The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York in 2024

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Updated January 10, 2024

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Learn more about potential careers as a nurse practitioner, applying to NP programs, and paying for your graduate-level education. Then, explore the top five NP programs in New York.

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The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York Rankings Summary

Rank School In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition Acceptance Rate
#1 Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY
$27,180 $27,180 68%
#2 Wagner College
Staten Island, NY
$22,590 $22,590 82%
#3 SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica, NY
$11,310 $23,100 77%
#4 SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
Brooklyn, NY
$11,310 $23,100 Not provided
#5 SUNY Brockport
Brockport, NY
$11,310 $23,100 76%
#6 Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY
$16,974 $16,974 86%
#7 Pace University
New York, NY
$33,000 $33,000 88%
#8 Long Island University
Brookville, NY
$22,047 $22,047 93%
#9 College of Mount Saint Vincent
Bronx, NY
$18,406 $18,406 82%

Learn More About the Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York in 2024

#1 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York in 2024

Hofstra University

  • Hempstead, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Hofstra University's nurse practitioner program in New York stands out as the best. As an RN in New York, this program provides career advancement in family-centered care, adult-gerontology acute care, or psychiatric mental health nursing care. Clinicals and classroom lectures reinforce nursing training and leadership skills.

The 51-credit, three-year program can give learners the skills to pass the American Association of Nurse Practitioners' or American Nurses Credentialing Center's certification exams.

  • Program: Master of science in nursing
  • Campus: Hempstead, New York
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $1,630 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA; New York RN license; two years of nursing clinical experience; completed basic health assessment and statistics course
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$50,265
Out-of-state
$50,265
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$27,180
Out-of-state
$27,180
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
10,243
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
23% 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 in 2024

Wagner College

  • Staten Island, NY
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Wagner's nurse practitioner program allows students to choose between full- and part-time study, providing flexibility in earning an advanced degree. Completing the 45-credit program offered by the Evelyn L. Spiro School of Nursing usually takes 5-7 semesters.

The coursework integrates labs with high-fidelity simulators, advancing students' nursing practice. Nurses also learn through lectures on topics, such as family health nursing; management of common pediatric conditions; and nursing healthcare policy, organization, and finance.

  • Program: Master of science in nursing
  • Campus: Staten Island, New York
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
  • Tuition: $1,275 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing or from an accredited program; current RN license in New York; minimum 2.2 GPA
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 32-36 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 75.5% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $106,421 for master's-level graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$48,730
Out-of-state
$48,730
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$22,590
Out-of-state
$22,590
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
1,958
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#3 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York in 2024

SUNY Polytechnic Institute

  • Utica, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

SUNY Poly's nurse practitioner program in NY offers a convenient education online and in-person at the Utica campus. Designed for New York RNs, the 45-credit hybrid program features a specialization in family care. The program combines theory, research, and health assessments with extensive clinical experience at private and community-based organizations. Students complete 800 hours of advanced clinicals.

Whether part- or full-time, applicants can start in the fall and graduate in 4-8 semesters.

  • Program: Master of science in nursing
  • Campus: Utica, New York
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $471 per credit for part-time New York residents; $991 per credit for out-of-state, part-time students
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing, a doctor of nursing practice, or a post master's certificate with a 3.0 GPA; current RN license in New York; 2,000 hours RN work experience
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $64,358 for master's-level graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$17,830
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
2,850
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
83% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York in 2024

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

  • Brooklyn, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

If you want to advance in women's health and nurse-midwifery or family nursing, SUNY Downstate's nurse practitioner program in New York offers the ultimate flexibility. With a campus in Flatbush, Brooklyn, the program allows for up to nine transfer credits and requires 45 credits for completion.

Over three years, the coursework blends philosophical and theoretical perspectives, research and evidence-based practice, population health and clinical outcomes, informatics, and organizational and system leadership. The program also includes 720 clinical hours, needed for family nurse practitioner certification.

  • Program: Master of science in nursing
  • Campus: Brooklyn, New York
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $5,655 per semester for full-time residents; $11,895 per semester for full-time non-residents
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license in New York; minimum 3.0 GPA; one year clinical experience
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $95,348 for master's-level graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$17,830
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,117
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
35% 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 in 2024

SUNY Brockport

  • Brockport, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

SUNY Brockport's nurse practitioner program in New York can advance learners' nursing careers in specialized fields of adult gerontology primary care or family nursing. Part-time enrollees study for about three years, while the full-time format can be completed in two years. 

To advance nursing practice, students take courses in health policy and advocacy, evaluating research, and using information systems. Both routes require 750 clinical hours, divided over three practicums. The 42-credit program includes online non-clinical courses and hybrid clinical hours offered on Friday evenings and Saturdays. 

  • Program: Master of science in nursing
  • Campus: Brockport, New York
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $942 per credit for New York residents; $1,130 per semester for New York students
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license in New York; minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24-36 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 86.5% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $63,393 for master's-level graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$16,980
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
6,991
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
50% 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 in 2024

Mercy College

  • Dobbs Ferry, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Mercy's nurse practitioner program in New York offers online non-clinical courses with an emphasis on family nursing care. Specialization coursework includes online lessons and clinical experiences to hone your practice in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessments and diagnostic reasoning, and primary care.

The 42-credit program allows students to learn in its on-the-ground clinical simulation labs with 12,000 square feet of space. Mercy accepts up to six transfer credits from bachelor's degree coursework and 12 from MSN programs. 

