Farmingdale State College’s (FSC) newest graduate program recently welcomed its first student cohort to a successful semester filled with dedicated faculty, close support, a strong learning community, and diverse perspectives in acute care, long-term care, and community health. The online program, Master of Science in nursing administration, is now accepting applications for its second cohort this fall.  

Offered through the Theresa Santmann School of Health Sciences, this leading-edge degree program prepares enrolled students for administrative level nursing positions in hospitals, home health agencies, long-term care facilities, and primary and preventative care throughout the community. Program graduates advance ready to lead within an evolving global healthcare system. 

“This program’s launch significantly expands FSC’s academic portfolio into graduate-level education while directly addressing the region’s growing demand for nurse leaders,” said Professor Virginia Peterson-Graziose RN, DNP, CN, chair of FSC's Nursing Department, who noted the program’s seamless integration into the Department of Nursing, which already has a strong reputation for excellence. “The program offers a pathway for registered nurses to advance into administrative and leadership roles, addressing workforce needs across hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health services, and community settings. Offering this degree online makes it accessible to working professionals while strengthening FSC’s role in preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders,” she added.  

The MS in nursing administration is a 35-credit online program that blends advanced nursing knowledge with leadership, organizational theory, health policy, economics, informatics, and research. Enrolled students complete both coursework and an administrative practicum, where they gain valuable leadership experience in healthcare settings, including advanced skills in finance, policy, informatics, collaboration, and organizational leadership. 

“If a student is ready to become a leader, this is the place to be,” said Amanda Toppi, who is now enrolled in the program after earning her ASN from FSC. “I know that I am gaining the skills and experiences I need to excel in the future.” 

The program emphasizes patient-centered care focused on health promotion and restoration along with the leadership, administrative, and management skills necessary to coordinate comprehensive care, collaborate with an interdisciplinary healthcare team, and implement strategies that improve the healthcare environment. Graduates will be well-positioned for leadership and administrative roles such as nurse manager, director of nursing, or executive-level administrator. Long-term, this degree strengthens career advancement, salary potential, and the ability to influence positive changes in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. “This degree can open doors to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach,” said Peterson-Graziose. 

“I have enjoyed the content that we have been covering,” said Isabella Llano, BSN, RN, a clinical nurse II in the Department of Nursing at the M7 Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, who is now enrolled in the program after graduating from FSC with a BSN in 2023. “The courses I’ve taken so far have influenced the way that I think about my career path as it has made me more self-aware and more driven to be a part of a culture of change and innovation at my current job. I have learned about policy and advocacy as it relates to improving patient outcomes and nursing practice.”  

The program’s overall goals are to prepare graduates to lead change, promote quality and safety, use evidence-based practice, advocate for health policy, and collaborate across disciplines, skills essential for administrators and leaders in today’s complex healthcare systems. 

“The most rewarding aspect has been seeing strong interest from experienced nurses eager to advance into leadership roles and hearing that the coursework directly supports their professional growth,” said Peterson-Graziose. “It has also been rewarding to build meaningful partnerships with healthcare organizations for practicum placements, ensuring students apply classroom learning to real-world administration and leadership challenges. And our strong community partnerships will continue to provide practicum opportunities and create pathways for employment.” 

“I have been wanting to continue my education, and this was the exact route I was looking for,” said Toppi. “My career goal after this program is to become a nurse manager of the case management program that I currently work in. I do believe, thus far, that the program is setting me up for success.” 

“As a Farmingdale alumna and returning student, I know that FSC is an incredible school which provides students with the skills and knowledge to become leaders,” said Llano. “This program is preparing students to join the workforce as administrators and leaders in our healthcare system. The professors here at FSC are exceptional in their field with innumerable experiences that help to grow our knowledge and skills. I would absolutely recommend this program to other students who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in healthcare.” 

For more information, please visit the Master of Science in Nursing Administration webpage. 

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