Mohawk Valley Community College Nursing Program Review

Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) is a two year institution that is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. There are about 6,000 students enrolled at this time, with 82 international students. Mohawk Valley offers on campus housing and assistance in finding housing off campus. It is not common for community colleges to offer on campus housing, so this is a real advantage to students who live too far from campus to commute.

There are many activities, clubs, and organizations available for students, including intercollegiate athletics and intramural sports. An associate degree in nursing is offered, and entrance into the program is very competitive. An important feature of Mohawk Valley’s nursing program is that it offers hands-on experience during the first semester.

Nursing Program

Nursing AAS

Mohawk Valley Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in nursing. This program is for those without any nursing background who wish to enter the nursing profession. Graduates of the program are eligible to enter the nursing profession as beginning practitioners. The AAS program prepares students to pass the New York State licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN that qualifies graduates to practice as a Registered Nurse. It takes four semesters totaling 71.5 credits plus a college seminar to qualify for graduation.

Admission to the program requires that the applicant is a high school graduate with either a diploma or GED. Students who want to enter the nursing program are expected to have completed high school Regents Level Chemistry with lab. They are expected to have earned at least a score of 70. College level chemistry is also required with a minimum grade of C. Applicants must take a math placement score and complete any remedial math course, earning at least a C in it. Another prerequisite is taking Anatomy & Physiology 1 at Mohawk Valley and having a grade point average of at least 2.85. Students who need to take Chemistry, Math, and Anatomy & Physiology prerequisites may follow the Pre-Nursing Curriculum.

Some of the features of this nursing program are that there is a State-of-the-art-Nursing Lab, and a professional nursing tutor is available for students requiring help. There are small clinical groups made up of about seven students per group. Lecture classes are also very small. There is a Student Nurse Organization at the college, and both day and evening lectures and clinical are offered. In addition, Mohawk Valley has a 64 hour Capstone experience during the final semester of the nursing program.

Admission to the nursing program is extremely competitive, so meeting all of the prerequisites does not guarantee that an applicant will be accepted into the program. Those who currently have a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license or military corpsmen are eligible to enter the program with advanced standing. LPNs must take the LPN Transition Course to receive any credit for nursing experience.

Students begin taking nursing courses in their first semester, and this is not the norm for nursing programs. During the first semester, they take their college seminar, Nursing 1, Human Anatomy & Physiology 1, English Composition, General Psychology, and Nursing Pharmacotherapeutics. The second semester consists of two nursing courses, Anatomy & Physiology 2, and Life-Span Developmental Psychology. The second year at Mohawk Valley consists of Nursing 3, Microbiology, and Introductory Sociology. The final semester continues with Nursing 4, and a math course.

Contact:
Mohawk Valley Community College
1101 Sherman Drive
Utica, New York 13501-5394
(315) 792-5400

Molloy College Nursing Program Review

Molloy College (MC) is a private college that was founded in 1955 by the Dominican Nuns. It is located in Nassau County in Long Island, not far from New York City. Athletics, clubs, and organizations are available for both men and women. The college offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing, including a doctoral degree in nursing. Around 4,400 students attend Molloy. The Nursing Division at Molloy College is one of the country’s largest and most respected programs.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor’s Degree Program

Freshmen students must have their high school diploma or equivalent with four years of English and Social Studies and three years of a foreign language, math, and science, which must include Biology and Chemistry. The SAT is required, and if students score below expected minimum levels, they will be required to take remedial English or math courses. Before entering the nursing program, students must take the Nurse Entrance Test. They must also have their CPR certification and must complete a Fire Safety Program. Before taking certain nursing courses, students must complete a State Mandated Infection Control Module and a State Mandated Child Abuse Module. Students must also take a drug calculation test and pass with a minimum grade of 90 percent. In addition, shortly before graduation nursing students must complete a three day review in preparation for the NCLEX-RN, the national exam that leads to certification as a Registered Nurse.

Baccalaureate nursing education at Molloy is based on liberal arts and sciences.

Once students are accepted into Molloy College, they must meet the general education requirements that include Arts and Fine Arts, English and Modern Languages, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Math and Science, Philosophy, Theology and Ethics, and Physical Education. A total of 128 credits are required for graduation.

Dual Degree Program for Second Degree Students

This program is designed for the person holding a non-nursing baccalaureate or higher degree who wants to enter a nursing career. Applicants must have a 3.3 grade point average on their undergraduate or graduate studies. Up to 98 credits may be transferred toward the nursing bachelor’s degree. After completing the required nursing courses and clinical experience, the student may take the NCLEX for licensure.

LPN to BS/RN Program

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) make enter this Bachelor of Science (BS) Registered Nurse (RN) Program to continue their education. They must have current licensure in New York State and a grade point average of 3.0 on their previous coursework. LPNs may take Challenge Exams to opt out of beginning nursing courses if they pass the test. They must then complete all of the general education requirements of Molloy College and of the nursing department and complete their clinical experience. After that, they will qualify to take the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Degree Completion Program for Registered Nurses – Nursing-RN (BS)

This program is designed for RNs currently licensed in New York State who hold an associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 2.7 with no less than a C in nursing courses. Most of the nursing courses from the associate’s degree count towards the Bachelor of Science (BS) program at Molloy. Diploma school graduates may take the Challenge Exams to earn credit for their courses. Students must then complete all of the required liberal arts and sciences courses plus top tier nursing classes in the bachelor’s program. Clinical experience is also required, and when all of this is completed, the student will be eligible for graduation.

