Find Premier Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Syracuse, New York

Last Updated/Verified: Aug 6, 2025
Premier Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Syracuse, New York

Syracuse, New York, stands at the intersection of healthcare innovation and community-based care, making it an ideal environment for aspiring family nurse practitioners (FNPs). As the healthcare system continues to prioritize prevention, wellness, and primary care access, registered nurses are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees to expand their scope of practice.

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a concentration in family nurse practice equips graduates with the skills to meet growing patient needs across all ages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45% from 2022 to 2032, a rate much faster than the national average. This reflects a heightened demand for providers trained in holistic and accessible care. This guide explores top-tier, institution-neutral MSN FNP programs available near Syracuse, highlighting flexible learning options, regional relevance, and essential career considerations.

2025 Find Premier Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Syracuse, New York

Aspiring Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) in Syracuse, New York, are seeking top-tier educational pathways to advance their nursing careers. NursePractitionerOnline.com has meticulously researched and compiled the most comprehensive ranking of Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner programs for 2025. Our expert team evaluated programs based on factors like clinical training quality, faculty expertise, student outcomes, and regional accreditation standards. These rankings provide crucial insights for nurses looking to specialize in family healthcare and make meaningful contributions to patient wellness across Central New York. Whether you're a working RN or a recent bachelor's degree graduate, our curated list will help you navigate the best educational opportunities near Syracuse. Review our detailed ranking methodology.

#1

Le Moyne College

Syracuse, NY - Private 4-year - lemoyne.edu

Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Le Moyne College's Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers advanced nursing education through a dynamic hybrid model, enabling students to pursue comprehensive healthcare training. Spanning 46 credits and requiring 810 clinical hours, the program offers flexible full-time and part-time enrollment tracks. Graduates emerge as skilled clinicians prepared to address complex healthcare needs in diverse patient populations. CCNE-accredited, the curriculum emphasizes technical proficiency and ethical practice. With options for traditional two-year full-time or three-year part-time completion, students can strategically balance professional development and academic pursuits. Post-Master's Certificate opportunities further enhance professional advancement potential.

  • Master of Science in Nursing (FNP)
  • 46 total credit program
  • 810 clinical practice hours
  • Three enrollment options
  • Once weekly on-campus
  • Two year full-time track
  • Three year part-time track
  • Post-Master's Certificate available
  • CCNE Accredited program
  • Application deadline March 15
#2

Pace University

New York, NY - Private 4-year - pace.edu

Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner, MS

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Pace University's Family Nurse Practitioner Master's program offers a comprehensive hybrid learning experience designed for ambitious healthcare professionals. Graduates develop advanced primary care skills through a rigorous 49-credit curriculum featuring 760 clinical practicum hours across New York City and Westchester campuses. The program distinguishes itself with state-of-the-art simulation training and comprehensive ANCC and AANP certification preparation. Students benefit from a flexible three-year part-time format, positioning themselves for high-demand nursing roles with potential median salaries around $147,500. The program requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and provides cutting-edge evidence-based practice training.

  • 49 credits, 3-year part-time
  • Hybrid learning modality
  • 760 clinical practicum hours
  • Per credit cost: $1,535
  • Total program cost: $75,215
  • Application deadline: March 1
  • Undergraduate GPA requirement: 3.0
  • New York City and Westchester campuses
  • ANCC and AANP certification preparation
  • State-of-the-art simulation training
#3

Utica University

Utica, NY - Private 4-year - utica.edu

Master's - M.S. FNP Degree

Online Learning - Visit Website

Utica University delivers a dynamic online Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner program strategically designed for ambitious nursing professionals. Spanning 48 comprehensive credits and requiring 775 clinical practicum hours, this flexible part-time curriculum prepares students for advanced primary care roles. Unique program features include an immersive three-day campus experience and robust certification preparation for ANCC and AANP credentials. With competitive $850 per credit tuition, the program demands a 3.0 GPA, 2,000 RN work hours, and an unencumbered nursing license. Military-friendly and tailored for working nurses, this program addresses critical healthcare workforce needs through comprehensive, accessible professional development.

