Most important takeaways…
- Brooklyn residents can choose from FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, PNP, WHNP, and AGACNP specialties within commuting distance.
- CUNY and SUNY campuses offer some of the lowest net prices for NP programs in the New York metro area.
- Nurse practitioners in the New York metro area earn a mean annual wage of roughly $149,510.
- Full-time BSN-to-MSN programs typically take two to three years, while DNP tracks may require four years.
Brooklyn nurses weighing NP program options often balance cost against format flexibility. Public CUNY and SUNY programs rank among the state's most affordable, yet many clinicians need hybrid or online structures to maintain income. With the New York metro area offering a mean NP salary of $149,510, demand remains high, but completing clinical hours at crowded sites like Kings County or Maimonides requires planning. In Brooklyn and within commuting distance, schools offer MSN and DNP tracks across FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, and other specialties. For working nurses, the calculus rarely stops at tuition: clinical placement logistics and New York's licensure requirements shape every decision.
NP Programs in the Brooklyn Metro Area at a Glance
Brooklyn-based nurses can study in the borough itself or commute to programs across Manhattan, Long Island, and the wider metro, and several New York schools run mostly online or hybrid tracks for students who want to keep their current jobs. Delivery format is often the fastest way to narrow this list, since some nurse practitioner tracks meet entirely on campus while others blend online coursework with periodic intensives. Any graduation rate you see alongside these schools reflects the whole institution rather than a single nurse practitioner track.
Factors considered
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Earnings ten years after entry
- Breadth of NP specialty tracks
- Delivery formats for working nurses
- Net price for in-state students
- Program-level records maintained in house
- Independent editorial research
- National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) — nces.ed.gov
- Federal College Scorecard outcomes data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
SUNY Downstate is the public academic health center physically located in Brooklyn, and its College of Nursing carries a broad nurse practitioner portfolio across master's, advanced certificate, and doctoral levels. Offerings include a master's in family practice, master's and certificate options in women's health, and DNP tracks in family and women's health. Clinical training runs through SUNY Downstate Medical Center and affiliated Brooklyn hospitals and clinics, with a mission focus on urban and underserved populations.
- 45-credit Master of Science with a family nurse practitioner focus
- Two years full time or three years part time, fall start only
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP national certification
- Campus-based with supervised clinical experiences across care settings
- 35 credits over six semesters for registered nurses who hold an MSN
- Aligned with AACN essentials and the APRN consensus model
- Prepares for FNP certification and New York licensure
- Campus-based master's in women's health across the lifespan
- Two years full time or three years part time
- Obstetrics and gynecology focused clinical preparation
- Prepares for national certification and New York practice
- 35 credits completed over five semesters
- For registered nurses who already hold a master's degree
- Focus on health promotion and disease prevention for women
- 76 credits for BSN entry, 46 credits with advanced standing
- About 10 to 13 semesters depending on entry point
- Campus and hybrid formats available
- Focus on serving underserved populations
- Women's health concentration within the DNP
- Shares the same credit and semester structure as the family DNP
- Hybrid delivery with advanced standing for master's-prepared nurses
Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Advanced Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Master of Science in Women's Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Advanced Certificate in Women's Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Columbia University in the City of New York
Columbia University's School of Nursing prepares nurse practitioners at the doctoral level in family, adult-gerontology primary and acute care, pediatric primary care, and psychiatric mental health. Clinical education takes place across New York City health systems, with placements described in settings such as major cancer centers, VA facilities, Planned Parenthood sites, and community health centers. Formats are campus-based, with simulation and an intensive final practicum supporting the clinical work.