Dual Degree Program for Registered Nurses

Nursing – BS/MS

This program allows RNs to earn both their Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Science (MS) degrees in nursing. Students must have a strong academic background and a minimum grade point average of 3.3 in their undergraduate studies. Nine credits of the program count towards both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Once the baccalaureate degree studies are completed, the degree is awarded. A master’s degree is awarded after completing the remainder of the program.

Contact:
Molloy College
1000 Hempstead Avenue,
Rockville Centre, New York 11571-5002
(516) 678-5000

Monroe Community College Nursing Program Review

Monroe Community College (MCC) is a large two-year college of the State University of New York (SUNY). There are almost 19,000 students enrolled at the various branches of the college. Over 80 degree and certificate programs are offered at the college. Students live on campus and off campus and attend full-time and part-time. Monroe’s award-winning sport’s teams and the variety of clubs and activities make it an exciting place to prepare for a career.

Student life at Monroe can be as busy for students looking for activities when studies are completed. The Rochester campus offers all of the attractions that the city has to offer. There is the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Strasenburgh Planetarium and Rochester Museum and Science Center. There are dozens of festivals in the city too, including the Corn Hill Arts Festival, Lilac Festival, and the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Back on campus, there is a Student Nurse Organization and many other clubs with activities for students.

Nursing Program

Nursing AAS

The nursing program at Monroe Community College leads to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing. The program is a two year curriculum that includes liberal arts and science courses plus the core nursing courses and clinical experience. Prerequisites for admission to the program are that students must be a New York State resident living in Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, or Wayne Counties. Students must also be US citizens or have permanent residency status when they apply. High school courses required are algebra, biology/life science, and chemistry. All three classes must have had a grade of C or better.

Selection of students for the program is based on quality points for the pre-nursing courses that are taken at Monroe. These are College Composition, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology, Introduction to Psychology, and Developmental Psychology. Military veterans are awarded one additional quality point and bachelor’s degree candidates are given four additional quality points. This system allows students with the highest grades to enter the nursing program.

Nurses are expected to be of good moral character and complete coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse. They must also meet examination requirements by taking the NCLEX-RN to obtain their licensure after completing their studies at Monroe Community College. Students are expected to have a minimum grade of C in all required nursing and biology courses to ensure that they are prepared for the licensure test. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may seek advanced standing in the AAS program by taking the Excelsior College Examination for Fundamentals of Nursing.

Monroe Community College has a variety of nursing scholarships for nursing students. Wealthy families have set up funds to help students who have good grades or financial need pay their way through school. Some of them require a grade point average of 3.0, but others may be given to students who maintain a 2.0 their first semester or first year at Monroe. There are also scholarships to help graduates of the nursing program who want to continue their education to earn their bachelor’s degree. The amount of the scholarship money gifted to students depends on donor funding.

Contact:
Monroe Community College
1000 East Henrietta Road
Rochester, New York 14623-5780
(585) 292-2000

Mount Saint Mary College Nursing Program Review

Mount Saint Mary College (MSMC) is located midway between New York City and Albany, the capital of New York State. It is a private four-year liberal arts college with almost 3,000 students, including those from other countries. The college was begun in 1959 by the Sisters of Saint Dominic. Mount Saint Mary College has strong undergraduate and graduate programs, including both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree.

Nursing Program

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Mount Saint Mary College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for several groups of students. The traditional day student may begin the program after completing high school. It usually takes four years to complete the required liberal arts and sciences classes, nursing core courses, and clinical experience. Admittance to the program is competitive, and students must first be accepted into the college. After completing the prerequisite courses, they may apply to the nursing program if they have maintained at least a 2.75 grade point average in these classes.

Students who are interested in the program must also complete the TEAS-ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC) and the Pre-Nursing Computerized Testing given by the Nursing Division of Mount Saint Mary College. Admission requirements include having a high school diploma or GED with college prep classes. Nursing candidates must have completed one unit of biology and one unit of chemistry. Students are evaluated individually according to their SAT or ACT scores, average grades in high school, and their rank in their graduating class. Once students complete the nursing program, they qualify to take the NCLEX-RN, the national exam for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Nursing students may want to study abroad before their junior and senior year when nursing courses and clinical experience make it almost impossible to do this. One of the experiences for students at Mount Saint Mary College is to study in New Zealand for part of a semester. The study experience is related to a non-lab science course and students earn three credits while visiting the sites of many endangered species and major cities in New Zealand. Students attend lectures at various universities and stay in youth hostels plus a two night camping experience in the national parks. Students who have taken advantage of the study abroad experiences offered at this school have said that it was the best memory of their college days.

RN to BSN

Another program that is offered is specifically designed for Registered Nurses (RNs) who have an associate degree. It enables them to earn their Bachelor of Science (BSN) in nursing. This degree is desirable because it leads to more interesting and challenging jobs and leadership roles in nursing. RNs can receive 30 credits for their experience in nursing to get a head start on their coursework. The college has made this program very convenient for working RNs since the classes are online and seminars are held on-site. Students have access to the college library as well as to national and international libraries so that they can complete their work in the comfort of their own home. The Nursing Learning Resource Center in the Nursing Division at the college has interactive multimedia software that simulates various patient situations in a clinical setting. The RN to BSN program can be completed in 2.5 years.

