New York MSN Programs
Adelphi University: RN to MS Program Review
Adelphi University, 154 Cambridge Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
Adelphi University is a private post-secondary institution in the Long Island, New York area. Adelphi University is among the oldest post-secondary institutions based in Long Island. Adelphi College was established in 1896, though the university can trace its roots to the 1893 establishment of Adelphi Academy, a secondary school in Brooklyn.
Adelphi University offers a Master of Science program with the following specializations:
Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Education
Nursing Administration
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the nursing program at Adelphi University. In addition to coursework, nursing masters students at Adelphi University are required to complete a capstone project and also successfully complete an exam. Students have up to five years to complete the nursing masters program. All students complete the same initial 15 core units prior to taking courses in their chosen specialization.
Prerequisite courses in research and statistics must be completed with a grade of “B” or better as part of the entrance requirements to the nursing program. Admission requirements to the RN to MS nursing program require applicants to be a graduate of an accredited nursing program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students who are not able to meet all admission requirements may be granted provisional admission by the Director on a case-by-case basis.
Albany Medical College: RN to CRNA Program Review
Albany Medical College
215 Washington Park Rd Ste 13
Albany, NY 12205
Founded in 1839, Albany Medical College is one of the oldest post-secondary medical institutions founded in the United States. Originally, Albany Medical College and Albany Hospital were separate institutions, though they merged to form Albany Medical Center more than 100 years after its founding. The college is affiliated with other higher education institutions in the area including Albany Law School and Union College.
Albany Medical College offers a Nurse Anesthesia program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. The Nurse Anesthesia masters program is approximately 28 months, including clinical and didactic courses. Students will complete clinical rotations at both on and off campus sites. The Nurse Anesthesia masters program at Albany Medical College was recognized by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools publication. The CRNA masters program is 54 credits.
Applicants to the Nurse Anesthesia program should have a BSN or degree in Chemistry, Physics or Biology from an accredited program. The minimum acceptable GPA is 3.0. Students with degrees in related healthcare fields may be considered on a case-by-case basis. It is preferred that applicants to the nurse anesthesia masters program have at least two years of experience in critical care nursing within the past five years. Holding at least one year of critical care nursing experience is required.
College of Mount Saint Vincent: RN to MSN Program Review
College of Mount Saint Vincent
6301 Riverdale Ave
Bronx, NY 10471
Established in 1847, the College of Mount Saint Vincent is located in northern New York City, specifically in the Bronx. The college serves a combined undergraduate and graduate student population of less than 2,000 students. Originally established as the Academy of Mount Saint Vincent, the Sisters of Charity of New York founded the college.
The College of Mount Saint Vincent offers an MSN program in the following four specialty areas:
Nursing Education
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Administration
Adult Nurse Practitioner
In addition to the traditional nursing masters programs, an Accelerated Nursing program is also available for students with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. The accelerated program is full-time and allows students to complete the program in less than two years. Application to the Accelerated Nursing program requires completion of several general prerequisites, one letter of recommendation and an essay.
The traditional RN to MSN programs can be completed in approximately three years of study. Applicants to the MSN program should have a bachelors degree in nursing from a program accredited by the NLNAC or CCNE. Other admission requirements include submitting two letters of recommendation and an interview. A unique option exists for undergraduate students who have completed their undergraduate nursing degree at the College of Mount Saint Vincent to earn their MSN in one additional year of study. Students interested in this option may carefully plan a course plan with their nursing program advisor.
Columbia University: RN to MS Program Review
Columbia University
116th Street and Broadway
New York, NY 10027
Columbia University in the City of New York is more often referred to as Columbia University. The university belongs to the prestigious group of Ivy League institutions and was founded in 1754 making it one of the oldest post-secondary institutions in the United States. Columbia University is located in Manhattan, New York.
In addition to a variety of specialization options, students in the Columbia University RN to MS program may also choose to enroll in a combined BS/MS program or an MS completion program. Nursing masters programs at Columbia University lead to a Master of Science degree. Specialties in the Columbia University nursing masters program include the following:
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Anesthesia
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Midwifery
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Within any of the given specialization options, nurses can also choose to enroll in one of the following sub-specialty areas:
Addictive Behaviors
HIV/AIDS
Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Palliative and End of Life Care
Genetics in Advanced Practice
Two dual degree programs in Nursing and Business (MS/MBA) and Nursing and Public Health (MS/MPA) are also available to students.
Nursing masters programs at Columbia University do not offer full-time online options. However, some masters programs are available part time. GRE scores are required as part of the application process and it is recommended that students have scores in at least the 50th percentile. General admission requirements to the masters program include at least one year of experience in a clinical nursing setting and a BSN from a program accredited by the NLNAC or CCNE.
