- Program Options: 5
- Clinical Hours: 600
- Months to Completion:24–36
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Online
The Wegmans School of Nursing at Fisher is a top-10 nursing school in New York and among the top 100 nationwide.*
We empower New York’s service-oriented nurses to improve patient care in interdisciplinary health care settings through compassion, advanced clinical knowledge, and discipline.
*U.S. News & World Report, 2026 Best Graduate Schools
A Graduate Nursing Degree on Your Schedule
Offered fully online, our M.S. in Nursing program equips you for the next phase of your nursing career. Join a tight-knit learning community committed to serving others.
Choose Your Advanced Practice Specialty
Earn a master’s degree and post-graduate certification through Fisher’s graduate-level nursing program. Designed for those who have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a current RN license, the graduate-level program features five options:
- Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (PCFNP)
- Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS)
The Fisher Nurse Advantage
Our program prepares you through:
- Instructional Excellence: We make teaching a priority, and students participate in small classes to receive personalized attention throughout their program.
- Clinical Partnerships: Our reputation has resulted in connections with professional and practical health care settings across the state, where students may complete clinical rotations.
- Outcomes: Graduates of our programs are highly sought after and recognized as compassionate, prepared nurses who are able to meet the needs of their communities.
Upon graduation from a master’s degree program – either clinical or non-nursing – you may elect to pursue a post-master’s certificate in one of the above disciplines as well.
MSN Online Program Overview
The curriculum for the nursing master’s program is a mix of academic and clinical coursework.
For the master’s degree, you will be required to complete a minimum number of credit hours of coursework, based on your program of study. The credit-hour breakdown for each program of study is as follows:
- PCFNP, AGPCNP, AGACNP: 47 course credits, 600 hours of clinical practice
- PMHNP: 54 course credits, 600 hours of clinical practice
- AGCNS: 44 course credits, 500 hours of clinical practice.
Our program offers a values-based nursing education that combines HD-streaming live, online classes; advanced coursework; and hands-on experiences in the field.
- Learn from dedicated faculty who are experienced online educators aligned with the University’s values of service and inclusion, and integrate these values into nursing practice.
- Experience the state-of-the-art facilities at the Wegmans School of Nursing, including laboratories and a simulated hospital unit, at on-campus immersions.
- Gain supervised, hands-on experience making a difference in your community during clinical rotations.
Students graduate prepared to sit for the national certification exam. Graduates are eligible for New York state and national certification as a nurse practitioner (NP).
Join Us for a Virtual Information Session
See Success at Fisher
Join us for a Zoom session to learn about Fisher’s M.S. in nursing program.
Upcoming Sessions
- Thursday, November 12 at 5 p.m. | Register for the 11/12 session
- Wednesday, December 2 at 12 p.m. | Register for the 12/2 session
Hands-On Nursing Experience and Campus Immersions
During the program, you will visit our campus in Rochester, New York, for pre-clinical immersions. Immersions are opportunities to practice critical nursing skills in a supervised environment, experience our state-of-the-art nursing facilities, and strengthen your connections with the Fisher community.
Fisher Nursing Online Admissions
To qualify for admission, you must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a current unencumbered RN license, and at least one year of current experience in a clinical setting. Relevant work experience is required for our PMHNP and AGACNP programs.
Application Requirements
You must complete the following to apply:
- Online application
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Résumé
For questions about the application process, call (833) 958-3064 or email admissions@onlinenursing.sjf.edu.
Apply for the Online M.S. Nursing Program
View more information about application requirements for our online pathway and begin your application today.
Frequently Asked Questions
This master's degree program prepares you for advanced practice nursing roles with a focus on holistic, ethical care. You will gain expertise in clinical judgment and leadership, ensuring you are ready to provide expert primary or acute care and drive change in the healthcare industry.
Yes, this program is offered online to provide the flexibility to study from anywhere. Students are required to attend one to two brief (3-day) clinical immersions in Rochester, NY, depending on their chosen specialty track.
Coursework is offered in both a synchronous and asynchronous format to fit your schedule.
Applicants must have a BSN from an accredited institution and an unencumbered RN license. Requirements include a resume, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a recorded interview. A GPA of 3.0 is recommended, and at least one year of current clinical experience is required.
Estimated total tuition and fees can be found on the graduate program tuition and fees page.
We offer four advanced practice pathways: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGPCNP), and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AGACNP). Each track focuses on specialized skills for specific patient populations.
The FNP, AGPCNP, and AGACNP tracks require 46 credits and can be completed in as few as 24 months (accelerated) or 28 months (part-time). The PMHNP track requires 50 credits and is typically completed in 32 months. All tracks require 600 clinical hours to graduate.
Yes, the program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This ensures your degree meets high academic standards, holds significant professional value, and qualifies you to sit for national board certification exams in your chosen specialty.
The curriculum consists of scholarship core and direct core courses, such as advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology. All four online tracks require 600 clinical placement hours conducted in your own community, ensuring real-world readiness without requiring you to relocate.
Our graduates pursue diverse leadership roles in hospitals, private practices, and specialty clinics. Common career paths include becoming a certified family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, or adult-gerontology acute/primary care nurse practitioner.
“ The supportive professors and detailed curriculum at Fisher made for a smooth transition into the nursing world ”
“ Fisher helped me see myself not only as a clinician, but as a visionary capable of leading innovation across health care and technology. ”
“ The PMHNP program provided mentors to empower me to challenge myself to reach goals that I didn’t even know I had! ”
“ Without the education that I received from Fisher, I would not be able to have the platform to promote change that I have today. ”
Nursing News