Updated September 16, 202625+ min read

Top Online MSN Schools in New York for 2027

Compare RN-to-MSN, BSN-to-MSN, and direct-entry programs by cost, format, and specialty across New York State and NYC.

New York has more than a dozen accredited online and hybrid MSN programs, and the tuition spread between them is significant: SUNY schools like Farmingdale and Brockport run under $15,000 in-state, while NYU and the University of Rochester sit above $40,000 per year. That range forces a real trade-off between name recognition and debt load, especially for nurses planning to work in the state's saturated NYC market.

What separates New York from most other states is clinical density. Between the NYC hospital systems, upstate academic medical centers, and rural primary care networks, online students rarely struggle to secure preceptors close to home, which is often the hardest logistical piece of any graduate nursing program.

Best Online MSN Schools in New York

New York has one of the deepest nursing education markets in the country, and its public and private universities have moved much of their graduate nursing coursework online without giving up clinical placement support. The schools below all deliver their MSN programs in online or hybrid formats, whether you are a working RN adding an advanced practice credential or a career changer entering through a direct entry route. Each entry notes tuition, available concentrations, and, where the school reports it, what graduates earn after finishing.

How we ranked these
Factors considered
  • Earnings ten years after entry
  • Graduation rate
  • Program-level completion outcomes
  • Net price after aid
  • Online and hybrid delivery
Data sources
  • Original research on individual programs
  • NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
  • College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
  • In-house program catalog data

Binghamton University

#1

Vestal, NY · $10,000 – $15,000/yr

Best for: Working RNs seeking affordable administration tracks

Binghamton University's Decker School of Nursing keeps its master's offerings tightly focused on nurse administrator roles, with adult-gerontological and community health concentrations delivered in a hybrid format. The 46-credit curriculum takes about two years full time, while part-time students can stretch the work across three to four years. New York residents pay roughly a third of what out-of-state students pay, and the university's graduation rate above 80% points to solid academic support.

CCNE accredited
  • Hybrid format: online asynchronous courses plus campus sessions
  • 46 credits, four semesters for full-time students
  • Adult-gerontological nursing concentration
  • Nurse administrator role preparation and leadership coursework
  • CCNE accredited
  • Five-year limit to complete the degree
CCNE accredited
  • Community health nursing concentration
  • Part-time study spans three to four years
  • 3.0 GPA, RN licensure, and a personal statement required
  • No GRE required; two recommendation letters
  • Clinical hours plus elective options
  • Advanced health assessment and pathophysiology coursework

Stony Brook University

#2

Stony Brook, NY · $14,000/yr

Best for: RNs aiming for family practice certification

Stony Brook University's School of Nursing pairs a family nurse practitioner track with a nurse midwifery option, both built as hybrid programs that combine online coursework with clinical placements. The FNP program reports unusually strong outcomes for the field: median earnings of $111,127 one year after graduation and $122,231 after five years, with all graduates working in New York State. Resident tuition is roughly a third of the non-resident rate, which keeps the degree within reach for in-state nurses.

CCNE accredited
  • Median earnings of $111,127 one year after graduation
  • Median earnings of $122,231 five years after graduation
  • Average of 2.78 years to complete the degree
  • 100% of graduates working in New York State
  • Hybrid format with clinical prevention and population health
  • CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
  • 45 credits in a hybrid distance format with on-site clinicals
  • Prepares graduates for certified nurse midwife practice
  • Focus on women's care across the lifespan
  • Includes multiple midwifery practicums
  • Advanced health assessment and clinical pharmacology
  • CCNE accredited

New York University

#3

New York, NY · $43,000/yr

Best for: Pediatric nurses pursuing dual acute care certification

NYU's Rory Meyers College of Nursing prepares pediatric nurse practitioners through a hybrid program that combines synchronous online classes, on-campus immersions, and clinical placements with practicing PNPs. Students can choose a combined primary and acute care track that positions them for dual CPNP-PC and CPNP-AC certification, or a primary care track, and both expect prior acute care pediatric experience. Tuition is the highest on this list by a wide margin, though a graduation rate near 88% and the college's New York City clinical network are clear advantages.

