The Top Nursing Schools in New York
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Editor & Writer
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You decided to get your master’s degree in nursing (MSN) in New York to apply for your nurse practitioner (NP) license after graduation. Learn more about the NP licensing requirements in New York, the top nursing schools in the state, and how to choose one that will prepare you for licensure.
How to Choose a Nursing Program in New York
The first step in choosing a nursing program in New York is to make sure the program is accredited and approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). With a degree from an approved program, you can complete the required coursework in pharmacology and the laws governing prescriptions and record keeping. After graduating, you will become eligible for a nursing license in New York.
Find out how much financial aid you're eligible for and make a plan to pay for school. If you want to continue working while in school, check whether your program offers flexible scheduling or online learning. If you can complete your program fully online, find out how you will complete your clinicals and whether program staff will help you find a clinical placement.
Featured Online MSN Programs
Career Outlook for Nurses in New York
New York ranks among the top five states with the highest number of NPs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). New York also pays NPs a median salary of over $6,000 more than the national median salary for all NPs.
NP Employment and Salaries
New York
Employment: 17,670
Median Annual Wage: $128,220
United States
Employment: 258,230
Median Annual Wage: $121,610
Salaries for Nurses in New York
New York offers NPs some of the highest salaries in the country. These metropolitan areas offer higher median salaries than the New York median salary for NPs. In New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA nurse practitioners find the most employment opportunities and highest median salaries.
| Metropolitan Areas | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 16,910 | $146,020 |
| Kingston, NY | 90 | $125,000 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY | 90 | $120,480 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | 50 | $124,510 |
| Rochester, NY | 1,040 | $122,170 |
How to Become a Nurse in New York
If you want to get your nursing license in New York, you’ll need to earn your nursing degree, complete the required coursework, pass your NCLEX-RN or board certification exam, fill out your application, and pay the application fee. If you earned a nursing license or degree in another state, ask your nursing program and licensing board to help you complete additional forms to verify your out-of-state degree and license.
Your New York registration certificate is valid for three years. When you renew your registration certificate, the renewal period is shortened to align with your birth month every three years.
RN Requirements
The pathways to becoming an RN in New York vary based on where you earned your nursing degree and whether you already have an RN license in another state. If you want to get your initial registered nurse license in New York, you’ll need to:
- Earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor's in nursing (BSN).
- Complete required coursework in child abuse reporting and infection control.
- Fill out an application.
- Pay the $143 initial license and registration fee.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN.
If you earned your degree, an LPN license, or an RN license outside of New York, your former licensing board and nursing program must verify your degree and license(s). If you attend an approved nursing program in New York, your required coursework will be part of the program. If not, you must complete those courses before becoming a nurse in New York.
NP Requirements
To become a nurse practitioner in New York, you’ll need to:
- Earn at least an MSN degree.
- Complete required coursework about the state and federal laws governing prescriptions and record keeping.
- Pass your board certification exam given by the national certifying board of your specialty.
- Fill out an application.
- Pay $85 to cover the certification application and initial registration fees for each specialty you’re certified in.
- Verify that you hold or have applied for an RN license in New York.
The required coursework will be part of your degree if you complete an accredited NP program in New York State. You must keep your RN registration certificate active while practicing as an NP. You will not be allowed to practice as an NP in New York without your current RN and NP registration certificates.
The Best Nursing Schools in New York
All the programs ranked here are accredited and approved by the NYSED. Find out more about the best MSN programs in New York, so you can find the one that fits your lifestyle and career goals.
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that's best for you.
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
and include
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Daemen College
Amherst, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Daemen College, located in Amherst, offers master of science in nursing programs with adult-gerontology (primary or acute care) and nursing executive tracks. The fully online nursing education program offers part-time study options and allows students to arrange clinical practicums in their communities. Graduation requires a project or thesis.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's in nursing from an accredited program; one year of medical-surgical clinical experience; undergraduate statistics with C or higher; a 3.25 GPA; and a current registered nursing license.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $1,056 per credit
- Program Length: 8-9 semesters (part time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 30-38 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes (except for nursing education)
- School Status: Private
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
St. Joseph's College-New York
Brooklyn, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Brooklyn-based St. Joseph's College New York lists three concentrations for master of science in nursing students: adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, and nursing education. The curriculum includes core courses, concentration requirements, and clinical experiences.
Applicants submit documentation of a bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited program with a minimum 3.0 GPA, one year of professional clinical practice, and a current New York registered nurse license. Selected candidates will be invited to an admissions interview.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $1,270 per credit
- Program Length: 7 semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 34-39 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 82.9% (2022)
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Nurses can earn their master of science in nursing degrees at Stony Brook University. They can choose to focus on mental health/psychiatric, neonatal, midwifery, education, or leadership nursing. The program combines distance learning with on-site requirements and facilitates clinical experiences.
Applicants need a bachelor of science in nursing or, for registered nurses (RNs) with non-nursing bachelor's, submission of a clinical practice portfolio for evaluation. Admission also requires a 3.0 GPA, current RN license, three recommendations, and completion of undergraduate statistics.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $471 per credit for New York residents; $565-$963 for out-of-state students
- Program Length: Variable
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 36-45 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.3% (2022)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Wagner College
Staten Island, NY - 4 years
- Campus
Graduate nursing students at Staten Island's Wagner College can earn master's in nursing degrees with family nurse practitioner (FNP) or nurse educator concentrations. The curriculum includes advanced nursing core courses, concentration topics, a scholarly master's or community engagement project, and either a teaching or nurse practitioner practicum.
