Advanced Practice Nursing Program Requirements

The Master of Science in Advanced Practice Nursing offers three programs of study/practice/role development. No matter which program you choose, you will complete a minimum of 20 credit hours of core coursework, including either a master’s project or thesis. Courses are offered weekday evenings.

For more information, including course descriptions, refer to Advanced Practice Nursing in the Graduate Catalog.


Clinical Nurse Specialist (C.N.S.)

Program Requirements

The Clinical Nurse Specialist program requires 20 credit hours in addition to the core courses. You may choose either an Adult/Gerontology focus or a Maternal/Child focus. Successful completion of the program requires 39 credits of coursework and 500 hours of precepted clinical practice.

Post-Master's Certificate

If you already hold a master’s degree in nursing or a non-clinical master's degree*, you may obtain the C.N.S. Certificate. Upon completion of this variable credit program, you will be eligible for national, professional certification as a C.N.S. with either an Adult/Gerontology focus or a Maternal/Child focus.

*If you have a non-nursing master's degree, you may need to take additional courses from the core.

More Information

For more information, including course descriptions, refer to Advanced Practice Nursing in the Graduate Catalog.

Gainful Employment Information [pdf]


Family Nurse Practitioner (F.N.P.)

Program Requirements

The Family Nurse Practitioner program requires 27 credits in addition to the core courses. The clinical courses focus on acquiring the knowledge and skills associated with providing primary care for populations including children and adolescents, women’s health, adults, and the elderly. Successful completion of the program requires 46 credits of coursework and 600 hours of precepted clinical practice. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible for New York State certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and national, professional certification.

Post-Master's Certificate

If you already hold a master’s degree in nursing, you may obtain the F.N.P. Certificate. Upon completion of this variable credit program, you will be eligible for certification as an F.N.P. in New York State and national, professional F.N.P. certification.

More Information

For more information, including course descriptions, refer to Advanced Practice Nursing in the Graduate Catalog.

Gainful Employment Information [pdf]


Nurse Educator

Program Requirements

The Nurse Educator program requires 17 credits in addition to the core, including three education courses. You can choose either an Adult/Gerontology focus or a Maternal/Child focus. Successful completion of the program requires 36 credits of coursework and 300 hours of precepted clinical practice.

Post-Master's Certificate

If you currently hold a master’s degree in nursing, you may obtain the Nurse Educator Certificate. Upon completion of this 11-credit-hour certificate program, you will be eligible for certification as a Nurse Educator through the completion of a national certification exam.

More Information

For more information, including course descriptions, refer to Advanced Practice Nursing in the Graduate Catalog.

Gainful Employment Information [pdf]


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