LPN to BSN

There is also a program at Mount Saint Mary College that allows Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to enter the BSN program with a head start in credits earned. They may receive credit for their knowledge and experience as LPNs.

Accelerated Evening and Weekend BSN

This program is another option for students who want to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program may be completed in 3.5 years, but the amount that the required coursework takes depends on the credits that students transfer to the program.

Master of Science in Nursing

Nurses who want to further their education and earn their Master of Science in Nursing (MS) may do so as full-time or part-time students. It usually takes 2.5 years full-time or 3.5 year on a part-time basis. Mount Saint Mary College offers blended online courses so that working RNs can study and complete coursework according to their schedule. There are two MS programs offered, which are Adult Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. The adult nurse practitioner program requires 27 credits in the nursing major, including 500 to 600 hours of clinical practice. Students in the family nursing practitioner major must complete 30 credits and 600 to 700 hours of clinical practice. When these programs are completed, RNs are qualified to practice in their specialty that is much in demand, or they may teach or pursue doctoral study.

Post-master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate Programs

It is also possible for RNs who already have a bachelor’s and master’s degree to get the necessary education to become an adult nurse practitioner or family nurse practitioner. Those who are interested in information on admissions, degree requirements, applications, and course may contact Mount Saint Mary College.

Contact:
Mount Saint Mary College
330 Powell Avenue,
Newburgh, NY 12550-3412
(845) 561-0800

Nassau Community College Nursing Program Review

Nassau Community College (NCC) is a two-year public college located on Long Island in New York. It is in East Garden City in Nassau County. It is a very large college with over 22,000 students enrolled in various associate degree and certificate programs. A large number of students transfer to a four-year college after graduating from Nassau Community College. Since the school is part of the State University of new York (SUNY), students are able to transfer most or all of their credits earned at Nassau to a four-year program within the SUNY network.

Nursing Programs

Associate in Science Degree

Nassau Community College has an Associate in Science Degree (AAS) in nursing that takes two years for most students to complete. Graduates are then able to transfer to a baccalaureate program or to enter the workforce as beginning nurses. They will be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN after they have finished the program. This national exam leads to licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse. This nursing program is highly competitive, but applicants may apply through several routes. Students who have just graduated from high school must have taken three years of science, including biology with a minimum grade of 80. They must have also taken two years of college preparatory math with a grade of at least 80, and an overall average of at least 80 in English, math, and science courses. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee that a student will be admitted to the nursing program.

Freshmen usually need to take five semesters to complete the program. They can take 16 credits of liberal arts courses in the first semester. By earning a grade of C or better, they are guaranteed a seat in Nursing 101 in semester two. Transfer students with some college credits, on the other hand, need to have 13 credits to enter the nursing program. The courses that must have been completed to receive 13 credits are Composition I, Anatomy & Physiology, General Psychology, and Introduction to Statistics. A grade of at least a C must have been earned in these classes with a 3.0 overall average. Transfer students may then begin nursing courses and clinical experience and complete the program in four semesters.

Another way to enter the nursing program at Nassau Community College is through a Change of Program. When a student enters the college to take the 13 credits that are required before applying to the nursing program, they are considered a “Pre-nursing” student. After the 13 credits have been earned, the student may make an official Change of Program to “Nursing.” Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may enter the program through another means referred to as Advanced Standing. They have the opportunity to challenge the first semester of nursing courses by passing a test that shows their knowledge in beginning nursing. This shortens the amount of time that LPNs spend at Nassau earning their AAS.

Nassau Community College has an agreement with Empire State College of the State University of New York (SUNY) to accept graduates of the AAS program at Nassau into their Bachelor of Science (BS) in nursing degree. This Registered Nurse (RN) to BS program means that the Nassau graduate has met the admission requirements of Empire State College when he or she graduates. The Nassau Community College graduate must have completed the AS degree in nursing, have a current RN license, and must have graduated with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The RN must also have current certification in CPR, a current resume, and must complete the Empire State College admissions application. Students who take advantage of this opportunity to continue their education typically transfer at least 48 credits to the bachelor’s degree program. They will then need to attend Empire State College either full-time or part-time for two or three years to earn their BS.

Contact:
Nassau Community College
1 Education Drive
Garden City, New York 11530
(516) 572-7501

Nazareth College Nursing Program Review

Nazareth College (NC) is a private liberal arts school in Rochester that was founded in 1924 by the Sisters of St. Joseph. The student body consists of around 2,000 undergraduate students and 1,000 postgraduate students and 40 undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs. There are many clubs and organizations plus a variety of athletics for student athletes. The campus of Nazareth College is close to Rochester, a city with arts, music, and shopping. The college has a highly respecting Bachelor of Science in nursing program that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Nazareth College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is unique in several ways. Students learn to work in multicultural settings with patients of diverse backgrounds and needs. There is also a chance of studying abroad to learn about the healthcare in other countries like Finland or Great Britain, an opportunity that is not offered to nursing students in many other programs. Nazareth received the American Association of Colleges of Nursing award for its study abroad dual-degree program that allows RNs to study at two different universities in Europe. Nurses in this program are licensed in the U.S. and in Europe. The nursing program also emphasizes global health issues.

