explore LaGuardia's Programs
NYC Health + Hospitals offers several programs to support nurses' education and professional development:
- NURSE Corps: This program pays for 60% of unpaid nursing education debt over two years, with a possible extension to a third year for an additional 25% of the original balance. In exchange, nurses commit to working for a minimum of two years at an eligible facility experiencing a critical shortage of nurses.
- National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program (LRP): This program offers loan repayment opportunities to primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health care providers (including Nurse Practitioners) in exchange for providing health care in eligible facilities with limited access to care.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF): This federal program provides student loan forgiveness to qualifying public service employees. Employment at NYC Health + Hospitals may qualify individuals for this program if they meet the requirements.
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