8 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in New York – 2024
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
An ADN degree doesn’t have to be a permanent barrier to nursing advancement in New York State. You don’t need a BSN to enroll in one of the RN-to-MSN programs in New York. Whether you’re interested in nursing informatics, advanced practice nursing, nurse management, or nursing education, an RN-to-MSN program will help you acquire the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen specialty. As a graduate of an RN-to-MSN program in the Empire State, you can expect to make around $137,140 a year. Want to learn more? Keep reading this guide to the 8 best RN-to-MSN programs in New York for 2024.
WHAT ARE THE BEST RN-TO-MSN PROGRAMS IN NEW YORK (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2024?
(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 8 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in New York (Online & Campus).)1. University of Rochester - Rochester
Specialties Offered: Nurse Practitioner (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family, Psychiatric Mental Health, Pediatric, & Pediatric/Neonatal), Nursing Education, Clinical Nurse Leader, and Leadership in Health Care Systems
The RN to MSN program prepares you for clinical as well as non-clinical roles, depending on your chosen area of focus. The clinical roles prepare you for advanced practice nursing in adult-gerontology care, family health, psychiatric mental health, pediatrics, and neonatal health. If you are seeking to play non-clinical roles, then you can choose from nursing education, clinical nurse leadership, or leadership in healthcare systems.
The RN to MSN-NP tracks comprise around 47 credits and 700 clinical hours. In addition to the graduate courses, the program also entails completing BSN courses, after which you are awarded a BSN. Thereafter, you complete the MSN and NP courses. The MSN core courses that are common to all the NP tracks strengthen your foundation in advanced physiology & pathophysiology, ethics & public policy in the healthcare systems, advanced pharmacology, and evidence-based research. The curriculum then requires you to complete courses in your chosen NP specialization, after which you’ll be prepared to take the NP certification exam.
On the other hand, if you enroll in any of the non-clinical RN to MSN tracks, the credit requirements will range from 31 to 37. In addition, each non-clinical track requires you to complete around 300 practicum hours in a healthcare setting.
Admission Requirements: If you're keen on applying to this RN-to-MSN program in New York, then you must foremost have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, your RN license must be active and unencumbered. The school also requires you to have at least one year of nursing work experience. Besides, completion of a course in statistics with a minimum of grade C is required. To complete your application, you must submit your official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a current resume.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Rochester RN-to-MSN Students
• University of Rochester’s RN to MSN program, conveniently allows you to complete clinical experiences at the University of Rochester Medical Center.• University of Rochester’s RN-to-MSN program confers a BSN along with an MSN, unlike most other RN-to-MSN programs in New York that only award the terminal degree of an MSN.
• University of Rochester’s master’s in nursing education is recognized for its top quality and ranks among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
2. Stony Brook University - Stony Brook
The RN to MSN program requires the completion of 60 credits of courses related to professional development, health sciences, clinical nursing, and master’s core. The program covers topics such as nursing research, social justice in healthcare, pathophysiology, statistical methods for healthcare research, healthcare informatics, pharmacology, health assessment, and nursing leadership. The master’s core courses prepare you for organizational leadership & role transformation, quality improvement, safety, and healthcare care policy & advocacy.
Admission Requirements: As one of the best RN-to-MSN programs in New York, admission into this program is highly competitive. As such, to qualify for admission, you must have an accredited associate degree. Your GPA must be a minimum of 3.0. Also, your RN license must be current and active in New York State. The school also requires you to submit your unofficial transcripts, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a resume.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Stony Brook University RN-to-MSN Students
• Stony Brook University’s RN to MSN program is built on a solid history of 50 years of excellent nursing education.• Stony Brook University’s RN to MSN program faculty works with you to secure a suitable site for your clinical placements. Because the nursing school enjoys partnerships and affiliations with a vast network of sites across the state, you’ll be able to experience clinical learning in diverse types of healthcare settings.
• Stony Brook University’s faculty is distinguished and highly invested in your success as an RN to MSN student. Faculty members are committed to helping you achieve your individual academic as well as professional goals.
