The future of nursing is here.
New York’s BSN in 10 Law: Requirements, Timeline and Exemptions
New York’s “BSN in 10” law, enacted in 2017 and amended in 2018, sets a clear standard for the future of nursing education. The legislation (S6768/A1842B) requires registered nurses who are not exempt to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher within 10 years of initial licensure in New York State in order to continue practicing beyond that period.
Just as important, the law recognizes that access matters. It established a temporary commission to examine barriers to entering the profession, reinforcing a broader goal: building a highly educated nursing workforce while expanding pathways into practice.
On This Page: Questions About New York’s BSN in 10 Law
What does the law state, in general?
The law requires registered nurses who are not exempt to complete a baccalaureate degree or higher in nursing within 10 years of initial licensure in New York State. To continue practicing beyond that 10-year period, nurses must meet this requirement at their registration renewal.
When will this law take effect?
The law took effect on June 18, 2020, following an amendment to the original legislation. The first group of registered nurses required to meet the BSN in 10 requirement will reach their 10-year deadline at their registration renewal occurring on or after June 18, 2030.
What does this mean for currently licensed RNs who do not hold a baccalaureate degree?
Registered nurses who were licensed in New York State, another state, a U.S. territory, or Canada on or before June 18, 2020, are exempt from the requirement.
What if I am a student currently enrolled in a nursing program?
Students who entered or had a pending application to a nursing program on or before June 18, 2020, may be exempt from the requirement, provided they meet specific criteria set by the New York State Education Department. In most cases, this includes maintaining continuous enrollment through completion of the program.
What if I need more than 10 years to complete my BSN?
The law allows the New York State Education Department to grant a "temporary educational exemption" or conditional registration for eligible nurses who need additional time to complete their degree. These options allow nurses to continue practicing while working toward meeting the requirement.
How did this legislation come about?
Over 52 years ago, the American Nurses Association published its first position paper on educational requirements for entry into practice, advocating that the baccalaureate degree be the minimum degree for entry into registered nurse practice.
Over the years, numerous regulatory and accrediting bodies have recommended this change to nursing education minimum requirements as a means to address increasingly complex patient care resulting from shorter lengths of stay, higher acuity and more sophisticated interventions. This proposal is the result of a growing body of research evidence that additional education results in better patient outcomes.
Why is this change in minimum educational requirements for registered professional nurses an important step in nursing education and the profession?
The impetus for this change in minimum educational requirements for registered professional nurses is due in part to the recognition of the increasing complexity of the American health care system. Rapidly expanding technology and procedures place greater demands on nursing competencies.
Several recent research studies demonstrate the added value of additional education in relation to improved patient outcomes. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing found that workplaces with baccalaureate-prepared nurses have lower patient mortality rates, lower failure-to-rescue rates and higher proficiency in diagnoses and evaluating nursing interventions.
Another study demonstrated that each 10 percent increase in the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses in the workplace results in a 5 percent decrease in surgical patient deaths.
Will associate degree and diploma nursing programs be phased out or eliminated?
No. The law recognizes the need for and value of the multiple educational paths and entry points into the profession.
Why should those exempt from the requirement to advance their education consider pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing?
Registered nurses who were licensed at the time the law took effect are exempt from the BSN in 10 requirement (refer to the legislation for full details). However, advancing to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) remains a valuable step for many nurses, offering expanded opportunities, stronger clinical preparation and greater flexibility in a changing health care environment.
Earning a BSN expands employment opportunities and supports career advancement. Many roles in leadership, education, informatics and specialty practice require or strongly prefer a baccalaureate degree. This includes positions such as nurse educators, nurse managers, informatics nurses and roles in specialty areas like oncology and perioperative care.
In addition, many health care organizations require a BSN for administrative and leadership positions. Over time, this can lead to increased responsibility, broader career pathways and higher earning potential.
A BSN builds on the knowledge and skills developed in associate and diploma programs, with additional focus on evidence-based practice, population health, leadership and health care systems. This preparation strengthens clinical judgment and supports safe, high-quality care across settings.
As patient care becomes more complex, ongoing professional development is essential. BSN education emphasizes lifelong learning and prepares nurses to adapt to advances in technology, care delivery and patient needs.
A BSN is also required for entry into graduate nursing programs, including nurse practitioner, nurse anesthesia, nurse-midwifery and doctoral pathways. Even for those unsure about pursuing an advanced degree, continuing formal education often strengthens confidence, knowledge and clinical perspective.
A growing body of research demonstrates a positive relationship between higher levels of nursing education and improved patient outcomes. Health care settings with more BSN-prepared nurses have reported lower patient mortality rates and improved quality and safety outcomes.
BSN programs build on prior education to prepare nurses to manage care across increasingly complex environments, including both hospital and community-based settings.
Demand for nurses remains high, but competition for certain roles, particularly in acute care and specialty settings, has increased. Many employers now prefer or require a BSN for new hires.
As more nurses enter the workforce with baccalaureate degrees, and as experienced nurses retire, a BSN can provide a competitive advantage in securing and advancing in desired roles.
Research suggests that BSN-prepared nurses report higher levels of job satisfaction compared with those holding an associate degree. Studies have also found greater satisfaction related to autonomy, professional opportunities and job stability, along with lower levels of job-related stress.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program identifies health care organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing practice. As part of this designation, hospitals must show that a significant proportion of nurse leaders hold a BSN or higher.
As more hospitals pursue Magnet status, the demand for BSN-prepared nurses, particularly in leadership roles, continues to grow.
UB's nationally recognized online nursing program
There are many pathways to advance your education. The University at Buffalo School of Nursing’s RN to BS program is designed for working nurses ready to take the next step without stepping away from their careers.
The fully online program can be completed in 12 to 24 months and builds on the knowledge and clinical experience of registered nurses who have already completed an associate or diploma program and passed the NCLEX-RN.
Coursework is delivered in a flexible, asynchronous format, allowing you to balance school, work and personal responsibilities while strengthening your clinical expertise, leadership skills and preparation for future opportunities in nursing.
The program has also been ranked the No. 1 online bachelor’s degree program in the nation for two consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report.
For more information on New York State's BSN in 10 law, please visit the New York State Education Department - Office of the Professions website.