  • 100% Online Coursework
  • 48 Total Credit Hours
  • Cost per Credit: $850
  • 775 Practicum Hours
  • Three-Day Campus Immersion
  • Prepare for ANCC/AANP Certification
  • 3.0 Minimum GPA Required
  • 2,000 RN Work Hours Needed
  • Flexible Part-Time Schedule
  • 8 Total Semesters Duration
#4

SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Utica, NY - Public 4-Year - sunypoly.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner

Campus Based - Visit Website

SUNY Polytechnic Institute's Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner program stands out as a comprehensive advanced nursing education pathway. Strategically crafted for healthcare professionals seeking career advancement, the curriculum integrates cutting-edge technology with robust clinical training. Students engage in immersive learning experiences emphasizing evidence-based practice, leadership development, and innovative patient care strategies. The program's CCNE accreditation ensures high-quality education, preparing graduates to excel in diverse healthcare environments like private practices, community clinics, and public health agencies. Unique program features include professional ethics training, clinical simulation experiences, and potential pathways for doctoral studies.

  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Advanced Practice Nursing Focus
  • Technology-Integrated Curriculum
  • Multiple Career Path Options
  • Prepares for Doctoral Study
  • Clinical Simulation Experiences
  • Professional Ethics Emphasis
  • Diverse Healthcare Settings
  • Evidence-Based Methodology Training
  • Leadership Development Component
#5

New York University

New York, NY - Private 4-year - nyu.edu

Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Campus Based - Visit Website

NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing's Family Nurse Practitioner program represents a cutting-edge educational pathway for advanced practice nursing professionals. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum focusing on holistic patient care across all life stages, with strategic clinical placements throughout the tri-state area. The program's distinctive approach emphasizes evidence-based practice, preparing graduates to excel in primary healthcare management. Unique features include individualized advisement, expert faculty mentorship, and robust preparation for ANCC and AANPCB certification. With a commitment to developing compassionate healthcare leaders, NYU's FNP track equips nurses with advanced clinical skills to address complex community health challenges effectively.

  • Direct contact with expert faculty
  • Prepares primary care management across lifespan
  • Small student-to-faculty ratio
  • Individualized student advisement
  • Clinical placements in tri-state area
  • Prepares for ANCC and AANPCB certification
  • 30 credits in population component
  • Advanced core courses included
  • Multiple clinical practica opportunities
#6

Upstate Medical University

Syracuse, NY - Public 4-Year - upstate.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Upstate Medical University's Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers a transformative educational experience through a strategically designed hybrid curriculum. Tailored for working healthcare professionals, the seven-semester track offers comprehensive training in advanced clinical practice, emphasizing evidence-based healthcare strategies. Students receive rigorous preparation in pathophysiology and pharmacology, positioning graduates for successful national board certification. The program's affordability, with annual tuition of $11,310 for New York State residents, combined with flexible online learning and extensive clinical opportunities, makes it an exceptional pathway for nurses seeking to expand their professional expertise and transition seamlessly into advanced practice roles.

  • Family Nurse Practitioner Track
  • Hybrid Course Delivery
  • 7 Semester Part-Time Program
  • $11,310 Annual Tuition (NYS)
  • National Board Certification Preparation
  • Online DNP Pathway Available
  • Extensive Clinical Opportunities
  • Up to 5 Years Completion Time
  • Minimum 9 Credits Per Semester
  • Faculty-Guided Research Options
*Source: IPEDS 2023 survey results, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

Primary Care Needs Are Driving FNP Demand in Central New York

Across the U.S., FNPs are filling critical gaps in primary care delivery, particularly in underserved communities. In Central New York, this demand is pronounced. Many counties surrounding Syracuse, including Onondaga, Madison, and Oswego, face shortages of primary care providers. These gaps create ample opportunities for FNPs to serve in outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and community health organizations.

The region’s aging population also contributes to an increased need for comprehensive, long-term care. FNPs are uniquely qualified to address chronic disease management, pediatric care, and preventive health services, all within a patient-centered model. As a result, MSN FNP programs in the Syracuse area focus on preparing practitioners to deliver culturally competent, evidence-based care in both urban and rural settings.

What Makes an MSN FNP Program “Premier”?

The quality of an MSN FNP program can significantly shape a nurse’s career trajectory. While cost and convenience are important, premier programs typically share several key characteristics:

  • Accreditation: Ensures academic rigor and eligibility for certification and licensure.
  • Experienced Faculty: Instructors with clinical expertise in family health and primary care.
  • Clinical Placement Support: Coordinated practicum opportunities within regional healthcare systems.
  • Curriculum Breadth: Coverage of health promotion, disease prevention, pharmacology, and diagnostic reasoning.
  • Flexibility: Online or hybrid formats tailored to working professionals.

