Best Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs Near New York, NY

Last Updated/Verified: Jul 29, 2025
A family nurse practitioner meets in an office with a patient while holding a notebook and pen for notetaking.

In a city where more than 8 million residents speak over 200 languages and healthcare demand continues to outpace provider availability, the need for skilled Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) has never been more urgent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. New York City, with its dense population and healthcare complexity, is at the center of this national trend. The city is also a hub of medical innovation, home to nationally ranked healthcare systems and research institutions.

Online FNP programs near New York, NY, are tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their careers without pausing their lives. Known for its world-class healthcare systems, including institutions like NewYork-Presbyterian and Mount Sinai, the city provides an unparalleled environment for clinical education and hands-on experience. These programs strike a balance between flexibility and regional relevance, offering clinical placements in some of the city’s top hospitals and healthcare systems. Additionally, many online FNP programs are designed with busy professionals in mind, offering asynchronous coursework, hybrid models, and virtual academic advising.

Whether based in Manhattan, the Bronx, or commuting from New Jersey or Connecticut, nurses can gain graduate-level credentials while continuing to serve their communities. The accessibility of these programs helps eliminate traditional barriers to advanced education, making it possible to balance work, family, and studies effectively. This guide presents the top online FNP programs in the NYC area, covering delivery formats, admissions, clinical support, and career opportunities—all designed to help working nurses navigate their next professional step with confidence and clarity.

Learn about other New York nurse practitioner programs.

Top Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs Near New York, NY

#1

Molloy College

Rockville Centre, NY - Private 4-year - molloy.edu

Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Molloy College offers a hybrid Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program tailored for baccalaureate-prepared RNs seeking to advance their careers. This 45-credit MSN program stands out with a 92.85% national certification exam pass rate, preparing graduates for diverse clinical settings. Focused on holistic patient care across the lifespan, the curriculum includes 200 clinical hours per practicum, covering pediatric to geriatric care. Prerequisites include a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and one year of clinical experience. While the program is hybrid, combining online coursework with in-person clinicals, it does not specify entrance exam requirements for admission. Molloy's commitment to excellence is evident in its comprehensive approach to nursing education.

  • 45-credit MSN program
  • 92.85% certification exam pass rate
  • Comprehensive patient lifecycle care
  • 200 clinical hours per practicum
  • Multiple clinical practice settings
  • Baccalaureate RN prerequisite
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • One year clinical experience required
  • Nine core nursing credits
  • Twelve advanced practice credits
#2

St. Joseph's University-New York

Brooklyn, NY - Private 4-year - sjny.edu

Master's - M.S. in Family Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

St. Joseph's University-New York offers a hybrid M.S. in Family Nurse Practitioner program, blending online coursework with once-weekly campus classes to accommodate working professionals. This three-year program is designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice, focusing on comprehensive patient care across all life stages without a specific concentration. It features high-fidelity simulation labs and a curriculum rooted in evidence-based practice and advanced clinical skills. The program addresses the high demand for family nurse practitioners, with faculty who are experts in the field. No entrance exam is required for admission. This program is ideal for those seeking to enhance their clinical expertise in a flexible learning environment.

  • Three-year degree program
  • Once weekly campus classes
  • High-fidelity simulation labs
  • Top three in-demand specialty
  • Expert practicing faculty
  • Care across life spectrum
  • Healthcare workforce need
  • Advanced clinical training
  • Evidence-based curriculum
  • Collaborative healthcare settings
#3

Pace University

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

Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner, MS

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Pace University offers a hybrid Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner program, designed for healthcare professionals aiming to excel in primary care. This program blends online coursework with on-campus sessions, requiring 760 clinical practicum hours, and spans 49 credits over three years part-time. With a focus on evidence-based practice, students benefit from simulation training and preparation for ANCC and AANP certifications. The program, with a per credit cost of $1,535 and a total cost of $75,215, has an application deadline of March 1 and requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. No entrance exam is mentioned as required. Graduates are well-prepared for high-demand roles in New York's top medical institutions, with potential median salaries around $147,500.

  • 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
#4

Mercy University

Dobbs Ferry, NY - Private 4-year - mercy.edu

Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Mercy University offers a hybrid Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program, tailored for BSN or MSN holders aiming to excel in primary care. This 42-credit curriculum emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and managing acute and chronic conditions, with spring and fall start terms for flexibility. Students gain hands-on experience in clinical simulation labs, enhancing their practical skills. Notably, the program does not require a GRE for admission, focusing instead on a 3.0 GPA, an active RN license, a professional resume, and a personal statement. Located in Westchester, it's a military-friendly program with a promising 31% job growth projection in the field.

  • 42 total credits
  • Spring/Fall start terms
  • No GRE required
  • Clinical simulation labs
  • Priority deadline Nov 15
  • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Westchester campus location
  • 31% job growth projection
  • Nationally accredited program
#5

Manhattanville College

Purchase, NY - Private 4-year - mville.edu

Master's - MS Family Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

Manhattanville College offers an online MS Family Nurse Practitioner program designed for RNs aiming to advance their careers as primary care providers. This 42-credit, part-time program spans seven semesters, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills through diverse clinical practicums. Notably, the program does not require a GRE for admission, making it accessible to a broader range of students. With a curriculum focused on evidence-based care and interprofessional collaboration, graduates are well-prepared for certification exams and high-demand roles in healthcare. The program includes a 3-day residency and prepares students for state licensure, aligning with the projected 40% job growth in this field by 2031.