College of Staten Island-CUNY: RN to MS Program Review
College of Staten Island-CUNY
2800 Victory Blvd
Staten Island, NY 10314
The College of Staten Island is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. The College of Staten Island (abbreviated as CSI) has the largest college campus in New York, at just over 200 acres. CUNY CSI is the result of the 1976 merger between Staten Island Community College and Richmond College. Staten Island Community College, the older of the two institutions, was established in 1955.
The college of Staten Island offers two nursing role options in the nursing masters program, Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and a combine Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Practitioner (CNS/NP) program. Students may choose to study Adult Health Nursing or Gerontological Nursing. Applicants should not that students from both program will take courses together, though their clinical practicum experiences and coursework will focus on their population of choice. Graduates of the nursing masters program at CSI can choose to pursue certification in either of their field of study.
Admission requirements for the RN to MS program include an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above. Prerequisite courses generally include statistics, research health assessment, chemistry, nursing management and pharmacotherapeutics. Students who have not taken these courses may demonstrate learning experiences consistent with what is taught in the course for admission consideration. Two letters of recommendation, personal statement and New York nursing license are also required.
Students should have at least one year of career experience as a full-time nurse prior to applying to the nursing masters program.
Hunter College-CUNY: RN to MS Program Review
Hunter College-CUNY
695 Park Ave
New York, NY 10065
Hunter College, a member of the 11 campus City University of New York system, is based in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood. The college is highly selective. Hunter College is one of the oldest colleges in the area, as it was founded in 1870. In addition to being one of the oldest colleges, Hunter College also holds the distinction of being the largest institution in the CUNY system.
Hunter College CUNY is designated a National League for Nursing Center for Nursing Excellence, specifically for their educational environment which fosters student and professional growth. Hunter College offers comprehensive specialization options and dual degree nursing masters programs.
MS/MPA Dual Degree Master of Science Nursing Administration/Master in Public Administration
MS/MPH MS Dual Degree Master of Science Community/Public Health Nursing/Urban Public Health/Master of Public Health
MS Clinical Nurse Leader
MS Clinical Nurse Specialist
MS Community/Public Health Nursing
MS Gerontological/Adult Nurse Practitioner
MS Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing/Nurse Practitioner
Admission requirements for the nursing masters program include graduation from an accredited nursing program with a minimum 3.0 GPA. A prerequisite course in statistics is required prior to commencing courses in the program, though students who do not meet this requirement in the first semester of their program. Students in the Community Health Nursing program must also take a prerequisite research courses. It is preferred that applicants to the NP programs have at least two years of career experience as a nurse. Applicants who meet this requirement will be given admission preference.
Applicants to the dual MPA/MS program should take the Graduate Record Exam.
Lehman College-CUNY: RN to MS Program Review
Lehman College-CUNY
250 Bedford Park Blvd W
New York, NY 10468
Lehman College has been in operation since 1931, originally an extension campus of Hunter College. Since 1967, Lehman College has operated as an independent college and is also part of the CUNY system. Lehman College serves students in the Bronx area. Lehman College was named one of the “Top 50 Public Colleges” in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report publication.
The MS program in Nursing at Lehman College offers both administrative, education and advanced practice roles. Students can focus their studies on a Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Parent-Child Nursing, Adult Health Nursing, or Nursing of Older Adults. The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner programs are 45 credits, while the other programs are 43 credits. Some RN to MS programs are offered part-time.
Admission requirements include an interview, valid New York nursing license and a BSN from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Nurses with a non-nursing bachelors degree should contact the Lehman College Nursing Department for information regarding the nursing program. In lieu of reference letters, applicants are to provide a list of references to the admission committee. In order to successfully commence the program, a prerequisite course in statistics must be completed with a grade “B” or better.
D’Youville College: RN to Nursing MS Program Review
D’Youville College
320 Porter Ave
Buffalo, NY 14201
D’Youville College is based in the West Side of Buffalo, New York. The college was founded in the Catholic tradition in 1908 by the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart. Today, D’Youville College serves just over 3,000 students. The campus is located just miles from the Peace Bridge, which crosses into Canada.
Applicants to the D’Youville College nursing masters program can enroll in the Community Health Nursing MS, Family Nurse Practitioner Nursing MS or choose one of the following areas as a clinical focus:
Pediatrics Nursing
Gerontological Nursing
Mental Health Nursing
Adult Health Nursing
Care of the homeless Nursing
Informatics
Prospective students to the Community Health Nursing MS will further specialize by choosing a Advanced Clinical Track, Education Track or Management Track. Students in the D’Youville RN to Nursing MS program can choose to enroll in the program on a full or part-time basis. Applicants to the program will take classes held once weekly as the program utilizes hybrid courses.
Prerequisite courses in statistics and computer science are required for applicants to the Nursing MS program. Prospective students should have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited program with at least a 2.75 GPA in undergraduate upper division coursework or 3.0 GPA overall. Applicants with a masters degree in a field other than nursing that have at least a 3.5 GPA also meet the GPA requirement.
In addition to a New York nursing license, applicants may also hold a license to practice nursing in Ontario, Canada.
