Find 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.
2026 Find Premier Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Syracuse, New York
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 stands out as a dynamic hybrid educational pathway for aspiring advanced practice nurses. Meticulously designed, the program enables students to complete 46 comprehensive credits and 810 clinical hours through flexible full-time and part-time tracks. Graduates emerge as highly skilled clinicians prepared to deliver exceptional healthcare across diverse populations. The CCNE-accredited curriculum emphasizes technical proficiency and moral nursing principles, with unique features including once-weekly on-campus sessions and a post-master's certificate option. Religious Catholic affiliation and military-friendly status further enhance the program's inclusive educational environment.
- 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
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 an innovative hybrid learning experience designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced primary care expertise. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum spanning 49 credits, integrating online coursework with hands-on clinical training across 760 practicum hours. The program strategically prepares graduates for high-demand nursing roles, with potential median salaries around $147,500 in New York. Featuring state-of-the-art simulation training and preparation for ANCC and AANP certification, students develop evidence-based practice skills. With a 3.0 undergraduate GPA requirement and application deadline of March 1st, the program provides flexible part-time scheduling across New York City and Westchester campuses.
- 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
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 offers a comprehensive educational pathway for advanced nursing professionals seeking to elevate their clinical expertise. Accredited by CCNE, this rigorous curriculum integrates cutting-edge technology with evidence-based practice, preparing students for complex healthcare challenges. The program uniquely emphasizes leadership development, professional ethics, and clinical simulation experiences. Designed for working professionals, students gain critical skills in patient care and clinical decision-making, positioning graduates for diverse roles in private practices, public health agencies, and potential doctoral study pathways.
- 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
Utica University
Utica, NY - Private 4-year - utica.edu
Master's - M.S. FNP Degree
Online Learning - Visit Website
Utica University's online Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner program stands out as a comprehensive pathway for advanced nursing professionals. Designed for working nurses, the curriculum encompasses 48 credit hours and an impressive 775 practicum hours, ensuring robust clinical preparation. Students benefit from a unique three-day campus immersion experience, complementing the fully online format. The program strategically prepares graduates for ANCC and AANP certification, addressing critical primary care provider shortages. With a competitive tuition rate of $850 per credit, the program requires applicants to hold an active RN license, possess 2,000 work hours, and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Military-friendly and flexible, this part-time program offers an accessible route to advanced nursing practice.
- 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
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 Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program delivers a robust hybrid curriculum designed for dynamic healthcare professionals seeking advanced clinical expertise. The strategically structured seven-semester track enables part-time enrollment while maintaining professional responsibilities. Uniquely positioned to support New York State nurses, the program offers affordable tuition at $11,310 annually and comprehensive preparation for national board certification. Students benefit from extensive clinical opportunities, faculty-guided research options, and a seamless pathway to potentially pursue an online Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. The hybrid model combines interactive online coursework with hands-on clinical training, ensuring graduates develop sophisticated skills in evidence-based healthcare delivery and patient-centered practice.
- 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
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 delivers an advanced educational pathway for nurses seeking comprehensive primary care expertise. Graduates will develop sophisticated clinical skills targeting health promotion and disease prevention across patient lifespans. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and provides exceptional clinical placements throughout the tri-state area. Students benefit from individualized advisement, expert faculty interactions, and preparation for ANCC and AANPCB certification. The program's 30-credit population health component and multiple clinical practica opportunities ensure students are thoroughly prepared to become compassionate, highly skilled healthcare leaders addressing complex community health challenges.
- 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
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.
Factor | Details |
Median Salary (NY) | Over $130,000 annually |
Job Growth (National) | 45% (2022–2032) |
High-Demand Regions | Rural 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
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Nurse Practitioners
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- New York State Education Department: Office of the Professions

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