If you are a registered nurse looking to advance into a nurse practitioner role in the Empire State, you can get started with any of the accredited online nurse practitioner programs in New York.
The beauty of online NP programs is that your classes do not have to interfere (much) with your work schedules.
While some of the online nurse practitioner programs in New York have a purely online coursework component, others are structured in a more hybrid format.
This means that some of these NP programs will need you to attend class, say, once a week or every couple of weeks.
Each of the NP programs listed below is CCNE-accredited.
The MSN-NP programs are for RNs with a BSN degree; while the Advanced Certificate NP programs are for RNs with an MSN degree, and looking to transition/shift into an NP specialty.
Best Online NP Programs in NY
1. Utica University, Utica, NY
I. Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner
Utica University’s Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner (MS FNP) program is a specialized nursing degree that prepares you to take on the challenging yet rewarding role of a Family Nurse Practitioner.
You can earn this degree in as little as 20 months.
Format
The MS FNP program coursework is 100% online.
It encompasses 16 online courses, meticulously designed to prepare you for your future role. 7 of these are core courses that lay the foundation of nursing knowledge, while the remaining 10 are specialized FNP courses.
In-person Immersive Experience
You’ll participate in a 3-day immersion experience held on the University’s Utica campus. In a simulated clinical setting equipped with real hospital gear, you’ll get hands-on practice of essential skills like suturing and orthopedic splinting.
This immersion allows you to translate your theoretical knowledge into practice, giving you a taste of what it’s like to be an FNP.
Clinically Focused Practicum Hours
A substantial part of the program includes 775 practicum hours. These hours are geared towards the prevention of health issues, caring for child-bearing individuals, and managing chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, and hypertension.
These practicum hours count towards the 1,000 hours needed for the Family Nurse Practitioner certification.
II. Certificate of Advanced Studies in Family Nurse Practitioner
Utica University’s Certificate of Advanced Studies in FNP program requires you to complete 31 credits. You can do this in 20 months, or take up to five years if needed, all at your own pace.
Format
The entire coursework is online- making it easy to fit studying around your existing commitments.
Immersive Experience
As part of the course, you’ll spend a weekend on campus gaining hands-on experience in a simulated clinical setting. This is your chance to put what you’ve learned into practice.
2. Adelphi University, New York
Online Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) Master’s Program
Adelphi University offers an Online Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) Master’s program. It’s aimed at Registered Nurses in New York with Bachelor’s degrees who want to become AGPCNPs.
It has a total of 45 credit hours. It also requires 600 hours of clinical practice.
Format
The program is 100% online (asynchronous) and flexible. It’s designed to be completed in 3 years- 2.5 years if you’re fast and up to 5 years if your studies get interrupted.
What’s the Benefit?
Graduates are ready to be licensed in New York and can seek national AGPCNP board certification. The program offers small classes and one-on-one mentoring.
How Much Does It Cost?
Each credit hour costs $850, so the total tuition for the 45-hour program comes to $38,250. You can get more details on tuition here.
3. Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY
I. Master of Science in Nursing
Mount Saint Mary’s MSN program offers you the flexibility to fit your studies around your life. You can complete the program in as little as 2.5 years.
However, the pace is ultimately up to you, ensuring that your education fits seamlessly into your schedule- with most students completing within 4 years.
Alongside the preceptor clinical hours in this program, you can also dive into research opportunities integrated within the curriculum. This not only advances your knowledge, but also allows you to contribute to the field.
Format
This program adopts a blended learning approach. With classes once a week in the evening and a mixture of online courses, it creates an adaptable learning environment to cater to your needs.
Choose Your NP Track
Within the MSN program, you have the opportunity to choose from 3 distinct tracks. Each one is tailored to a specific area of nursing:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner: With this 44-credit track, you’ll complete 600 precepted clinical practice hours, focusing on the care of adults and older adults.
- Family Nurse Practitioner: This 44-credit track also includes 600 precepted clinical practice hours. It equips you with skills to provide comprehensive healthcare to families and individuals.
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: This track is slightly different, requiring 47 credits along with 600 precepted clinical practice hours. Here, you’ll focus on mental health across all age groups.
II. Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing
Mount Saint Mary College’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing program is designed to strengthen the skills you’ve already developed during your MSN program. It’s the perfect next step if you’re aiming for a nurse practitioner role.
Format
With evening classes held once a week and blended online courses, it provides the flexibility to maintain your work-life balance while advancing your studies.
Choose Your NP Track
The program offers three distinct tracks for your Post-Master’s Certificate:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Certificate: Dive into adult and geriatric care with this 27-credit track, which also requires a minimum of 540 clinical hours.
- Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate: This 30-credit track, requiring at least 540 clinical hours, prepares you to provide holistic healthcare to individuals and families.
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate: Focus on mental health across the lifespan with this 21-credit track, which also requires a minimum of 540 clinical hours.
4. Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
I. Master of Science Nursing Programs
Stony Brook School of Nursing, nestled within the renowned Stony Brook University in New York, offers a range of MSN programs to get you into an advanced practice NP role.
Format
Stony Brook’s MSN programs are designed for your convenience. Offered online through Blackboard, these programs also include some on-site requirements, providing a balanced blend of digital learning and in-person instruction.
Choosing Your MSN NP Specialty
All the nurse practitioner MSN programs at Stony Brook require 45 credits. You can choose from:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
What Awaits You After Graduation?
You will be eligible for certification and registration as a nurse practitioner by the New York State Education Department. You’ll also be eligible for National Certification, based on the NP specialization you pursued.
II. Advanced Certificate in Nursing Programs
If you already have a relevant masters-level degree and are looking for a nurse practitioner specialization, then any of Stony Brook’s Advanced Certificate Programs will be an excellent pathway.
Format
The advanced certificate programs are offered online but with on-site requirements.
Choose Your NP Specialization
Each of Stony Brook’s Advanced Certificate Programs requires a certain minimum number of credits to graduate:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: Deepen your knowledge of adult and geriatric care with at least 19 credits.
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Focus on acute care for adults and geriatrics, requiring a minimum of 13 credits.
- Family Nurse Practitioner: Expand your holistic family care skills with this 22-credit program.
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: Specialize in pediatric care with at least 20 credits.
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Dive into acute pediatric care, requiring at least 11 credits.
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Strengthen your mental health care skills with this 22-credit program.
By offering a wide range of Advanced Certificate Programs, Stony Brook allows you to select the perfect specialization that aligns with your career aspirations.
5. SUNY College at Brockport, NY
I. Family Nurse Practitioner (MS)
SUNY Brockport offers a 42-credit FNP MSN program designed to equip practicing nurses with the skills necessary to step into the advanced role of a family nurse practitioner.
Each course runs for a full semester, typically 15 weeks. However, they also offer online summer courses, which are six weeks in length.
You can choose to apply for either full-time or part-time status, according to your availability and commitments. For those who can dedicate their time fully, the program can be completed in 2 years.
Format
All non-clinical courses in the program are delivered 100% online, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace and convenience.
For the clinical courses, a hybrid format is followed. These classes are scheduled for up to three Friday evenings and Saturdays each semester, providing an essential hands-on component to your learning.
What Awaits You After Graduation?
Upon graduating, you are eligible to sit for the national licensure exam as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
II. FNP- Certificate of Advanced Standing (CAS) Program
For nurse practitioners aiming to broaden their horizons and step into the role of a family nurse practitioner, SUNY Brockport’s FNP – Certificate of Advanced Standing (CAS) Program can provide the necessary stepping stone.
This part-time program is specifically tailored for nurse practitioners who aren’t currently family nurse practitioners but desire to expand their scope of practice. It is your gateway to establishing eligibility for FNP licensure.
To enroll, you need to be a currently registered professional nurse and an advanced practice provider.
For most nurse practitioners with advanced standing, this program will entail approximately 16 credit hours.
Format
All non-clinical courses in the program are delivered 100% online, providing flexibility for your study schedule.
The clinical courses follow a hybrid model, with sessions scheduled for up to three Friday evenings and Saturdays each semester at the Brockport campus.
Your clinical experiences will be in-person at a designated clinical site, offering hands-on learning that’s crucial to your development as a family nurse practitioner.
6. SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Utica, NY
Advanced Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
If you’re a nursing professional seeking to expand your expertise in psychiatric mental health, SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Advanced Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program could be your ideal next step.
This Advanced Certificate is a 24-credit program that enriches your nursing knowledge base with an emphasis on Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice (PMHNP).
Through this program, you’ll be equipped with an advanced body of knowledge, enabling you to deliver mental health services across diverse age groups.
Format
The program utilizes an online format that blends both asynchronous and synchronous courses- allowing you to learn at your convenience while also participating in real-time, interactive learning experiences.
Curriculum Highlights
The 24-credit curriculum focuses on enhancing your diagnostic reasoning skills, understanding of psychopharmacology therapeutics, and advanced theory in PMHNP.
Alongside these theoretical components, the program requires 640 clinical hours under the mentorship of nurse practitioners or physicians active in psychiatric mental health practice.
What Awaits You After Graduation?
Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll meet the educational requirements for national board certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Additionally, you become eligible for New York State NP certification.
7. SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
I. MSN- Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Program
If you’re looking to advance your career in adult geriatric care, you might find a perfect match in SUNY Upstate Medical University’s Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Master’s Degree program.
This program equips RNs with skills and knowledge to enhance the health outcomes of patients aged 18 and above across various healthcare settings.
The curriculum places significant emphasis on patient-centered care, preparing you to meet the diverse needs of the adult and geriatric population.