- Roughly 85 credit hours over about two years
- Clinical placements across the tri-state area
- Simulation-based learning experiences
- Prepares for PNCB pediatric certification
- 87 credit hours completed in about two and a half years
- Full-time and part-time study options
- Specialization across child, adolescent, adult, and elderly care
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Clinical sites across the New York metro area
- Specialty rotations such as cardiology, dermatology, and urgent care
- Placements in cancer centers, VA facilities, and community health centers
- CCNE accredited
- 80 credit hours
- ICU, emergency, and specialty clinical experiences
- Simulation courses for complex clinical decision making
- Prepares for AG-ACNP or ACNPC-AG certification
- Completed in about two and a half years
- 85 credit hours
- Clinical sites throughout the tri-state area
- Prepares for the FNP certification exam
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — On-Campus
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — On-Campus
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — On-Campus
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — On-Campus
Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — On-Campus
New York University
NYU Meyers runs one of the widest nurse practitioner catalogs in the city, spanning family, adult-gerontology primary and acute care, pediatric primary and acute care, and psychiatric mental health at both master's and DNP levels. It also offers a deep bench of post-master's advanced certificates for nurses who want to add or change a population focus, several delivered in hybrid format with on-campus intensives. Clinical placements are arranged by faculty across the tri-state area.
- 54 credits across core, advanced core, and population courses
- Faculty-arranged clinical placements in tri-state area settings
- Prepares for ANCC and AANPCB family certification exams
- Small classes with individualized faculty advisement
- 54 credits for nurses who already hold a master's in nursing
- Course waivers may reduce the total based on prior graduate work
- One year of clinical experience and a 3.0 GPA required
- 51 credits covering psychopharmacology and psychotherapy
- Requires one year of psychiatric nursing experience
- Prepares for ANCC certification and state NP licensure
- Same 51-credit master's with a substance use disorder focus
- Coursework spans the lifespan, including addiction treatment
- Faculty-arranged practicums at New York City hospitals
- Trauma treatment specialization inside the psychiatric master's
- Includes individual, group, and family therapy training
- Supervised by licensed clinicians at varied practicum sites
- 84 credits with about 1,075 clinical hours
- Adult-geriatric and child-adolescent tracks
- DNP project completed with a clinical mentor
- Prepares for national psychiatric NP certification
- Hybrid format with on-campus immersions
- Eligible for dual primary and acute care pediatric certification
- Clinical placements with practicing pediatric nurse practitioners
- Hybrid primary care track for children and families
- Prepares for national pediatric certification
- Prescriptive privileges and DEA eligibility on graduation
- 72 credits with roughly 1,000 clinical hours
- Three entry pathways, including post-bachelor's and post-master's
- Pediatric primary care practica series and a capstone
- 11 to 13 credits, often completed in about one year
- Hybrid delivery with two on-campus intensives
- Prepares for acute care pediatric certification
- Requires pediatric RN experience and PALS before clinicals
- 18 to 39 credits set by an individual gap analysis
- For pediatric or family NPs adding a primary care focus
- Hybrid format with on-campus intensives
- 12 to 39 credits depending on prior graduate coursework
- Twelve acute care simulations and four clinical placements
- Procedural skills training in a simulation center
- 12 to 36 credits determined by gap analysis
- Small seminars with individualized advisement
- Prepares for adult-gerontology primary care certification
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — On-Campus
Family Nurse Practitioner (Advanced Certificate) — On-Campus
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MS) — On-Campus
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MS), Substance Use and Addictive Disorders — On-Campus
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MS), Trauma Disorders and Trauma Treatment — On-Campus
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — On-Campus
Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Primary Care/Acute Care (MS) — Hybrid
Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Primary Care (MS) — Hybrid
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — On-Campus
Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Acute Care (Advanced Certificate) — Hybrid
Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Primary Care (Advanced Certificate) — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Advanced Certificate) — On-Campus
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (Advanced Certificate) — On-Campus
CUNY Hunter College
Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing is a public option in Manhattan with comparatively low in-state tuition, which matters for Brooklyn nurses paying city rents on a staff nurse salary. Graduate NP offerings include a psychiatric mental health master's, an adult-gerontology primary care master's, a post-master's psychiatric certificate, and a family nurse practitioner DNP. Coursework is campus-based with a mix of daytime and evening scheduling.
- 48 credits with 630 supervised clinical hours
- Includes neuroanatomy, psychopharmacology, and counseling
- Full-time and part-time plans of study
- Post-master's certificate for current registered nurses
- 630 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Prepares for national and New York State certification
- Prior coursework waivers may be available
- 42 credits with 630 clinical hours
- Daytime and evening courses available
- Summer session includes 210 clinical hours
- Prepares for ANCC and AANPCB certification
- 1,000 clinical hours with three concentration options
- Family-centered care for diverse urban populations
- Open to both BSN and MSN prepared nurses
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MS) — On-Campus
Post-Master's Advanced Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MS) — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook's School of Nursing sits on Long Island and leans heavily on distance and hybrid delivery, which suits nurses who want to keep working while they study. The nurse practitioner portfolio covers family, adult-gerontology primary and acute care, pediatric primary and acute care, psychiatric mental health, women's health, and neonatal practice across master's, DNP, and advanced certificate levels. Several tracks combine online coursework with required on-site sessions.
