Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) MS Program
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Demand for primary care providers has never been greater. Iona's MS FNP program transforms experienced nurses into advanced practice providers ready to deliver comprehensive care to individuals and families across the lifespan and to make a lasting impact in the communities they serve.
Why earn your FNP MS degree at Iona University?
Practice-Ready Nurse Practitioners Start Here
Through high-fidelity and virtual reality simulations, extensive lab time, and in-depth experience across a wide array of specialties, you'll build the advanced knowledge and skills you need to practice with confidence across the lifespan.
Built for the Full Picture of Health
Iona's FNP curriculum goes beyond clinical fundamentals to prepare you for the complexities of modern primary care. Coursework spans biostatistics and epidemiology, digital health and informatics, evidence-based practice, and mental health assessment to cultivate a holistic view of family health across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Faculty-Supported Practicum Placement
Students in Iona’s FNP program have access to practicum placements for 800 direct care hours. Students work in collaboration with the program faculty in finding the right preceptors to support their learning.
Hybrid Format for Working Students
We offer a hybrid learning format so that students can continue working throughout the program. In-person instruction is combined with asynchronous online learning to accommodate our students’ busy schedules.
Finish in 8-10 Semesters
This 44-credit program is designed for steady progress, allowing you to balance your studies over a span of 8 to 10 semesters. By following this timeline, you can maintain a manageable course load while ensuring a comprehensive mastery of the curriculum.
A CCNE-accredited Program Delivering Career-Ready Instruction
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master's degree program in nursing at Iona University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Interprofessional Educational Experiences
As patient care continues to evolve, it’s important that healthcare workers know how to interact with one another. Iona’s program includes interprofessional educational experiences with other healthcare professionals so that graduates are prepared for the modern work environment.
Quick Facts
Tuition and Financial Aid
We encourage you to utilize our Graduate Tuition Estimator to get an estimate of potential tuition costs after scholarships have been applied, based on current rates.
Explore scholarships and awards for graduate students here and contact Student Financial Services to learn more.
What to Expect
- Hybrid learning model
- 44-credit degree
- Finish in 8-10 semesters
- Integrated Simulation at the state-of-the-art Kelly Center for Health Sciences
- Complete 800 hours of clinical practice with expert preceptors
- Opportunity for International Experiences
Degree Outcomes
FNPs can work in a variety of healthcare environments including:
- Primary Care Clinics & Private Practices
- Community Health Centers
- Urgent Care & Retail Clinics
- Hospital Outpatient Departments
- Specialty Clinics
Careers & Outcomes
There is strong regional demand for nurse practitioners, supported by promising employment projections. According to the New York State Department of Labor, employment for Nurse Practitioners is expected to grow by 26% between 2022 - 2032, with approximately 440 job openings annually.

Family Nurse Practitioners are qualified to work in a variety of specialty areas including:
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatric/Mental Health
- Pulmonology
- Orthopedics
- Women’s Health
Program Highlights
Complete 800 Direct Care Hours
Iona’s FNP program provides practicum placement for 800 direct care hours. This includes care across the lifespan in primary care with the opportunity to complete specialty hours as well.
Integrated Simulation at the Kelly Center for Health Sciences
Students learn in the Kelly Center for Health Sciences, Iona’s state-of-the-art facility that supports integration of high-fidelity and virtual reality simulations. Combined with extensive lab time, students develop the advanced knowledge and skills needed for a successful career transition.
Hybrid Delivery & Hands-On Learning
This program employs a hybrid learning format, which means students combine in-person instruction with asynchronous online learning. Additionally, we keep our class sizes small for focused attention. These factors result in a program with maximum opportunity for hands-on learning and flexibility.
MS IN FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Prospective students interested in the family nurse practitioner program must meet Iona’s general admissions requirements, as well as the following program-specific requirements, for consideration:
- Earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or a Master of Science in Nursing with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Hold an unencumbered RN New York State License or be eligible to obtain licensure by the beginning of the program.
- Complete a graduate-level statistics course or equivalency and earn a grade of B or better by the completion of the first semester.
If applicants have questions about the admissions process or prerequisites, they should contact our graduate admissions counselors. Our admissions team is ready to offer their insight and set students up for success in Iona’s nursing leadership program.
Application Materials
To apply to Iona’s family nurse practitioner graduate program, applicants must submit:
- Iona’s online graduate application.
- Transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities.
- A personal statement.
- Résumé or curriculum vitae.
- Two letters of recommendation.
Global Nursing Leadership Experience
Iona’s nursing students have an opportunity to participate in global practicum immersions that expand their worldview and life experience. Through this program, students learn about global health issues, diversity, social justice and healthcare and nursing professions in the US and abroad. Students may also complete educational practicum hours precepted by Iona nursing faculty and international nurses in either Ghana or Ireland. With this once-in-a-lifetime experience, students dive into the rich local culture of our host country while practicing healthcare, growing their skills and engaging in service-learning.
Mission Statement & Goals
Mission Statement
To provide high quality, accessible educational experiences that challenge and empower students to become nurse leaders working at the forefront of health care. We are committed to preparing students who are liberally educated, clinically competent, and will be compassionate, empathetic and ethical professionals. Iona’s nursing program, consistent with Iona University’s mission, will provide an educational environment that embraces intellectual inquiry, commitment to excellence, service to others, and respect for the unique perspectives and experiences of the individual.
The Department of Nursing's Goals are to:
- Prepare competent nurses who are morally reflective and critical thinking professionals who are contributing, collaborative members of the healthcare team.
- Promote excellence, innovation, and creativity in teaching, scholarship, and practice.
- Engage in service to the community and profession of nursing.
- Generate and disseminate knowledge through scholarly inquiry and research that advances nursing science.