Other features of the Nazareth College BSN nursing program include the opportunity for students to complete interdisciplinary studies in art therapy, communications sciences, or gerontology. Clinical care experience varies widely from acute settings to long-term care and that which is community-based. Students who graduate from this program are well-prepared to take the NCLEX-RN, the national exam for licensure as a Registered Nurse. The BSN program

RN to BS

The college’s Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science (BS) in nursing is also offered at Nazareth College. RNs may elect to complete their bachelor’s degree studies on either a part-time or full-time basis. There is also a Fast Track program that allows for completion of the BS in only 16 months. RNs with an associate degree are able to transfer credits from their previous college-level work to the BS program at Nazareth.

LPN to BS

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who want to take more liberal arts classes and higher level nursing courses may also want to earn their Bachelor of Science degree at Nazareth. They may also enter the program with advance credits by taking the challenge tests that are offered. Passing the tests allows LPNs to opt out of beginning-level nursing courses.

Advanced Certificate in Nursing Education

Although Nazareth College does not offer a Master of Science (MS) degree in nursing, the college does offer an advanced certificate for RNs who already have a MS. This program requires 15 credits and prepares students to teach student nurses in associate, baccalaureate, or diploma nursing programs. The program focuses on helping RNs learn teaching skills in both the classroom and in clinical settings. They also learn how to educate the community about wellness, communicable diseases, immunizations, and a wide variety of topics. Three hours of teaching practicum are required before the certificate is granted. At the end of the program, students take the required national exam to receive their certificate as nurse educators.

Contact:
Nazareth College
4245 East Avenue,
Rochester, New York 14618
(585) 389-2525

New York City College of Technology Nursing Program Review

New York City College of Technology (NYCCT) is one of four senior colleges in the City University of New York (CUNY) system. The school is often referred to as “City Tech.” This public college offers associate and bachelor degrees to its very large student body of over 30,000 students who attend classes at the campus in Brooklyn part-time and full-time. Over 62 programs are offered at the school, including nursing.

Nursing Programs

Associate in Applied Science

City Tech offers an associate in Applied Science (AAS) in nursing. Candidates are admitted to the nursing program on a very competitive basis. The Admissions Office recommends that prospective students submit their application and required documents as soon as possible to be considered for the program. When students complete the AAS nursing program, they must take the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure to work as a Registered Nurse (RN) in New York State. City Tech’s nursing program is so strong that their graduates pass the exam with higher mean scores than all of the other nursing programs in the state combined. Students complete liberal arts classes, core nursing courses, and gain clinical experience in various hospitals in New York City. They also work as student nurses in long-term care facilities and in community health agencies.

Admission requirements to the AAS program require that applicants are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or that they have obtained official refugee status. The philosophy of the nursing program is modeled after Watson’s theory of human caring in nursing. Students learn to provide physical, emotional, socio-cultural and spiritual care for patients. To be admitted to the program, an applicant must be judged to be of good moral character and must have a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must also take the CUNY entrance exams and pass math, reading, and wring.

Prerequisite courses are biology on the college level, or an applicant may have a score of 85 or above on the Biology Regents exam in high school. During the first term at City Tech, all students must take a 14 credit sequence of classes that includes Anatomy and Physiology I, Introduction to Psychology, English Composition I, and Introduction to Mathematical Analysis. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 must be earned in these courses to be considered for the nursing program at City Tech. All students are also required to take the National League for Nursing Pre-Assessment exam during their first semester at the college. A total of 67 credits must then be earned to complete the program, and the sequence of courses takes five semesters to complete. At the completion of the program, students qualify to take the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Baccalaureate Program in Nursing/Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing

City Tech offers this program to students who hold an associate degree or a nursing diploma. They must be licensed RNs in the State of New York. It is possible to have up to 60 credits transferred from associate degree studies, which gives RNs half of the required 120 credits necessary for graduation. Applicants to the program must have an associate degree from an accredited school of nursing plus licensure in New York State as a RN. A grade point average of at least 2.5 in nursing studies must have been attained, but preference will be given to applicants with grade point averages of 3.0 or better. Diploma nurses may take the Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exams to bypass introductory nursing courses. After completing the required nursing and liberal arts classes, the graduate will obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Contact:
New York City College of Technology – CUNY
300 Jay Street,
Brooklyn, New York 11201
(718) 260-5500

New York University Nursing School Review

New York University (NYU) is a private research university in New York City. It is one of the largest nonprofit colleges in the U.S. The main campus is located in Greenwich Village in Manhattan. There are six centers located in Manhattan and in downtown Brooklyn, along with more than 12 international sites. Around 12,500 students live on campus. Many famous graduates attended New York University, including 34 Nobel Prize winners, 16 Pulitzer Prize winners, 21 Academy Award Winners, and many more. Over 43,000 students are enrolled at the university.

Many nursing programs are available, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science, and Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate Programs. On the doctoral level, a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Doctor of Philosophy in Research Theory and Development are offered.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor’s Degree Program

Students who graduate from New York University have the advantage of completing their clinical experience in some of the most prestigious medical centers in the world. The bachelor’s degree program in nursing is highly regarded, and graduates are likely to find jobs as Registered Nurses (RNs) soon after graduation when they complete the program at a school like NYU. The nursing department is not able to meet with candidates due to the large numbers of applicants who would like to enter the program. There are Open Houses that answer candidate’s questions about the program, however. Students must apply to NYU and begin classes, working on liberal arts and science electives. Nursing core courses do not begin until the junior year. Students who have completed one year of coursework in liberal arts may apply to the nursing department. Students accepted at NYU must earn 128 credits in order to graduate. Freshmen have the opportunity to study abroad since they will not need to be in New York City for their clinical experience and nursing courses yet.