Admission requires a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program, a 3.2 GPA, an undergraduate nursing research course, and a registered nursing license. FNP program candidates also submit documentation of current clinical practice.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $1,295 per credit
- Program Length: 5 semesters (full time); 7 semesters (part time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 44-45 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 75.5% (2022)
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Pace University
New York, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
New York City's Pace University offers master of science in nursing degrees with adult-gerontology acute care (AGACNP), family, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner specializations. The programs blend online and on-campus coursework with in-person advanced skills labs and 550 hours of precepted clinical hours.
Candidates must hold a bachelor's in nursing from an accredited program, a New York registered nursing license, and a 3.0 GPA with a B in undergraduate statistics. The AGACNP program requires one year of inpatient/acute care experience.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $1,460 per credit
- Program Length: Variable
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 42 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.1% (2022)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
CUNY Lehman College
Bronx, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Part of the City University of New York system, Bronx-based Lehman College offers master of science in nursing programs in family nurse practitioner and pediatric nurse practitioner specialties. Courses include biostatistics in health research, concepts and theories for advanced nursing practice, health planning and policymaking, and an advanced professional seminar.
Admission requires a bachelor's in nursing from an accredited program with a B grade average; a current New York registered nurse (RN) license; at least one year of RN experience; and a B in graduate-level statistics.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $470 per credit for New York residents; $855 for out-of-state students
- Program Length: 7 semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 45 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 64.8% (2022)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Roberts Wesleyan College
Rochester, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
At Christian-based Roberts Wesleyan College, master of science in nursing students can focus on family nurse practice (FNP), nursing education, or nursing leadership and administration. Designed for working registered nurses (RNs), course delivery is online. The FNP program requires a week at the Rochester campus and 600 hours of on-site clinical experience.
Admission requirements include bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited program, RN license, 3.3 GPA, a B- in undergraduate statistics, and 1-2 years of nursing experience.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $883-$908 per credit
- Program Length: 5-9 semesters (part time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 39-54 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No (except for FNP track)
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 70% (2022)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Rochester offers a hybrid/online master of science in nursing in six nurse practitioner (NP) specialties and nursing education. NPs can concentrate on adult-gerontology (acute or primary care), family, psychiatric-mental health, pediatric, or pediatric/neonatal.
Applicants need bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited program, a New York registered nurse (RN) license, 3.0 GPA, a C in undergraduate statistics, and one year of clinical RN experience (two years of neonatal intensive care unit experience for the pediatric/neonatal NP track).
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $1,740 per credit
- Program Length: Variable
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 37-58 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.1% (2022)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
St. Joseph's College-Long Island
Patchogue, NY - 4 years
- Campus
At St. Joseph's College Long Island in Patchogue students can earn their master of science in nursing in nursing education, adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist, or primary care nurse practitioner. Core courses include theoretical bases for advanced practice nursing, ethics and public policy in healthcare delivery, and advanced nursing research.
Applicants must hold a bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited program with a 3.0 GPA. They also need a current New York registered nursing license and one year of professional clinical practice.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $1,270 per credit
- Program Length: 7 semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 34-39 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 64.7% (2022)
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Mount Saint Mary College
Newburgh, NY - 4 years
- Campus
Newburgh-based Mount Saint Mary College awards master of science in nursing degrees with nurse practitioner specializations in adult-gerontology, family, or psychiatric-mental health. The hybrid curriculum includes evening and online coursework and 600 precepted clinical hours.
Graduate nursing admission requires a bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited program with a 3.0 GPA; a current New York registered nursing license, two years of clinical practice as a registered nurse, and prerequisites in statistics, nursing research, anatomy and physiology, physical assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $977 per credit
- Program Length: 7-8 semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 44-47 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 82.6% (2022)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Everything Else You Need to Know About Nursing in New York
Can nurse practitioners practice independently in New York?
Yes, you can practice independently as a nurse practitioner in New York after you earn your master's in nursing degree, get your license, become certified in your specialty, and complete 3,600 hours of qualifying NP experience under a collaborative practice agreement with a physician in your specialty.
How do I get a nurse practitioner license in New York?
You can get a nurse practitioner license in New York after you complete a bachelor's degree in nursing, earn a master's degree in nursing, complete the required coursework, verify your New York registered nurse license, and become board certified in your specialty. If you transfer your NP license from another state, you'll also need to verify your current NP license.
How long does it take to get a nursing degree in New York?
It takes about six years to get your master's in nursing degree in New York. First, you'll spend four years of full-time study earning your bachelor's degree in nursing, which you will need to apply for MSN programs. Then, you'll need to complete your MSN in about two years.
How do I become a nurse educator in New York?
To become a nurse educator in New York, you must provide your full name, your registered nurse license number, and the license or certificate number of the training program you are applying to. New York requires nursing instructors to have at least two years of RN experience, one of which must be in a home health agency. Certain positions may require a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing.