- Hybrid delivery with online and campus components
- Primary care, clinical prevention, and population health coursework
- Leadership and health technology content
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- 45 credits
- Distance education with on-site requirements
- Health promotion and illness management for children and families
- Prepares graduates for educator and leadership roles
- 45 credits
- Distance education with on-campus requirements
- Acute care focus for infants, children, and adolescents
- 45 credits
- Distance education with on-site requirements
- Prepares for complex acute care practice
- Advanced health assessment and clinical pharmacology coursework
- Hybrid format completed in about two and a half years on average
- Leadership, quality, and safety coursework
- For nurses expanding into adult-gerontology primary care
- 42 credits with 500 clinical hours
- Currently accepting only advanced standing applicants
- Capstone quality improvement or evidence-based project
- Hybrid doctoral track completed in about two years
- Prepares for national psychiatric NP certification
- Most graduates practice in New York State
- Hybrid DNP with a women's health focus
- Coursework in population health and evidence synthesis
- Prepares for national certification
- Campus-based neonatal specialty track
- Advanced healthcare technology focus
- Interprofessional collaboration emphasis
Family Nurse Practitioner MS — Hybrid
Nursing MS: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Nursing MS: Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Nursing MS: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Advanced Certificate — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP — Hybrid
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP — Hybrid
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner DNP — Hybrid
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Master's — On-Campus
Touro University
Touro University's nursing school offers a cohort-based DNP with a family nurse practitioner focus, described as Brooklyn-based and structured around working professionals who hold jobs in city hospitals and community clinics. Advanced standing is available for nurses who already carry an MSN and FNP certification, with up to 38 transferable credits. The program states that it is pursuing initial CCNE accreditation, so applicants should confirm current status directly before applying.
- Cohort-based, in-person doctoral program for working nurses
- Advanced standing for MSN and FNP certified nurses
- Up to 38 transferable credits accepted
- Capstone project in the student's clinical area
- Program states it is pursuing initial CCNE accreditation
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Binghamton University
Binghamton University's Decker College of Nursing runs doctorate-level nurse practitioner preparation in a mostly online hybrid format with limited campus days, which is the main reason Brooklyn nurses consider it despite the distance to Vestal. Family, adult-gerontological primary care, and psychiatric mental health tracks are available, along with a post-graduate certificate option. The appeal is largely the SUNY tuition structure and the flexibility to stay employed while studying.
- 77 credits with about 1,200 clinical hours
- Three entry pathways: BS to DNP, post-graduate, advanced standing
- Full-time and part-time pacing for working nurses
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification and New York licensure
- Community health emphasis track inside the family DNP
- No entrance exam required for admission
- Scholarly project spans three courses
- Three-year bachelor's-to-DNP pathway
- Clinical hours range from roughly 1,200 to 1,380
- Hybrid instruction mixing campus days and online work
- Family psychiatric mental health focus at the doctoral level
- Simulation center supports clinical skill practice
- Post-graduate certificate option for practicing NPs
- Converted from a master's program to a DNP in 2024
- Adult-gerontological primary care concentration
- Synchronous and asynchronous coursework
- Prepares for national AGPCNP certification
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 delivers nurse practitioner preparation mainly at the doctoral level, with hybrid DNP tracks in family, adult-gerontology, psychiatric mental health, and women's health, plus an online family nurse practitioner advanced certificate for practicing NPs who want to change specialties. Several tracks run part time across three to five years, and coursework is delivered largely online with in-person labs.