3. New York University - New York
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Research Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Primary Care, Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Primary Care/Acute Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Holistic Nursing, Palliative Care, and Substance Use Disorders
Regardless of the RN to MSN specialization you choose, when you enroll, you’ll first complete the core courses that build a solid foundation in nursing theory, nursing research concepts, nursing issues & trends, and population-focused care. The RN to MSN coursework in total, comprises 45 to 51 credits, depending on your advanced practice area. Further, if you choose to complete a specialty certificate, you’ll require to complete an additional 12 to 15 credits. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the certification exam in your chosen focus area.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for this RN-to-MSN program in New York, you must either have a BSN or a non-nursing bachelor's degree with an ADN. Also, the program requires you to have an active RN license in NY state. Besides, you must have at least one year of nursing experience. The school also requires you to have taken undergraduate courses in statistics and basic research.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential New York University RN-to-MSN Students
• New York University nursing school’s faculty engage in active research, for which the school receives generous funds from various sources. As an RN to MSN student, you can participate in various research projects to enhance learning and sharpen clinical reasoning skills.• New York University provides clinical training at its state-of-art simulation center. The rigorous clinical training that RN to MSN students go through thoroughly prepares them for the transition to real-world clinical experiences and later to the workplace.
• New York University nursing school is the second-largest private nursing school in the nation. Besides, the school enrolls students from around the globe. Therefore, as an RN to MSN student, you’ll not only enjoy access to the school’s vast resources but you’ll also study in a culturally diverse environment, enhancing your cultural sensitivity and competence.
4. Mercy College - Dobbs Ferry
Specialties Offered: Nursing Administration and Nursing Education
Counted among the best RN-to-MSN programs in New York, the program, regardless of the track you choose, can be completed part-time or full-time. Also, with the majority of the classes offered online, you can easily accommodate this RN to MSN program into your busy life as a full-time working nurse.
If you choose to complete your RN to MSN program with the nursing administration specialization, you’ll focus on topics such as health policy, strategic planning, nursing theory & research, and human resource management and management of a healthcare organization. On the other hand, if you choose to specialize in nursing education, you’ll learn about instructional strategies, student evaluation, and student evaluation. Both the RN to MSN tracks require you to complete a total of 36 credits. On a full-time basis, most students complete this program within two years.
Admission Requirements: For admission into this RN-to-MSN program in New York, you must have an accredited BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. Also, your RN license must be valid and unencumbered. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must submit your transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Mercy College RN-to-MSN Students
• As a graduate of Mercy College’s RN to MSN program, you’ll be part of an alumni network of more than 64,000 graduates. Being part of this big alumni family, you’ll be able to build meaningful professional connections across the globe.• Mercy College’s RN to MSN program can be completed within as little as 15 months, provided you take three courses per semester. The 15-month accelerated program starts in the fall semester.
• Mercy College’s RN to BSN faculty helps you in securing a placement and preceptor for your clinical practicum that requires 120 hours of training either in an educational or administrative setting, depending on what you’ve chosen.
5. Le Moyne College - Syracuse
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner
The RN to MSN program, leading to the FNP certification, prepares you to become a competent primary care provider. The 45-credit coursework can be completed within two to three years, depending on whether you enroll full-time or part-time. Also, you are required to complete at least 810 hours of clinical training. The clinical experiences are provided at a variety of community healthcare sites, including primary and acute care settings.
The RN to MSN-FNP curriculum covers topics such as advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, advanced research, systems thinking for quality care, ethical leadership in nursing, and nursing research application. Also, you’ll learn about the health & illness management of patients suffering from chronic and acute health conditions.
Admission Requirements: To apply to this RN-to-MSN program in New York, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, your RN license must be active and unencumbered in NY state. Besides, the school requires you to make submissions of your official transcripts and a professional resume. Additionally, completion of undergraduate courses in statistics and health assessment is required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Le Moyne College RN-to-MSN Students
• Le Moyne College’s RN to MSN program prepares you for leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, and long-term facilities. Also, the program lays a solid foundation, should you desire doctoral education in the future.• Le Moyne College offers robust student support services to help you succeed. As an RN to MSN student, you’ll be able to take the help of academic advising, career counseling, and tutoring.