CCNE accredited
  • Eligibility for dual CPNP-PC and CPNP-AC certification
  • Requires at least one year of acute care pediatric experience
  • Hybrid model with on-campus immersions
  • Clinical placements with expert pediatric nurse practitioners
  • Simulation experiences with standardized patients
  • Prepares students for Pediatric Nursing Certification Board exams
  • CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
  • Master of Science or DNP degree options
  • Focus on pediatric primary care
  • Clinical placements arranged for students
  • Interprofessional education and leadership training
  • Prepares graduates for national certification and prescribing

University of Rochester

#4

Rochester, NY · $39,000/yr

The University of Rochester's School of Nursing covers a wide range of advanced practice paths, from family and pediatric nurse practitioner tracks to a pediatric and neonatal program with Level IV NICU clinicals, a clinical nurse leader option, and a 16-month direct entry master's for career changers. Most programs run in a hybrid format with evening coursework and clinical immersion, and the clinical nurse leader track reports a 100% first-time certification exam pass rate. The university's graduation rate near 85% is among the stronger figures in this group.

CCNE accredited
  • Primary care across the lifespan, infancy through older adulthood
  • Prepares students for ANCC or AANP certification (FNP-BC or FNP-C)
  • Hybrid format; an advanced certificate option also exists
  • CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
  • Prepares students for the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board exam
  • Well-child care, screening, and behavioral health topics
  • Work settings include primary care, schools, and hospitals
  • Available as a master's degree or advanced certificate
CCNE accredited
  • 37 credits with 448 clinical immersion hours
  • Hybrid online format with evening coursework
  • Reported 100% first-time CNL certification exam pass rate
  • Only clinical nurse leader program in upstate New York
  • Focus on safety, quality, and care coordination
CCNE accredited
  • Dual specialty preparation in pediatric and neonatal care
  • Clinical experience in a Level IV NICU
  • Eligibility for dual national certification
  • Care for low-risk and high-risk infants
  • CCNE accredited
ACEN accredited
  • 16-month program for holders of a non-nursing bachelor's degree
  • 70 credits, 690 clinical hours, plus 90 lab hours
  • Hybrid online and in-person, full time only
  • Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam
  • ACEN accredited

Farmingdale State College

#5

Farmingdale, NY · $9,000/yr

Hispanic-Serving Institution

Farmingdale State College offers a fully online master's in nursing administration, the cleanest distance-only option in this group for nurses who want leadership credentials without campus travel. The 35-credit curriculum covers organizational theory, health policy, healthcare economics, and informatics, and finishes with an administration practicum and capstone seminar. As a SUNY technology college, resident tuition is among the lowest on this list, though the school's graduation rate in the low 50s is a reminder to weigh support services carefully.

  • Fully online program delivery
  • 35 credits required
  • Administration practicum and clinical rotations
  • Coursework in health policy and healthcare economics
  • Organizational theory and nursing informatics courses
  • Capstone seminar included
  • Requires a bachelor's degree and an active nursing license
  • Fall application deadline of May 15

SUNY Brockport

#6

Brockport, NY · $12,000/yr

SUNY Brockport's MSN prepares adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners through an executive-style hybrid model: online coursework plus nine in-person weekends, which suits nurses who cannot commute or relocate for school. Students complete 525 clinical hours in physician offices, clinics, and geriatric practices, with placement assistance offered within 75 miles of campus. Resident tuition is well below the non-resident rate.

CCNE accredited
  • 525 supervised clinical hours
  • Hybrid executive format with nine in-person weekends
  • Clinical placement assistance within 75 miles of campus
  • Full-time and part-time tracks; part time spans three years
  • Simulation labs and a preclinical clearance exam
  • CCNE accredited
  • Malpractice insurance coverage offered
  • Full-time students are advised not to work full time

Daemen University

#7

Amherst, NY · $27,000/yr

Daemen University's online MSN in adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner practice is built for nurses who want to manage complex acute and critical care patients rather than primary care panels. The 38-credit curriculum includes advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and a thesis component, along with practicum and preceptorship hours. Because the coursework is delivered online, the program works for nurses who cannot relocate for graduate school.

  • Online program format
  • 38 credits required, including a thesis
  • Advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology
  • Practicum and preceptorship with lab components
  • Adult-gerontology acute care specialization
  • Nursing informatics and research methods courses

St. John Fisher University

#8

Rochester, NY · $21,000/yr

St. John Fisher University runs three online nurse practitioner tracks, in family, adult-gerontology primary care, and psychiatric mental health, each with a single on-campus immersion and clinical hours arranged in the student's own community. Programs range from 46 to 50 credits and 24 to 32 months, which gives working nurses a realistic part-time path. The university's graduation rate near 74% makes it a solid mid-priced private option.

