Nursing Program Ranked Among Best in New York by RegisteredNursing.org; Physical Therapist Assistant Students Stand Out in NPTE Pass Rates for New York Schools
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (September 11, 2025) — LaGuardia Community College/CUNY is committed to preparing healthcare professionals who are not only academically strong, but also equipped with the skills and compassion needed to serve our communities.
Recently, LaGuardia’s Nursing Program was recognized as one of the best in New York for 2026, and students in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program continue to excel in the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE).
Nursing Program Receives High Rankings
The Nursing Program has been named among the best in New York for 2026 by RegisteredNursing.org’s 10th annual rankings. The Nursing Program ranked #3 under the Top Performing Nursing Schools with exceptional NCLEX preparation and student success rates. LaGuardia ranked with a 98.80% pass rate, just behind the University at Buffalo (99.55% pass rate) and Hartwick College (100% pass rate). LaGuardia was the top community college in the ranking.
“This recognition reflects the extraordinary dedication of our nursing faculty and the determination of our students, who together create a learning environment defined by excellence and inclusion,” said Billie Gastic Rosado, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Our program stands apart because we prepare nurses not only with exceptional clinical skills, but also with a deep commitment to serving all communities with compassion and equity.”
LaGuardia’s Nursing Program was also ranked #1 by EduMed as Best Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program for aspiring nurses in New York. EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). The most recent data pulled was in July 2024.
Superprof Blog also ranked LaGuardia’s Nursing Program as one of the Best in New York State, ranking LaGuardia #7 on the list, but the only community college included in the ranking.
“What makes LaGuardia’s Nursing program truly special is the unwavering commitment of our faculty, staff, and students,” said Faith Armstrong, MS, RN, Nursing Professor and Director of LaGuardia’s Nursing Program. “Our students demonstrate resilience, and a passion for caring for others, while our faculty bring deep expertise, mentorship, and a tireless dedication in preparing the next generation of nurses. This achievement reflects not only academic excellence, but also the heart and hard work that define our community.”
“As Chair of the Health Sciences Department, I am proud to share that both our Nursing and Physical Therapy Assistant programs have achieved outstanding success, earning top pass rates and number one rankings in New York State,” said Dr. Philip Gimber, Nursing Professor. “This achievement is a direct reflection of our exceptional faculty, who bring unmatched expertise to the classroom, and our dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to support students—whether by securing strong clinical placements, arranging labs, or finding grants to provide tutoring and resources that help students thrive.”
LaGuardia PTA Students Shine
LaGuardia’s National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) pass rate for Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) students over the past few years is 100% surpassing all other schools in NY. LaGuardia also had the largest number of test takers of any New York school.
“The continual success of the PTA program is a reflection of the consistency and long-term commitment and collaboration between the faculty team and the students in advancing physical therapy education at LaGuardia,” said Clarence Chan, PT, DPT, Professor and Director of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. “Each of the PTA faculty, core and associate members of the team, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We are personally committed to student success.”
“The faculty members take responsibility for every student’s learning experience,” Chan added. “We care for them from the moment they enter the program through and beyond graduation, when they sit for the national board exam. PTA students do not have just an instructor for their classes. They have the entire faculty team to educate, mentor, and nurture them in becoming future healthcare professionals. Our graduates are competent clinicians, but they are also conscientious citizens prepared to serve the community and beyond.”
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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.
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