Program Duration: Full-Time and Part-Time Options
With flexibility in mind, the program offers both full-time and part-time study options. Full-time students can complete the program in about 2-3 years, carrying a minimum of nine credits each semester.
Part-time students, on the other hand, typically carry six credits per semester and can finish the program in 3-5 years.
Format
The program offers a blend of online and in-person classes.
Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum is designed to provide a holistic learning experience.
You will delve into a variety of topics including advanced practice roles, nursing theory, family theory, informatics, quality and safety, leadership and health care policy, and advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology.
Culmination: Thesis or Project
To cap off the program, you’ll have the choice between completing a master’s thesis or a culminating project.
II. Post Graduate Advanced Certificate Program
The Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Advanced Certificate Program at SUNY Upstate Medical University is designed with a dual purpose.
It welcomes RNs holding a clinical master’s degree who aspire to become nurse practitioners. Additionally, it caters to already certified nurse practitioners looking to obtain certification in another specialty area.
Format
The program employs a hybrid approach to teaching- mixing online and in-person courses. The online portions are delivered through Brightspace, while the on-site classes are scheduled for one evening each week.
Choosing Your NP Specialty
You have the option to choose from 4 distinct specialty areas based on your career goals:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (32 credits): Ideal for those interested in offering comprehensive healthcare services to patients of all ages.
- Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (35 credits): A fit for those looking to provide mental health services within a family context.
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (32 credits): Tailored for those wishing to focus on the health needs of infants, children, and adolescents.
- Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (32 credits): Suitable for those wanting to care for patients aged 18 and above, especially the elderly.
8. University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
Nurse Practitioner Masters Programs
The University of Rochester offers comprehensive Nurse Practitioner Masters Programs that are carefully designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to pass national certification examinations in the different nursing specializations.
Choose Your NP Specialization
The university has 6 different nurse practitioner tracks that you can consider based on your career interests and goals. Each track requires a distinct number of credit hours and clinical practice hours:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care: This track focuses on acute care for adult and elderly patients, requiring you to complete 47 credit hours and 672 clinical hours.
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care: In this track, you’ll focus on primary care for adults and the elderly, with 45 credit hours and 672 clinical hours required.
- Family: This comprehensive track prepares you to provide care for patients across all age groups. It requires 55 credit hours and 672 clinical hours.
- Psychiatric Mental Health: This specialization focuses on mental health nursing care and requires 54 credit hours and 616 clinical hours.
- Pediatric: This track is centered around the care of children and adolescents, with 45 credit hours and 616 clinical hours required.
- Pediatric/Neonatal: This specialization prepares you to provide care for newborns, infants, and young children.
Format
These programs are delivered in a hybrid format. You’ll engage in online learning, on-site simulation training, and gain practical experience through clinical placements.
Admission Requirements for Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York
Here are the general admission requirements for applying to MSN NP programs in New York:
- Bachelor’s Degree: You must have a BSN from an accredited institution.
- RN: You need to have an active and unrestricted NYS RN license.
- Experience: Some programs may require work experience as a registered nurse, but this varies by institution and specialization.
- GPA: Many programs require a minimum GPA, often around a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, for undergraduate coursework.
- Letters of Recommendation: These are typically required, usually from professional sources who can attest to your qualifications for advanced practice nursing.
- Statement of Purpose or Personal Essay: This is usually required and should outline your career objectives, why you’re interested in the NP role, and why you’re choosing the particular specialty.
- Resume/CV: A professional resume or CV outlining your experience in the nursing field is usually required.
- Interview: Some programs may require an interview as part of the application process.
- Prerequisite Courses: Certain prerequisite courses might be required before starting the MSN program, such as statistics, health assessment, and others depending on the program.
- GRE: Some MSN programs may require GRE scores, but many have dropped this requirement. Check with the specific programs you’re interested in to confirm.
If you are applying to a post-masters Nurse Practitioner Certificate program in NY, you would be generally required to meet the following additional requirements:
- Master’s Degree: You must have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited institution.
- Nursing Experience: Experience as a registered nurse is typically required, and some programs may also require experience in the specific area of the advanced practice specialization.
- Letters of Recommendation: Often from professional sources who can attest to your qualifications for advanced practice nursing.
- Certification: If you are already a certified advanced practice nurse, some programs may require you to submit a copy of your current certification.
Frequently Asked Questions-Answered
In New York, it generally takes 6-8 years to become a Nurse Practitioner: 4 years for a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN), 1-2 years of work experience (though not always required), and 2 years for a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN).
NPs in New York State have “full practice” status. They can independently evaluate, diagnose, and manage patient treatments- including prescribing medications, without a supervisory or collaborative agreement with a physician.
Disclaimer:
- Information on these programs may change without notice. So, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and accuracy. You’d have to check with the school and do further research. Our review list is simply for guidance and cannot be relied upon exclusively without research on your part.
- Before enrollment, check with your state regarding licensing rules or whether your desired program meets your home state’s certification requirements and licensure.
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