CCNE accredited
  • 46 credits; finish in as few as 24 months
  • 600 clinical hours in community settings
  • One on-campus pre-clinical immersion
  • Prepares students for AANPCB or ANCC certification
  • Full-time and part-time tracks, part time in 28 months
  • Care across the lifespan with an evidence-based focus
CCNE accredited
  • 46 credits over 28 months, part-time option available
  • 600 clinical hours with one on-campus immersion
  • Focus on patients ages 13 and older
  • Prepares students for AANPCB and ANCC certification
  • 30 core credits plus 16 specialty credits
  • Clinical rotations in the student's community
CCNE accredited
  • 50 credits over 32 months
  • 600 clinical hours in diverse psychiatric settings
  • Prepares students for PMHNP-BC certification
  • Trauma-informed care focus
  • Mental health care for children and adolescents
  • Clinical rotations must be outside current employment

Upstate Medical University

#9

Syracuse, NY · $12,000/yr

Upstate Medical University, part of SUNY, delivers its family nurse practitioner master's in a hybrid format across seven semesters, mixing in-person and online classes and offering a seamless pathway into the university's DNP. The curriculum covers advanced theory, evidence-based practice, informatics, quality and safety, policy, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, and graduates sit for national FNP board certification. Resident tuition is the lowest of any school on this list.

CCNE accredited
  • Seven-semester hybrid program
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • Thesis or capstone option
  • Prepares graduates for national FNP board certification
  • Seamless pathway into the university's DNP
  • Coursework in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health policy
  • CCNE accredited

Le Moyne College

#10

Syracuse, NY · $20,000/yr

Le Moyne College's family nurse practitioner master's pairs hybrid instruction with a heavy clinical commitment: 46 credits and 810 clinical hours, completed full time in two years or part time in three. Students come to campus once a week, and nurses who already hold a graduate degree can add a post-master's FNP certificate. The college's graduation rate near 73% supports its standing as a steady central New York option.

CCNE accredited
  • 46 credits and 810 clinical hours
  • Two-year full-time or three-year part-time study
  • On-campus attendance once weekly
  • Prepares graduates for national FNP certification
  • Post-master's FNP certificate also available
  • Fall start with a May 15 application deadline
  • CCNE accredited
  • Financial aid and tuition coverage partnerships for eligible students

MSN Entry Pathways Compared: BSN-To-MSN, RN-To-MSN, and Direct Entry

New York nurses have several routes into an MSN, but not every school offers every pathway. The three most common options are BSN-to-MSN (for nurses who already hold a bachelor's in nursing), RN-to-MSN (for ADN-prepared registered nurses who want to bypass a standalone BSN), and Direct Entry (designed for professionals who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree). Below is a side-by-side look at what each pathway typically requires and which ranked New York schools currently support it.

FeatureBSN-to-MSNRN-to-MSN (ADN Holders)Direct Entry (Non-Nursing Bachelor's)
Typical PrerequisitesBSN from an accredited program, active RN license, minimum 3.0 GPA (common threshold), and at least one year of clinical experience at many schoolsActive RN license with an ADN, undergraduate coursework in statistics or research at some schools, and relevant clinical experienceBachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, completion of designated prerequisite sciences, and (where applicable) a minimum 3.0 GPA
Approximate Credit Load35 to 47 credits depending on the specialty track45 credits at Stony Brook University; SUNY Empire lists a broader range because its accelerated RN-to-MSN integrates bridging coursework with graduate creditsCredit loads vary widely because programs bundle pre-licensure nursing content with graduate coursework; specific New York online direct-entry MSN options are very limited (see notes below)
Estimated Time to CompletionRoughly 2 to 3 years (full-time); part-time tracks may run 3 to 4 yearsAbout 42 months at Stony Brook University; timelines vary at SUNY Empire depending on transfer creditsTypically 3 or more years, since students must complete foundational nursing courses before advancing to MSN-level work
Ranked NY Schools Offering This PathwaySt. John Fisher University (online, 47 credits, 600 clinical hours, BSN and one year of experience required), Binghamton University (hybrid, 46 credits), NYU Meyers (hybrid, requires BSN with 3.0 GPA and one year of clinical experience), Farmingdale State College (online, 35 credits), and most other ranked programs on our listStony Brook University (hybrid, 45 credits over 42 months) and SUNY Empire State University (online, accelerated format)Very few New York schools offer a true online direct-entry MSN for non-nursing bachelor's holders. NYU Meyers offers a dual-degree BS/MS track rather than a standalone direct-entry MSN. Prospective students with non-nursing backgrounds should confirm current availability and eligibility directly with each school.
Key ConsiderationThe most widely available pathway in New York, with the broadest selection of specialties and formatsBridges ADN-prepared nurses directly into MSN coursework without requiring a separate BSN credential, saving time and tuition compared to earning a BSN first and then an MSNSeats are competitive and cohort sizes tend to be small; clinical hour requirements are substantially higher because students must meet both RN licensure and advanced-practice competencies

