New York Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
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Demand for MSN-prepared nurses is increasing in New York State. Forty percent of New York hospitals surveyed in 2010 reported strong demand for master’s-prepared nurse practitioners (NPs) – despite the fact that the number of NPs in New York hospitals increased by 21 percent between 2003 and 2008. The surveyed hospitals anticipate hiring up to one-third more nurse practitioners in the years ahead.
New York nurses seem to understand the need for highly educated and skilled healthcare workers. As of 2010, 5.2 percent of the state’s nurses had a master’s degree in nursing. Most of New York’s MSN-prepared nurses are concentrated around Long Island and New York City, although some work in the state’s less-populated areas. New York City and Long Island are home to a number of world-renowned, academic medical institutions that have long attracted top-notch healthcare professionals. The metro New York area is also home to a huge number of cultural and social opportunities. In contrast, northern New York offers a slower pace of life, small towns and a wealth of opportunities for advanced practice nurses interested in working in primary care.
New York’s hospitals place a high value on MSN nurses, and are willing to invest in talented nurses. Twenty-seven percent of the hospitals surveyed in 2010 offered some kind of on or off-site BSN-to-MSN education. Almost all the hospitals provide at least partial tuition reimbursement for employees who are interested in pursuing an MSN degree.
Curriculum of Master’s Degrees in Nursing in NY
As of 2012, New York has 17,975 certified nurse practitioners working in a wide variety of specialties, according to the New York State Education Department. A large percentage of NY hospitals offer on and off site education in a BSN to MSN program, and almost all hospitals pay at least a portion of the tuition.
As an example, Columbia University offers several MSN programs, including those with joint degrees. For the nurse that desires a management position combined nursing and business degree is available (MS/MBA). In addition, there is a dual degree for public health (MS/MPH), and this degree prepares the nurse as an advanced clinical practitioner or an administrator in some type of community capacity.
Another excellent college program is designed for the BSN with a nationally certified clinical specialty. The college recognizes this accomplishment by rewarding them with 15 credit hours; then, the nurse only needs 30 more credits to graduate with a MSN.
There are fast-track programs provided by several universities, which can be completed online. For a nurse that is working fulltime, this program is often the best option.
Many colleges offer unique scheduling to allow their students to complete their classes while working or to accommodate students with children. The University of Rochester is a good example as a full-time student takes only two classes per semester, both scheduled on Fridays. Students describe this School of Nursing as flexible and supportive.
There is virtually every type of MSN practitioner program available in New York universities, so be sure to consider all types when deciding to continue your nursing education.
Careers for Master’s of Nursing Graduates in New York
A current survey of New York hospitals, by the Healthcare Association of New York State, reveals a demand for 40 percent more master’s prepared nurse practitioners. Job security for those with a MSN is assured. The average pay for a nurse practitioner in NY is more than $97,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
According to NBC News, Wall Street has identified Nursing as the top career choice for high-paying jobs with the brightest futures over the next decade. As the baby boomer population is turning 65 years-of-age, this older generation will require more nurses and doctors. Wall Street predicts that nurses will be the primary care givers for long-term patient care, providing basic medical treatments and managing the patient’s records. Many professionals see certified nurse practitioners as the equivalent to the primary care physician in the future. At this time, nurse practitioners are able to prescribe medications in all 50 states.
Some MSN specialties to consider include:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists in New York has an annual mean average of over $152,000
- Clinical Nurse Specialist represents a wide variety of positions, primarily in hospitals with can earn more than $100,000 in New York, NY.
- Certified Nurse Educators are in high demand as potential nurses are being turned away from universities due to the lack of an adequate number of educators. Nursing instructors earned a mean annual salary of over $70,000 in 2012.
- Psychiatric nurse practitioners specialize in mental health care
**salary figures are provided by the BLS and O*Net**
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MSN Programs for New York Nurses
- Columbia University: Columbia offers an accelerated BS/MS degree for students who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. The university also offers a strong education for would-be nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and nurse anesthetists.
- University of Rochester: The University of Rochester offers an accelerated MSN program for non-nurses, as well as BS/MS completion programs and traditional MSN programs, including multiple nurse practitioner specialties and leadership programs. The school’s leadership program includes an MS program for Clinical Research Coordinators.
