| Photo by Günter Valda on Unsplash
NEW YORK CITY—Buoyed by the significant impact of its NCLEX-RN Training Program, with many participants passing the NCLEX-RN exam and securing positions in New York City’s top healthcare facilities, the Adams administration has announced an additional $340,000 to fund the program.
Launched in April 2022 by the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS), in collaboration with LaGuardia Community College and Lehman College, the program connects internationally-trained nurses with the resources needed to secure licensure and high-paying roles in New York City’s hospitals and clinics.
Key features of the program include:
- English Language Training: Participants receive English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) training to improve their English proficiency, which is crucial for passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Nursing Skills Preparation: The program provides training to refresh and enhance participants’ nursing knowledge and skills.
- Flexible Scheduling: The program offers part-time evening and full-time daytime classes to accommodate different schedules.
- No Cost: The program is free for eligible participants, making it accessible to those who might not have the financial resources to pursue licensure independently.
- Job Placement Assistance: Upon completing the program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam, participants receive assistance with job placement in New York City’s healthcare facilities.
The program aims to address the City’s critical shortage of registered nurses by helping internationally trained nurses become licensed and employed in the healthcare sector.
These no-cost programs feature English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) bridge courses and hybrid, online, and in-person programming. The program pays for the first NCLEX-RN exam fee, and participants receive free textbooks and test prep software.
According to the Adams administration, the NCLEX-RN program has delivered marked success since its launch: 94 percent of participants pass the NCLEX-RN exam, compared to the national average of 70 percent. With average salaries for program graduates exceeding $100,000, the expansion of this program exemplifies SBS’s commitment to addressing workforce shortages while enhancing economic opportunities for immigrant communities. Adams administration has invested $2.8 million more in the NCLEX-RN program, with this latest expansion bringing that total to over $4 million for 2026.
The City said the program’s success stories are numerous, with many participants sharing how the training and support have transformed their careers and lives. It said the program is a great example of how targeted initiatives can make a real difference in addressing workforce shortages and supporting immigrant communities.
