Best Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in New York

New York is a diverse state with a wide range of healthcare needs. Whether you live in Albany or New York City, you’ll find that one of the most in-demand healthcare professions in the state is that of a nurse practitioner. Because of this, becoming a nurse practitioner allows you to unlock higher-paying wages and more independent and specialized practice. Below we’ll go into the ways you can become a nurse practitioner and access nurse practitioner degree programs in New York. Jump to program listings.

2025 - Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York

Introducing RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York! Our rankings are crafted to help aspiring nurse practitioners find the top online programs in the state. We evaluate programs based on key factors like completion rates, affordability, institutional reputation, program diversity, and faculty expertise. For a detailed explanation of our ranking process, visit our methodology page.

1.

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY

Stony Brook University's nursing department offers highly reputable nurse practitioner programs that are committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based education and training. With a focus on interprofessional collaboration and advanced clinical practice, students gain hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings. The programs also emphasize the importance of cultural sensitivity and social justice to prepare graduates to provide equitable care to diverse populations.

MSN Programs

• MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• MSN - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• MSN - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Advanced Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Advanced Certificate - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Advanced Certificate - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Advanced Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Advanced Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Advanced Certificate - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

DNP Programs

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Online/Hybrid

2.

SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Utica, NY

SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers a comprehensive nurse practitioner program through its College of Health Sciences, which focuses on developing advanced nursing skills and providing quality patient care. The program follows a holistic approach, emphasizing the integration of evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and cultural sensitivity to prepare students for diverse healthcare settings. With a strong emphasis on clinical experience and cutting-edge technology, graduates of SUNY Poly's nurse practitioner program are well-equipped to meet the ever-evolving demands of the healthcare industry.

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner (post-master's certificate) Campus

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner (MS) Online/Hybrid

3.

Mount Saint Mary College

Newburgh, NY

The Mount Saint Mary College nurse practitioner program, offered through the School of Nursing, provides students with advanced knowledge and skills. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration, students are prepared to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. The program also offers specialized tracks allowing students to tailor their education to their specific career goals.

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Campus
• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Certificate Campus

MSN Programs

• Family Nursing Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Because the salary difference is so wide between registered nurses and nurse practitioners, you may expect the route to becoming a nurse practitioner to be long and the cost of tuition to be expensive. The good news is that in New York, there are endless opportunities to become nurse practitioners fast and with tuition costs that are much lower than you might expect.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

If you’re trying to become a nurse practitioner as fast as possible, the usual educational pathway is to get a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). These programs take about 2 – 3 years to complete full time, as opposed to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program, which can take upwards of 8 years to complete. Below are a few options for MSN programs in New York.

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

While going back to school can get pretty pricey, it is possible to find nurse practitioner programs that meet your financial needs. Again, MSN degree programs prove to be ideal as you will be enrolled for less time and will therefore be required to invest less money. You can unlock even more savings on your tuition if your school of choice has a more affordable tuition ranges for in-state students. Below are some of the more affordable nurse practitioner programs in the state.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Besides the fact that nurse practitioners usually make more money and get to practice on their own in New York, another reason many nurses decide to get their nurse practitioner license is because it allows them to pursue more specialized roles and get certified. Nurse practitioner programs at nearly every level offer specialized curriculums that lead to certification in an area of your choice. Here are a few examples:

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

A two-year MSN program will meet the time and financial needs of most students. But depending on your specific educational background and nursing experience, you may find that a different type of nurse practitioner program takes you even less time and requires less money. Here is a full list of nurse practitioner options and where you can find them in New York.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

The most common option for most nurses is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program. Once you’ve completed a BSN program, graduation of an MSN program usually wraps up in the second year. Here are a few you can find in New York:

• Binghamton University – Binghamton, NY
• SUNY Albany – Albany, NY

RN to NP Programs

RN to NP programs are typically geared toward licensed registered nurses who have an ADN or ASN. Also referred to as an RN to MSN program or an ADN/ASN to MSN program, nurses can achieve an MSN degree in as little as four years with the right number of credits. You can find these programs available at these New York schools:

• Empire State University – Saratoga Springs, NY
• University of Rochester – Rochester, NY

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

The highest level of education that a nurse practitioner can receive is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). If time and money aren’t an issue, this type of degree can be a great investment as they often result in higher-paying and more advanced nurse practitioner positions. Here are a few you can find in New York:

• Hunter College – New York City, NY
• SUNY Downstate – New York City

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Post-Master's Nursing Certificates are not actually a type of nurse practitioner degree, but if you already have a graduate degree in nursing, they allow you to receive certification in a different or additional nurse practitioner specialization without needing an additional degree. Here are a few you can find in New York:

• Malloy University – Rockville Center, NY
• Stony Brook School of Nursing – Stony Brook, NY

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also referred to as direct-entry or accelerated MSN degree programs, allow non-nurses with a bachelor's degree in a different subject (other than nursing) to enter directly into an MSN program. These programs essentially combine BSN and MSN coursework into one rigorous program allowing them to graduate faster and for less money. You can find these programs located at:

• Columbia School of Nursing – New York City, NY

General Admissions Requirements

Depending on the school you choose, you will find that admissions requirements can vary. In general, however, you’ll want to have the following:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

New York NP License and Certification Requirements

Becoming a nurse practitioner in New York requires meeting several rigorous eligibility standards to ensure candidates are well-prepared to provide advanced healthcare. The key requirements include:

• Active RN License: Candidates must possess a valid and unencumbered RN license in the state of New York.
• Accredited NP Program: Applicants must graduate from an accredited nurse practitioner program, which includes extensive clinical training and specialized coursework aligned with their chosen field of practice.

The application process also requires completion of the state's licensure application form and payment of an application fee, which typically ranges around $85. Detailed information on the process can be accessed through New York State's Office of the Professions website.

For certification, nurse practitioners in New York are required to become certified in their specific area of practice. Certification is commonly obtained through recognized certifying bodies such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Most certification programs mandate that candidates hold an active RN license and complete a graduate-level nurse practitioner program. Upon meeting these prerequisites, candidates must usually pass a certification exam specific to their specialty.

As of 2024, New York has granted nurse practitioners full practice authority, allowing them to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications without the need for physician oversight. This level of autonomy reflects New York's dedication to expanding healthcare access and supporting the role of NPs in a variety of settings. Nurse practitioners in the state can also benefit from resources, professional support, and continuing education opportunities provided by organizations like the Nurse Practitioner Association New York State (NPA-NYS). These organizations play an essential role in advocating for the profession and ensuring that NPs stay informed about evolving regulations and best practices.

List of NP Programs in New York

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.