Graduating from a college prep program in high school is highly desirable. Students should have completed four years of English with an emphasis on writing, three or four years of math, two or three years of laboratory sciences, three or four years of social studies, and two or three years of a foreign language. It is highly suggested that those who want to be admitted to NYU take a math and a foreign language for the fourth year in high school. Candidates must take the SAT or ACT college entrance test as well. After completing the 128 credits needed for graduation, students may take the NCLEX-RN national exam for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

15 Month Accelerated BS Program

This program is designed for those with a baccalaureate degree in another field who have completed the prerequisite courses required before entering the College of Nursing. Students may then enter the nursing program with 64 credits. It is important to know that students completing online courses for the prerequisites will not have the same advantage as students who take these courses in a classroom setting. Students must have a minimum grade of C in all prerequisite courses to be considered for the nursing program. Applicants with only the liberal arts portion of credits and not enough science credits may enroll to take the prerequisite courses at NYU. The length of time to earn the BS in nursing is then extended to about two years.

Registered Nurses

RNs with an associate degree who want to continue their education and earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in nursing at NYU. Credits from associate degree studies may be transferred to NYU, and RNs must complete the rest of the liberal arts and science, plus higher level nursing courses and clinical experience to earn their BS in nursing.

Dual Degree BS/MS Option

This unique program at NYU allows students to first earn their BS in nursing and then continue to earn their master’s degree in nursing. With a master’s degree, RNs are qualified to become nurse educators, midwives, nurse practitioners, informaticists, or nurse managers. The advantage of this program to students is that in the senior year of the nursing program, graduate level courses may be taken instead of the regular senior electives. This cuts down on the time needed to earn the Master in Science (MS) in nursing degree. Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 by the time that they complete their BS in nursing degree. They must also pass the NCLEX and be employed as a professional RN before being accepted into the MS program.

Advanced Practice Nursing: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care

This program is open to RNs who already have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. It leads to a Master of Science (MS) or to a Post Master’s Advanced Certificate. The MS degree takes 52 credits and 900 clinical hours of study, and the certificate program requires that 12 to 40 credits are earned and that 900 hours of clinical studies are completed. Students in the program learn to manage direct care for critically ill and acute patients. At the end of the program, graduates may take the exam that leads to certification in adult-gerontology acute care.

Advanced Practice Nursing: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care

RNs with a bachelor’s degree may earn their Master of Science (MS) in nursing degree through this 52 credit program that also requires 900 clinical hours to complete. Those who already have a MS may add a certificate in adult primary care by taking 12 to 40 credits and 900 clinical hours. The clinical experience focuses on the primary care of adults and older adults in urban settings.

Advanced Practice Nursing: Mental Health Nursing

This program leads to a Master of Science (MS) for RNs who have a bachelor’s degree. There are 48 credits required plus 740 clinical hours to complete the program. RNs that have a MS may complete the program to qualify to take the certification exam required to be an Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Students who earn this certificate must complete from 15 to 30 credits plus 740 clinical hours.

Advanced Practice Nursing: Pediatrics

This nursing specialty area leads to a Master of Science (MS) for RNs who have a bachelor’s degree. It requires 48 credits and 760 clinical hours to be completed. RNs that already have a MS may complete the program in only 15 to 30 credits with a maximum of 760 clinical hours. Graduates may take the certification exam that leads to a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certificate.

Nurse-Midwifery

RNs who have bachelor’s degrees may earn their Master of Science (MS) by completing 48 credits and 1080 clinical hours in this program at New York University. If a nurse already has an MS, an Advanced Certificate may be pursued by completing 24 to 33 credits with 1080 clinical hours. After the program is finished, RNs may take the certification exam that qualifies the nurse to be a Registered Nurse-Midwife.

Nursing Administration

RNs who want to pursue leadership and management roles in nursing can earn either a Master of Science (MS) in Nursing Administration or a Post-Masters Certificate Program if they already have a MS. The MS program requires 45 credits and 330 practicum hours, and the Post-Masters Certificate Program requires 15 to 21 credits and 330 practicum hours. At the completion of the program, graduates may take the certification exam for a Nursing Administration certification.

Nursing Education

There is a great need for nurse educators, and this graduate program leads to certification as a nurse educator for RNs who already have a MS. They may earn their certificate by taking 12 to 15 credits and completing 300 practicum hours. RNs who have their bachelor’s degree may earn a MS in Nursing Education by completing 45 credits and 356 practicum hours. After completing the program, RNs may sit for the certification exam to become certified Nurse Educators.

Nursing Informatics

New York University also offers a MS in Nursing Informatics for RNs with a BS degree. They must complete 45 credits and 616 practicum hours. RNs who already have a MS may earn a Post-Masters Certificate by completing 24 credits and completing 616 practicum hours. Graduates may sit for the Nursing Informatics Certification Exam.