Daemen College: RN to MS Program Review
Daemen College
4380 Main St
Amherst, NY 14226
Daemen College is a liberal arts post-secondary institution based in the city of Amherst. The original name of the college was Rosary Hill College. Today, Daemen College bears the name of Magdalene Daemen who established the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity which went on to establish Daemen College. The college serves approximately 3,000 students.
The following nursing masters programs are offered at Daemen College:
Master of Science in Adult Nurse Practitioner
Master of Science in Nursing Executive Leadership
RN to MS Accelerated Programs
Master of Science in Nursing Education
The RN accelerated programs are for nurses with an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) or diploma. The accelerated nursing masters program accepts applicants with a 3.25 or higher undergraduate GPA. Students in the RN to MS accelerated program will be enrolled in the Adult Nurse Practitioner track.
Admission requirements to the traditional nursing masters program include a BSN from an accredited program. Nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing that can demonstrate proficiency in nursing coursework, should contact the department for a review of their undergraduate coursework. Applicants should have at least one year of career experience in a clinical/surgical environment. Three letters of recommendation and an interview are also required.
Dominican College of Blauvelt: RN to MSN Program Review
Dominican College of Blauvelt
470 Western Hwy
Orangeburg, NY 10962
Dominican College of Blauvelt is a private liberal arts college that serves approximately 2,000 students. The college was established in 1952 as a teachers college for women. Dominican College of Blauvelt, also known as simply Dominican College, derives its name from the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt that founded the college. Dominican College is based less than 20 miles from New York City.
Dominican College offers a Family Nurse Practitioner nursing masters program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The RN to MSN program is a flexible degree option designed for working nurses. The MSN program allows students up to five years for completion. Campus-based classes are held two evenings per week, while other classes are conducted online. The MSN requires nursing students to complete 750 clinical practicum experience hours.
Upon completion of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) masters program, students may take the FNP certification exam.
Admission to the 42 credit nursing masters program is competitive. Applicants to the MSN program should hold a BSN from an accredited nursing program with a 3.0 GPA overall and in courses in the natural sciences. Provisional admission may be granted to applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement. Applicants will be fully admitted to the course, pending completion of course with a “B” or better grade.
Excelsior College: RN to MSN Program Review
Excelsior College
7 Columbia Cir
Albany, NY 12203
Excelsior College, based in Albany, was founded in 1971. The college was originally known as Regents College. Excelsior College focuses specifically on programs for adult non-traditional students and has many programs that cater to students in need of a flexible degree program. The college lays claim to being one of the largest nurse educators in the nation.
In addition to offering flexible nursing degree programs, Excelsior College is designated as a Center of Nursing Excellence by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Nursing masters programs at Excelsior College are available online. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredits the nursing masters programs at Excelsior College. The following masters level specializations and tracks are offered in the nursing department:
Master of Science in Nursing: Clinical Systems Management
Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Education
Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Informatics
In addition to a traditional masters track, the college also offers an RN to MSN option. RN to MSN students choose from the same specialization options available in the traditional masters track. General admission requirements to Excelsior College require graduation from a BSN program and a current nursing license valid in the state in which clinical practicum experiences will be completed. Registered Nurses who don’t have a BSN are eligible to apply for the RN to MSN option.
Keuka College: RN to MSN Program Review
Keuka College
141 Central Ave
Keuka Park, NY 14478
Kekua College is a private liberal arts college based approximately 60 miles outside of Rochester, New York. The college is based near the Kekua Lake. In addition to offering programs in New York, Kekua College also offers degree programs at universities in China and Vietnam. Kekua College was established in 1890 to provide education to young adults in the region.
Kekua College offers a Master of Science in Nursing, with course locations in Syracuse, Binghamton, Victor or Elmira. In The courses are held at college campuses and health centers in New York. The MSN program is 37 credits and offers a specialization in nurse education. Upon completion of the program, nursing masters graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings providing staff training. The nursing masters program at Kekua College is accredited by the CCNE. Classes are held once weekly in the evening. The masters course can be completed in approximately 1.5 years.
Admission requirements include baccalaureate degree from an accredited program earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Nurses enrolled in the program must be currently working as a nurse on a full or part time schedule and hold a valid New York nursing license. Two letters of recommendation are required, though applicants to the nursing program are not required to submit an essay.
Le Moyne College: RN to MSN Program Review
Le Moyne College
1419 Salt Springs Rd
Syracuse, NY 13214
LeMoyne College is a private college in Syracuse, New York founded in the Jesuit tradition. The New York Province of the Society of Jesus established the college in 1946. The college’s namesake is Simon LeMoyne, a Jesuit Priest well known throughout the New York area in the 17th century. Approximately 3,500 students are educated at LeMoyne College today.
