Most important takeaways…
- Syracuse-area nurses can pursue FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, and other NP specialties through local and regional schools within a two-hour radius.
- Public SUNY tuition can save tens of thousands of dollars compared to private institutions like Le Moyne College.
- NP salaries in Central New York track near the national median of $121,610, varying by specialty and practice setting.
- Clinical placement models differ sharply: some programs assign all rotations while others require students to find their own preceptors.
Syracuse's three major health systems, Upstate University Hospital, St. Joseph's Health, and Crouse Health, employ thousands of advanced practice nurses and anchor a Central New York training network.
Nurse practitioner programs in the area span family, psychiatric-mental health, adult-gerontology, and other specialties, offered through MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate tracks at local universities as well as schools within a one- to two-hour commute. For a broader look at statewide options, our overview of NP programs in NY covers additional schools and formats.
For many working RNs, the choice comes down to balancing a hybrid schedule that preserves income against a full-time on-campus commitment that may limit clinical hours.
NP Programs in the Syracuse Metro Area
Syracuse has one nurse practitioner program inside the metro itself, plus several strong New York schools within a two-hour drive and a longer list that teaches largely online. The entries below cover master's degrees, post-master's certificates, and doctoral tracks across family, adult-gerontology, pediatric, women's health, neonatal, and psychiatric mental health practice. Cost, delivery format, and specialty breadth vary widely, so read each entry against what your schedule and career goal can actually support.
Factors considered
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Earnings ten years after entry
- In-state tuition and net price
- Breadth of specialty tracks
- Flexibility of delivery format
- Program-level records maintained in house
- National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) — nces.ed.gov
- Federal College Scorecard outcomes data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- State cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities — bea.gov
- Independent editorial research
Upstate Medical University
Upstate Medical University is the only nurse practitioner program inside the Syracuse metro, which makes it the natural first stop for Central New York nurses. The College of Nursing runs a hybrid family nurse practitioner master's that feeds directly into the DNP without a second application, along with post-master's certificates and BS-to-DNP tracks in family, pediatric, and psychiatric mental health practice. As a SUNY campus it charges in-state rates, and the college waives the application fee for veterans.
- Hybrid classes across seven semesters
- Seamless pathway into the DNP without reapplying
- Full-time and part-time options
- Thesis or capstone option
- Prepares for FNP certification
- Hybrid format with a primary care focus
- Individual gap analysis determines the start point
- Summer, fall, or spring start terms
- 3.0 GPA and current board certification required
- Application fee waived for veterans
- Four concentration options
- More clinical hours than a master's degree
- Leadership and evidence-based practice focus
- Multiple specialty tracks available
- Four concentration options
- Enhanced leadership and evidence-based practice training
- Interprofessional collaboration skills
- Prepares for practice in diverse healthcare settings
- 88 total credit hours and 900 clinical hours
- 200 project hours plus a 225-hour clinical immersion
- Three-semester DNP project with a defense
- Fall and spring starts available
- Focus on mental health across the lifespan
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Master's Certificate, Adult-Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner (BS to DNP) — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (BS to DNP) — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Binghamton University
Binghamton's Decker College is roughly an hour and a half from Syracuse, making it one of the closest doctoral NP options for readers in Central New York. Its DNP program is hybrid, with most coursework online and limited campus days, and covers family, adult-gerontological, and psychiatric mental health practice plus a community health emphasis. Students can enroll full time or part time and complete 1,200 or more clinical hours alongside a three-part scholarly project.
- Full-time and part-time options
- Prepares for ANCC or AANPCP certification
- Eligible for New York FNP licensure
- Hybrid format blending online and campus coursework
- 1,200 clinical hours
- No entrance exam required
- Three DNP entry pathways: BS-DNP, post-graduate, advanced standing
- Mostly online with limited campus days
- 500-word personal statement required
- 77 total credit hours
- Three-year BS to DNP pathway
- Clinical hours range from 1,200 to 1,380
- Scholarly project spread across three courses
- Post-graduate certificate option available
- Moved to the DNP level in 2024
- Simulation center and nursing research center on campus
- Coursework in informatics, policy, and advocacy
- Four concentration options
- Hybrid online and campus delivery
- Prepares for AGPCNP certification
- Synchronous and asynchronous coursework
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner with Community Health Emphasis — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner (BS to DNP) — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
University at Buffalo
The University at Buffalo offers DNP tracks in family, adult-gerontology, psychiatric mental health, and women's health practice, plus a fully online advanced certificate for NPs changing specialties. Most programs are hybrid, and the curriculum carries an unusual emphasis on addictions and mental health. As a SUNY campus, in-state tuition keeps costs well below the private schools on this list.