Research Doctorate (PhD)

This program is designed for RNs who wish to pursue research and serve a role in academia and practice. The Florence S. Downs PhD Program in Nursing Theory and Research allows students to attend classes full-time or part-time.

Clinical Practice Doctorate (DNP)

RNs with a master’s degree who want to continue working in clinical practice may want to complete this program. This degree opens doors to new careers and opportunities. Nurses with this degree can teach on the college level and hold high level administration positions in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Students may attend this program either full-time or part-time.

Contact:
New York University
726 Broadway,
10^th Floor, New York,
New York 10003
(212) 998-5300

Niagara County Community College Nursing Program Review

Niagara County Community College (NCCC) is northeast of the City of Niagara Falls in Sanborn, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) network and offers two year associate degree programs. The college offers dual admissions programs that also admit students to a four year college in the SUNY group of schools once the student graduates from Niagara County Community College. Over 6,000 students attend this college.

Nursing Programs

Practical Nursing Certificate

Niagara County Community College offers a Practical Nursing Certificate that leads to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. Practical nurses are in demand in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Many students elect to begin their nursing career with this LPN certificate, knowing that they can begin working and earn money in their career and return to further their studies at a later time. Many Registered Nurse (RN) programs allow LPNs to take challenge tests that can permit them to opt out of beginning RN courses if they decide to return to school. Candidates who want to enter the program must be high school graduates or have a GED. They must also have an average grade point average of at least 80 percent in high school classes.

Candidates must also have a high school biology or chemistry course or a college level biology or chemistry course with a C or better. Placement tests for reading, writing, and math are required, and students must meet the minimum grades set forth by the college. When the courses are completed, graduates qualify to take the NCLEX-PN. After gaining their license, nurses will be able to find employment in hospitals and other healthcare facilities as LPNs.

Nursing AAS

Niagara County Community College also offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in nursing. This program is designed for students who want to become Registered Nurses (RNs) and enter the workforce after graduation. The graduate may later decide to pursue higher education by completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at a four year college or university. This associate degree program takes two or so and four or five semesters to complete. When students graduate, they are eligible to take the NCLEX to be licensed as Registered Nurses. RNs often supervise LPNs and nurse aides who work under their direction. RNs work under an RN who has earned a bachelor’s degree or under an RN with a master’s degree and even more education.

Candidates must be high school graduates or have a GED and a high school average of 80 percent. They must have completed high school biology or chemistry or college level biology or chemistry with at least a grade of a C. They also need to meet the minimum standards in reading, writing, and math when they take the Niagara County Community College entrance test. Upon completion of the program, graduates take the NCLEX-RN, the national exam that provides licensure to them. They may then work in healthcare facilities as Registered Nurses.

There are numerous nursing scholarships available for nursing students who enter the nursing program at Niagara County Community College. Some scholarships are based on grade point averages from the prerequisite courses taken before entering the nursing program or from the first year of nursing courses. Other scholarships are based on student financial need. There is also financial aid available from the federal government and from other sources.

Contact:
Niagara County Community College
3111 Saunders Settlement Road
Sanborn, New York 14132
(716) 614-6222

Niagara University Nursing School Review

Niagara University (NU) is a private institution with around 3,000 student located on a very large campus that is only four miles from Niagara Falls. Niagara University was founded by the Vincentian Community in 1856 and is a Roman Catholic college that emphasizes liberal arts and a values-based education. The university offers several choices to students who are interested in pursuing a career in nursing.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing (4-Year Degree)

Niagara University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in nursing degree to prepare RNs who have the most desirable education, which is a BS. This degree opens many career options that are not attainable unless the nurse has a bachelor’s degree. Graduates of the program will move into leadership roles in many different medical settings. The program is a traditional four-year bachelor’s degree that takes four years to complete. Hands-on experience and clinical experience are a large part of the last two years of study. Applicants to this program must have three years of Regents Science in high school or equivalent, an overall average of 80 percent or better in high school classes, and a minimum SAT score of 1000. Entry into the program is competitive, based on the seats available. Graduates of the program will be qualified to take the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse in New York State.

Students at Niagara University may be eligible to join the prestigious nursing honor society, Sigma Theta Tau. There are 424 chapters of this society in colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, China, Pakistan, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, Brazil, and the Netherlands. Alumni of Niagara are encouraged to join this group that is recognized in the nursing field as a mark of success for the nurse with leadership skills and demonstrated achievement in nursing.

RN to BS Program

RNs who want to complete their Bachelor of Science (BS) degree may transfer credits from their associate degree to Niagara University. Thirty credits of nursing courses may be transferred. One great advantage of this program is that RNs are offered a 50 percent discount on tuition to enter this RN completion program. There are scholarships available to nurses who need additional financial assistance to pay the remaining tuition. Some RNs may have their tuition paid for by their employer when they continue their education as well. The nursing courses in the program are held in a cohort style format on Fridays to fit into the schedules of working RNs.

Accelerated BS Program

This Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in nursing program is specifically designed for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another major. By transferring liberal arts and science courses, candidates may complete this program and receive their BS in nursing in only one year. The program is full-time, including the summer, fall, and spring semesters. Upon graduation, students will qualify to take the NCLEX-RN to gain licensure as a Registered Nurse. The admission criteria mandate that the candidate has at least a 3.0 grade point average in their studies for their bachelor’s degree. The student who enters the program will need to take prerequisite courses and must earn at least a C+ in these classes as well.