Online MSN Tuition and Cost Comparison

Tuition for online MSN programs in New York varies dramatically between public SUNY and CUNY schools and private institutions. The table below compares approximate per-credit tuition rates and estimated total program costs at schools across the state. Keep in mind that institution-wide average net price figures (drawn from federal data) reflect undergraduate-weighted averages and may not match what MSN students actually pay. Fees, clinical costs, and program-specific surcharges can also affect your final bill.

SchoolSectorApprox. Per-Credit Tuition (In-State)Approx. Per-Credit Tuition (Out-of-State or Online)Total CreditsEstimated Total Program CostInstitution Avg. Net Price (Federal Data)
CUNY York CollegePublic (CUNY)$520$90545$23,400 to $40,725$4,456
Farmingdale State College (SUNY)Public (SUNY)$471 (approx.)$518 (approx.)35$16,485 to $18,130$10,867
SUNY Polytechnic InstitutePublic (SUNY)$471 (approx.)$472 (approx.)45$21,195 to $21,240$14,164
SUNY BrockportPublic (SUNY)$471 (approx.)N/AN/AN/A$16,353
SUNY DelhiPublic (SUNY)$471 (approx.)$389 (approx.)36$16,956 to $14,004$17,225
Stony Brook University (SUNY)Public (SUNY)$471$565N/AN/A$18,784
Binghamton University (SUNY)Public (SUNY)$471 (approx.)$590 (approx.)46$21,666 to $27,140$21,620
Roberts Wesleyan UniversityPrivate$979$97954$52,866$23,130
Mercy UniversityPrivate$467 (approx.)$467 (approx.)42$19,620$14,072
St. Joseph's University, New YorkPrivate$517 (approx.)$517 (approx.)45$23,278$19,035
Manhattanville CollegePrivate$453 (approx.)$453 (approx.)42$19,035$20,991
Utica UniversityPrivate$743 (approx.)$743 (approx.)36$26,750$19,108
Daemen UniversityPrivate$710 (approx.)$710 (approx.)38$26,985$18,693
Le Moyne CollegePrivate$443 (approx.)$443 (approx.)46$20,393$22,277
Russell Sage CollegePrivate$276 (approx.)$276 (approx.)48$13,240$22,917

New York's online MSN programs span a wide range of specialties, but some tracks appear far more frequently than others. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) programs dominate the landscape, which aligns with strong primary care demand across the NYC metro area and upstate communities alike. Nurse Educator programs are the second most common, reflecting the ongoing faculty shortage at nursing schools statewide. Specialties such as Psychiatric Mental Health NP and Nursing Informatics, while offered by fewer ranked schools, are in particularly high demand in the New York City metro, where behavioral health needs and health-system technology adoption continue to grow.

Number of ranked New York MSN programs offering each specialty, led by 13 schools with FNP and 8 with Nurse Educator tracks

MSN Graduate Earnings and Career Outcomes in New York

Sticker price only tells half the story; what matters just as much is actual MSN salary once graduates are working. Program-level earnings data remains uneven across New York's online MSN programs, but where it exists, it's worth reading closely.

What the Program Data Shows

Stony Brook University's Family Nurse Practitioner track is the clearest example among online FNP programs in New York: graduates report median earnings of $111,127 one year after completion, $122,231 at the five-year mark, and $132,795 ten years out, with essentially all graduates working in New York State. That $121,610 figure is the national NP median from 20222, not a program-specific number, so treat it as a general benchmark rather than an apples-to-apples comparison. For most other programs in this roundup, including Upstate Medical, NYU, Binghamton, Rochester, and the nurse-educator tracks at Excelsior, Molloy, and Iona, program-specific earnings simply haven't been published yet.