- 97 total credit hours
- Three to five or more years
- Full-time and part-time options
- Primary care across the lifespan
- Addictions and mental health content in the curriculum
- Hybrid format with in-person labs
- 94 total credit hours
- Assess and diagnose psychiatric disorders
- Prescribe and monitor psychotropic medications
- Implement psychotherapy interventions
- Hybrid instruction method
- Half primary care and half acute care coursework
- Prepares for AGNP board certification
- Full practice authority in New York
- Care from young adulthood through older age
- 36 total credit hours
- Two and a half to five years, part time available
- 100% online coursework
- Capstone addressing a practice gap
- 37 to 52 credit hours
- Synchronous online format
- 750 clinical hours required
- For licensed NPs switching specialties
- Spring start term
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's) — Hybrid
Family Nurse Practitioner Advanced Certificate — Online
Columbia University in the City of New York
Columbia's nursing school is highly selective and offers five CCNE-accredited DNP nurse practitioner tracks taught on campus in New York City. Family, adult-gerontology primary and acute care, pediatric primary care, and psychiatric mental health pathways each run about two to two and a half years with clinical placements across the tri-state area. For Syracuse nurses, the appeal is specialty depth and access to New York's largest academic medical centers; the trade-off is relocating or commuting downstate.
- 85 total credit hours
- About 2.5 years, full time or part time
- Clinical placements across the tri-state area
- Prepares for the FNP certification exam
- 85 credits over about two years
- Prepares for PNCB pediatric certification
- Rotations at hospitals, clinics, and schools
- Simulation-based learning plus a final intensive practicum
- 87 total credit hours over about 2.5 years
- Full-time and part-time options
- Spans child, adolescent, adult, and older adult care
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Clinical sites across the New York metro area
- Specialty areas include urgent care, cardiology, and dermatology
- Rotations at Memorial Sloan Kettering and Montefiore
- Settings range from hospitals to long-term care
- 80 total credit hours
- Clinical experience in ICU, ED, and specialty services
- Prepares for AG-ACNP or ACNPC-AG certification
- Post-BSN DNP pathway available
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
SUNY Downstate sits in Brooklyn and, as a public institution, charges New York residents far less than the private schools here. It offers family and women's health nurse practitioner tracks at the master's, advanced certificate, and DNP levels, including a hybrid DNP with two concentration options. The college's focus on underserved urban populations makes it a good fit for nurses who want safety-net clinical experience.
- 45-credit master's degree
- Two years full time, three years part time
- Fall semester start only
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification and NY licensure
- 35 credits over six semesters
- For registered nurses who already hold an MSN
- Campus-based format
- Prepares for FNP certification and NY licensure
- Two years full time, three years part time
- Focus on women's health across the lifespan
- Prepares for national certification and NY licensure
- 35 credits over five semesters
- Open to registered nurses with a master's degree
- Coursework in obstetrics and gynecology
- Prepares for national certification
- 76 credits for BSN to DNP, 46 with advanced standing
- Complete in 10 or 13 semesters
- Hybrid delivery for the women's health option
- Focus on underserved populations and the quadruple aim
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Advanced Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Master of Science in Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Advanced Certificate, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family and Women's Health Tracks — Hybrid
New York University
New York University runs one of the widest nurse practitioner portfolios in the state: family, adult-gerontology primary and acute care, pediatric primary and acute care, and psychiatric mental health, offered as master's degrees, doctoral tracks, and post-master's advanced certificates. Clinical placements are arranged by faculty across the tri-state area, and the pediatric and psychiatric tracks use hybrid formats with on-campus intensives. It is a high-cost option aimed at nurses heading into large New York health systems.
