BSN to MSN Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Programs in New York City

The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) role represents a transformative approach to nursing leadership, focusing on improving patient care outcomes and streamlining healthcare delivery systems. BSN to MSN Clinical Nurse Leader programs in New York City are designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers and take on pivotal roles in healthcare innovation. These programs equip nurses with the advanced skills needed to coordinate care, implement evidence-based practices, and lead interdisciplinary teams in diverse settings. With NYC’s renowned healthcare institutions as a backdrop, students gain hands-on experience and leadership training that prepares them to address complex healthcare challenges, advocate for patient safety, and drive quality improvements across the care continuum.

Here are some of the top universities and colleges in New York City offering BSN to MSN programs with a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) focus. These programs prepare registered nurses for advanced roles in care coordination, quality improvement, and leadership:

New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing

Curriculum Details:

• Undergraduate Programs: The 4-year BSN includes 128 credits, with nursing courses starting in the junior year. The 15-month Accelerated BSN is for those with a non-nursing degree and requires prerequisite courses before enrollment.
• Graduate & Doctoral Programs: The MS program offers advanced practice specializations like Family NP and Psychiatric-Mental Health NP. The DNP focuses on clinical leadership, while the PhD prepares nurse scientists for research and theory development.

Address: 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010
Program Highlights:

• Offers an MSN program tailored for Clinical Nurse Leader roles.
• Focuses on leadership in interdisciplinary teams, quality improvement, and evidence-based practices.
  Contact: (212) 998-5300
  Website: NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing

Columbia University School of Nursing

Curriculum Details:

• Master’s Direct Entry (MDE) Program: A 15-month accelerated program for individuals with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees, leading to a Master of Science in Nursing and eligibility for RN licensure. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based care, with over 1,000 clinical hours across specialties and a six-week integration experience with an RN mentor.
• Doctoral Programs: The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares nurses for independent practice, focusing on comprehensive patient care across settings. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a full-time, research-intensive program aimed at developing nurse scientists skilled in conducting research across diverse populations and health conditions.

Address: 560 W 168th Street, New York, NY 10032
Program Highlights:

• Provides a robust BSN to MSN pathway with leadership and quality improvement components.
• Prepares graduates for roles that emphasize patient safety, care coordination, and healthcare delivery efficiency.
  Contact: (212) 305-5756
  Website: Columbia University School of Nursing

Hunter College – Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing

Curriculum Details:

• Undergraduate Programs: The Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers a four-year curriculum combining liberal arts and professional nursing education, with clinical nursing courses beginning in the second year. An Accelerated Second-Degree BSN is available for individuals holding non-nursing bachelor’s degrees, designed to be completed in a shorter timeframe.
• Graduate Programs: Master of Science degrees are offered in specialties such as Adult Health Nursing, Community/Public Health Nursing, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, focusing on advanced clinical practice and leadership. Doctoral programs include the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a research-focused Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS), preparing nurses for the highest levels of clinical practice and research.

Address: 425 E 25th Street, New York, NY 10010
Program Highlights:

• Offers an MSN program with a Clinical Nurse Leader specialization.
• Focuses on preparing students to lead healthcare teams and enhance care delivery systems.
  Contact: (212) 396-7000
  Website: Hunter College Nursing

Pace University – Lienhard School of Nursing

Curriculum Details:

• Undergraduate Programs: The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-4) is a 123-credit program where students begin nursing courses in the second semester of their freshman year, with clinical experiences starting in the sophomore year. The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABS) is an 11-month, 50-credit program designed for individuals with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees, offering over 500 hours of clinical experience across various specialties.
• Graduate Programs: Master of Science degrees are offered in specialties such as Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, focusing on advanced clinical practice and leadership. Doctoral programs include the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), emphasizing clinical expertise, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD), focusing on research and academic scholarship.

Address: Pace University, 1 Pace Plaza, New York, NY 10038
Program Highlights:

• Features an MSN program emphasizing clinical leadership and healthcare system innovation.
• Includes courses on care coordination, patient outcomes, and advanced nursing practice.
  Contact: (212) 346-1200
  Website: Pace University Nursing

Lehman College (CUNY)

Curriculum Details:

• Undergraduate Program: The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year program combining liberal arts and professional nursing education. The curriculum includes foundational courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry, with clinical nursing courses beginning in the junior year.
• Graduate Programs: Lehman offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, focusing on advanced clinical practice and leadership. The curriculum encompasses courses in advanced nursing concepts, clinical research, and specialized practice areas, preparing graduates for high-level clinical and administrative roles.

Address: 250 Bedford Park Blvd W, Bronx, NY 10468
Program Highlights:

• Offers an MSN program with pathways for Clinical Nurse Leader roles.
• Focuses on care quality improvement, clinical coordination, and patient safety.
  Contact: (718) 960-8000
  Website: Lehman College Nursing

These institutions provide exceptional BSN to MSN programs designed to prepare nurses for the Clinical Nurse Leader role. Contact each school directly for detailed information about admissions, program structure, and clinical opportunities.