Three graduate programs are available for Registered Nurses seeking to further their nursing education at Le Moyne College. In addition to an MSN program with a Nurse Administrator and Nurse Educator track, Le Moyne College offers an RN to MS certificate which provides the transition courses necessary for an RN with a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field to progress to the nursing masters program. Courses in the sixteen credit RN to MS certificate program must be passed with a grade of “C” or better.
Admission requirements to the CCNE-accredited masters program at Le Moyne College include a BSN degree earned with a 3.0 or better GPA. Provisional admission may be awarded to students with a minimum 2.8 GPA. A prerequisite course in statistics is also required for the program. A personal statement, valid New York nursing license and resume are also required. The personal statement will be completed following an admission interview with on a pre-assigned topic.
Long Island University Brooklyn: RN to MS Program Review
Long Island University Brooklyn
1 University Plaza
Brooklyn, New York 11201-8423
Long Island University Brooklyn is a private institution offering post-secondary programs in Brooklyn, New York. Another Long Island University campus is located in Brookville. The Brooklyn campus of Long Island University was established in 1926. Today, the LIU Brooklyn campus alone serves more than 11,000 students. LIU Brooklyn was recognized on the President’s Honor Roll for their commitment to community service.
The School of Nursing at Long Island University Brooklyn offers the following five nursing masters programs:
MS Nurse Educator
MS Family Nurse Practitioner
MS Executive Program for Nursing and Healthcare Management
MS Adult Nurse Practitioner
MS Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
With the exception of the MS Executive Program for Nursing Healthcare Management, the programs are offered in a blended format in which a majority of coursework is available to be completed online. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the Master of Science nursing programs at Long Island University Brooklyn.
Admission requirements include submitting the application along with three letters of recommendation using the nursing recommendation form available on the university’s website. A resume, personal statement and transcripts from previous schools should also be submitted. Programs in the RN to MS program meet once weekly and are designed for full-time career nurses. In general applicants to the nursing masters program should have a 2.5 overall GPA and 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate coursework. Applicants to the nursing masters program should have a BSN from a program accredited by a nursing body.
Long Island University Post: RN to MS Program Review
Long Island University Post
720 Northern Blvd
Brookville, NY 11548
Long Island University Post is based in Nassau County. The college is named for the Post family, known for the Post Cereal brand. The estate of the Post family, purchased by the college, served as the home of the institution’s first classes. The Long Island University campus was established in 1955.
The Department of Nursing at Long Island University Post offers nursing masters programs in Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Education specializations The Family Nurse Practitioner is a part-time program that requires six semesters of coursework. The FNP nursing masters program is 46 credits total. Upon completion of the program, nurses are eligible to pursue certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The Nursing Education program is 33 credits and requires five semesters and one summer of coursework. Like the MS FNP program, it is completed on a part-time schedule.
Admission requirements to the MS Nursing Education course include a bachelors degree earned with an overall 3.0 GPA. Applicants do not need a BSN to apply for the nursing masters program. As part of the admission process, applicants are required to have a personal interview. A prerequisite course in nursing research and at least one year of clinical experience are recommended prior to beginning the course.
Admission requirements to the MSN FNP program are similar, but it is also recommend that applicants have a course in health assessment, which can be completed upon admission to the nursing program.
Mercy College: RN to MS Program Review
Mercy College
555 Broadway
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522-1186
Mercy College is a private liberal arts institution with several campuses throughout New York in Dobbs Ferry, Manhattan, Yorktown and the Bronx. Originally founded as a junior college, the university was established in 1950 by the Sisters of Mercy. Mercy College holds the honor of being a “Yellow Ribbon School” an honor bestowed by the Department of Veteran Affairs to educational institutions committed to assisting veterans with educational expenses.
Mercy College offers masters programs in Nursing Administration and Nursing Education. Both the Nursing Administration and Nursing Education masters degree programs require completion of a 120 hour practicum. The RN to MS programs can usually be completed in two years and are campus-based with an online component. The departmental website maintains a list of financial aid programs that are available for students including the Nurse Faculty Loan Program.
In addition to the masters degree programs for nurses with a bachelors degree a bridge program is also offered for nurses with a non-nursing bachelors degree. The bridge program includes courses in nursing research, statistics and community health nursing in addition to a required graduate course. To be admitted into the nursing masters program, applicants should have a bachelors degree from an accredited program and a current US nursing license.
Molloy College: RN to MS Program Review
Molloy College
1000 Hempstead Ave
Rockville Centre, NY 1157
Molloy College was established in 1955. The private college is based in Long Island and was founded by the Sisters of St. Domonic of Amityville, the Congregation of the Holy Cross. The college holds the honor of being named among the Catholic Colleges of Distinction, an award based on the nomination of secondary and post-secondary guidance counselors.
The following specialization tracks are offered in the nursing masters program at Molloy College:
Nursing Administration with Informatics
Nursing Education
Clinical Nurse Specialist : Adult Health
Adult Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Individualized personal attention and mentoring are a key part of the nursing masters program at Molloy College, which is accredited by CCNE. In addition to working with patients, students will also have the opportunity to work with faculty on research projects in their chosen area of specialty.