- 54 total credits
- Faculty-arranged clinical placements in the tri-state area
- Prepares for ANCC and AANPCB certification exams
- Small student-to-faculty ratio with individual advisement
- Hybrid format with on-campus immersions
- Eligible for dual CPNP-PC and CPNP-AC certification
- Simulation with standardized patients
- Clinical placements with practicing pediatric NPs
- 51-credit master's degree
- One year of psychiatric nursing experience required
- Coursework in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- 51 credits with a substance use focus
- Faculty-arranged practicums in diverse settings
- Campus-based program in New York City
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- 51 credits with a trauma treatment focus
- Includes psychotherapy and psychopharmacology training
- Supervised practicums with licensed clinicians
- Prepares for PMHNP certification
- 72 total credit hours
- 1,000 clinical hours plus a capstone
- Three entry pathways available
- 3.5 GPA minimum for admission
- 84 total credit hours and 1,075 clinical hours
- Adult-geriatric and child-adolescent tracks
- Individual and group psychotherapy training
- Prepares for national NP certification
- 54 credits for nurses who already hold a master's
- One year of clinical experience required
- Clinical placements arranged by faculty
- Courses may be waived based on prior work
- 12 to 39 credits depending on gap analysis
- 12 acute care simulations and four clinical placements
- Procedural skills training in a simulation center
- Faculty-arranged placements in premier hospitals
- 12 to 36 credits based on gap analysis
- Small seminars with individualized advisement
- Community-based clinical practicums
- Prepares for NP certification
- 18 to 39 credits based on gap analysis
- One year of pediatric RN experience required
- PALS certification needed before clinicals
- Hybrid format with on-campus intensives
- 11 to 13 credits, completable in one year
- Spring start with synchronous online classes
- Prepares for CPNP-AC certification
- For primary care pediatric NPs and FNPs
Master of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Master of Science, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary and Acute Care) — Hybrid
Master of Science, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Master of Science, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Substance Use and Addictive Disorders) — On-Campus
Master of Science, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Trauma Disorders and Trauma Treatment) — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Advanced Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Advanced Certificate, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Advanced Certificate, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Advanced Certificate, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care — Hybrid
Advanced Certificate, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care — Hybrid
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook covers an unusually broad specialty range for a public university: family, adult-gerontology primary and acute care, pediatric primary and acute care, neonatal, women's health, and psychiatric mental health. Several programs pair distance coursework with on-site requirements, which suits nurses who cannot relocate to Long Island. The school reports that its family nurse practitioner master's graduates are all working in New York State.
- Hybrid format
- Average 2.78 years to complete
- Reported 80.9% three-year graduation rate
- Graduates working in New York State
- 45 total credits
- Coursework in advanced health assessment and pharmacology
- Leadership and role transformation content
- Designed for working nurses
- 45 total credit hours
- Distance education with on-site requirements
- Focus on primary care for children and families
- Elective credit available
- Prepares for pediatric acute care practice
- Offered through distance education with on-site requirements
- Focused clinical hours in acute settings
- Advanced healthcare technology coursework
- Leadership skills development
- Evidence-based practice training
- Interprofessional collaboration emphasis
- Hybrid program format
- Average 2.37 years to complete
- 68.6% four-year completion rate
- Focus on quality, safety, and evidence-based practice
- Hybrid format, about two years
- Reported 100% five-year graduation rate
- Most graduates work in New York after two years
- Hybrid format
- Coursework in population health and evidence synthesis
- Leadership and informatics training
- 42 total credit hours and 500 clinical hours
- Seven concentration options
- Capstone and quality improvement project
- Currently accepting advanced standing applicants only
Master of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Master of Science, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Master of Science, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Master of Science, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Master of Science, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Advanced Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
CUNY Hunter College
Hunter College is a CUNY campus, so New York residents pay public in-state rates. It offers master's degrees in adult-gerontology primary care and psychiatric mental health, a post-master's psychiatric certificate, and a DNP in family nurse practitioner. Classes run days and evenings, and clinical hours are concentrated in New York City settings.
- 42 total credit hours and 630 clinical hours
- Prepares for NY State NP certification
- Daytime and evening course options
- 12-week summer session with 210 clinical hours
- 48-credit master's program
- 630 supervised clinical hours
- Coursework in neuroanatomy and psychopharmacology
- Full-time and part-time plans
- 630 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Open to registered nurses with a master's degree
- Course waivers possible for prior coursework
- Prepares for national board certification
- 1,000 clinical hours
- Three concentration options
- Family-centered care for diverse urban populations
- Open to both BSN and MSN prepared nurses
Master of Science, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Master of Science, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Post-Master's Advanced Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Molloy University
Molloy University on Long Island runs a hybrid family nurse practitioner master's plus a set of short post-master's certificates in adult-gerontology primary and acute care, psychiatric mental health, and family practice. The school reports strong first-time certification pass rates and teaches in an endorsed simulation lab. A DNP pathway is available for graduates who want to keep going.
