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College of Nursing students at lecture

Masters of Science

FNP and FPMHNP Programs

About The Program

Our master of science degree program educates registered nurses with bachelor's degrees to work as nurse practitioners. The program also prepares nurses for roles in leadership, consulting, education and research.

The master's program builds on your undergraduate nursing education and focuses on applying advanced theory and evidence-based data to clinical practice. The curriculum includes courses in the advanced practice role, nursing theory, family theory, informatics, quality and safety, leadership and health care policy, research and advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology. You may take practicum courses as electives to strengthen your advanced practice skills. You also may participate in faculty-sponsored research or individual research projects under faculty guidance, or practice teaching or nursing administration. 

Classes are taught in a hybrid format, both in person and online, across seven semesters.

Throughout the MS NP program, students will be thoroughly prepared for national board certification as Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) or Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (FPMHNP) and advanced roles in healthcare.

After earning the MS NP, students may choose to continue on with the College of Nursing’s seamless pathway to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program. This 100 percent online program is designed for nurses who aspire to reach the pinnacle of clinical practice, leadership, and patient care, the DNP. This option offers a timely and cost-effective pathway from the MS NP degree to the DNP, allowing students to build on their advanced clinical knowledge while deepening their expertise in areas such as evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and organizational leadership. The online DNP Program is part-time to allow flexibility, so Nurse Practitioners can continue to practice while completing the terminal degree.

Quick Facts

Tuition

$11,310 - Full Time*

* per year for NYS Residents. Based on SUNY Tuition rates & fees. See Financial Aid for more details

Program Length

7 Semesters - Part Time

Degree flexibility with part time study

Course Delivery

Hybrid

The MS in Nursing degree offers courses both online and in-person

Program Tracks

MS FNP and FPMHNP Programs of Study

We are accepting applications to the Master of Science Program for the following tracks:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs.

MS AGNP Programs of Study

We are not accepting applicants to the Master of Science Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner program. 

Details are supplied below for students who are currently enrolled in the AGNP Program

Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Fall 2024 Start

Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)

Post Master's DNP Program

We are currently accepting applications to the Post Master's DNP program for the following tracks:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner

Please see information about the Post Master's DNP program.

Please contact the College of Nursing Admissions Representative at [email protected] to discuss other potential degree options.

BS to DNP Program

We are currently accepting applications to the BS to DNP program for the following tracks:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner

Please see information about the BS to DNP program.

Please contact the College of Nursing Admissions Representative at [email protected] to discuss other potential degree options.

 

Clinical Opportunities

The master's program emphasizes clinical practice and requires students to practice advanced nursing under the guidance of experts. In addition to the expertise available on campus (at Upstate University Hospital and its many specialty clinics) the College of Nursing has developed an extensive network of physician offices, hospitals, clinics and other agencies in New York State that participate in our program. These affiliations give you the opportunity to work in primary and acute care settings with preceptors who specialize in a vast array of clinical practice areas. Before graduating, students in the master's program complete either a master's thesis or a culminating project.

Degree Time Frame

Students may take up to five years to complete the master's program.  Full-time students carry a minimum of nine credits per semester and finish in two or three years. Non-matriculated students may take up to nine credits of course work on a space-available basis while in the process of completing admissions requirements. Faculty advisors work closely with students to help them fit courses and program requirements into their work and daily lives.

"The Upstate BS program challenged me to think deeper about my ways of teaching, advocating, and leading.  I am inspired to take these skills and use them to better myself and my relationships with patients and coworkers in new and exciting ways."

—Catherine Byrnes, RN, OCN

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