- Online with some required on-campus days
- 37 to 52 credits and 750 clinical hours
- For licensed NPs moving into family primary care
- Spring start with part-time pacing
- 97 credits, typically completed in three to five years
- Hybrid delivery with in-person lab sessions
- Curriculum includes addictions and mental health content
- Primary care across the lifespan with a telehealth focus
- 94 credits completed over three to five years
- Training in psychiatric diagnosis and psychopharmacology
- Psychotherapy intervention coursework included
- 36-credit post-master's pathway with online coursework
- Two and a half to five years, part-time available
- Capstone project addressing a practice gap
- Half primary care, half acute care coursework
- Prepares for adult-gerontology primary care board certification
- New York grants nurse practitioners full practice authority
Family Nurse Practitioner Advanced Certificate — Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's) — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Upstate Medical University
Upstate Medical University in Syracuse prepares nurse practitioners through a hybrid master's in family practice, bachelor's-to-DNP pathways in family, pediatric, and psychiatric mental health specialties, and a post-master's adult-geriatric certificate. The doctoral tracks carry more clinical hours than a master's route and add leadership, policy, and evidence-based practice coursework. On-campus delivery is the norm for the DNP options, which means regular travel from the city.
- Seven-semester hybrid master's program
- In-person and online classes combined
- Seamless pathway into the DNP
- Prepares for national FNP board certification
- For nurses who already hold a master's degree
- Hybrid format with a primary care concentration
- Gap analysis determines the start term and plan
- Rolling admissions with summer, fall, or spring starts
- Bachelor's-to-doctorate pathway
- More clinical hours than a master's route
- Leadership and evidence-based practice emphasis
- Pediatric primary care specialty track
- Leadership development and interprofessional collaboration
- Prepares for practice in diverse healthcare settings
- 88 credits with 900 clinical hours
- 200 project hours across a three-semester DNP project
- Fall and spring start terms
- Prepares for psychiatric mental health certification
- Bachelor's-to-doctorate psychiatric mental health pathway
- Focus on mental health across the lifespan
- Quality, safety, and informatics coursework
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate — Hybrid
Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
University of Rochester
The University of Rochester School of Nursing offers family, pediatric, neonatal, and adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner master's tracks, plus a set of advanced certificates for nurses who already hold a graduate degree. Delivery varies by track, with online and hybrid formats available in the certificate programs and on-campus study for some master's options. The distance from Brooklyn is significant, so the online and hybrid tracks are the realistic ones for city-based nurses.
- Hybrid primary care track across the lifespan
- Includes women's health within the family role
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- Hybrid pediatric primary care master's
- Well-child care, screening, and behavioral health topics
- Also offered as an advanced certificate
- Level IV NICU clinical experiences
- Dual pediatric and neonatal specialty preparation
- Online and hybrid delivery options
- Dual national certification eligibility
- Campus-based acute care master's
- Care for adults with complex and chronic conditions
- Certification through ANCC or AACN
- Online advanced certificate for master's-prepared nurses
- Coursework in psychopathology and psychotherapy
- Clinical practicum hours required
- Hybrid certificate with a procedural skills lab
- Sequenced clinical courses with supervised hours
- For experienced nurses moving into acute care
- Students design an individual degree plan
- Primary care focus for adults and older adults
- Advanced health assessment coursework included
Family Nurse Practitioner (MS) — Hybrid
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (MS) — Hybrid
Pediatric/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (MS) — Online
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MS) — On-Campus
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Advanced Certificate — Online
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Advanced Certificate — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP Advanced Certificate — Hybrid
FNP, PMHNP, and Other NP Specialties Available Near Brooklyn
The greater Brooklyn area sits within reach of some of the most diverse nurse practitioner specialty offerings in the country. Whether you plan to work in primary care, psychiatry, or acute care, there is likely a program within commuting distance that fits your career goals.
Most Common Specialty Tracks
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) programs remain the most widely available track at schools across the New York City metro. Nearly every nursing school in the region offers an FNP concentration at the MSN or DNP level, making it the easiest specialty to find close to home.1 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) programs are growing rapidly in response to surging demand for behavioral health providers. NYU and Columbia both offer PMHNP tracks, and interest in these programs has climbed steadily over the past several years.1
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) tracks, both primary care and acute care versions, round out the core options. Pace University, for example, offers an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP) concentration at the master's level.2
Specialty Tracks That May Require a Commute
Some less common specialties are harder to find in Brooklyn proper. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) programs are available at schools such as SUNY Downstate and Molloy University, though clinical rotations or coursework may take you to campuses in Manhattan, Queens, or Long Island.1 Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) programs are among the rarest in the metro area, and students pursuing this track should expect to look beyond Brooklyn, potentially commuting to Manhattan-based institutions.
