Online NP Degree Programs in New York: Top Schools & Details

Inside Different Types of Online NP Programs in New York

If you’re currently searching for an NP program, you’re likely already aware that becoming an NP is going to require you to head back to school to obtain a graduate degree or certificate. You may also know about the many career opportunities this can provide. With a healthcare coverage shortage still affecting New York residents, there’s plenty of demand for skilled NPs who can make a genuine difference in the lives of patients.

There are several different paths to becoming an NP, including earning a master’s degree, doctorate, or a specialty certificate. Students in New York also have program choices that include online healthcare education, which range from completely virtual offerings to hybrid programs that include on-site classes or clinical work.

This guide to the degree or certificate types of NP programs is all about showcasing what New York schools have to offer. See below for some examples and details.

Frequently Asked Questions from New York Online NP Students

What are some common admission requirements for an NP degree in New York?

The most likely requirements are a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a current RN license in New York, transcripts that show a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, and a completed online application. You may also need to acquire letters of recommendation, participate in an interview with program leaders, and provide a personal essay. Some admissions have additional requirements, such as a background check, proof that you’ve passed a statistics course, and a certificate for Basic Life Support (BLS).

Why is it important for my online NP program to be accredited?

Accreditation is your way of assuring that your online NP program provides you with the education and training you need to obtain certification in your NP specialization. Certification will provide avenues for you to be hired by a healthcare facility and start on the road to succeeding in your professional practice. Programmatic accreditation is handled primarily by two professional associations for nursing schools: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

What type of specialties are available in an online NP program?

NP students in New York have a variety of specialties to choose from. The four most popular are these:

• Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

You’ll find online NP programs in New York for other specialties as well, including acute care nursing and primary (non-urgent) care. Any specialty that you choose will need to be confirmed with its own certification process.

Is financial aid available for NP programs in New York?

The quick answer to this one is “yes,” but it’s important to note that there are several financial aid options for NP students that you may qualify for. Before you apply for your program, it is important to understand your funding options.

Scholarships and grants are ideal funding sources, as they most commonly don’t need to be paid back. The school you pick may provide scholarship and grant opportunities. You can also find these through federal and state government programs. Loans or employer tuition reimbursement are other sources that help defray your costs.

How do I find a clinical placement during my studies for an NP degree or certificate?

There are different pathways to find your clinical and fieldwork experience. Most of these will be with the school you are attending. Contact your program director early in the process to work with them on a schedule. If you have a clinical job already, there may be opportunities to do the work you need to earn your NP, so you should contact the human resources department to see what’s available. You can also network to find an available spot in your city or town.

Licensing and Certification for New York Nurse Practitioners

The process for certification and licensing nurse practitioners in New York is straightforward, but involves several steps. It begins with the certification test, which can take place through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the National Certification Corporation (NCC), or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Test costs are between $240 and $315 for the AANP, $210 and $325 for the NCC, and $290 and $395 for the ANCC. Memberships for each group usually lead to the lowest price.

As for state licensure, it takes place through the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Requirements include an RN license in the state, proof of graduation from an accredited NP program, and the $85 licensing fee. This can all be completed online.

License renewal in New York needs to take place every three years. You’ll get a notice five months before the license expires. It costs $35 to re-register. You’ll also need to complete 75 hours of continuing education in that three-year span, including an infection control class, a course on treating substance abuse patients, and another course on child abuse reporting and identification.

Salary & Career Outlook for Nurse Practitioners in New York

Completing your New York nurse practitioner program is just the beginning of your career journey—now it's time to search for a job. It's natural to wonder about your job and salary prospects, but as you can see in the tables below, there's no need to worry. Job openings for nurse practitioners are expected to remain abundant, with the profession projected to grow by 44.5% nationally and a robust 26.3% in New York over the next ten years. Moreover, you can anticipate earning a good salary in your new role as an NP. The median nurse practitioner in New York earned $137,630 in 2023, and six-figure salaries for nurse practitioners are common across the state. The table below provides more details on what you can expect to earn in different regions of the Empire State, with additional factors like experience and specialization also influencing your pay.

Ranking New York’s Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

If you now feel prepared to find an online NP program that works for you, the following list is an excellent place to begin. We’ve ranked these schools based on important metrics to watch for, including the percentage of online classes taken by total students, the average in-state tuition costs, and the average amount of grant aid awarded to full-time students at each school. Data used for rankings were voluntarily provided by the schools through the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). For more information on our ranking system, you can review the “About the Ranking” section provided below.