- 45 total credit hours
- Hybrid format for working nurses
- Clinical settings include pediatric, adult, geriatric, urgent care, and gynecology
- Prepares for ANCC and AANP certification
- Pathway to the DNP available
- 42 total credit hours and 600 clinical hours
- Three-year part-time schedule
- Hybrid online and in-person courses
- Individualized clinical placements
- Careers in internal medicine and cardiology
- 42-credit program
- Hybrid learning format
- One year of clinical experience required
- Multiple practicum courses
- Seven concentration options
- Part-time schedule available
- Synchronous and asynchronous options
- 1:4 student-faculty ratio
- Advanced clinical residencies
- 18-credit curriculum
- 500 clinical practicum hours
- Two and a half to three years
- Gap analysis determines required courses
- 15 credits required
- Includes clinical practicum hours
- Covers psychopharmacology and assessment
- Leads to NY State certification
- 18-credit program
- Three practicum courses
- Covers diagnostic reasoning and pathophysiology
- Prepares for AGACNP certification
- 15 credits required
- Includes clinical practicum hours
- Focus on health promotion and chronic condition management
- Prepares for national certification
Master of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Master of Science, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Master of Science, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Master's Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Post-Master's Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Post-Master's Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Post-Master's Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Touro University
Touro University offers one nurse practitioner option: a cohort-based DNP in family nurse practitioner taught in person in New York City. It is built for working nurses, with advanced standing for MSN-prepared FNPs and up to 38 transferable credits. The program is pursuing initial CCNE accreditation, which is worth confirming before you apply.
- Cohort-based, in-person program in New York City
- Advanced standing for MSN-prepared FNPs
- Up to 38 transferable credits
- Coursework in biostatistics, epidemiology, and genomics
- Capstone project in your clinical area of interest
- Pursuing initial CCNE accreditation
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
University of Rochester
The University of Rochester offers master's degrees in family, adult-gerontology acute care, pediatric, and pediatric/neonatal practice, plus online and hybrid advanced certificates in psychiatric mental health and adult-gerontology care. Rochester is about an hour and a half from Syracuse, and several tracks are hybrid or fully online. It is a private university, so tuition runs higher than at the SUNY options.
- Hybrid format
- Primary care across the lifespan, including women's health
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- Advanced certificate option available
- Campus-based program
- Prepares for ANCC or AACN certification
- Practice in ICUs and hospital settings
- Multiple curriculum pathways
- Hybrid format
- Prepares for Pediatric Nursing Certification Board exams
- Careers in primary care, schools, and hospitals
- Addresses behavioral health topics such as ADHD
- Dual pediatric and neonatal specialty focus
- Clinical experience at a Level IV NICU
- Prepares for dual national certification
- Care for low- and high-risk infants
- Online program format
- Coursework in psychopathology, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology
- Clinical practicum hours required
- Master's degree and RN licensure required
- Hybrid format
- Three clinical courses with 224 hours each
- Procedure lab included
- For experienced nurses moving into acute care
- Hybrid format
- Students design their own degree plans
- Includes advanced health assessment training
- Clinical hours required
Master of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Master of Science, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Master of Science, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Master of Science, Pediatric/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner — Online
Advanced Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Advanced Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Advanced Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
CUNY Lehman College
Lehman College is a CUNY campus in the Bronx, which means in-state tuition for New York residents. It offers a 45-credit master's in family nurse practitioner with a pediatric option, a post-master's DNP with family and pediatric tracks, and a BS-to-DNP pathway that meets one day a week. The cohort model keeps class sizes small.
- 45 credits in a cohort model
- Classes on campus one day per week
- Pediatric nurse practitioner option available
- Prepares for NYS licensure and national certification
- 39 total credit hours
- Classes meet one day per week
- 3.2 GPA minimum for admission
- One year of APN experience required
- Coursework in health policy, genomics, and epidemiology
- 81 total credit hours
- Designed to be completed in 5.5 years
- 1,100 clinical hours
- Cohort size of 15 students
- Meets on campus every Wednesday
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's) — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner (BS to DNP) — On-Campus
Daemen University
Daemen University near Buffalo focuses entirely on adult-gerontology practice, with master's degrees and post-master's certificates in both primary and acute care plus a newer DNP in acute care. One master's track is fully online, which lets Syracuse nurses stay in Central New York while studying. It is a private university, so tuition runs higher than at the public options.