Degree Levels and Entry Points
Programs in the region are structured at three levels, each designed for a different stage of your nursing career:
- MSN: The traditional graduate entry point for RNs with a BSN who want to become nurse practitioners.
- DNP: A doctoral pathway for nurses seeking the highest clinical practice degree. Molloy University is one nearby school offering a DNP option.
- Post-master's certificate: Designed for nurses who already hold an MSN and want to add a new NP specialty without completing an entire graduate degree. Several New York nursing schools offer these certificates across multiple specialties.1
If your preferred specialty is not available at a Brooklyn-based campus, keep in mind that many programs now blend online coursework with local clinical placements, which can significantly reduce commute time. Exploring schools in adjacent areas, including those in lower Manhattan, the Bronx, or Nassau County, can open up additional options without dramatically changing your daily routine.
Affordable NP Program Options in the Brooklyn Area
The table below compares nurse practitioner programs accessible to Brooklyn residents, sorted by average net price after financial aid. Public CUNY and SUNY schools consistently offer the lowest sticker prices, especially for New York residents. Keep in mind that the net price shown is an institution-wide average for undergraduates receiving aid and not a guaranteed quote for graduate nursing students. Your actual cost will depend on your residency status, financial aid package, and whether you enroll full time or part time. Private universities such as Mercy University and Daemen University carry higher published tuition but may narrow the gap through institutional scholarships and employer tuition benefits.
| School | Type | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price (After Aid) | NP Program Offered | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Hunter College | Public (CUNY) | $11,398 | $20,828 | $2,984 | PMHNP Post-Master's Certificate | Campus |
| CUNY Lehman College | Public (CUNY) | $11,570 | $21,000 | $3,148 | FNP (M.S. in Nursing) | Campus |
| College of Staten Island CUNY | Public (CUNY) | $11,650 | $21,080 | $5,579 | AGPCNP Post-Master's Certificate | Campus |
| Mercy University | Private | $19,620 | $19,620 | $14,072 | FNP (M.S.) | Hybrid |
| SUNY Polytechnic Institute | Public (SUNY) | $12,865 | $26,535 | $14,164 | FNP (M.S.) | Hybrid |
| SUNY Brockport | Public (SUNY) | $12,486 | $14,746 | $16,353 | AGPCNP (M.S.) | Hybrid |
| Daemen University | Private | $26,985 | $26,985 | $18,693 | AGACNP Post-Master's Certificate | Campus |
| Stony Brook University | Public (SUNY) | $14,222 | $29,242 | $18,784 | FNP (M.S.) | Hybrid |
Online Vs. On-Campus Programs Near Brooklyn
Brooklyn nurses weighing NP program formats have more options than ever. Online, on-campus, and hybrid models each offer distinct advantages, so the right choice depends on your schedule, learning style, and clinical goals. Keep in mind that every NP program, regardless of delivery format, requires hands-on clinical hours, so Brooklyn students will need to secure local preceptors no matter which modality they choose.
- Online and hybrid programs offer schedule flexibility that lets working RNs complete coursework around hospital shifts and family obligations.
- Eliminating a daily commute through Brooklyn and Manhattan traffic can save hours each week and reduce burnout during a demanding program.
- Many NYC area schools charge the same tuition rate for online students, so you are not paying extra for the convenience of remote learning.
- Hybrid models that pair online didactics with periodic campus intensives are increasingly popular, giving students the best of both formats.
- On-campus students benefit from direct access to simulation labs and hands-on clinical skills practice that can be difficult to replicate remotely.
- Face-to-face faculty mentoring and peer collaboration tend to be stronger in traditional classroom settings, which some learners prefer.
- Schools with established clinical site partnerships often coordinate preceptor placements more smoothly for their on-campus cohorts.
- Students in fully online programs may need to invest more time independently arranging clinical rotations with Brooklyn area health systems.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner in New York?