Dual degree options are offered at Molloy College for nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. These programs allow nurses to earn both a masters degree in nursing as well as an undergraduate nursing degree. Three letters of recommendation, transcripts and a personal statement are required as part of the nursing masters program application at Molloy College. RNs should have a valid nursing license, and will need to include the RN license number on their application.
Mount Saint Mary College: RN to MSN Program Review
Mount Saint Mary College
330 Powell Ave
Newburgh, NY 12550
In 1959, the Sisters of Saint Dominic established Mount Saint Mary College. Since that time, the college has grown to serve over 2,700 students annually. The college maintains an intimate feel, with the average student to faculty ratio 15:1. The college is located in the city of Newburgh, an approximate halfway point between Albany and New York City.
Adult Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner masters nursing programs are offered at Mount Saint Mary College. The Adult Nurse Practitioner program is 27 credits and requires 500-600 hours of clinical practicum experience. The Family Nurse Practitioner program is 30 credits and requires 600-700 hours of clinical practicum experience. The RN to MSN program can be completed in as little as 2.5 years and is offered both part and full time. The nursing masters program offers a hybrid course format, with a combination of evening and online courses to suit working nurses.
Applicants should have a bachelors degree from a program accredited by CCNE or NLNAC. An overall GPA of 2.75 is required unless the student has a graduate degree, in which a 3.0 is required. Prerequisite courses in nursing research, statistics and physical assessment are also required. The Mount Saint Mary College nursing masters program recommends that applicants have at least one year of career experience as a nurse.
New York University: RN to MS Program Review
New York University
37 Washington Square W
New York, NY 10011
New York University was founded in 1831. The college is in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan. The university is one of the largest and most prominent private research universities in the United States. NYU, as the university is commonly known, was established in part due to the work of Albert Gallatin, a statesman that worked with Presidents James Madison and Thomas Jefferson.
In addition to a dual degree Master of Science/Master of Public Health Nursing Science program, New York University offers the following specializations in their nursing MS program:
Nurse-Midwifery
Nursing Administration
Nursing Informatics
Nursing Education
Advanced Practice Nursing: Pediatrics
Advanced Practice Nursing: Adult Acute Care
Advanced Practice Nursing: Mental Health Nursing
Advanced Practice Nursing: Adult Primary Care
Advanced Practice Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
The nursing masters programs at New York University accept nurses with a BSN or bachelors degree in a field other than nursing earned with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Nurses should hold a current New York nursing license. It is a requirement that applicants have at least one year of career experience as a clinical nurse before beginning the clinical course component of the masters program. Prerequisite courses in statistics and research are required for acceptance to the nursing masters programs. The Adult Acute Care and Pediatrics tracks have additional requirements.
Pace University: RN to MSN Program Review
Pace University
1 Pace Plaza
New York, NY 10038
Pace University is a private university that was founded in 1906. The university serves over 13,000 students today on two campuses in Westchester and New York City. Pace University School of Nursing was established in 1966 and later named for Gustav Lienhard, a prominent alumni and donor to the university.
Pace University offers the following programs for nurses without a bachelors degree that are interested in earning a nursing masters degree:
Accelerated, Combined BSN and MSN program – for non-nurses with a bachelors degree seeking a BSN and MSN
RN Bridge Program – for nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. The RN Bridge program requires nurses to be competent in using online education and requires nurses to complete courses in statistics, research and nursing practice.
The following programs are available for nurses with a bachelors degree seeking a master’s degree with a nursing focus:
MA in Nursing Education
Family Nurse Practitioner program
The Family Nurse Practitioner program is 42 credits and allows nurses to complete a masters degree and also sit for the certification exam for FNP (Family Nurse Practitioners) upon completion of their course. The course also requires a 720 hour clinical component. The Nursing Education program is 32 credits and admits nurse with at least one year of clinical nursing experience.
Roberts Wesleyan College: RN to MSN Program Review
Roberts Wesleyan College
2301 Westside Dr
Rochester, NY 14624
Roberts Wesleyan College is a liberal arts post-secondary institution with a Christian heritage. Benjamin Titus Roberts, a committed abolitionist and women’s rights advocate, founded the college in 1866. Over 95% of students enrolled at the college receive a form of financial aid. Roberts Wesleyan College serves just under 2,000 students each year.
Nursing masters programs at Roberts Wesleyan College are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Additionally, the MSN programs are available through distance learning or campus-based coursework depending on the student’s preferences. The nursing program is 39 credits and delivered in a modular format, in which students take one nursing course at a time. Prospective nursing students may opt to enroll in the Nursing Education or Nursing Leadership & Administration masters program.
Applicants to the nursing program should have a BSN or similar degree from an accredited program. While students in the MSN Nursing Education program are required to have a New York nursing license, students in the MSN Nursing Leadership & Administration program may have a New York or Canadian nursing license. Nurses with licenses from other areas will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should have a 3.0 overall GPA and a prerequisite course in statistics completed with a 3.0 or better.
