If you are considering nurse practitioner (NP) programs in New York, you may have questions about the admissions process, what to expect during your clinicals, or how to find accredited nurse practitioner programs. Another important factor for many prospective NP students is how to pay for a graduate degree.
Learn more about potential careers as a nurse practitioner, applying to NP programs, and paying for your graduate-level education. Once you know which data points you want to research, get access to the Top 5 NP programs in New York in this guide.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nurse practitioner programs in NY, 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.
Featured Online MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Learn About the Best New York Nurse Practitioner Programs and Schools
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
#1 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York
Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Stony Brook University, one of 64 schools in the State University of New York System, offers several master of science in nursing education degrees, including an online family nurse practitioner program. The 45-credit curriculum prepares graduates to manage acute and chronic health conditions through health promotion, maintenance, and restoration.
Required core courses include family nursing theory and interventions, organizational leadership, safety and technology, and policy and advocacy. The Office of Clinical Placements works collaboratively with faculty to secure suitable placements for students.
- Program: Master of science - family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Stony Brook, New York
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $471 per credit for New York residents; $963 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; minimum one year of clinical practice
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 95.5% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $105,660 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York
Hofstra University
- Hempstead, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located just outside of New York City in suburban Long Island, Hofstra University administers over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs. The master of science program in the family nurse practitioner track admits students in the fall semester only.
The 51-credit degree emphasizes the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses and preventive healthcare. Students must complete a total of 840 direct clinical care hours and a project incorporating evidence-based practice that addresses a significant healthcare problem or issue.
- Program: Master of science in nursing - family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Hempstead, New York
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,570 per credit
- Admission Requirements: BSN; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; minimum of two years of clinical practice
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment
14%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York
Wagner College
- Staten Island, NY
- 4 years
- Campus
Wagner College, in the New York City borough of Staten Island, offers a variety of undergraduate liberal arts majors and graduate programs in business administration, education, microbiology, physician assistant, and nursing.
The 45-credit master's in nursing features a family nurse practitioner concentration. Designed for practicing RNs, the program offers conveniently scheduled classes in the late afternoons, evenings, and weekends.
Students take core classes in pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment, and management of common conditions and specialized coursework in family nursing, research, and policy.
- Program: Master in nursing - family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Staten Island, New York
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Tuition: $1,255 per credit
- Admission Requirements: BSN, including a course in nursing research; current RN license; minimum 3.2 GPA; clinical practice
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 85.9% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $106,420 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
- Utica, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
SUNY Polytechnic Institute, spanning 400 acres at the foot of the Adirondack Mountains, serves over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The master of science in nursing offers a hybrid family nurse practitioner tract. During the first semester, students must attend onsite classes one day per week, with the number of campus visits decreasing over the course of the program.
The 45-credit degree requires 800 hours of clinical experience and a comprehensive final exam.
- Program: Master of science in nursing - family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Utica, New York
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $471 per credit for New York residents; $963 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $96,630 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
- Brooklyn, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University boasts the only academic medical center in Brooklyn, New York. The school of nursing, one of five health science units, serves a diverse student population, offering a master of science with concentrations in nursing education and women's health.
The women's health nurse practitioner track offers a holistic approach to obstetrics and gynecological care, focusing on health promotion and disease prevention to women throughout the lifespan. Students must complete 44 credits over five semesters.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Brooklyn, New York
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $471 per credit for New York residents; $963 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 88.2% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $113,740 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#6 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York
Upstate Medical University
- Syracuse, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The only academic medical center in central New York, Upstate Medical University offers a master of science with an adult geriatric nurse practitioner track in online and in-person formats. The 50-credit program requires courses in advanced practice nursing, nursing theory, family theory, and advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology. The curriculum also emphasizes organizational leadership, health care policy, and research.
The program works with students to complete their clinical practice requirements on campus at Upstate University Hospital and at approved sites throughout New York.
- Program: Master of science - adult geriatric nurse practitioner
- Campus: Syracuse, New York
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $471 per credit for New York residents; $963 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; minimum of one year of clinical practice
- Minimum Time Commitment: 17 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $93,960 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
#7 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York
Mercy College
- Dobbs Ferry, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located about 20 miles north of Manhattan along the Hudson River, Mercy College has provided undergraduate and graduate education since 1950. The family nurse practitioner master's program in the School of Health and Natural Sciences trains RNs for advanced practice roles in primary care, managing acute and chronic medical conditions.
The 42-credit program requires 12 credits of core coursework in health policy, biostatistics and epidemiology, and foundations of nursing theory and research. Students must also participate in 200 hours of precepted clinical placements each semester for three semesters.