- Full-time or part-time enrollment
- Part-time students take one to eight credits per semester
- 3.3 GPA minimum
- Requires NYS RN license and a faculty interview
- 38 total credits
- Online program format
- Includes a thesis requirement
- Practicum with a preceptorship and lab
- 27-credit certificate
- One year of clinical experience required
- Advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology
- Prepares for acute care certification
- 25 credits
- Hybrid format with part-time study
- 250 clinical hours
- Prepares for certification exams
- Covers leadership, informatics, technology, and policy
- Post-BSN and post-MSN tracks
- Prepares for ACNP board certification
- Hybrid format
Master of Science, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Master of Science, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-Master's Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Post-Master's Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Hofstra University
Hofstra University's nursing school, run in partnership with Northwell Health, offers master's degrees in adult-gerontology acute care and psychiatric mental health, DNP and certificate options in family and psychiatric practice, and a neonatal track. Programs are campus-based in Hempstead on Long Island. The health system partnership supports clinical placements across a large New York network.
- Campus-based in Hempstead
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Focus on adult and older adult care
- Evidence-based, patient-centered practice
- Campus-based format
- Clinical training included
- Leads to certification eligibility
- DNP and advanced certificate options also offered
- 73 total credit hours
- Three-year curriculum with a clinical residency
- Fall start only
- Advanced standing for master's holders
- Doctoral-level neonatal specialization
- Advanced clinical practice training
- Leadership in neonatal nursing
- Campus-based in Hempstead
- Requires an MSN and current RN license
- Gap analysis determines required coursework
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Pre-admission interview required
- Fall semester admission only
- Partnership with Northwell Health
- Clinical hours included
- Prepares for ANCC certification
Master of Science, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Master of Science, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, DNP, Master's — On-Campus
Post-graduate Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Post-graduate Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
SUNY Brockport
SUNY Brockport offers a single nurse practitioner program: a hybrid master's in adult-gerontology primary care. Coursework is mostly online with nine in-person weekends, and the school arranges clinical placements within 75 miles of campus. As a SUNY campus about two hours from Syracuse, it is one of the lower-cost options for Central New York nurses.
- Hybrid executive model with nine in-person weekends
- Three-year program, full time or part time
- 525 clinical hours
- Clinical placement assistance within 75 miles
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
Master of Science, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
NP Specialties Available in Syracuse
The Syracuse metro area and surrounding Central New York region offer several NP specialty tracks, though not every concentration is available locally. The table below maps each major NP specialty to schools within roughly a two-hour commuting radius, along with the degree level offered. If you are still weighing your options, the clinical focus column can help you decide which track aligns with your professional goals.
| NP Specialty | Clinical Focus | Syracuse-Area School(s) | Degree Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | Primary care for patients of all ages, from newborns to older adults, in outpatient and community settings. | Le Moyne University; SUNY Upstate Medical University; SUNY Polytechnic Institute (Utica); Binghamton University | MSN (Le Moyne, Upstate, SUNY Poly); DNP (Binghamton) | Most widely available track in the region. Binghamton offers a hybrid DNP pathway. |
| Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGPCNP) | Manages chronic and acute conditions in adolescents, adults, and older adults in primary care and outpatient settings. | St. John Fisher University (Rochester); SUNY Brockport | MSN (both) | Available within commuting distance. St. John Fisher offers an online format; SUNY Brockport uses a hybrid model. |
| Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP) | Provides advanced care for acutely and critically ill adults in hospitals, ICUs, and emergency departments. | Daemen University (Amherst, near Buffalo) | Post-Master's Certificate | Limited local availability. Daemen's program is a 27-credit post-master's certificate. Students closer to Syracuse may need to consider online programs. |
| Psychiatric Mental Health NP (PMHNP) | Diagnoses and treats mental health and substance use disorders across the lifespan, including psychotherapy and medication management. | SUNY Upstate Medical University (reported as offering multiple NP specializations) | Verify directly with school | Local options are limited. CUNY Hunter College offers a post-master's PMHNP certificate, but it is based in New York City. Many Syracuse-area nurses pursue this track through nationally available online programs. |
| Pediatric NP (PNP) | Focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, and management of acute and chronic conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. | No confirmed local program in the Syracuse metro | N/A | Not widely available in Central New York. Columbia University (New York City) offers a DNP-level Pediatric Primary Care NP program. Online or hybrid PNP programs from other states may be the most practical option for Syracuse-area nurses. |
| Women's Health NP (WHNP) | Specializes in reproductive health, prenatal and postnatal care, gynecological conditions, and menopause management. | No confirmed local program in the Syracuse metro | N/A | This specialty is a notable gap in the region. Students interested in women's health should explore accredited online WHNP programs or consider travel to institutions in New York City or Rochester that may offer related coursework. |
MSN vs DNP vs Post-Master's Certificate Pathways
Choosing the right degree pathway depends on your current credentials, career goals, and timeline. In the Syracuse area, Le Moyne College offers all three tracks (MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate), giving local nurses flexible entry points. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing continues to endorse the DNP as the preferred terminal practice degree, which is worth weighing if you are deciding between an MSN and a DNP now.
