By Diana Costello

April 1, 2026: Iona University is proud to announce its new Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) master’s degree program will launch Fall 2026, expanding graduate study within the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences while helping to meet a growing workforce need.

“Launching the Family Nurse Practitioner program is a natural next step for Iona,” said Kavita Dhanwada, Ph.D., founding dean of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences. “We have built a strong foundation in undergraduate and graduate nursing, and this new program extends that strength into advanced practice nursing, a high-demand area.”

According to the New York State Department of Labor, employment for family nurse practitioners is projected to grow 26 percent between 2022 and 2032, with approximately 440 job openings annually. Nationwide, the rate of growth is even higher.

Applications are now open. Learn more or contact Daniel Gallagher, director of Graduate Admissions for the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (914) 637-7770.

About the Program

At Iona, students gain hands-on experience working with patients across the lifespan—from pediatrics to geriatrics—while learning from expert faculty dedicated to mentorship and real-world application. Small class sizes, personalized support, and strong clinical partnerships ensure every student is prepared to deliver compassionate, high-quality care in diverse settings. Graduates emerge confident, credentialed and ready to meet the growing demand for primary care providers—making a lasting difference in their communities.

The 44-credit FNP curriculum can be completed in 8 to 10 semesters and will be delivered in a flexible hybrid format, making this program ideal for working nurses. Iona’s 28-acre Bronxville campus, located just 20 miles north of New York City, is home to the Kelly Center for Health Sciences, where modern classrooms, simulation labs and virtual reality suites provide immersive, real-world health care training.

Notably, students will also complete 800 direct patient practice hours at some of the region’s premier sites. The clinical placements typically occur in primary care environments such as family practice clinics, community health centers, internal medicine and pediatric offices, urgent care centers, and women’s health practices. Under the guidance of qualified preceptors, students develop the necessary knowledge and competencies to diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions and to promote health and wellness across the lifespan.

Iona’s nursing students also have an opportunity to participate in global practicum immersions that broaden their worldview while deepening their understanding of global health, diversity, social justice, and nursing practice in the U.S. and abroad. Students may complete faculty-supervised practicum hours alongside international nurses in Ghana or Ireland, gaining hands-on experience, engaging in service-learning and immersing themselves in the host country’s culture.

“With hands-on learning in the Kelly Center for Health Sciences, a flexible hybrid format, and extensive practicum experience, we are preparing nurses to advance their careers and help improve health outcomes across our communities,” said Sherylyn Watson, Ph.D., MSN, RN, CNE, director of Nursing. “Iona students are very dedicated and compassionate. This is going to be a rigorous program, but the outcome is that they will have a chance in their personal and professional lives to advance their careers and continue to make a real impact in the field.”

The Momentum Continues

Since launching in 2020, Iona’s nursing programs have experienced strong momentum not only in enrollment, but most importantly, in student outcomes. In 2025, the University renamed the school the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences to reflect the growth and impact of its nursing programs.

Iona offers a suite of accredited undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, including a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing; Accelerated Second-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Master of Science in Nursing Education; and Master of Science in Nursing Healthcare Organizational Leadership. Iona’s health science programs are designed to offer a holistic, well-rounded view of care, driven by Iona’s Interprofessional Education (IPE) experiences including students and professionals from Communication Sciences & Disorders, Marriage & Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, School Psychology and Social Work.

At the baccalaureate level, students graduate prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Impressively, 91 percent of May 2025 graduates in Iona’s traditional, four-year bachelor’s degree program and 92 percent of the January 2026 ABSN graduates passed the NCLEX their first time sitting for the exam, both exceeding the national average. In addition, 100 percent of Iona’s undergraduate nursing students are employed within a year.

Graduates of the FNP program will be eligible to sit for national certification exams through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Visit Our Open House, 4/15

Join us at the annual NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences Graduate Open House on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The event will take place on our Bronxville campus in the Kelly Center for Health Sciences, located at 171 White Plains Road, Bronxville. Meet with Admissions staff, hear from our outstanding students and successful alumni, connect with dedicated faculty, and take the next step in your career. RSVP today!