SUNY Adirondack Nursing Program Review

SUNY Adirondack, previously known as Adirondack Community College (ACC), was founded in 1961 with the aim of bringing higher education close to the residents of 3 counties: Saratoga, Warren and Washington. It is a public 2- year college offering associates degrees and certificate program for career entry or transfer purposes.  ACC become part of the State University of New York (SUNY) and adopted a new name: SUNY Adirondack (SUNY ACC) in 2010. With this new name and association, the college now offers bachelor and master degree programs to its students at the SUNY Adirondack campus.

Nursing at SUNY Adirondack

The nursing program at SUNY Adirondack is a 2-year associate degree program that prepares both entry-level high school graduates and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). The program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the New York State Board of Education. Through other universities of the SUNY system, students can complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree right at Adirondack.

Nursing AAS

The Associate of Applied Science (ASS) program admits students twice annually for summer or fall and spring semesters.  Candidates interested in the fall or summer start dates must place their applications between 1st Jan and 1st Feb for evaluation. Those hoping for the spring semesters must do so between 1st September and 1st October. A January admission can be decided on a year to year basis and is dependent on the applications received.

After admission, students embark on a full time plan spanning 4 semesters. General education courses are covered in the 1st year along with a few nursing courses. In the sophomore year, students take nursing and supporting science courses. A total of 68 credits: 30 general education and supporting and 38 nursing credits. All graduation requirements must be met within 7 semesters after the first nursing course. Successful completion of the curriculum requirements leads to academic eligibility to apply and take the NLCEX-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse.

Practical Nurses Advancement Options

Graduates Practical Nurses (GPN) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) have the chance of joining the AAS program at the sophomore level. For the GPN case, candidates need not have licenses but must be eligible for one and graduated from an accredited PN program. To be eligible for advanced standing, GPN and LPN must take and pass a bridging nursing course before starting on 2nd year nursing courses.

GPN and LPN automatically receive 6 credits in advanced standing for one 1st year nursing course and can challenge by exam a further ten nursing credits.  Successful completion of the remaining courses leads to eligibility for the NLCEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse.

SUNY Adirondack Nursing Scholarships

Besides applying for the federal loans and grants, AAS students at Adirondack College can apply for the following institutional based scholarships:

  • Sandra Schupp Memorial Nursing Scholarship
  • Beverly Ross Memorial Scholarship
  • Beth Karhan Lauren scholarship

The above scholarships are open to students who are at their 2nd year level and enrolled on a full time basis.

Articulation Agreements

Graduates of the AAS program are advised to complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree program by taking advantage of the SUNY transfer program. Nursing graduates may transfer to the following SUNY and non-SUNY college for a 4-year degree:

  • Excelsior College
  • Kaplan University
  • SUNY Canton College Technology
  • SUNY Plattsburgh
  • SUNY Upstate Medical University

Contact:
Adirondack Community College
640 Bay Road, Queensbury,
NY 12804