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Online, Hybrid, and On-Campus Format Options
When choosing a nurse practitioner program, the format can be as critical as the curriculum. In Syracuse, you'll find hybrid models that blend online coursework with regular in-person requirements, but the frequency and purpose of those on-campus sessions vary widely.
Hybrid Models in Syracuse: What to Expect
All local NP programs are hybrid, pairing online didactic learning with mandatory campus visits. Le Moyne College's MS in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) holds in-person classes once weekly on Mondays, with the rest delivered online.1 Syracuse University's FNP MSN track also requires weekly on-campus attendance, giving you regular face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers. For fewer campus commitments, Le Moyne's post-master's DNP (FNP track) is a low-residency hybrid with only occasional in-person sessions and additional meetings for the DNP scholarly project.3 SUNY Upstate Medical University's NP programs, while based in Syracuse, have not published detailed delivery modes; nurses are advised to contact the school directly.
Scheduling for the Working Nurse
Both Le Moyne and Syracuse University offer part-time study options, allowing you to balance work and education. Le Moyne's FNP track spans 24 months full-time; part-time extends the timeline but keeps the same one-day-per-week class structure. Syracuse's 46-credit FNP program is also available part-time. Clinical placements, required to complete the 810 hours at Syracuse, are arranged with regional health systems and can often be completed near your home or workplace, though specifics depend on current partnership agreements. While evening and weekend class options are not guaranteed at these institutions, the hybrid design limits on-campus time, leaving the rest of the week for your nursing career.
Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Learning
Most hybrid programs include some synchronous online sessions where you log in at scheduled times. Le Moyne and Syracuse University likely incorporate live virtual classes to complement the in-person days. Asynchronous components, such as pre-recorded lectures, discussion boards, and assignments, provide needed flexibility. Always confirm the balance when speaking with admissions, as synchronous requirements can conflict with shift work. If you need maximum scheduling control, consider fully online NP programs from other New York universities (such as University at Buffalo's online FNP certificate), though these still require local clinical rotations.
Program Costs and Affordability in Syracuse
The sharpest financial decision you will make in this process is choosing between a public and a private institution, because the gap in total debt load at graduation can easily run tens of thousands of dollars.
Public vs. Private Cost Structures
SUNY Upstate Medical University, as the flagship public option in Syracuse, offers in-state tuition rates that sit well below what private institutions in the region charge. SUNY Polytechnic Institute in nearby Utica follows a similar model, with in-state graduate tuition in the low-to-mid five figures for a full MSN program. By contrast, Le Moyne College and Syracuse University, both private institutions, carry higher per-credit sticker prices. That difference compounds quickly across 40 to 50 graduate credits. A student who graduates from a public program with $20,000 in debt is in a materially different financial position than one who exits a private program carrying $40,000 or more, even if starting salaries are similar. If you are weighing options beyond the Syracuse metro, our guide to the most affordable nurse practitioner programs is a useful benchmark.
Program-level earnings data for several Syracuse-area NP programs are not yet available through federal sources, so direct ROI comparisons at the program level are difficult to make with precision right now. What is available at the institutional level suggests that NP graduates across New York State consistently land in roles that pay well above the state median wage, making the investment defensible at most price points. The lower your starting debt, the faster you reach financial equilibrium.
Reducing Out-of-Pocket Costs
Several funding strategies can meaningfully reduce what you actually pay:
- HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship: Covers tuition, fees, and a living stipend in exchange for a service commitment at a federally designated shortage facility. Central New York has qualifying sites, making this a realistic option for Syracuse-area students.
