According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), nurses in New York earn some of the highest salaries in the country. Registered nurses (RNs) make an average of $93,320, while nurse practitioners (NPs) earn $133,940.
Earning a master of science in nursing (MSN) in the state can be a financially beneficial decision. Keep reading to learn about some of the top nursing master's programs in New York.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best RN-to-MSN programs in New York, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Learn more about the key factors to consider when choosing a program, or go straight to our full ranking of the best New York RN-to-MSN programs.
At a Glance: The Top New York RN-to-MSN Programs
- University of Rochester
- Upstate Medical University
- Le Moyne College
Featured Online RN-to-MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How Do New York RN-to-MSN Programs Work?
RNs in New York with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and clinical experience can apply for an RN-to-MSN program. This accelerated bridge program provides a path for RNs to earn their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and master of science in nursing (MSN) simultaneously in as little as two years.
The fast-paced RN-to-MSN curriculum suits students who want to earn their BSN and MSN as quickly as possible. To help provide some flexibility, many programs in New York allow students to enroll on a full- or part-time basis while offering on-campus, online, or hybrid learning formats.
Applying to a New York RN-to-MSN Program
Before applying to an RN-to-MSN program in New York, make sure you meet the requirements necessary for acceptance. Check that the program offers your chosen specialization and is offered in the format that works best for your learning style.
While specific prerequisites may vary, many programs accept applicants who meet the following general requirements.
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Admission Materials
ADN from an accredited program, active and unencumbered New York RN license, transcripts, personal statement, letters of recommendation, one year of clinical experience as an RN
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Why Is New York RN-to-MSN Program Accreditation Important?
Attending an accredited program provides benefits for both prospective nurses and their future employers and patients:
- Accreditation proves the program meets quality standards, demonstrating that the school successfully prepares nurses.
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing only provide accreditation to programs that appropriately prepare students for their role as nurses.
- Doctoral programs expect applicants to hold a degree from an accredited institution.
- Students in unaccredited programs may not be eligible for federal financial aid.
- Accredited programs may not accept transfer credits from an unaccredited program.
- Employers prefer to hire graduates with a degree from an accredited program.
Learn More About the Best New York RN-to-MSN Programs and Schools
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
#1 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs in New York
University of Rochester
- Rochester, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1850, the University of Rochester has grown into a nationally recognized research institution, serving over 12,000 students in 200 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. The school of nursing, recognized as a leader in nursing education, research, and practice, offers one of the best RN-to-MSN programs in New York. Specialization options include nurse practitioner, nursing education, and nurse leadership.
Designed for working RNs, the program features a blended course format and on-site clinical experiences at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
- Program: RN to BS to MS program
- Campus: Rochester
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,740 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Associate degree or diploma in nursing; current New York RN license; minimum one year nursing experience; minimum 3.0 GPA; statistics course with a grade of C or above
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months; depends on number of credits accepted
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 80.1% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $95,073 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
82%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs in New York
Upstate Medical University
- Syracuse, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Affiliated with the State University of New York System, Upstate Medical University in Syracuse enrolls over 1,500 students in four academic divisions, including a school of nursing. Currently, the adult geriatric nurse practitioner (AGNP) program is the only master's-level option for RNs who hold a bachelor of science in nursing degree.
The AGNP program prepares graduates to work with patients 18 and older in leadership, consulting, education, and research roles. The hybrid curriculum, comprising both face-to-face and online coursework, accommodates full- and part-time plans of study.
- Program: Adult geriatric nurse practitioner
- Campus: Syracuse
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $471 per credit for New York residents; $963 for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing, current New York RN license; minimum one year nursing experience; minimum 3.0 GPA; basic health assessment or statistics course; current CPR certification
- Minimum Time Commitment: 17 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $93,964 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs in New York
Le Moyne College
- Syracuse, NY
- 4 years
- Campus
Operating for over 75 years in Syracuse, New York, LeMoyne College is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S., and the first to open as a coeducational institution. Guided by Catholic and Jesuit values to serve diverse, underserved, and vulnerable populations, the family nurse practitioner program maintains a commitment to training competent and compassionate clinicians.
Accommodating the needs of bachelor's-prepared RNs, the 45-credit program offers options for full- and part-time plans of study.
- Program: Family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Syracuse
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,025 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing; three letters of recommendation; resume, official college transcripts; personal statement; current New York RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $60,943 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
76%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Featured Online RN-to-MSN Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About New York RN-to-MSN Programs
Is an MSN program difficult?
Nurses should expect an MSN program to be more difficult than their undergraduate studies, as the courses are more advanced and clinical hours can be time-consuming. Many nurses may also have to continue working to afford their graduate program, requiring them to balance professional, personal, and academic responsibilities.
Do RNs with an MSN make more money?
While earning an MSN may be difficult, graduates gain higher earning potential, as RNs with the advanced degree make more than their ADN and BSN counterparts. The BLS reports that RNs earn a median salary of $77,600 in the U.S., while master's-prepared NPs earn $123,780.
What do nurses with MSN do?
Nurses with an MSN can focus on one of the four advanced practice registered nurse specializations: nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or certified nurse midwife.
NPs can choose a specific population, including adult gerontology, pediatrics, neonatal, oncology, psychiatry, family, or women's health. They can also focus on indirect specializations, such as administration, education, informatics, or health systems management.
Does an MSN lead to an NP career?
Every NP has at least an MSN, but not every nurse with an MSN is an NP. After becoming a licensed RN, nurses can enroll in an MSN program or NP program specializing in a concentration of their choosing. Upon completion, both receive a master's degree, but only one can obtain licensure as an NP.