Contact:
Niagara University
5795 Lewiston Road,
Niagara Univ, NY 14109
(716) 285-1212

Onondaga Community College Nursing Program Review

Onondaga Community College (SUNY OCC) is a two-year community college that is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Onondaga has three campuses in Onondaga County, New York with around 12,000 enrolled students. The college has a regional higher education center where nursing students may pursue a bachelor’s degree on their campus in partnership with SUNY Empire State College, Binghamton University, SUNY IT, and Le Moyne College. There are almost 50 programs offered as well as residence halls for over 500 students. Onondaga also offers a nursing program that leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree.

Nursing Program

Associate in Applied Science

Onondaga Community College has an Associate in Applied Science program that can be completed in two or three years. Students take liberal arts and sciences classes as well as nursing core courses, and clinical experience in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. When the program is completed, graduates take the NCLEX-RN, the national exam for licensure as a registered nurse. Students of all ages may apply to the program, and many adults attend Onondaga. Although many students work part-time while enrolled in the nursing program, it involves many hours of study and preparation each week. For that reason, it is highly recommended that students do not work full-time. Students who are enrolled part-time must spend an average of 20 hours each week on their courses. When the nursing component is begun, one full day each week will be required for clinical experience. Other requirements of the program that must be considered are preparatory time to review texts and chart and weekly nursing process recording.

Onondaga does offer a unique program that provides the chance for students to learn the theory portion of the nursing program independently outside of the classroom. They complete self-paced modules and receive guidance from faculty. The materials provided to help students learn theory includes instruction materials such as multimedia materials and taped lectures. Students also learn through small group instruction and large lecture classes are rarely used at this college. Nursing skills are learned in the classroom and through clinical experience when they have a chance to practice these skills. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may have advance standing in the nursing program after they pass challenge tests proving that they have mastered the material in the beginning nursing courses in the program. They may receive up to 12 credits for their knowledge and experience.

Admission requirements to the program are that the student must have a grade point average from high school or any other college work of C+ or higher. They must have a high school diploma or equivalent and meet the standard scores on the nursing preadmission test. Onondaga also tests students to ensure that they meet the minimum standards in math and English that are equal to the beginning level of college studies.

Applicants must have completed biology and chemistry courses in high school and one of these must have had a lab. Students who have not had these may take them on the college level at Onondaga and must have a grade of C+ or better.

Even if applicants meet all of the admission requirements, it is not guaranteed that they will be accepted into the nursing program. Candidates are chosen by using a point system. Extra points are awarded to those who have had previous certification as a healthcare provider, such as LPNs or Emergency Medical Technicians. Extra points are also given for having the highest grade point average and for courses that have been taken within the last three years of education that meet requirements. Another consideration is if the candidate met the standards for the last group to begin the AAS program but it was full.

Contact:
Onondaga Community College
4585 West Seneca Turnpike
Syracuse, New York 13215
(315) 498-2622

SUNY Orange County Community College Nursing Program Review

Orange County Community College (OCCC, SUNY Orange) is part of the State University of New York. The college offers two year associates degrees and was the first community college in the U.S. to offer a two year nursing degree program. It is one of the most respected associate degree programs in nursing in the country. There is an open enrollment policy at the college, but the nursing program accepts students by a selective process. There are over 6,000 students enrolled at Orange County Community College.

Nursing Program

Associate of Applied Science

Orange County Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program in which students learn by using state-of-the-art simulation technology. The program prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN, the national exam that is required for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). Graduates who are licensed are ready to enter the workforce as entry-level RNs and work in nursing homes, schools, hospitals, clinics, and many other healthcare institutions. The emphasis of the AAS program at Orange County is direct patient care. During the two years of study, students complete liberal arts and science courses, nursing core courses, and clinical experience in hospitals and other sites near the college.

Some of the features of Orange County Community College are that it offers small classes that allow students to ask questions and work closely with faculty members. Working with the simulated patients in the lab provides invaluable experience for students before they begin to actually practice their skills on human patients. Students practice on Sim Man, Sim Kid, and Sim Baby. They gain confidence by doing this, as well as improving their skills and knowledge. Clinical experience placements are throughout Orange County and neighboring counties and are related to various courses. Students rotate from location to location two or three times each semester to ensure that they receive the most exposure to critical care, psychiatry, maternal child care, and other medical specialty areas.

Admission requirements to the AAS program are competitive since 96 applicants are accepted and many more apply to the program. There is also an evening nursing program that accepts 32 students. Applicants must have all prerequisite courses completed before entering the AAS program because it is a two year program that is set up to follow a particular sequence. Day students meet for classes and clinical experience during the day, while those in the evening program meet from 4 to 10 PM. Residents of Orange County are considered for admission before those who do not live in the county. Each applicant must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills as well as the SUNY exams in math, English, and writing.

LPN to RN

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may seek advanced placement into the AAS RN program at Orange County. LPNs who have an overall grade point average of 85 percent in the LPN program and who meet the admission criteria of Orange County are usually awarded advanced placement in the program. They must then take the Nursing Bridge Course I and successfully complete this course to prepare them for the AAS nursing courses. They must also score at least a B on the Excelsior College Examination for Fundamentals of Nursing. LPNs must also take the Test of Essential Academic Skills to enter the AAS program. Seating for LPNs is limited, and all applicants who meet the admission criteria will not be automatically accepted into the program.