6. Daemen University - Amherst
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
This RN-to-MSN program in New York comprises a total of 36 credits in graduate research, core courses, and NP-specialty-related courses. The program teaches you about nursing informatics & healthcare technologies, the theoretical basis of advanced nursing practice, qualitative research, and quantitative research. The NP-specialty-related courses teach you advanced health assessment, advanced physiology, advanced pathophysiology, issues in advanced practice nursing, and advanced pharmacology. Towards the end of the program, you are required to complete a thesis or project.
Admission Requirements: To gain admission into this RN-to-MSN program in New York, you must have an accredited baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.25. In addition, you must have an active RN license in NY state. The school also requires you to have completed a course in statistics with a minimum grade of C. To complete your application, you must submit a current resume, reference letters, and a copy of your RN license.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Daemen University RN-to-MSN Students
• Daemen University’s RN to MSN program graduates report an excellent satisfaction rate for the quality of education they receive. Little surprise that the program boasts of an excellent pass rate on the NP certification exam. Besides, almost all of the program graduates find suitable placements within six months of graduation.• Daemen University’s RN to MSN program also provides free access to the ‘Why Wound Care’ program’s basic as well as advanced learning content. Because wound care is crucial to adult gerontology care, the school has partnered with the ‘Why Wound Care’ program to provide RN to MSN students with this training.
• Daemen University offers several funding options to make your RN to MSN education affordable. You’ll be able to apply for scholarships, financial aid opportunities, loans, and grants. To know if you are eligible, you must contact the school’s financial aid office.
7. Russell Sage College - Troy
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse, Practitioner Across the Lifespan, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, and Nurse Administrator
The RN to MSN program, regardless of the track you choose, requires the completion of around 39 to 45 credits. The curriculum covers core topics such as nursing research methods, advanced human pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, diagnostic health assessment, nursing research, and evidence-based practice and nursing leadership. In addition to didactic courses, you’ll complete your clinical training at a variety of clinical sites across New York.
Upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to take the certification exam within your chosen area of focus.
Admission Requirements: To apply to this RN-to-MSN program in New York, you are required to have an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Besides, your RN license must be valid and unencumbered in your state of practice. The school also requires you to have completed an undergraduate course in statistics. In addition, you are required to submit your transcripts, resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Russell Sage College RN-to-MSN Students
• Russell Sage College has been providing nursing education for more than 100 years, training competent nursing professionals who are serving across the globe.• Russell Sage College has tied up with several healthcare partners to offer employee discounts to students working in these organizations. If you are an employee, you’ll be eligible for a 10% tuition discount.
• Russell Sage College’s faculty comprises doctorally prepared advanced practice nurses who are active researchers, educators, and practitioners.
8. Excelsior University - Albany
Specialties Offered: Nursing Education, Leadership & Administration of Health Care Systems, and Nursing Informatics
Regardless of the RN to MSN track you choose, you’ll complete the majority of the coursework online, and finish practice experiences within your geographical location.
If you choose nursing education, you’ll focus on designing a learning environment, program & curriculum development in nursing education. The leadership & administration track emphasizes the management of clinical systems, management of fiscal & operational systems, and leadership in organizational systems. On the other hand, the nursing informatics track teaches you about data, information & knowledge, system life cycle, and management information for decision support.
Admission Requirements: Similar to other RN-to-MSN programs in New York, to gain admission, you must have an active RN license and an accredited associate degree or diploma. In addition, your GPA must not be less than 3.0. The school also requires you to submit your transcripts, a resume, and letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Excelsior University RN-to-MSN Students
• Excelsior University nursing school is a designated Center of Excellence. The recognition comes because of the excellent quality of nursing education the school offers.• Excelsior University is a military-friendly school that offers veterans a host of benefits, including transfer credits and tuition discounts.
• Being a non-profit, Excelsior University’s RN to MSN, comes at affordable tuition costs, compared to other RN-to-MSN programs in New York.
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