Online MSN Programs in New York: Reviewing Top Programs
Ready to advanced your nursing career? A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a popular academic choice for RNs looking to up-skill and increase pay. In our guide, we explain the options for getting your online MSN in New York, including degree types available and school rankings to FAQs and salary data. Learn about online and hybrid MSN programs in New York.
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NursingNursing Ed.Profiling Online MSN Programs in New York
Whether you hold an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a smart next step for RNs looking to strengthen their clinical expertise, increase earning potential, and stand out in a competitive job market. New York offers a range of high-quality MSN programs available online, on campus, or in hybrid formats, many with specialized tracks designed specifically for working nurses.
Online MSN programs in New York typically use one of three instructional formats:
- Asynchronous learning – Self-paced coursework that allows you to complete assignments on your schedule.
- Synchronous learning – Live virtual classes held at set times for real-time interaction with faculty and peers.
- Hybrid formats – A blend of asynchronous coursework and scheduled live sessions.
In this guide, we explore MSN program options across New York, what you can expect as a student, and how an MSN can expand your career opportunities in leadership, education, advanced practice, and beyond. Be sure to review our latest rankings to see which schools offer the top online MSN programs in New York this year.
Russell Sage College—Master of Science in Nursing
Russell Sage College offers maximum flexibility for RNs who want to get a Master of Science in Nursing to become nurse practitioners.
Four NP concentrations within this MSN program:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
All coursework is online, with the exception of five on-campus visits for advanced nurse health assessment courses. Clinicals are completed in person at one of 300 partner organizations, making it simple to tailor students’ experience to their location and specialization.
Duration: Two and a half years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $950/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Unencumbered RN license in New York State
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- One- to two-page career goals essay
- Two letters of recommendation
- Current resume
Curriculum:
- Paradigms & Perspectives in Advanced Practice Nursing
- Nursing in Sociopolitical Environments
- Transforming Advanced Practice Roles
- Research Methods
- Research Seminar
- Cognate Course
- Advanced Human Pathophysiology
- Family Processes
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Health, Healing, & Self Care
- Diagnostic Health Assessment
- Adult & Geriatric Care – Theory
- Adult & Geriatric Care – Practicum
- Women & Children’s Health: Theory
- Women & Children’s Health: Internship
- Independent Study in Advanced Clinical Nursing Practice
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Empire State University—Master of Science in Nursing Administration
The Master of Science in Nursing Administration from Empire State University is an ideal choice for registered nurses with a BSN. This 33-credit program was designed with the working nurse in mind.
Empire State has arranged courses on a part-time study pace, so students can easily balance work, home, and personal obligations. Students can also opt for full-time study and have the option to take classes in an eight- or 15-week format.
Students are able to graduate from the program in as few as 10 months, prepared for broader leadership and nursing management roles within healthcare organizations and system-wide enterprises.
Duration: 10 months to two years
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $565/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- BSN with a GPA of 3.0 or above
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Resume showing clinical practice as an RN for one year
- Personal Essay
Curriculum:
- Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice
- Professional Role Development and Ethics
- Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice
- Contemporary Issues in Health Care
- Informatics and Health Care Technology
- Population Health, Human Diversity, and Social Issues
- Healthcare Finance and Budgeting
- Organizational Theory and Human Resource Management
- Innovative Leadership in Healthcare Organizations
- Nursing Administration Capstone
- Nursing Graduate Elective
Utica University—Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner
The Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner at Utica University offers RNs the opportunity to prepare for FNP certification through the ANCC or the AANP. The classwork is 100% online and students graduate after completion of eight semesters and 775 total practicum hours.
Students begin the program with courses in nursing leadership, healthcare quality improvement, and more. Before beginning in-person clinicals, they participate in an in-person, three-day immersion experience on the Utica University campus. In this simulated clinical setting, students use actual hospital equipment to gain experience in:
- Suturing
- Orthopedic splintering
- Gender examination
- X-ray interpretation
- Other practice-related skills
Duration: 20 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $850/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Unencumbered RN license
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- 2,000 hours of work experience as an RN in the United States
- Two letters of recommendation
- 3-credit statistics course
- Baccalaureate-level health assessment course with an observed laboratory
- Resume
- 500-word statement
Curriculum:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning
- FNP Skills Residency – Immersive Experience
- Health Promotion & Primary Care
- NP Culminating Seminar
- Organizational Leadership & Role Development of the Advanced Practice Nurse
- Quality Improvement & Safety in Health Care
- Epidemiology & Population Health
- Health Policy & Advocacy
- Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice
- Statistical Analysis & Scholarly Inquiry
FAQs About NY Online MSN Programs
As a potential student of New York’s online MSN programs, you probably have some questions before applying. Below, we’ve listed common questions students like you have about program timeframes, admissions, affordability, and financial assistance. Check out the FAQ to get an inside look at what you can expect from online MSN programs in New York.
What can an RN with an MSN do in New York?