Bureau of Labor Statistics Benchmarks

Separate from any single program's outcomes, statewide occupational wage data gives a broader picture. New York nurse practitioners earned a median of $153,510 in 2025, with the middle half of earners falling between $132,490 and $170,290, and the top 10 percent above $198,060.1 That compares to a national NP median of $121,610 (2022 data, the most recent full percentile breakdown available), with a national 90th percentile of $165,240.2 In raw dollar terms, New York's NP median sits well above the national figure, though the comparison spans different years and should be read as directional rather than exact. In the New York-Newark-Jersey City metro area, the average NP wage was $170,320 as of 2022, though detailed percentile breakdowns aren't published at the metro level.2 Wage data specific to nurse educators and nurse administrators in New York isn't currently broken out with published figures, so those career paths are best evaluated through job postings and employer benchmarks rather than statewide averages.

Accreditation, Certification Pass Rates, and Clinical Placement Logistics

CCNE accreditation and ACEN accreditation both satisfy board of nursing requirements, but they are not interchangeable in every certifying body's eyes. Most national certification exams (ANCC and AANPCB) accept graduates from either accreditor, though some employers and a handful of certification pathways still favor CCNE, the more widely held credential among New York's university-based MSN programs. Confirm accreditation status directly with a program before enrolling, since lapses or provisional standing can delay exam eligibility.

Certification Pass Rates by Program

Published pass rates are inconsistent across schools, but where data exists it's revealing. NYU Rory Meyers reports strong outcomes: its FNP track hit 100% on both ANCC and AANPCB in 2022, while AGPCNP graduates ranged from 90 to 100% depending on year and exam. Columbia's School of Nursing reports FNP graduates at 100% on ANCC, PMHNP at 97%, AGACNP at 83%, and pediatric primary care at 94%. These figures generally sit at or above national averages, which hover in the low-to-mid 80s for FNP exams on both boards. Stony Brook, Pace, and Hunter College do not publish comparable NP-specific pass rate breakdowns, so applicants should ask admissions directly.

Clinical Placement: Arranged vs Self-Sourced

Placement logistics vary widely among the Best Nursing Schools in New York. NYU faculty arrange clinical sites for FNP students, drawing on tri-state partners including Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown for upstate rotations. Stony Brook runs a centralized placement office that secures contracts and preceptors, though students may help identify a suitable site first. Columbia cites over 200 affiliated sites across NYC. Hunter's acute care track leans on NewYork-Presbyterian and Memorial Sloan Kettering for high-acuity training. Pace students complete 760 precepted hours at partner systems, though the school's exact arrangement process isn't clearly documented.

Practice Authority After Graduation

New York grants full practice authority to NPs once they document 3,600 hours of practice, per the full practice authority guide; before that threshold, a collaborative practice agreement and chart review every three months are required.

New York Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Loan Forgiveness for MSN Students

Financial aid for graduate nursing in New York , and how to pay for your MSN degree , means a mix of state scholarships (mostly limited to future faculty), federal loan repayment tied to service, and employer tuition benefits from the large NYC health systems. Most aid comes with strings attached, usually a service commitment, a common pattern for financial aid for nursing students.

State Aid Options

New York's two headline nursing scholarships, Nurses for Our Future and Healthcare Workers for Our Future, fund ADN and BSN study, not MSN. The one clear state option for master's students is the Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship, which covers up to 3 years of graduate study for RNs preparing to teach, requires a 3.0 GPA and 12 months of NY residency, and obligates recipients to teach in New York for 4 years after graduation.

Federal Programs for NPs

The NHSC Loan Repayment Program offers nurse practitioners up to $75,000 for a 2-year full-time commitment at an approved primary care site in a Health Professional Shortage Area. The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program supports APRN students in exchange for 2 years of service at a critical shortage facility.

Employer Tuition Benefits

NYU Langone, Mount Sinai, NewYork-Presbyterian, and Northwell Health all offer tuition assistance to employees, though annual caps, eligibility waiting periods, and MSN-specific coverage vary and should be confirmed with HR.

One caveat on the rankings table: the net price shown reflects institution-wide undergraduate figures and will not match what you actually pay for an MSN after graduate aid, assistantships, and employer reimbursement are applied.

How to Choose the Right Online MSN Program in New York

Which online MSN program is the right fit if you are weighing cost, timeline, and specialty options all at once? Start by ranking your priorities, because no program wins on every dimension. A fast, affordable Family NP (FNP) track may have limited seats or a longer clinical-placement wait, while a prestigious university program may cost more but offer stronger placement support and broader specialty choices.