St. Joseph’s College: RN to MS Program Review
St. Joseph’s College
155 W Roe Blvd
Patchogue, NY 11772
St. Joseph’s College has campuses in Patchogue near Long Island and the city of Brooklyn in New York. The college is a liberal arts post-secondary institution founded in 1916. The college was established in Brooklyn by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Together, the two St. Joseph’s campuses enroll just under 5,000 students.
St. Joseph’s College offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a nursing major. The nursing masters program at St. Joseph’s College is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Nurses seeking financial aid may be eligible for funding via the Nursing Faculty Loan program. The MS nursing major program offers the following two specialization options:
Clinical Nursing Specialist: Adult Health
Nursing Education
The nursing masters program requires a total of seven months of study.
Nurses that apply to the MS program at St. Joseph’s College should have a bachelor’s degree from a program accredited by the NLNAC or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Though a 3.0 overall GPA is a requirement for the program, students with a 3.3 or higher GPA are given admission preference to the nursing masters program. It is required that nursing applicants have at least one year of career experience in clinical nursing prior to acceptance in the MS nursing program.
An interview and two letters of recommendation are also required prior to admittance into the nursing masters program.
St. John Fisher College: RN to MSN Program Review
St. John Fisher College
3690 East Ave
Rochester, NY 14618
St. John Fisher College is a private post-secondary college based just outside of Rochester in the city of Pittsford. The college was founded with Catholic roots, though it has operated independently since 1968. St. John Fisher College was originally established as a men’s college in 1948. The Basilian Fathers founded the college.
The following three nursing specialties are offered in the nursing masters program at St. John Fischer College:
Family Nurse Practitioner
Clinical Nurse Specialist (can be further specialized to Maternal/Child or Adult/Gerontology specialty)
Nurse Educator
Students in the Nurse Educator track can sit the certification exam in their specialty upon completion of the nursing masters course. A fast track is open for junior nursing students that demonstrate academic aptitude (3.3 GPA or above). The fast track program shortens the graduate degree and allows nursing students to commence taking graduate nurses courses while pursuing their undergraduate degree.
Though the Graduate Record Exam is not required to apply to the nursing masters program at St. John Fisher College, scores may bolster the nursing application. Statistics, health assessment and nursing research are required prerequisite courses and should have completed at the undergraduate level. With the exception of students in the fast-track program, applicants should have a current New York nursing license. Nurses should have a BSN from an accredited program before applying to the traditional masters program.
SUNY Downstate Medical Center: RN to MS Program Review
SUNY Downstate Medical Center
470 Clarkson Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11203
In addition to being a leading healthcare institution that serves Brooklyn residents, the SUNY Downstate Medical Center also offers healthcare-oriented educational programs. SUNY Downstate Medical Center has been in operation since 1860. The State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn is the center’s former name. Approximately 1,700 students are educated at SUNY Downstate Medical Center.
With the exception of the Nurse Anesthesia programs, all degree options are available on a full or part-time basis. The College of Nursing at Downstate SUNY Medical Center offers the following masters program tracks:
Clinical Nursing Specialist (Adult and High Risk Mother and Infant Specialties offered)
Nurse Midwifery
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Anesthesia
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Upon completion of the nursing masters program, students are eligible to take the nursing certification exam in their area of specialty. The nursing masters programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
The Nurse Anesthesia course requires applicants to have a BSN earned with a 3.3 or higher GPA. Entrance requirements require specific departmental experience. A list of acceptable departments and experience levels are available from the nursing department. Generally, other nursing masters programs require a BSN earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prerequisite courses in statistics, research and health assessment are required for all nursing masters programs.
Stony Brook University: RN to MSN Program Review
Stony Brook University
100 Nicolls Rd
Stony Brook, NY 11794
Stony Brook University was founded in 1957. The university was originally focused on teacher education. The public university is based in Stony Brook, New York less than 4 miles from the West Meadow Beach and Wetlands Reserve and approximately 60 miles from New York City. Approximately 24,000 students are educated at Stony Brook University each year.
The following nursing masters programs are offered at Stony Brook University:
Nursing Education
Nursing Midwifery
Nurse Practitioner (nurses choose from among specialties in Adult Health, Perinatal/Woman’s Health, Psychiatric/Mental Health, Neonatal Health, Pediatric).
Stony Brook University’s nursing masters programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and available online, though campus-based attendance is required periodically. A Master’s completion program exists for bachelors degree prepared nurses who already possess a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner certification. The Master’s Completion program admits certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioners seeking to earn a masters degree in nursing.
Aspiring nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and no previous nursing experience may apply to the Accelerated BSN program, however nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing may be offered conditional admission. A Registered Nurse Baccalaureate to Master’s program is available for nurses with a diploma or associate degree in nursing. Other general admission requirements to the RN to MSN programs at Stony Brook University include a BSN earned with a GPA of 3.0 or above and prerequisite courses in health assessment and statistics.
