LaGuardia Community College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
CUNY nursing in Long Island City, Queens: a Registered Nursing AAS (ACEN-accredited) and a Practical Nursing certificate, plus published LPN-to-RN and paramedic-to-RN bridge materials. Costs follow CUNY’s community-college tuition; first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes for associate programs appear on NYSED’s public tables and on LaGuardia’s program pages.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
LaGuardia runs nursing through the Health Sciences department (E-Building) with ATI TEAS entrance requirements and a formal candidacy process (NUR000 / LPN000) before clinical courses. RN clinical coursework is day, full-time during 12-week sessions; meeting the 2.75 GPA threshold in key courses does not guarantee a clinical seat when demand is high—plan testing and candidacy deadlines early.
Overview & Why Students Choose LaGuardia Community College
Part of the City University of New York, LaGuardia Community College sits on Thomson Avenue in Long Island City, Queens—minutes from Midtown Manhattan by subway. The college emphasizes access for immigrants and first-generation students; its Health Sciences department houses the Registered Nursing AAS and a Practical Nursing certificate, with published pathways for LPN-to-RN advanced standing and a paramedic-to-RN bridge.
Clinical nursing courses run in day, 12-week sessions across NYC-area hospitals and community agencies; the department requires ATI TEAS results and a structured candidacy registration (NUR000 / LPN000) before students enter clinical coursework.
According to the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions, Associate Degree RN NCLEX results table (columns 2027–2023, left to right), La Guardia Community College is listed at 97.65% first-time (83 of 85 first-time test takers) in the 2025 column; the 2023 column shows 97.6% (82 of 84). NYSED’s associate summary for the 2025 column reports New York State at 81.51% (4537 of 5566). LaGuardia’s nursing page also publishes its own annual NCLEX-RN table. Confirm the latest cohort with NYSED RN NCLEX results and LaGuardia Health Sciences.
Reasons students choose LaGuardia
Transparent NCLEX reporting
NYSED lists La Guardia’s associate-degree RN first-time outcomes next to every other approved program in the state; LaGuardia also posts year-by-year NCLEX-RN percentages on its program page.
CUNY tuition band
As a CUNY community college, LaGuardia uses CUNY’s published community-college tuition for NYC residents and non-residents—LaGuardia’s Fast Facts cites $4,800 annual tuition for degree students (two semesters at the standard full-time rate).
Bridge pathways
Licensed practical nurses and paramedics can follow department handbooks for LPN-to-RN and paramedic-to-RN bridge coursework rather than a generic transfer guess.
Queens / Manhattan clinical access
Located in Western Queens, students can reach major hospitals and community health systems across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens for clinical rotations—exact sites vary by semester.
Nursing Programs Offered
LaGuardia’s Health Sciences department offers pre-licensure pathways only on this campus: an associate RN program and a practical nursing certificate. It does not award a BSN here; the RN program page lists senior colleges (for example Lehman, NYIT, Hunter, CUNY SPS) for graduates who continue toward a bachelor’s.
Pre-licensure
Registered Nursing — Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
~66 credits (Pathways common core plus nursing program core per LaGuardia’s published degree map); leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility. LaGuardia states the program is ACEN-accredited with continuing accreditation. Nursing courses run in day sessions during 12-week terms; the department lists LPN-to-RN advanced standing and a paramedic-to-RN bridge (separate information sheets).
Practical Nursing — Certificate (LPN)
48-credit certificate curriculum preparing students for the NCLEX-PN. Pre-clinical courses include English, psychology, math for medical dosages, and A&P; clinical phases begin in Fall as a day, full-time sequence per the department page.
Post-licensure & graduate
LaGuardia does not list MSN or DNP on campus. RN graduates typically pursue RN-to-BSN completion at a four-year partner or SUNY/CUNY program.
Program names, credit totals, and accreditation language above are taken from LaGuardia’s nursing and practical-nursing pages and the CUNY catalog. Always confirm the current curriculum map, clinical schedule, and ACEN status before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the New York State Education Department (Office of the Professions) New York State RN NCLEX Results page—specifically the Associate Degree Programs table—La Guardia Community College is listed at 97.65% first-time (83 of 85) in the 2025 column; the 2023 column shows 97.6% (82 of 84). The Associate Degree Program Summary for New York State in the 2025 column shows 81.51% first-time (4,537 of 5,566).
LaGuardia’s Registered Nursing page also publishes its own annual NCLEX-RN table (for example 98% in the 2025 row on the page as of our review)—use NYSED for comparable first-time test-taker counts across schools.
For NCLEX-PN (practical nursing), use NYSED’s separate PN NCLEX results table and LaGuardia’s Practical Nursing page for school-published PN pass rates.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (associate row) | 97.65% (83/85), NYSED 2025 column; 2023 column: 97.6% (82/84) |
| Source | NYSED — New York State RN NCLEX Results (2023–2027). Confirm current cohorts with NYSED and LaGuardia. |
Pass rates move with each cohort and table updates. Always confirm the latest first-time percentages, test-taker counts, and column year labels on the NYSED site and with LaGuardia before making decisions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
CUNY colleges publish residency and tuition rules for international students (for example, non-resident per-credit rates). LaGuardia’s nursing pages reference documentation categories required before entering clinical coursework (for example, U.S. citizenship, F-1 status, DACA, and other listed statuses)—CUNY has expanded some eligible categories; confirm your category with the Registrar. Use the checklist below as orientation only—this is not legal or immigration advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm current TOEFL/IELTS or other requirements with LaGuardia Admissions and Health Sciences for your pathway.