Start With Your Entry Point

Your starting credential shapes everything else.

  • ADN holders: Look for RN-to-MSN bridge tracks that fold BSN coursework into the graduate curriculum rather than requiring a separate BSN first.
  • BSN-prepared RNs: You have the most flexibility. Compare FNP, Psychiatric NP (PMHNP), or nurse-educator tracks on cost and time to completion.
  • Career-changers without a nursing background: Direct Entry MSN Programs exist but are longer, more expensive, and less common online. Confirm the school actually offers this pathway before applying.

Weigh Clinical Placement Support

Where you live in New York matters more than many applicants expect. NYC-based students typically have access to a dense network of hospitals and clinics, but competition for those sites is fierce. Upstate and rural students often have fewer options nearby and may need to travel. Programs that arrange placements on your behalf, rather than leaving you to cold-call preceptors, remove a significant source of stress and delay.

Never Compromise on Accreditation

Accreditation through CCNE or ACEN is non-negotiable. It affects licensure eligibility, employer recognition, and financial aid access. Beyond accreditation status, check the program's certification pass rates for your intended specialty. Consistently strong pass rates signal a curriculum that actually prepares graduates for practice, not just for admission.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online MSN Programs in New York

Choosing an online MSN program raises practical questions about eligibility, cost, and logistics. Below are answers to the questions prospective students ask most often, drawn from program details and policy information covered throughout this article.

Are there RN-to-MSN online programs in New York that don't require earning a BSN first?
Yes. RN-to-MSN bridge programs accept registered nurses who hold an ADN or nursing diploma and build BSN-level competencies into the master's curriculum so you never need to complete a standalone RN to BSN program in New York. SUNY Empire State University, for example, offers a 100% online Accelerated RN to MSN program. Daemen University also provides a combined pathway for ADN and diploma-prepared RNs. Options are limited, however, so apply early and confirm prerequisite details with each school.
What are the cheapest online MSN programs in New York for RNs?
CUNY schools, such as CUNY York College's MSN in Nursing Education, are frequently cited among the most affordable options thanks to lower public university graduate tuition rates. Exact program costs vary by credit load and residency status, so request a current tuition schedule directly from each school. When comparing price, factor in fees, clinical travel expenses, and whether the program is fully online or hybrid, because those details affect total out-of-pocket cost.
Can I complete an online MSN in New York if I don't have a nursing degree?
Direct-entry MSN programs are designed for people who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. Columbia University, for instance, offers a direct-entry pathway that requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and prerequisites in anatomy, microbiology, psychology, statistics, and nutrition. Keep in mind that most direct-entry programs include substantial on-campus or in-person clinical components, so fully online completion is generally not available for this pathway.
Does New York grant full practice authority to nurse practitioners after completing an MSN?
New York does grant full practice authority to nurse practitioners. After graduating from an approved NP program, either an MSN or one of the Best DNP Programs in New York, with a recognized specialty, meeting clinical hour requirements, and obtaining NP licensure, practitioners may diagnose, treat, and prescribe independently without a collaborative physician agreement. This policy makes New York one of the more favorable states for NP autonomy and career flexibility.
How do online MSN students in New York find clinical placements?
Most online MSN programs require between 500 and 750 clinical hours for nurse practitioner tracks. Schools typically assist students by maintaining partnerships with healthcare facilities across New York, though students may also propose sites in their local area for approval. Start the placement process early, because securing preceptors can be competitive in metro areas like New York City. Programs usually require that clinical sites and preceptors meet accreditation standards before hours can begin.

More Online MSN Programs in New York to Consider

Beyond the ranked programs above, New York has a deep bench of online and hybrid MSN options spread across the state. The directory below groups additional schools by region, from New York City and Long Island to the Hudson Valley, the Capital Region, the Mohawk Valley, the Catskills, and Western New York.