Binghamton University: RN to MS Program Review
Binghamton University
4400 Vestal Pkwy E
Binghamton, NY 13902
Binghamton University is part of the State University of New York system and also known as the State University of New York at Binghamton. The university was founded in 1946, and like many universities in this era was established to meet the educational needs of returning World War II veterans. The university was originally called Triple Cities College.
The Decker School of Nursing at SUNY Binghamton offers the following four nursing masters tracks:
Gerontological Nursing
Dual MS in Nursing/MPA Program
Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
Community Health Nursing
Family Nursing
Upon completion of the nursing masters tracks, students will also be able to pursue certification in one of the following advanced practice nursing roles:
Nursing Administrator
Nursing Education
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Nurse Practitioner
Nurses can further specialize their program by choosing a focus in rural nursing or disaster preparedness. In the future, the Decker School of Nursing also aspires to offer concentrations in palliative care and forensic nursing. In addition to the traditional nursing masters programs, a master’s degree completion program is offered for nurses with a bachelor’s degree and nurse midwifery certification.
For admission into the Nursing MS programs, applicants should have a BSN or equivalent from a program accredited by CCNE or NLNAC. The undergraduate GPA should be 3.0 or above. It is recommended that applicants have at least one year of career experience as a nurse prior to commencing masters level study in nursing. The nursing masters programs are available on a full or part time basis. The part-time option is suggested for nurses without the recommended work experience.
State University of New York Institute of Technology: RN to MS Program Review
State University of New York Institute of Technology
100 Seymour Rd
Utica NY 13502
SUNY Institute of Technology, also known as SUNYIT and the State University of New York Institute of Technology was founded in 1966. The university is based in Marcy, outside of Utica, New York. When the university was founded it originally offered only graduate programs, though today it serves undergraduate and graduate students.
SUNYIT offers the following masters in nursing programs:
Nursing Education -36 credits
Family Nurse Practitioner – 45 credits
SUNY IT’s nursing masters programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The nursing masters programs are available on a full or part time basis. Registered Nurses that do not hold a BSN in nursing are eligible to apply for accelerated programs which lead to bachelors and masters degrees in nursing. The accelerated programs are offered in both the Family Nurse Practitioner or Nursing Education specializations. Some courses are offered in a hybrid format, in which students in engage in distance learning coursework. The Nursing Education track is offered online.
Applicants to the nursing masters program at SUNY Institute of Technology should have a bachelor’s degree in nursing earned from a program accredited by a nursing body (CCNE, NLNAC). The applicant’s undergraduate GPA should be 3.0 or above. In addition, applicants to the nursing masters program should have at least one year of experience as a nurse. Applicants to the Nurse Practitioner track will need a prerequisite course in health assessment in addition to the required prerequisite in statistics.
SUNY Upstate Medical University: RN to MS Program Review
SUNY Upstate Medical University
750 E Adams St
Syracuse, NY 13210
The State University of New York Upstate Medical University was founded in 1834. The campus is based in Syracuse, New York. More than 1,500 students are enrolled at SUNY Upstate Medical University. The university was originally established as the Medical Institution of Geneva College.
The master of science in nursing programs at SUNY Upstate Medical University prepare nurses for work in a variety of roles. The following specializations are offered:
Family Nurse Practitioner
Clinical Nurse Specialist (Adult-Medical Surgical focus)
Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Nurses with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing may also enroll in the RN to MS Fast track program. A nurse educator minor is offered in the masters programs for aspiring nurse educators. The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner was offered in the past, but is currently not being offered.
Admission requirements to the nursing masters programs at SUNY Upstate Medical University include a bachelor’s degree with a focus in nursing. Though a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, a higher GPA may be required as admission to the BS to MS nursing program is competitive. Applicants to the RN to MS program are not required to take the Graduate Record Exam, nor are they required to have career experience as a nurse like other nursing masters programs in the area.
The College of New Rochelle: RN to MS Program Review
The College of New Rochelle
29 Castle Pl
New Rochelle, NY 10805
The College of New Rochelle is a private Catholic post-secondary institution that was founded in 1904. The college holds the distinction of being the first women’s Catholic college in New York. The college serves approximately 4,200 students and was founded in the Ursuline tradition.
A traditional Family Nurse Practitioner masters program is offered at The College of New Rochelle. The FNP program is 40 credits and requires 765 hours of clinical practicum experience. An accelerated RN to BSN to MS program is offered in addition to the traditional masters track. Other nursing masters tracks that were offered previously include Clinical Nurse Specialist in Holistic Nursing, Nursing and Health Care Administration, and Nurse Educator.
General application requirements include a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution. Since a 3.0 or above GPA is required for admission consideration, applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may apply for a review of their application in writing. A prerequisite course in statistics, two reference letters and two essays should also be submitted with the nursing masters program application.