- Transcript evaluation: Follow LaGuardia and CUNY guidance for prior college work; internationally educated nurses may need CGFNS or other steps for New York licensure.
- New York licensure: For RN or PN licensure by examination or endorsement, use the NYSED Office of the Professions — Nursing pages.
- Visa & clinical placement: Clinical agencies may require background checks and immunization documentation; F-1 students should confirm CPT/OPT and program rules with the international student office.
Policies change frequently. Verify with LaGuardia’s admissions, international student services, and NYSED.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Progression into SCR110 and other nursing clinical courses at LaGuardia is limited and competitive. The department publishes key courses (ENG101, SSY101, SCC110, SCB203), a minimum 2.75 GPA in those keys, completion of SCB204 before clinicals, ATI TEAS requirements, and candidacy registration (NUR000 for RN; LPN000 for LPN) in specific sessions.
Application timeline (candidacy & TEAS)
| Milestone | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RN candidacy (NUR000) | Register in Spring Session I (for Fall clinical entry) or Fall Session I (for Spring clinical entry) | Per LaGuardia nursing page; key courses completed or in progress. |
| LPN candidacy (LPN000) | Spring I session only (per department) | Check academic calendar for registration deadlines. |
| TEAS submission (example) | Spring 2026 programs listed May 5, 2026 ATI TEAS results deadline | Do not schedule exams during blackout dates posted on the program page; only ATI remote-proctored TEAS accepted. |
Admissions snapshot (RN AAS)
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed as a single percentage—clinical seats are capped. |
| GPA in key courses | At least 2.75 in ENG101, SSY101, SCC110, and SCB203; no grade lower than C in required math/science; SCB204 before clinicals (see RN handbook for repeat rules). |
| ATI TEAS | ATI TEAS (remotely proctored through ATI Testing—Nursing) required; meet benchmarks in the RN handbook—verify current version and cut scores with Health Sciences. |
For LPN admission, key courses differ (for example MAT106 for medical dosages); use the Practical Nursing page and LPN handbook.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
CUNY sets community-college tuition centrally. The figures below are taken from CUNY Tuition and College Costs (undergraduate community college table) and apply to degree students unless your residency category differs.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NYC resident (full-time, 12+ credits) | $2,400 per semester |
| NYC resident (part-time) | $210 per credit |
| Non-resident (degree) | $320 per credit (full-time and part-time rows on the CUNY table) |
| Fees (examples) | CUNY lists a Technology Fee ($125/semester full-time), Activity Fees (vary by campus), and Consolidated Service Fee ($15/semester)—confirm on the same page. |
| Source | CUNY — Tuition and College Costs; LaGuardia Financial Aid. Confirm billed charges with the LaGuardia Bursar. |
LaGuardia’s Fast Facts (college profile) cites $4,800 annual tuition for degree students, consistent with two semesters at the standard CUNY community-college full-time rate. CUNY also publishes 2025–2026 nine-month student budget estimates on its tuition page for planning—not a bill from the college.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Pair NYSED’s first-time NCLEX data (cited above) with LaGuardia’s program completion, job placement, and NCLEX tables on the Registered Nursing and Practical Nursing pages. For employment demand, refer to the BLS Registered Nurses occupational outlook and local workforce reports.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN pass rate | 97.65% first-time (83/85; NYSED Associate table, 2025 column; 2023 column: 97.6%, 82/84). Confirm subsequent cohorts on NYSED. |
| Job placement / employment | LaGuardia publishes job placement tables on its nursing pages (for example, school-reported job placement 72% in 2024 on the RN page—confirm current year and methodology with Health Sciences). |
| Source | NYSED RN NCLEX tables; LaGuardia Registered Nursing. Confirm current rates with the school and NYSED. |
Is LaGuardia Community College the Right Fit for You?
LaGuardia fits students who want an affordable CUNY associate pathway into nursing with clinical experiences across Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and other NYC sites. It is a strong choice if you can meet ATI TEAS requirements, maintain at least a 2.75 in key pre-clinical courses, and attend day nursing blocks during 12-week sessions.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a CUNY community-college price point and can document NYC residency (or eligible NYS residency) for tuition purposes.
- Can complete remote-proctored ATI TEAS on an approved device (not Chromebook per LaGuardia’s notice) and follow candidacy registration steps.
- Value a diverse, urban campus in Long Island City with quick transit access to major hospitals.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a fully online pre-licensure RN program—LaGuardia emphasizes in-person clinicals and day nursing sequences.
- Cannot attend day clinical blocks or commit to the department’s 12-week session schedule.
