UTICA, NY — SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) is proud to announce that its Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Master’s Program and Certificate of Advanced Study have been ranked second in New York State by RegisteredNursing.org. This recognition highlights the program’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, professional preparation, and outstanding outcomes for our nursing graduates.
 
SUNY Poly offers four highly regarded Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs: the FNP Master’s Program, FNP Certificate of Advanced Study, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a specialization in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and the PMHNP Certificate of Advanced Study. Reflecting the strength of SUNY Poly’s training, graduates of both the FNP and PMHNP programs consistently surpass national averages, passing their National Boards on their first attempt at rates well above the national standard.
 
“The recognition of our FNP program by RegisteredNursing.org is a testament to the excellence of our faculty, the dedication of our students, and the comprehensive, forward-looking education SUNY Poly provides,” says Dr. Mark Kittleson, Dean of the College of Health Sciences. “Our nurse practitioner graduates are not only highly skilled and compassionate healthcare providers but are also positioned to meet the growing demands of New York State's healthcare system.”
 
The timing of this achievement is also fitting as we celebrate National Nurse Practitioner Week, led by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. This week honors the critical contributions of NPs in improving health and increasing access to care, particularly in underserved communities.
 
The need for nurse practitioners in New York State has never been greater, making this recognition all the more significant. According to NP Schools, New York faces a projected 56% increase in demand for NPs by 2030 due to physician shortages and an aging population. Legislative changes, including the 2022 decision to grant NPs full practice authority, underscore this demand, empowering nurse practitioners to independently evaluate, diagnose, and manage treatments—a shift essential to meeting the state’s healthcare needs.
 
SUNY Poly is proud to join the nation in celebrating National Nurse Practitioner Week, honoring the dedication and impact of nurse practitioners across the healthcare field. This recent recognition of the FNP program underscores the strength of our NP programs, the expertise of our faculty, and our commitment to preparing exceptional nurse practitioners who are ready to address New York State’s healthcare needs.