Now is a great time to become a nurse practitioner (NP) in New York. New York is among the top five states that employ the most NPs, who earn an average salary of $145,390 according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Explore our list of the best New York NP programs. Learn about the admissions process, what to expect during clinicals, and how to pay for your graduate degree in this guide.
The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York in 2026
How We Choose Schools
At NurseJournal.org, we use a data-driven methodology to identify deserving nursing programs around the country, making it easy for you to find a program that meets your needs. Our lists are informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that evaluates data for accuracy.
Each school in this list is awarded a superlative based on metrics that we believe matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, career outcomes, accessibility, inclusivity, and individual program offerings, among other factors. Since many programs share similar offerings, our goal is to simplify your decision-making by highlighting features that are most relevant to your needs. We reserve the right to exclude schools that lack sufficient data for accurate calculations.
All data was verified in November 2025.
Applying to a New York Nurse Practitioner Program
New York NP application requirements include a and a current and unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license.
- Admission Materials: Other admission materials include recommendations, transcripts, certifications, a personal essay, and nursing experience.
- GPA Requirement: The requirement for many NP programs is a 3.0 or higher GPA.
- Other Requirement: Other requirements often include an online application and an in-person or online interview. Most schools require a criminal background check. Some schools request graduate-level test scores, such as GRE or GMAT, but others have waived this requirement.
Why Is NP Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation is important for NP programs because it informs prospective students about the overall quality of programs and ensures that they meet the national standards for nursing practice. National standards include ensuring the curriculum passes industry standards, educators have appropriate training and education, and students pass the national board certification exam.
There are three accrediting bodies for NP programs. The three organizations include:
- The Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)
Many risks are associated with attending a school that isn't accredited. You could risk losing your financial aid, being unable to transfer credits and sitting for the state boards.
The fastest way to check if your NP program is accredited is to do a quick online search. Your school's website should also list the accrediting agency for the program.
Every program listed in our top-ranked nurse practitioner programs in New York is accredited.
Paying for Nurse Practitioner Programs
Paying for an NP program is a significant investment and commitment. Rising tuition — a national trend — may impact your finances and ability to pay out of pocket. You also may be thinking about the student loans you already have after completing your undergraduate degree.
In 2017, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) published a debt report stating that 76% of students have undergraduate loans.
The cost of attending an accredited NP program in New York varies, especially if you are applying to a public or private school.
If you work for a hospital or institution that offers tuition reimbursement, take advantage of this employee benefit. Make sure to research the requirements.
For students unable to pay out-of-pocket for graduate school, there are many financial aid resources for nurses, including filling out a Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students can also research nursing scholarships and grants.
Nurses enrolled in accredited NP programs in New York can apply to the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program offered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This scholarship finances your nursing degree and provides a monthly stipend. In exchange, you must work for a few years in a critical nursing or facility shortage area after graduation.
What Can You Do with a Degree from a New York Nurse Practitioner Program?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects NP jobs to grow 35% from 2024-2034, much higher than the 4% average for all jobs. With high demand for their skills, NP students can pursue a variety of specialty tracks in mental health, pediatric, family, and emergency care.
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for NPs is $132,050.
Many NP programs prepare students to become certified NPs in various practice areas. For example, students can become certified as family nurse practitioners (FNPs). An FNP certification prepares graduates to work in primary care, a critically underserved area for skilled advanced practice RNs.
The average annual salary for NPs in New York is $143,637, according to ZipRecruiter. However, pay varies depending on an NP's specialty.
According to ZipRecruiter data from July 2025, the national average salaries for NP specialties in New York are reflected in the table below.
| Occupation | Hourly Salary | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Adult-gerontology primary care NP (AGNP) | $71 | $147,044 |
| Psychiatric-mental health NP (PMHNP) | $74 | $154,381 |
| Family NP (FNP) | $140,010 | $67 |
| Pediatric NP (PNP) | $66 | $137,885 |
| Emergency NP (ENP) | $142,547 | $69 |
Using Our Rankings: What to Look for in an NP Program
There are several important factors to consider when searching for the New York NP programs that best meet your needs. The data points below contribute to our overall best NP programs in New York rankings to help you best compare programs.
Admission Requirements
Reviewing the admission requirements for each prospective program helps you know if you qualify. Common admission requirements include a minimum GPA, registered nurse (RN) licensure status, and RN experience.
Specializations
When comparing programs, consider the type of specialization offered. Before enrolling in a specific program, choose a specialization track you're interested in, as each specialty requires different graduation and time requirements.
Program Curriculum
The NP curriculum emphasizes the professional expertise needed for specialty care practice in various healthcare settings. Examples of NP courses include advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, advanced health promotion, and disease prevention. However, each program has a unique course curriculum, so exploring which classes each program offers is essential.
Clinical Experience
All NP programs have clinical requirements but may differ in format. Although all schools require specific practicum hours, the number of hours per week varies by institution.
In New York, 500 supervised clinical hours are required for NP students to complete and fulfill their clinical requirements.
Accreditation
Accredited nursing programs have undergone a review process examining aspects such as professors, curriculum, required clinical hours, and course material. Many employers prefer graduates from accredited programs. In addition, state mandates for certified NPs usually require that nurses attend accredited programs.
Program Length
It usually takes 6-8 years to become an NP. This includes , gaining clinical RN experience, and earning a graduate degree. Direct-entry MSN specialty programs usually take 2-3 years to complete on a full-time basis and up to 48 months if studying part-time.
School NCLEX Pass Rate
Although nurses accepted into NP programs have already taken the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), a school's NCLEX pass rate demonstrates the quality of the nursing school and how well it prepares students for a career in nursing.
School Graduation Rate
Graduation rates are important when considering the right NP program in New York. The number of students who completed the program in the past indicates the program's success.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Another factor to consider is whether you want to attend an in-person or online NP program. Attending an online program can be faster and more convenient, particularly for working students. However, it is essential to check out the program's format. For example, some programs offer live courses, while others offer recorded lectures you can view when convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