- Expect guaranteed progression after a 2.75 key-course GPA—seats can still be limited when demand exceeds capacity.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Western Queens and Manhattan host major academic medical centers, public hospitals, and community clinics. LaGuardia states that nursing students gain experience in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and community agencies across NYC—exact contracts rotate with semester needs.
| Context | Details |
|---|---|
| Urban safety-net & tertiary care | Students in NYC programs commonly train across public, nonprofit, and academic systems; LaGuardia’s materials point to varied inpatient and community sites rather than a single employer pipeline. |
| Workforce demand | Metro New York remains a high-demand region for licensed nurses; always verify hiring and salary data with employers and the NYS Department of Labor for current statistics. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing and Health Sciences offices are in the E-Building (E-300/C-252 per LaGuardia). Nursing coursework follows CUNY Pathways and the department’s session calendar; expect intensive scheduling during clinical terms.
Broader campus support includes CUNY Edge, ASAP, and other CUNY success programs for eligible students—confirm eligibility separately from nursing admission.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Long Island City, Queens, NY
- Address
- 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101, US
- Main telephone
- (718) 482-7200
- Health Sciences (nursing)
- E-Building, E-300/C-252 — (718) 482-5774 · HealthSci@lagcc.cuny.edu
- Website
- laguardia.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the RN handbook (PDF) for ATI TEAS, key courses, candidacy, and repeat rules.
- Review the Registered Nursing degree map and compare your transcripts to pre-clinical courses.
- Register for remote-proctored ATI TEAS through ATI Testing—Nursing (avoid blackout dates listed on the program page).
- Bookmark NYSED RN NCLEX tables for the cohort you will join.
- Review LaGuardia’s NCLEX and outcomes tables on the Registered Nursing page.
- Email HealthSci@lagcc.cuny.edu to request candidacy forms and confirm NUR000/LPN000 registration dates.
- File financial aid and FAFSA through LaGuardia Financial Aid if applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LaGuardia Community College nursing ACEN-accredited?
Yes. LaGuardia states the Associate of Applied Science Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) with continuing accreditation. Confirm the current status on ACEN’s program search and LaGuardia’s nursing page.
What NCLEX-RN pass rate does NYSED show for La Guardia Community College?
NYSED’s Associate Degree RN table lists La Guardia Community College at 97.65% first-time (83/85) in the 2025 column; the 2023 column shows 97.6% (82/84). Confirm the latest numbers with NYSED and LaGuardia.
Does LaGuardia accept ATI TEAS scores from a testing center other than ATI remote proctoring?
LaGuardia’s nursing pages state that programs only accept exam results taken through ATI TEAS by ATI Testing—Nursing with remote proctoring; follow the department’s current handbook for eligible attempts and deadlines.
What GPA do LaGuardia RN applicants need in key courses?
To enter clinical nursing coursework, LaGuardia lists at least a 2.75 GPA in ENG101, SSY101, SCC110, and SCB203, with SCB204 completed before clinicals and no grade below C in required math/science—meeting minimums does not guarantee a seat.
When are TEAS and candidacy deadlines at LaGuardia?
Deadlines vary by cycle; the program page listed a Spring 2026 ATI TEAS submission deadline of May 5, 2026 with blackout dates around that window. Check the academic calendar and Health Sciences notices for your term.
Does LaGuardia offer a BSN on campus?
No. LaGuardia offers the RN AAS and LPN certificate on campus; the RN page lists four-year partners (for example Lehman, NYIT, Hunter, CUNY SPS) for bachelor’s completion.
How much is CUNY community college tuition at LaGuardia?
CUNY lists $2,400 per semester full-time for NYC residents and $210 per credit part-time, plus fees. LaGuardia Fast Facts cites $4,800 annual tuition for degree students.
Where is the LPN-to-RN bridge explained for LaGuardia?
Use LaGuardia’s LPN-to-RN information sheet and RN handbook—licensed LPNs may qualify for advanced standing after the NYS Coalition transition course and bridge coursework.
What NCLEX-PN data does LaGuardia publish?
The Practical Nursing page lists annual NCLEX-PN pass rates and a three-year average; pair with NYSED’s PN NCLEX table for official first-time counts.
What job placement rate does LaGuardia report for nursing?
LaGuardia’s Registered Nursing page publishes a job placement table by year (for example, school-reported job placement 72% in 2024). Confirm current cohort methodology with Health Sciences.
References
- LaGuardia Community College — Registered Nursing (AAS)laguardia.edu/nursing
- LaGuardia Community College — Practical Nursing (LPN)laguardia.edu/practical-nursing
- LaGuardia Community College — Health Scienceslaguardia.edu/health-sciences
- LaGuardia Community College — Maps & Directionslaguardia.edu
- NYSED Office of the Professions — RN NCLEX results (Associate)op.nysed.gov
- NYSED Office of the Professions — PN NCLEX resultsop.nysed.gov
- CUNY — Tuition and College Costscuny.edu
- LaGuardia Community College — About (Fast Facts)laguardia.edu/about
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for NCLEX alignment with NYSED associate-degree tables, CUNY tuition figures, and LaGuardia Health Sciences admissions rules (ATI TEAS, key-course GPA, candidacy).
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with LaGuardia Community College and the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions.
Published: March 27, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy