SUNY Polytechnic Institute Online NP Programs
The State University of New York (SUNY) is the United States’ largest integrated system of public universities. It is composed of 64 member institutions, including research universities, academic medical centers, community colleges, and more. SUNY serves over one million students through its various programs. Through manifold applications of their knowledge, SUNY students and faculty transform individual lives and whole communities worldwide.
SUNY Polytechnic Institute, located in Utica, New York, is a member institution of the SUNY system. SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers nursing professionals an online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree program with tracks for individuals holding both bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and master of science in nursing (MSN) degrees. Students who hold an MSN but do not wish to pursue a DNP can also choose a post-master’s certificate program. All three programs provide training in the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) specialization.
SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s mission is to offer a learning environment that is simultaneously nurturing and transformative, producing graduates committed to academic excellence, continuous learning and innovative nursing practice. Curricula are designed to meet the needs of the rapidly changing healthcare industry. DNP degree program offerings are designed to train further nursing professionals who have a generalist foundation.
The curriculum is designed to achieve several key learning outcomes. These learning outcomes include:
- Promoting the health of individuals, families and groups of both diverse backgrounds and varying needs
- Collaborating with clients, families, health professionals, and healthcare agencies in the treatment and management of a variety of health concerns
- Providing leadership within the nursing profession
- Utilizing research and nursing theory in evidence-based nursing practice
The DNP degree is a terminal degree for nursing professionals. Thus, DNP graduates are well prepared to work in most any nursing practice setting. DNP graduates holding the PMHNP specialization can work in the field of mental health in most any setting. Graduates may work in primary care clinics, hospitals, outpatient centers, schools, assisted living centers, long-term care centers, and more. Graduates may also assume leadership roles, oversee the operations of mental health service providers, and more.
The advanced certificate is a 24-credit-hour program open to MSN-prepared nurses. Students further enhance their knowledge by working as PMHNPs on behalf of patients throughout their lifespan.
SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s DNP degree and post-master’s certificate programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
What to Expect from the SUNY Polytechnic Institute Online DNP and Certificate Programs
Admission Requirements: Depending on which DNP track they choose, applicants must hold a BSN or MSN degree from an accredited institution. To apply, individuals must create an online account, submit an online application, pay any applicable application fee, submit any required supplemental materials, and provide proof of past education. The advanced certificate program is open to students who already hold an MSN. Applicants seeking additional support are recommended to contact the SUNY Recruitment Response Center.
State Restrictions: SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s DNP and certificate programs do not currently feature any substantial restrictions on admission according to applicants’ place of residence within the United States.
The SUNY system also accepts international students. Approximately 18,000 international students from 180 nations worldwide complete programs at SUNY. Prospective international applicants should review the SUNY website for information on important topics such as English language proficiency requirements. Helpful resources include EducationUSA and the SUNY Office of Global Affairs.
EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network of hundreds of international students advising centers located in over 175 countries and territories. This network offers information about study opportunities at accredited postsecondary educational institutions in the United States.
Study Plan: Doctoral degree programs generally take four years to complete. The DNP program is 76 credit hours long. The fully online learning delivery model is designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals.
DNP Curriculum: Regardless of whether a student enters holding a BSN or MSN, students complete a curriculum focused within the PMHNP specialization. Students complete a combination of online coursework and field experiences. Field experiences may include internships, clinical placements, and service learning opportunities. Applicants should contact SUNY directly to gather more information on the DNP program.
Certificate Program Curriculum: The advanced certificate program features courses in diagnostic reasoning, biostatistics, epidemiology, psychopharmacology, and advanced theories in psychiatric mental health nursing practice. Students also complete a 640-clinical-hour requirement. This clinical requirement is under the supervision of nurse practitioners or physicians who currently practice in psychiatric mental health. This program features a mixed-learning delivery model consisting of both synchronous and asynchronous education.
Online Experience: SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s DNP and certificate programs are offered using an online learning delivery model. Online learning models are designed to accommodate working professionals’ particular needs, whose professional and personal commitments often make it very difficult to attend a traditional on-campus program.
On-Site Requirements: The DNP degree program is fully online. Students are not required to complete any courses on campus. However, they are required to complete an on-site clinical training requirement. Prospective applicants should contact SUNY directly to learn more details about this requirement.
Paying for the SUNY Polytechnic Institute Online DNP Degree and Certificate Programs
The SUNY Polytechnic Institute online DNP degree and certificate program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. SUNY tuition is generally below the national average for public universities and substantially lower than for-profit educational institutions. Prospective students should closely review tuition information and contact SUNY Polytechnic Institute for additional support.
To apply for financial aid to attend SUNY Polytechnic Institute, applicants may use SUNY Smart Track. SUNY Smart Track is located on the SUNY website. Completing the FAFSA helps SUNY Polytechnic Institute determine a student’s financial need and what aid may be available. Active duty members of the military and veterans may benefit from reduced tuition rates. Such applicants are recommended to contact SUNY directly for more information, as tuition rates may vary by campus.
Advanced Certificate (Post-Master's) – PMHNP
DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (Post-BSN)
DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (Post-MSN, for APRNs)
100 Seymour Rd
Utica, New York 13502
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
Yes
0
38
640
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
CA
Program Tuition
38
$471.00
$17,898.00
$565.00
$21,470.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3
76
1040
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
CA
Program Tuition
76
$1,047.00
$79,572.00
$1,281.00
$97,356.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3
55
1040
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
CA
Program Tuition
55
$1,047.00
$57,585.00
$1,281.00
$70,455.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science, and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].