- Program: Master of science - family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Dobbs Ferry, New York
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $971 per credit
- Admission Requirements: BSN; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 41.1% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $124,270 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
87%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#8 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York
Pace University
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Established in 1906, Pace University enrolls over 13,000 students in 135 undergraduate and 89 graduate programs, with campuses in New York City and Westchester. The College of Health Professions offers master of science programs with adult-gerontology, nursing education, and family practitioner tracks.
The master of science-family practitioner program, available at both campuses, focuses on evidence-based, culturally competent primary healthcare for families and communities. The 42-credit curriculum provides flexible online and on-campus course offerings and individually precepted clinical placements.
- Program: Master of science-family nurse practitioner
- Campus: New York, New York
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,420 per credit
- Admission Requirements: BSN, valid RN license, minimum 3.0 GPA; an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of "B" or above
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 74.7% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $107,610 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York
Long Island University
- Brookville, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Long Island University offers more than 500 programs at its Brooklyn and Post campuses. LIU-Post, named after breakfast cereal inventor Charles William Post, occupies over 300 acres in the village of Brookville on Long Island's North Shore.
The LIU-Post campus offers a master of science in nursing, with adult-gerontology and family nurse practitioner concentrations. The 46-credit family nurse practitioner program, designed to be completed over seven semesters, uses a blended format with about half the coursework delivered online.
- Program: Master of science - family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Brookville, New York
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,325 per credit
- Admission Requirements: BSN; valid RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; health assessment, research, and statistics courses; minimum of one year of clinical practice
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 62.9% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $106,420 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
20%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#10 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York
College of Mount Saint Vincent
Established in 1847 by the Sisters of Charity of New York in the Riverdale community of the Bronx, the College of Mount Saint Vincent enrolls over 1,800 students. The master of science-family nurse practitioner degree, designed for practicing RNs, offers convenient late afternoon or evening classes. The 42-credit curriculum requires 15 credits in core coursework in theory, research, leadership, ethics, and healthcare policy. Students also take nine credits in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, and 21 credits in family nurse practitioner and practicum courses.
- Program: Master of science - family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Bronx, New York
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $850 per credit
- Admission Requirements: BSN; valid RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; nursing research, and statistics courses with a grade of "C" or above; minimum of one year of clinical practice
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 63.1% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $108,090 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
25%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an NP Program
There are several important factors to consider when searching for the New York nurse practitioner program that best meets your expectations and qualifications. The data points below contribute to our overall best NP programs in New York rankings; they represent key indicators to tune into when comparing programs.
Admission Requirements
Reviewing the admission requirements for each prospective program helps you know if you qualify to apply for the program. Common admission requirements include a minimum GPA, registered nurse (RN) licensure status, and years of RN experience.
Specializations
The type of specialization offered will be a primary consideration when comparing programs. Before enrolling in a specific master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program, you must choose which career path you want to pursue because each specialty requires different graduation and time requirements.
Program Curriculum
The nurse practitioner curriculum emphasizes professional expertise needed for specialty care practice in various healthcare settings. Examples of NP courses include pharmacology, health promotion, and disease prevention. But each program has a unique course curriculum, so it's essential to explore which classes each program requires.
Clinical Experience
All NP programs have clinical requirements but many differ in format. For example, although all schools require specific practicum hours, the number of hours an NP program mandates per week varies by institution. It's important to determine the requirements, including how many hours and where clinical practicums are held, to ensure the required hours align with your work, family, and personal obligations.
If students can set up their clinical practicums, explore whether the school assists with clinical placements.
Accreditation
Finding out if a program is accredited may be one of the most important considerations when searching for the right NP program. Accredited nursing programs ensure quality because a review process checks most aspects of the program, including professors, curriculum, required clinical hours, course materials, and more.
Many employers prefer graduates from accredited programs; state mandates for certified NPs usually require that nurses attend accredited programs.
Program Length
It usually takes 6-8 years to become an NP; this includes earning a bachelor's in nursing, gaining clinical RN experience, and earning a graduate degree. Direct-entry MSN specialty programs usually take 2-3 years to complete on a full-time basis and up to 48 months part time.
Many students consider the program length and number of credits required before applying to an NP program. Finishing the program as soon as possible may be advantageous if you work full time and juggle responsibilities like parenting, family demands, and other obligations.
School NCLEX Pass Rate
Although RNs accepted into NP programs have already taken the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), a school's NCLEX pass rate is a good indicator of the quality of the nursing school and how well it prepares students for a career in nursing.
School Graduation Rate
Graduation rates are important factors when considering the right NP program in New York. The number of students who completed the program in the past is one indicator of how achievable it is.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Deciding whether you want to attend an in-person or online nursing program is another factor to consider. Attending a program online can be convenient, particularly for working students. But it's essential to check out the format of the program. For example, some programs have all synchronous courses that are live, while others combine synchronous with asynchronous (the ability to do coursework on your schedule) courses.
If you must go online and attend classes at specific times of day, it's important to ensure the online schedule is compatible with your work and family obligations.
Why Is NP Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation is an evaluation process performed by a third party; it ensures academic programs and clinicals meet industry standards. The accreditation process informs prospective students about the quality of programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is the accrediting body for MSN programs.
Every program listed in our top-ranked nurse practitioner programs in New York is accredited. Why is this important? There are many reasons you should only consider an accredited NP program, including:
- The accreditation process ensures the quality of nurse practitioner programs.
- Credits from unaccredited schools often cannot be transferred to NP programs.
- Graduates of accredited nursing programs meet the national standards for nursing practice.
- Accreditation assures that nursing programs provide the curriculum and clinical experience required to pass NP certification tests in their respective fields of study, such as family practice nurse practitioners.
- MSN programs may not accept unaccredited undergraduate degrees.
- The federal government may not provide financial aid to students attending unaccredited NP programs.
- It is possible to secure a better job with an accredited MSN degree.
Applying to a New York Nurse Practitioner Program
Once you find the right nurse practitioner program, it is important to understand the admission requirements to ensure a smooth enrollment. Generally, you will need to have earned your bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and possess an unencumbered RN license.
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Admission Requirements
The admission requirements depend on the school and the type of program. For example, prerequisites for an RN-to-MSN degree nurse practitioner program include an associate degree in nursing (ADN), an unencumbered RN license, a 3.0 or higher GPA, and at least one year of nursing experience.
A BSN-to-MSN program is more common and usually requires a BSN in nursing, an unencumbered RN license, a 3.0 GPA, and at least one year of clinical experience.
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Admission Materials
Common course requirements for nurse practitioner programs in New York include anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and microbiology prerequisite courses. Other requirements often include an online application and application fee, one or more letters of recommendation, and an in-person or online face-to-face interview.
Many schools do criminal background checks. Some schools require graduate-level test scores, such as GRE or GMAT test scores, but some have waived this requirement.
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GPA Requirement
The requirement for many nurse practitioner programs is a 3.0 or higher GPA.
Paying for Nurse Practitioner Programs
There are many factors involved in attending nurse practitioner programs in New York that impact a student's finances and ability to pay out-of-pocket for tuition, including:
- A flexible schedule that allows students to work while continuing their education
- The overall length of the program
- Private vs. state colleges and universities (private schools are usually more expensive)
- In-state vs. out-of-state tuition
- Living on campus vs. off campus
- Cost of living expenses in the school's geographic area
For students who are unable to pay out-of-pocket for graduate school, there are many financial aid resources for nurses. This includes nursing scholarships and grants. Federal loans and grants are available to nurses enrolled in accredited nurse practitioner programs in New York to help them finance their nursing degree.
Featured Online MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Can You Do With a Degree from a Nurse Practitioner Program?
There are a variety of specialty tracks and concentrations, each with unique opportunities and salary potentials. Most specializations prepare nurses for certification in their respective fields of study.
Many MSN-level nurse practitioner programs prepare students to become certified NPs in various practice areas. For example, one in-demand area is family nurse practitioner (FNP). An FNP certification prepares graduates to work in primary care, a critically underserved area for skilled advanced practice RNs.
On average, completing a nurse practitioner program can take between 20 months to six years. The length of the program depends on many factors, such as whether you attend an RN-to-MSN degree program or if you already have a BSN when you enroll in a nurse practitioner program in New York. Another significant factor is whether you are pursuing an MSN or a DNP degree. The type of specialty program you pursue can also impact the program length.
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners in 2020, potential earnings by specialty for a few popular specialties include:
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Nurse Practitioner Programs
How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner in New York?
Typically, a BSN program takes four years to complete. However, applicable transfer credits may reduce this time. Bridge or accelerated programs may be available to students with non-nursing bachelor's degrees or RNs with ADNs. Once a student earns an BSN, the average time to complete an MSN nurse practitioner program is 1-2 years; a DNP program takes 3-6 years.
How do I become a nurse practitioner in New York?
To become a nurse practitioner in New York, you must earn a BSN degree, take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, and gain at least a year of work experience as an RN.
Next, you must graduate from an MSN or a DNP program and get NP state licensure and national board certification.
What is the salary range for nurse practitioners in New York?
The salary for an NP in New York can vary depending on many factors, such as the area of practice, whether you are certified, what type of degree you have ( MSN or DNP), and the geographic location within the state.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for NPs is $121,610 annually; the 10th percentile earns $87,340 annually, and the 90th percentile has a yearly salary of $165,240.
What are the educational requirements for NP certification in New York?
Students must graduate from an accredited MSN or an accredited doctoral nursing program. The program must offer a specialty track/concentration for specific types of nurse practitioner certifications.
Page last reviewed October 10, 2022. Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.
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