[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses in New York earn some of the highest salaries in the country, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Registered nurses (RNs) in the state make an average of $110,490, while nurse practitioners (NP) earn $148,410.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] in the state can be a financially beneficial decision. Keep reading to learn about some of the top nursing master’s programs in New York.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn about the best New York RN-to-MSN programs and some key factors to consider when choosing one.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn More About the Best New York RN-to-MSN Programs and Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best RN-to-MSN programs in New York, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list was developed prior to 2025.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do New York RN-to-MSN Programs Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs in New York with an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/best-adn-programs/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] and clinical experience can apply to an RN-to-MSN program. This accelerated bridge program provides a path for RNs to earn their [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] and MSN simultaneously in as few as two years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The fast-paced RN-to-MSN curriculum suits students who want to earn their BSN and MSN as quickly as possible. To help provide some flexibility, many programs in New York allow students to enroll on a full or part-time basis and offer on-campus, online, or hybrid learning formats.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to an RN-to-MSN Program in New York[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before applying to an RN-to-MSN program in New York, make sure you meet the requirements necessary for acceptance. Check that the program offers your chosen specialization and a format that works best for your learning style.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While specific prerequisites may vary, many programs accept applicants who meet the following general requirements. Contact your program admissions department or the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions-index/nursing” target=”_blank”]New York State Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-link] for additional information.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ADN from an accredited program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Active and unencumbered New York RN license[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Transcripts[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Personal statement[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Letters of recommendation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One year of clinical experience as an RN[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]3.0 GPA or higher[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is RN-to-MSN Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All of the programs on our list are accredited. Attending an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]accredited nursing program[/hen-ui-link] provides benefits for prospective nurses, employers, and patients by demonstrating that the program meets quality standards and that the school successfully prepares nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are the main accreditors for RN-to-MSN programs. There are several important reasons why choosing an accredited program is important:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students in unaccredited programs may not be eligible for federal financial aid.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accredited programs typically do not accept transfer credits from an unaccredited program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Doctoral nursing programs often require applicants to hold a degree from an accredited institution.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employers prefer to hire graduates with a degree from an accredited program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About RN-to-MSN Programs in New York[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you bridge from RN to MSN?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, you can bridge from RN to the MSN degree. Nursing bridge programs enable registered nurses to earn their MSN in as little as two years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to go from RN to MSN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The amount of time required for RNs to earn their MSN depends on their chosen educational pathways. Nurses who go to a traditional nursing school typically take seven years to earn their MSN, while nurses who choose RN-to-MSN bridge programs typically take two years. Nurses who take classes part-time take longer than full-time students.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is RN-to-MSN a good idea?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether or not an RN-to-MSN program is a good idea depends on your finances, time constraints, work schedule, and other individualized factors.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much do MSN-trained nurses make in New York?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, MSN-trained nurses in New York earned an average annual salary of $148,410.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]