Though career experience is not explicitly listed as an entrance requirement to the nursing masters program, applicants are required to write one essay about their nursing practice experience. A current New York RN license is required for nurses in the masters program.
The Sage Colleges: RN to MSN Program Review
The Sage Colleges
65 1st St
Troy, NY 12180
The Sage Colleges are a three college system composed of Russell Sage College for Women in the city of Troy, Sage College of Albany which is a coeducational college and a graduate college that operates on both campuses. The Sage Colleges can trace its history to 1916 when the Russell Sage College for women was established.
The Sage Colleges offers highly-customizable nursing masters degree program options. Nurses in the program can choose from day, evening or even bi-weekly courses. In addition to selecting one of the tracks listed below, students have the option of choosing an Educator, Administrative/Executive or Clinical Focus within their program. The Nursing MS program can be completed in as little as two years or up to seven years if necessary.
Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
Community Health
Adult Health
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Adult Nurse Practitioner
Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
A BSN, or an equivalent degree, earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA is required for admission to the nursing program. Though a statistics course taken within the past three years is usually a prerequisite for the program, students may bypass this requirement if they can demonstrate equivalent experience in their portfolio or an advising session. In some cases, applicants are offered provisional admission to the nursing masters program. This includes RNs with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and applicants who do not satisfy the 3.0 GPA requirement.
University at Buffalo-SUNY: RN to MS Program Review
University at Buffalo SUNY
12 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260
The University at Buffalo State University of New York was founded in 1846. The post-secondary institution was originally founded as a medical school called the University of Buffalo. The University of Buffalo became part of the State University of New York in the 1960s. Other common names of the university include SUNY Buffalo or the University at Buffalo. SUNY Buffalo serves more than 28,000 students.
A Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Systems masters program is offered at SUNY Buffalo. The nursing masters program is designed for bachelors prepared nurses and prepares them for executive leadership, consultant and clinical management roles. Though not a dual degree program, the nursing masters program at SUNY Buffalo is interdisciplinary in nature as students will have the opportunity to take courses in the School of Public Health and also Management. Upon completion of the masters program, nurse may take the exam to earn Nurse Administrator certification.
The undergraduate GPA requirement for admission to the nursing program is 3.0. Admission requirements include a bachelor of science degree in nursing, a US nursing license and Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test scores. In addition to the application, aspiring nursing masters students should submit a personal statement, Curriculum Vitae and three letters of reference. An admission interview is also required.
University of Rochester: RN to MS Program Review
University of Rochester
500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd.
Rochester, NY 14627
The University of Rochester was established in 1850 and educates more than 10,000 students each year. The university is composed of several campuses, notably the River campus, Medical Center and Eastman School. The university boasts an exceptionally low student to faculty ratio of 10:1.
Accelerated programs, Nurse Practitioner and Leadership nursing masters programs are offered at the University of Rochester. The following is a brief summary of their program offerings:
RN to BS to MS – Designed for nurses with a diploma or associate’s degree in nursing that are ultimately seeking a masters degree in nursing
AMPNN – The Accelerated Master’s Program for Non-Nurses prepares students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field to earn a Nursing MS. Students in this program earn both a bachelors and masters degree
Nurse Practitioner specialties offered in the traditional RN to MS program include the following:
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (nurses choose a Critical Care or Cardiovascular focus)
Adult Nurse Practitioner/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
The Leadership in Health Care Systems tracks also offer Nursing MS degrees:
Clinical Nurse Leader
Health Care Organization Management and Leadership
Clinical Research Coordinator
The latter to tracks of the Leadership in Health Care Systems are available to students without a nursing degree. Prior to applying to the nursing masters program, students should have a BSN earned with a 3.0 GPA or higher. A prerequisite course in statistics completed with a “C” or better is also required.
Wagner College: RN to MSN Program Review
Wagner College
1 Campus Rd
New York, NY 10301
Wagner College is a private liberal arts college serving about 2,400 students. The college is located in Staten Island, a short ferry ride across from bustling Manhattan, New York. Wagner College traces its root to the 1883 establishment of Lutheran Proseminary of Rochester. The college is named after George Wagner, an aspiring minister who passed away before he could realize his dream. George was also the son of benefactor John Wagner whose donation allowed the college to purchase a campus.
Wagner College offers Nurse Educator (44 credits) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP, 45 credits) masters tracks. The nursing masters program can be completed in five or seven semesters of full or part time study respectively. The college offers comprehensive financial aid options to students, including graduate assistantships, to assist students in paying for their education. The master of science in nursing programs at Wagner College are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
Generally, applicants to Nursing MS program should have a bachelors degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Applicants from other bachelors degree programs are considered on a case-by-case basis. For applicants to the FNP track, documentation of current clinical experience is required. The nursing masters program admission committee reviews applications from applicants who do not meet admission requirements on a case-by-case basis.