  • Program: Master of science in nursing
  • Campus: Dobbs Ferry, New York
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $1,005 per credit for family nurse practitioner students
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing or master's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license in New York; minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 34.3% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $97,959 for master's-level graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$19,920
Out-of-state
$19,920
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,974
Out-of-state
$16,974
Retention Rate
71%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
8,772
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
73% 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 in 2024

Pace University

  • New York, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Pace's nurse practitioner program in NYC combines online and in-person coursework to offer flexible career advancement in family nursing. Learners complete 42 credits in subject areas, such as physical assessments and theory, and scholarly inquiry to develop an advanced practice in family nursing.

Pace's Center for Excellence in Healthcare Simulation offers the chance to apply classroom learning into practice. During the program, students gain 550 hours of clinical experience, providing direct care to patients. The program ends with a capstone project. 

  • Program: Master of science in nursing
  • Campus: New York, New York
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $1,460 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license in New York; minimum 3.0 GPA; personal interview
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 88.1% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $90,727 for master's-level graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$46,978
Out-of-state
$46,978
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$33,000
Out-of-state
$33,000
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
13,479
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
58% 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 in 2024

Long Island University

  • Brookville, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

LIU's nurse practitioner program in NYC takes approximately seven semesters for part-time students at the Post campus in Brookville. Graduates have completed 624 hours of clinical practice and are eligible to take the family nurse practitioner credential exams. The 46-credit program teaches nurses how to incorporate theory and research into their practice while strengthening their diagnostic and clinical reasoning.

LIU's Brooklyn campus also offers master's family nurse practitioner and master's adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner programs. 

  • Program: Master of science in nursing
  • Campus: Brookville, New York
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $1,352 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license in New York; minimum 3.0 GPA; one year of clinical RN experience
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 68% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $94,508 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$37,296
Out-of-state
$37,296
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$22,047
Out-of-state
$22,047
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
15,191
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
2% 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 in 2024

College of Mount Saint Vincent

  • Bronx, NY
  • 4 years
  • Campus

The Mount's nurse practitioner program in NYC, offered by the 1975-established College of Nursing, can fast-track a student's nursing career in just 28 months. Focused on family nursing, the program comprises 42 credits and includes 15 nursing core courses in theory, leadership, and research. The learning methods include lectures, simulations, and practicums.

The three practicum courses in the family nurse practitioner coursework provide 600 hours of clinical experience. 

  • Program: Master's of science in nursing
  • Campus: Bronx, New York
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $980 per credit for MS nursing students 
  • Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license in New York; minimum 3.2 GPA; two years of bedside work as an RN
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 28 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 68.8% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $83,768 for master's-level graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$39,500
Out-of-state
$39,500
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,406
Out-of-state
$18,406
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
2,948
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
13% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

How We Rank Schools

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nurse practitioner 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.

Applying to a New York Nurse Practitioner Program

Once you find the right nurse practitioner program, it is important to understand the admission requirements for a successful enrollment. Generally, you need to have earned your bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and possess an unencumbered RN license.

  • Admission Materials

    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-master of science in nursing (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.

  • GPA Requirement

    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 others have waived this requirement.

  • Other Requirement

    The requirement for many nurse practitioner programs is a 3.0 or higher GPA.

Why Is NP Program Accreditation Important?

Accreditation is an evaluation process performed by a third party, ensuring academic programs and clinicals meet industry standards. The accreditation process informs prospective students about the overall 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.

There are many reasons you should only consider an accredited NP program, including:

Paying for Nurse Practitioner Programs

There are many factors involved in attending a nurse practitioner program in New York that impact a student's finances and ability to pay out-of-pocket for tuition, including:

For students 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 degrees.

What Can You Do with a Degree from a Florida 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. The type of specialty program you pursue can also impact the program length.

According to ZipRecruiter data accessed in December 2023, the national average for a few popular specialties includes:

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 needs. The data points below contribute to our overall best NP programs in New York rankings to help you best compare programs.

Admission Requirements

Reviewing the admission requirements for each prospective program helps you know if you qualify for the program. Common admission requirements include a minimum GPA, registered nurse (RN) licensure status, and RN experience.


Specializations

The type of specialization offered will be a primary consideration when comparing programs. Before enrolling in a specific MSN or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program, you must choose which career path you want to pursue, as each specialty requires different graduation and time requirements.


Program Curriculum

The nurse practitioner curriculum emphasizes the 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. If students can set up their clinical practicums, explore whether the school assists with clinical placements.


Accreditation

Accredited nursing programs have undergone a review process examining aspects, such as professors, curriculum, required clinical hours, and course material. Many employers prefer graduates from accredited programs. In addition, 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 BSN, 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 if studying part time.


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 demonstrates 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 indicates the program's success.


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. However, it is 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About New York Nurse Practitioner Programs

How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner in New York?

Once a student earns a BSN, the average time to complete an MSN nurse practitioner program is 1-2 years. A DNP program takes 3-6 years to complete.

How do I become a nurse practitioner in New York?

To become a nurse practitioner in New York, you must earn a BSN degree, pass the NCLEX-RN, and gain at least a year of work experience working 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 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 doctoral nursing program. The program must offer a specialty track/concentration for specific types of nurse practitioner certifications.


Related Resources


Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by NurseJournal. Page last reviewed on October 10, 2022.

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