- New York State loan forgiveness: The state runs programs specifically targeting primary care nurse practitioners who practice in underserved communities. FNP and AGNP graduates willing to commit to rural or urban shortage areas in the Central NY region are well-positioned to qualify.
- Employer tuition reimbursement: Crouse Health, St. Joseph's Health, and Upstate University Hospital all employ large nursing staffs, and many nurses in the region negotiate partial or full tuition coverage as part of their employment benefits. Checking your current employer's policy before taking out loans is worth the conversation.
Running the numbers across all three levers, public tuition plus employer reimbursement plus a state forgiveness commitment can bring your net cost close to zero in the best-case scenario. Even partial use of one or two of these options changes the calculus significantly.
Clinical Placements and Central NY Health Systems
Some Syracuse NP programs assign every clinical rotation for you. Others expect you to line up your own preceptors. Knowing which model a program uses matters as much as tuition, because securing 600 to 1,000 hours of nurse practitioner clinical rotations can make or break your timeline.
Who Arranges Placements
Le Moyne College's FNP program runs roughly 810 clinical hours through structured 5-week blocks at 36 hours per week, with a dedicated clinical coordinator who helps match students to preceptors and emphasizes high-quality placement sites.12 Larger university programs in the region typically maintain affiliation agreements with regional health systems, though students are often asked to suggest preceptors in their home community, especially if they live outside Onondaga County. If your program takes the self-placement approach, a clear strategy for finding preceptors for FNP students can save weeks of frustration.
Central NY Clinical Partners
The Syracuse metro supports a broad mix of placement settings: academic medical centers, community hospitals, federally qualified health centers, school-based clinics, and private primary care and behavioral health practices across Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, and Cayuga counties.
The Mid-Size Metro Advantage
Unlike New York City, where dozens of NP programs compete for the same preceptors, Syracuse students face less saturation. You still encounter a diverse patient population spanning urban, suburban, rural, and refugee communities, which strengthens your clinical training without the placement bottleneck downstate students often describe.
How to Choose the Right Syracuse NP Program
Choosing the right nurse practitioner program means finding the option that aligns with your clinical interests, schedule, budget, and career timeline. Syracuse-area RNs have access to multiple pathways, so the decision comes down to a few practical considerations.
Start with Accreditation Verification
Accreditation is the foundation of any credible NP program. The two agencies that accredit nurse practitioner programs are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Both maintain public directories on their websites where you can confirm the current accreditation status of any program. Our nursing accreditation guide breaks down the key differences between these two bodies.
For Syracuse programs, visit the Le Moyne University, SUNY Upstate Medical University, and Syracuse University websites and check their specific program pages to see which tracks (MSN, DNP, or Post-Master's Certificate) are covered under their accreditation. Not every degree level at a university carries the same accreditation, so it's worth verifying. If you're uncertain, contact the admissions office or nursing department directly. They can provide the most current accreditation information, including any recent changes or updates.
Match the Program to Your Career Goals
Once you've confirmed accreditation, think about your clinical focus. If you're interested in primary care across the lifespan, a Family Nurse Practitioner track is the most versatile, and you can explore online FNP programs in New York for additional flexibility. If you're drawn to mental health, a Psychiatric-Mental Health NP track offers a high-demand specialty. Acute care, pediatrics, and women's health are also available in the region, depending on the program.
Consider whether you want to complete an MSN and enter practice quickly, or invest in a DNP for advanced leadership and research skills. Some nurses prefer to earn an MSN first and return later for a Post-Master's DNP, which offers flexibility if your career goals evolve.
Evaluate Format and Fit
Think about how the program fits your work schedule. Online programs offer flexibility but require self-discipline and strong time management. Hybrid programs blend online coursework with periodic on-campus intensives, which can work well if you want some face-to-face interaction without a weekly commute. On-campus programs provide structure and in-person mentorship but demand more rigid scheduling.
Also consider clinical placement support. Programs that help arrange your clinical sites save time and reduce stress, especially if you're working full-time.
Use Trusted Resources for Career Data
For general nurse practitioner career information, salary data, and job outlook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) is the authoritative source. When it comes to verifying accreditation status, always rely on the CCNE and ACEN directories or contact the program directly. These steps ensure you're investing in a credential that meets national standards and qualifies you for certification and licensure in New York and beyond.