New York City

St. Joseph's University-New York
A three-year family nurse practitioner master's built for working nurses, with on-campus classes once a week and a capstone project. Students train in robotic patient simulation labs, and the program reports collaborations with New York City healthcare institutions.
  • M.S. in Family Nurse Practitioner
Brooklyn, NY · Hybrid
CUNY York College
A 45-credit nursing education master's delivered as a cohort-based hybrid program finished in two years of full-time study. Coursework covers teaching strategies, curriculum development, and clinical teaching, and admission requires a New York RN license.
  • Nursing Education (MS)
Jamaica, NY · Hybrid
CUNY Graduate School and University Center
An online master of science in nursing informatics that prepares nurses to bring technology and data into healthcare practice. The curriculum includes a six-credit practicum plus coursework in data management, staff education, and compliance.
  • Master of Science in Nursing Informatics
New York, NY · Online
Pace University
Hybrid family nurse practitioner and adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner master's programs, each 49 credits over roughly three years of part-time study. Both include 760 clinical hours and a capstone, with acute care students using a simulation center.
  • Family Nurse Practitioner, MS
  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
New York, NY · Hybrid

Long Island

Molloy University
Tracks include nursing education, family and pediatric nurse practitioner practice, and nursing administration with informatics, plus a dual MSN/MBA in healthcare. The 33-credit educator track is asynchronous online, while the practitioner and leadership tracks use a hybrid format.
  • Master of Science in Nursing Education
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care
  • MS in Nursing Administration with Informatics/MBA in Healthcare
  • Nursing Administration with Informatics
Rockville Centre, NY · Online
Adelphi University
Online adult gerontology primary care and hybrid psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner master's tracks. The 45-credit adult gerontology program is asynchronous and cohort based, and the psychiatric track requires 500 clinical hours along with simulation lab work.
  • Master’s in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Garden City, NY · Online

Hudson Valley

Mount Saint Mary College
A 35-credit nursing education master's and an MSN with a family nurse practitioner concentration among three track options. Educator students complete a 60-hour practicum, while FNP students log 600 clinical hours and may choose their own preceptor.
  • Master of Science in Nursing Education
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Newburgh, NY · Hybrid
Iona University
A hybrid nursing education master's with six clinical specialization options, including adult/gerontology and community health. Students complete 510 clinical practice hours, three pedagogical practicums, and a capstone, with in-person classes up to three times a semester.
  • Nursing Education (MS)
  • Nursing Education (MS) (Adult/gerontology health)
  • Nursing Education (MS) (Community health)
New Rochelle, NY · Hybrid
Mercy University
A 42-credit family nurse practitioner master's completed in about two and a half years, using simulation labs and regional clinical partnerships with a health equity focus. A separate 36-credit nursing administration track is fully online with a 120-hour practicum.
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Nursing Administration
Dobbs Ferry, NY · Hybrid
Manhattanville College
A 42-credit family nurse practitioner master's delivered online with synchronous and asynchronous coursework and a three-day on-campus residency. Clinical rotations cover pediatrics, women's health, and adult care, and the part-time schedule finishes in as few as seven semesters.
  • MS Family Nurse Practitioner
Purchase, NY · Online

Capital Region

Russell Sage College
Family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner tracks, each 48 credits. The family track requires 640 clinical hours and at least 2,000 hours of RN experience before clinical coursework, and the psychiatric track covers care across the lifespan.
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Program
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Troy, NY · Hybrid

Mohawk Valley

Utica University
Offers an online MSN in nursing education, an online family nurse practitioner master's, and a direct entry MSN for career changers. The direct entry track runs full time in under two years with rolling admissions and clinical rotations at local hospitals.
  • Master of Science in Nursing Education
  • M.S. FNP Degree
  • Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing
Utica, NY · Online
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
A 45-credit family nurse practitioner master's in a hybrid format, with 800 clinical hours and full-time completion in four semesters or a part-time path of roughly eight. An online health informatics master's adds clinical, public health, and analytics tracks.
  • MS Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Health Informatics (Health/Nursing Informatics)
Utica, NY · Hybrid

Catskills

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
Online master's tracks in nursing education and nursing administration organized around 7-week sessions with fall and spring starts. The 36-credit education track can be completed in three semesters, and practicum placement assistance is provided.
  • Master of Science in Nursing Education
  • Master of Science in Nursing Administration
Delhi, NY · Online

Western New York

Roberts Wesleyan University
A family nurse practitioner master's that runs mostly online with one week on campus and 600 clinical hours, alongside online nursing leadership and administration tracks. An RN to MS option lets nurses work toward a bachelor's and master's together.
  • Master of Science Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Nursing Leadership & Administration, M.S.
  • RN to MS in Nursing (Nursing Leadership and Administration)
Rochester, NY · Hybrid

Follow us