Utica College Introduces Three New Nursing Master's Degrees

UTICA, NY – How healthcare is delivered is changing by the minute, and Utica College (UC) is addressing these changes by adding three new nursing master’s degrees to its suite of nursing programs, including family nurse practitioner, nursing education and nursing leadership.

“Beginning this summer, students can earn their nursing masters online at UC in just 16 to 20 months in the hours and days that work best for them,” says nursing chair Annette Becker, DNS. “The flexible nature of this program allows students to structure coursework according to their work/life commitments.”

Credit hour and practicum requirements differ for each program. Requirements for admission include an unencumbered RN license in the state in which the student resides, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and 2,000 hours of work experience.

The family nurse practitioner (FNP) program is for nurses who seek more autonomy in caring for their patients. A FNP provides a higher level of patient care, can test, diagnose, treat, and create preventive healthcare plans for patients. Given the shortage of healthcare professionals, FNPs are relied on more often as the first provider of care for common, family health problems. On average, FNPs earn more than $100,000 a year and there is an expected 31 percent job growth through 2026. The FNP program mandates a three-day immersion/residency experience and 720 practicum hours.

Nurse educators have become increasingly important and in great demand as new education requirements for entry-level clinical care emerge. Nurse educators earn approximately $74,000 a year. Employment is expected to grow by 24 percent through 2026. The education curriculum requires 180 practicum hours, divided between two classes, dedicated to working with qualified nurse educators.

As a nurse leader, either a senior manager or executive leader, one needs management expertise including the planning, direction, and coordination of medical and health services for an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice of physicians. With these roles, a person is responsible for implementing necessary actions to adhere to changes in healthcare laws, technologies, and regulations. Salaries range from $120,000 to $250,000. The leadership curriculum requires 180 hours of practicum working with nursing leaders.

The new programs will be added to a number of options already available including a traditional campus-based four-year undergraduate nursing program, an online RN to BSN program for licensed nurses who have completed an associate’s degree program and are seeking a higher credential. The ABSN is an accelerated (16-month) program for people who have already earned a bachelor's degree and wish to embark on a rewarding career in nursing. The program blends online courses with hands-on lab simulations and clinical rotations, and is offered through UC’s learning sites in Syracuse, NY; St. Petersburg, FL; and South Florida.

For more information, visit https://programs.online.utica.edu/programs/masters-nursing.

Featured

  • Elevating Campus Maintenance: How Power Wash Drones are Transforming Educational Facilities

    As today’s campuses grow larger and more architecturally complex, keeping exteriors clean, safe, and inviting has never been tougher. Facilities leaders are under constant pressure to stretch budgets, meet safety standards, and support sustainability goals—all while tackling the stubborn challenge of exterior cleaning.

  • Creating Long-Term Sustainability on College Campuses Through Fair Student Housing

    The quality of student housing can have a significant impact on an individual’s college experience. Today’s higher education institutions face mounting challenges, including declining enrollment, low retention rates between the first and second years, and a rise in student mental health concerns. Thoughtfully designed living spaces can help address these issues by creating environments that promote both academic focus and personal well-being.

  • The Role of Unified Communications in Hyflex Education

    Academic technology and pedagogy have evolved in ways few could have imagined a decade ago. Today, hybrid/flexible (or hyflex) learning environments — a mix of in-person and remote instruction — are the new normal. However, as promising as it sounds, making hyflex work smoothly is no small feat.

  • Spaces4Learning Announces Winners of 2025 Product Awards

    Spaces4Learning has just announced the winners of the 2025 Product Awards! The award program recognizes innovation and excellence in products that enhance learning environments in K–12 schools and institutions of higher education.

Digital Edition