  • Fully online with 3-day residency
  • 42-credit master's degree
  • Part-time completion in 7 semesters
  • No GRE required for admission
  • Priority application deadline April 1
  • Prepares for ANCC/AANPCB certification
  • Clinical practicums in diverse settings
  • Projected 40% job growth through 2031
  • Average salary around $120,680
  • State licensure preparation
*Official IPEDS 2023 data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Why Choose an Online FNP Program in the NYC Area?

New York City’s dynamic healthcare landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. From community clinics in the Bronx to private practices in Manhattan, Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are needed to fill vital primary care gaps, especially among historically underserved populations. Culturally competent care is a priority, and FNPs trained in the region are well-positioned to provide holistic treatment to one of the most diverse populations in the country.

Online FNP degrees offer several key advantages:

  • Clinical rotations arranged through local partnerships
  • Faculty with expertise in New York's regulatory and patient care systems
  • Scheduling flexibility for shift-working professionals
  • Access to simulation labs or periodic campus immersions for hands-on skill-building

These programs are particularly suited to nurses who want to transition into advanced practice without relocating or sacrificing work-life balance. The ability to remain embedded in the community while pursuing a degree supports continuity of care and ongoing professional development.

Programs in this region tend to reflect the state’s healthcare priorities, such as expanding access in rural counties, addressing health disparities in urban environments, and preparing graduates for full practice authority. Prospective students should examine how each program supports these goals while also aligning with individual scheduling needs, clinical experience preferences, and long-term career ambitions.

What to Look for in a High-Quality Online FNP Program

Before selecting a program, consider several key factors that influence both learning outcomes and licensure readiness. Choosing the right fit requires evaluating more than just cost or brand reputation. A strong FNP program should provide personalized academic support, offer transparent clinical placement assistance, and integrate emerging healthcare technologies into its curriculum.

Clinical Placement Services: Top-tier programs maintain relationships with regional health networks and often offer support in securing placements in major NYC hospitals or community clinics. This service is critical for students lacking established local preceptor relationships.

Flexible Learning Formats: Look for asynchronous or hybrid models that accommodate rotating shifts, family commitments, or full-time employment. Some programs also offer weekend intensives or recorded lectures that can be accessed on demand.

Licensure Alignment: Programs should align with New York State Education Department requirements and prepare graduates for board certification through AANP or ANCC. Ensure the curriculum includes courses on pharmacology, advanced health assessment, and pathophysiology—standard components of certification eligibility.

Accreditation Status: Only attend programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), as these credentials are necessary for certification and employment. Accreditation also ensures that the institution adheres to rigorous academic standards and continuous improvement practices.

Nurse Practitioner Career Opportunities in NYC

The NYC metropolitan area hosts an expansive and varied healthcare sector, from academic medical centers to community clinics and tech-forward telehealth providers. Family Nurse Practitioners in this region commonly work in:

  • Public health clinics in Harlem and Queens
  • Primary care offices across Manhattan and Brooklyn
  • Urgent care and retail clinics in Midtown
  • School-based health centers and pediatric practices
  • Nonprofits serving immigrant and low-income populations

With an average annual salary of $137,010, the city offers strong earning potential. In addition to compensation, FNPs in New York benefit from a regulatory environment that increasingly supports nurse autonomy. Recent legislative updates have expanded full practice authority, allowing experienced NPs to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients independently. This advancement enhances patient access to care while underscoring the value of advanced practice nursing within the state’s healthcare infrastructure.

FNPs also have access to extensive continuing education and networking through local chapters of national organizations such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the Nurse Practitioner Association New York State (The NPA). These groups offer support, resources, and opportunities for advocacy.

Application Tips for NYC-Area Programs

New York programs are known for their selectivity. To stand out in the application process:

  • Begin applications 6–9 months ahead of deadlines
  • Emphasize experience with diverse or high-need populations
  • Secure strong letters from current or former clinical supervisors, particularly those based in New York-area facilities
  • Prepare a personal statement that reflects familiarity with regional health challenges and a clear commitment to community health
  • Highlight ongoing professional development, such as certifications (e.g., BLS, ACLS) or committee involvement

Applicants should also consider speaking with program representatives during virtual info sessions or open houses. These events can offer insights into institutional culture, faculty accessibility, and student support systems.

Ready to Advance in NYC?

New York City's complexity demands nurses who are both clinically prepared and culturally attuned. For those seeking meaningful, upward mobility in healthcare, an online FNP degree from a regional program delivers flexibility, clinical relevance, and career advancement. The ability to train in the same communities one hopes to serve is a powerful motivator and a practical advantage.

With the right program, registered nurses can transition confidently into primary care roles that address the city’s pressing health needs, whether that involves treating chronic illnesses in Harlem, supporting families in Queens, or innovating in a Brooklyn-based telehealth startup. These degrees not only open doors to advanced clinical roles but also provide a pathway to leadership, advocacy, and specialized practice areas.

For further research, see our local guides on New York nurse practitioner schools and family nurse practitioner programs.

Sources

Whitney Weingarten, FNP-C
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