The timeline from BSN to practicing nurse practitioner depends on whether you study full-time or part-time, and whether you pursue an MSN or a DNP. Here is a typical pathway for Brooklyn-area nurses, including the New York State licensure steps you will need to complete after graduation.
Clinical Requirements and Placement in Brooklyn
Three of Brooklyn's most prominent clinical sites, NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, Maimonides Medical Center, and NYU Langone Brooklyn, regularly host NP students across a range of specialties, from family practice to psychiatry to acute care. That breadth matters when you are trying to complete your hours without uprooting your schedule.
How Many Clinical Hours Will You Need?
The short answer: it depends on the degree track and the school. MSN-NP programs generally require somewhere in the range of 500 to 700 supervised clinical hours, while DNP programs, especially post-BSN direct-entry tracks, typically demand 1,000 hours or more. If you are considering the doctoral route, reviewing DNP prerequisites early can help you plan ahead. These numbers are set by individual programs, not by a single national mandate, so the only reliable source for exact requirements is the curriculum page of the specific school you are considering. SUNY Downstate, NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, and LIU Brooklyn each publish their clinical hour breakdowns online, and their nursing faculty offices can walk you through specialty-specific variations.
For context on broader scope-of-practice standards, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) both publish guidelines that programs use when designing their clinical components. The New York State Education Department sets licensure requirements on top of that, so it is worth checking their site as well, particularly if you trained in another state and are seeking New York authorization to practice. You can also explore how these rules compare across the country by reviewing the latest full practice authority states overview.
Finding a Placement Site in Brooklyn
Some programs arrange clinical placements for you; others expect students to identify sites with faculty guidance. If you are doing outreach on your own, the nursing education or graduate medical education offices at Kings County Hospital, Maimonides, and NYU Langone Brooklyn are reasonable first contacts. Community health centers across Brooklyn, including federally qualified health centers serving neighborhoods like Flatbush, Sunset Park, and East New York, are also commonly used sites and can offer rich primary care exposure.
Before you commit to a program, ask directly: does the school coordinate placements, or is that the student's responsibility? The answer has real implications for how smoothly the clinical phase goes, especially if you are working full-time while enrolled. For a broader look at program options statewide, our guide to nurse practitioner programs in New York covers additional schools within commuting distance of Brooklyn.
Earnings and Career Outlook for Brooklyn NPs
Metropolitan Salary Premium
Nurse practitioners in the New York-Newark-Jersey City metro area earn a mean annual wage of $149,510, according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2023.1 That figure sits well above the national median of $121,610 reported in 2022, reflecting the region's cost-of-living adjustment and the premium placed on advanced practice nursing in one of the nation's busiest healthcare markets.2 With more than 15,400 NPs employed across the metro area, competition for talent remains strong and salaries reflect it.
What Graduates Report Earning
Internal outcome data from programs in the region offers a closer look at what new graduates can expect. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Family Nurse Practitioner graduates report median earnings of $109,601 early in their careers, while Columbia University Pediatric Nurse Practitioner DNP graduates earn a median of $102,491. NYU's FNP program shows median early-career earnings of $82,509, and SUNY Upstate's hybrid MSN graduates report $92,257. Binghamton's DNP-FNP graduates begin around $80,596. These figures represent starting or early-career benchmarks and typically rise with experience, specialty certification, and practice setting. For a deeper look at which specializations command the highest compensation, see our guide to highest paid nurse practitioner specialties.
Weighing Cost of Living
While Brooklyn-based NPs benefit from higher nominal salaries, housing costs, commuting expenses, and everyday living costs in New York City are among the highest in the country. A six-figure salary goes further upstate or in suburban New Jersey than it does in Manhattan or Brooklyn Heights. If you are considering programs across the Hudson, our overview of nurse practitioner programs in New Jersey covers options within commuting distance. Prospective students should run the numbers carefully, especially if considering high-tuition private programs.
Demand and Job Growth
Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 38 percent job growth for advanced practice registered nurses between 2022 and 2032, with approximately 29,200 annual openings.3 New York State's aging population, expanding Medicaid coverage, and ongoing primary-care physician shortages make the outlook especially strong for NPs practicing in the metro area. To see how demand varies across the country, take a look at which states need nurse practitioners the most.
