SUNY Downstate Medical Center Nursing Program Review

SUNY Downstate Medical Center (SUNY-DMC) is located in Brooklyn, New York, a borough of New York City. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY). The College of Nursing has existed since 1967 and began as a bachelor’s degree program. Today, there are other programs offered, including the RN to BS program that admits around 100 RNs each year. Downstate also offers a Master of Science program with advanced nursing specialty areas.

Nursing Programs

Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Program in Nursing

Applicants to this program must have a bachelor’s degree in another field. The accelerated program is designed to be completed in only 15 months. It consists of 60 credits of classroom theory and clinical experience. Applicants must have 65 prerequisite credits that can be transferred to the program. When these are combined with the credits earned at Downstate Medical Center, the student has the 125 credits necessary for graduation. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science (BS) in nursing. They are able to take the NCLEX-RN, the exam required for licensure as a Registered Nurse in New York State. Those who are accepted into the program must have a 3.0 grade point average in their undergraduate studies from their first bachelor’s degree.

Master of Science

RNs who already have their BS in nursing may want to specialize in an area of advanced nursing, such as Nurse Anesthetist or Nurse Practitioner. There are also other programs available that are explained below.

Clinical Nurse Specialist, Master of Science Degree

The clinical nurse specialist provides advanced care to patients in many different settings. This includes acute care and wellness care for patients of all ages. To complete the Master of Science (MS) degree, students must complete 44 credits. The program is designed to be completed in two years with two summer sessions included. At the completion of all courses and clinical experience, graduates may sit for the national certification exam. They will also receive their Master of Science degree. Applicants to the program must have a current RN license in New York State, and they must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 in the previous studies.

Nurse Anesthesia Program

This program requires full-time study and takes 27 months to complete. It prepares RNs to become Nurse Anesthetists who administer anesthesia during surgery, for pain management, and for oral surgery. Students must complete 61 credits, plus a minimum of 550 cases must be completed to take the national certification examination to become licensed as a Nurse Anesthetist. Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, must be currently licensed RNs in New York State, and must have a grade point average of at least 3.3 on their undergraduate studies.

Nurse Midwifery Collaborative Program

This program requires that 52 credits are completed to prepare RNs with a bachelor’s degree to provide primary care to women and newborns. Students receive a Master of Science in Nurse-Midwifery with the Advanced Certificate program at the College of Health Related Professions. They also take 14 credits through the College of Nursing. It can be completed in two years when attending full-time, or three years for part-time attendance. Graduates take the national certification exam to become a certified Nurse Midwife.

Nurse Practitioner Program

RNs with a bachelor’s degree may enter this program that takes six, eight, or nine semesters to complete. Family Nurse Practitioners provide primary care to family members from children to elderly people. They treat acute and chronic health problems and work to prevent disease and to promote health and wellness. Another option of study besides the Family Nurse Practitioner program is the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. This advanced care nurse provides primary care for women of all ages and their children. At graduation time, students take the national exam to receive their certificate as a Nurse Practitioner.

Women’s Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Advanced Certificate

This program is for RNs who already have their MS and wish to earn a certificate as a Women’s Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. After completing the program, they take the national certification exam and are able to practice as nurse practitioners. This program excludes the basic MS courses that these nurses have already taken and focuses on the advanced nursing specialty courses.

Contact:
SUNY Downstate Medical Center
College of Nursing
450 Clarkson Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11203
(718) 270-7600