Students in the Syracuse region often benefit from program models that blend online coursework with in-person clinical rotations, enabling real-time application of skills in local communities.

Flexible Learning Formats for Working RNs

Balancing career, family, and education is a top priority for many prospective graduate nursing students. Fortunately, several MSN FNP programs near Syracuse offer part-time, full-time, online, and hybrid options. These flexible delivery models allow students to continue working while pursuing their advanced degree.

Hybrid Formats Offer Balance and Accessibility

Hybrid formats are especially popular, as they provide:

  • Online Didactic Instruction: Covering theory, advanced practice concepts, and evidence-based care.
  • In-Person Clinicals: Conducted in local hospitals, clinics, or primary care offices.
  • Periodic Campus Visits: For skills intensives, simulation labs, or assessments.

This structure ensures that students receive the hands-on experience necessary for confident practice while minimizing the burden of travel or relocation.

Regional Clinical Opportunities Around Syracuse

High-quality clinical placements are a cornerstone of any FNP program. Syracuse’s location within Central New York offers a diverse mix of clinical environments ideal for future family nurse practitioners. These may include:

  • Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
  • Rural health clinics and mobile units
  • Pediatric and women's health providers
  • Integrated behavioral health practices
  • Primary care offices and urgent care facilities

Training Ground for Regional Care Delivery

These placements allow students to engage with populations facing varied health challenges, including chronic illness, maternal health needs, and substance use disorders. Additionally, working with preceptors in these settings provides mentorship and a clearer understanding of real-world patient care dynamics in the region. For example, a rotation in a rural clinic in Cortland County might focus on diabetes management in older adults, while an urban clinic in Syracuse may emphasize pediatric immunizations and school-readiness exams.

Curriculum Highlights and Academic Rigor

MSN FNP programs in the Syracuse area are designed to build advanced practice skills across the lifespan. Students can expect to complete coursework in:

  • Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Health Assessment
  • Family-Centered Primary Care
  • Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
  • Clinical Decision-Making and Diagnostic Reasoning
  • Population Health and Health Policy

Evidence-Based Preparation for Lifespan Care

A capstone project or scholarly inquiry component is often required, encouraging students to investigate current issues in family health and propose actionable solutions within a practice setting. These projects frequently address regional concerns such as vaccine hesitancy, health disparities, or rural access to care. The academic rigor of these programs ensures graduates are prepared not only to provide exceptional care but also to lead improvements in health outcomes.

Certification and Licensure Pathways

Upon graduation from an accredited program, FNP candidates are eligible to sit for national certification exams through either the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Successful certification leads to licensure as a nurse practitioner in New York State.

Navigating State Requirements in New York

New York requires that nurse practitioners register with the State Education Department and may necessitate a collaborative agreement or practice protocol with a physician, depending on experience level. Graduates of Syracuse-area programs often benefit from local academic support, employer partnerships, and preparation resources to navigate this process. Some employers even offer transitional practice residencies to support new graduates as they build autonomy.

Career Outlook for FNPs in the Syracuse Region

Family nurse practitioners enjoy strong career prospects throughout New York State. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for nurse practitioners is projected to grow much faster than average, with particularly high need in areas outside major metropolitan centers.

Local Employment Opportunities and Settings

In the Syracuse region, FNPs may find employment in:

  • Community health centers
  • School-based clinics
  • Employer-based wellness programs
  • Telehealth and remote care platforms
  • Independent or collaborative private practice

Salary levels are generally competitive, with the added benefit of a lower cost of living compared to larger East Coast cities. Practitioners with bilingual skills, rural experience, or expertise in behavioral health may have even greater earning potential and job flexibility.

FactorDetails
Median Salary (NY)Over $130,000 annually
Job Growth (National)45% (2022–2032)
High-Demand RegionsRural counties, underserved clinics

Choosing the Right MSN FNP Path in Syracuse

Selecting a graduate program is a major professional step. Nurses evaluating nurse practitioner programs in New York should consider factors such as:

  • Delivery Format (Online, Hybrid, In-Person)
  • Clinical Placement Support
  • Program Length and Course Load
  • Faculty Accessibility and Advising
  • Certification Exam Pass Rates

Key Takeaways for Prospective Students

A well-aligned program will offer both academic excellence and real-world readiness. Reviewing program details, speaking with recent graduates, and evaluating career support services can provide critical insights. Additionally, choosing a program with strong regional partnerships ensures smoother transitions into local practice after graduation.

Sources

Amy Quynh L.N. Tran, FNP-C
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