A master’s in nursing allows RNs to expand current skills, develop new competencies, and strengthen leadership skills in healthcare. Common careers for MSN grads include:
- Advanced practice registered nursing: nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse midwives
- Nursing administration
- Nursing education
- Nursing informatics
- Nursing research
In addition to gaining access to advanced employment opportunities, MSN graduates often earn more than nurses with associate or bachelor’s degrees. Many students also use an MSN degree as part of their pathway toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
How long does it take to earn an MSN in New York?
That all depends on you—the school you choose, the specialty you prefer, and how much time you can dedicate to getting your new degree. The time it takes to earn your MSN degree in New York can vary significantly between programs. And while some programs take longer than others, some factors are in your control.
Full-time MSN students will graduate more quickly than part-time students, often completing academic requirements in 18-24 months. And while some students may take three years or more to earn their MSN degree, Roberts Wesleyan University’s accelerated RN-to-MSN allows students to complete undergraduate and graduate requirements in 20 months.
In New York, how much do MSN programs cost?
It varies as the cost of your MSN program in New York is impacted by multiple factors. Whether a school is public or private—and whether you’re paying in-state or out-of-state tuition—is one of the most significant cost factors.
The type of MSN program can also influence how much you pay. Students enrolling in an accelerated program spend fewer semesters in the classroom, sometimes saving money as a result.
Even though an MSN degree requires a serious financial commitment, financial aid opportunities can help offset the cost of tuition. Student loans, scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and tuition forgiveness initiatives can go a long way in helping students pay for their MSN degree.
Expert Insight
Even if you haven’t decided whether you want to work through school, consider a part-time program in case you need to work mid-way through enrollment. Yes, it may take longer to finish, but the money you make can help go towards tuition. Plus, some schools offer tuition discounts to part-time students, even though you complete the same total course credits as a full-timer.
What requirements do I need to apply for admission to MSN programs in N.Y.?
Like other graduate programs, the admission process for MSN programs often varies between schools, but standard admission requirements for MSN programs in New York generally include:
- Active and unencumbered RN license (for RN to MSN and traditional MSN programs)
- Associate degree in nursing (for RN to MSN programs) or BSN for traditional MSN programs
- Official transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Résumé outlining academic and professional experience
- Personal statement outlining goals while telling your story
- Letters of recommendation
Is there financial aid available to New York MSN students?
Yes, financial aid is available to New York MSN students. Assistance may include:
- Student loans
- Grants and general scholarships
- New York scholarships for RNs, including the Edna A. Lauterbach Scholarship, HRSA Nursing Scholarship Program, and Elizabeth Schmidt Nursing Scholarship
- Work-study programs
- Loan repayment options, such as the federal government’s Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program
- Employee assistance programs
Be sure to check out our nursing scholarship guide to learn more about scholarships and online resources for nursing students.
MSN Program Options in New York
There are several types of MSN programs in New York—it’s just a matter of finding the best fit. There’s something for virtually every student, from RNs with a BSN to aspiring nurses with a bachelor’s degree but no prior experience. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of MSN programs in New York.
Traditional MSN
A traditional MSN program is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and an active nursing license looking to expand career options and earning potential.
Direct-Entry MSN
Direct-entry MSN programs allow students with an unrelated undergraduate degree to tackle an accelerated nursing curriculum in two years of full-time study.
RN to MSN
RN to MSN bridge programs can be a flexible and affordable MSN option for those holding an associate degree in nursing. Students learn both bachelor’s and master’s degree curriculum. Though graduates will earn an MSN, not every school will award students a BSN as well.
Dual Master’s
Dual Master’s programs go beyond an MSN by blending two disciplines. Popular supplementary master’s tracks include business, public health, and urban policy and leadership.
Expert Insight
A dual master’s program is great for nurses interested in topics that aren’t commonly covered in MSN programs, such as business administration. Though some MSN programs may teach some elements of business, you can expect that the material will be primarily relevant to the healthcare field. If you want broader knowledge in business (or another field), a dual degree might work for you.
Career Info for New York MSN Grads
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $97,960 | $129,210 | $169,950 |
| New York | $106,640 | $145,390 | $194,470 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $102,390 | $129,490 | $163,080 |
| Binghamton, NY | $110,620 | $134,280 | $172,950 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $99,640 | $133,430 | $176,260 |
| Elmira, NY | $106,800 | $133,960 | $160,700 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $103,360 | $124,970 | $172,580 |
| Ithaca, NY | $111,990 | $130,830 | $157,330 |
| Kingston, NY | $102,130 | $132,030 | $173,380 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $106,490 | $134,800 | $185,370 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $107,230 | $152,790 | $194,740 |
| Rochester, NY | $101,550 | $125,600 | $151,830 |
| Syracuse, NY | $100,310 | $127,030 | $168,680 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $96,500 | $126,940 | $163,350 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | $100,990 | $128,820 | $167,040 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| New York | 16,600 | 20,970 | 4,370 | 26.30% | 440 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Top-Rated Online MSN Programs in New York
Still wondering which school is the best place to get your online MSN in New York? We get it—researching, keeping the details straight, and choosing which school to apply to can be hard. That’s why we did the homework for you.
We’ve ranked each school based on several criteria, including availability of online courses, tuition costs, and student support as based on student/faculty ratio. If you would like more information on how we source our data for this ranking, visit the methodology pop up below.