ADN to BSN

Orange County Community College has an articulation agreement with other colleges and universities in the SUNY and CUNY networks. This means that AAS nursing credits from Orange County are transferred in full or in part to New York University, Mount Saint Mary, Pace, Russell Sage College, and others.

Contact:
Orange County Community College
115 South Street
Middletown, New York 10940
(845) 344-6222

Pace University Nursing School Review

Pace University (PU) is a private university in New York with campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York. Over 14,000 students study at Pace with almost 9,000 undergraduates and almost 4,500 graduate students. Both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs are offered at Pace University, and the Lienhard School of Nursing family nurse practitioner is rated as one of the best in the nation.

Nursing Programs

Nursing BS

The nursing Bachelor of Science (BS) at Pace University combines liberal arts and sciences with the professional skills needed by Registered Nurses (RNs). The program prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN, the national exam required for licensure as a RN. It also prepares students for further education as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and other graduate level studies. The curriculum takes four years to complete, and the BS in nursing is offered at both Pace locations. Students who are interested in attending this program may set up a tour at either of the locations to see the facility up close. Students must first apply to the university and then to the Lienhard School of Nursing. Applicants to the BS in nursing program must submit their application and two letters of recommendation from a teacher or counselor from high school. They must also write an essay and submit SAT or ACT scores and their high school transcript. In addition, students must take an admissions test if they are transfer students or change of major students.

Bridge Program to Advance Degree

This program is designed for those who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. The program includes undergraduate statistics, nursing research, and information on nursing practice. Students must also be computer literate to enter this program. The number of credits that may be transferred towards a BS in nursing is examined on an individual basis.

Accelerated, Combined BSN and Master’s Degree

This degree is designed for those with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing who wish to move forward in a nursing career. The accelerated curriculum moves quickly and takes from one to two years to complete. All prerequisite courses must be completed before entering this program. It then takes one year of full-time studies to earn the bachelor’s degree. After completing the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, graduates take the NCLEX-RN to acquire their license to work as a RN. Students may stop studying at this point, or they may go on to complete their master’s level work without reapplying to Pace University. The student must choose which nursing specialty to pursue in their master’s degree studies.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program

Pace offers three different ways to acquire the educational background to become a family nurse practitioner. After graduating, students qualify to take the certification exam to become a certified Family Nurse Practitioner. One option is to enroll in a program that is designed for RNs with a BS in nursing. This program leads to a Master of Science (MS) degree. Students must earn 42 credits and complete over 700 credits of clinical experience. Another way to complete this program is for RNs who already have their MS in nursing. There is also an individualized program for master’s prepared Nurse Practitioners who want to achieve Family Nurse Practitioner certification. All three programs require extensive clinical experience throughout the New York City area and around Westchester County. Students who complete any of these three programs qualify to take the certification exam leading to Family Nurse Practitioner status.

Nursing Education

There are two paths to earn the nurse educator status at Pace University. One of these is by completing a 32 credit Master of Arts (MA). Students must have at least one year of clinical practice to enter this program. Another program is for RNs who already have a master’s degree in nursing and at least one year of clinical experience. They may become certified by completing a 20 credit advanced certificate program. The MA program is entirely online and has clinical experience opportunities close to students’ homes. In this program, students learn the educational aspects about teaching undergraduate nursing students. Upon completion, they qualify to take the certification exam to gain the status of Nurse Educator.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Pace University prepares students to begin clinical leadership positions in a variety of healthcare settings. This DNP is a 37 credit program. Those accepted into the program must be graduates of a master’s degree program and must have earned a grade point average of 3.3 in their master’s work.

Contact:
Pace University
551 5th Ave #8,
New York, NY 10176

SUNY Plattsburgh Nursing School Review

The State University of New York at Plattsburgh (SUNY Plattsburgh, PSU) is a four-year liberal arts college with over 6,000 students. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are offered. There are over 400 international students who attend Plattsburgh with 71 different countries represented. The university offers small classes and a beautiful campus in a rural area that is safe and small enough so that students can easily walk from building to building. There is another branch of the college in Queensbury. Plattsburgh offers over 60 affordable degree programs, including a Bachelor of Science in nursing.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing

PSU (Plattsburgh State University) offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in nursing that requires 120 credits in order to graduate. BS students begin their studies by completing the prerequisite courses of chemistry, psychology, composition, sociology, and other liberal arts and science classes. As the program progresses, they begin nursing courses in the second year of studies. A substantial number of hours are spent gaining clinical experience, a time when students work as student nursing in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. The practice their skills in the Damianos Nursing Skills Laboratory where state-of-the-art learning equipment prepares them for experiences that they may encounter while working as a Registered Nurse (RN). Most of the clinical experience that students have while at Plattsburgh takes place at the Champlain Valley Medical Center. Students also gain experience by working at the Clinton County Health Department where they provide wellness care to children and adults. After completing all of the liberal arts and nursing courses, plus the required clinical experience, students qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure as Registered Nurses.

There are many activities for nursing students who reside on campus. Plattsburgh is located in Upstate New York not far from Montreal. Students can enjoy the restaurants, shopping, and see a movie in Plattsburgh or they may want to visit Olympic village in Lake Placid. There are also many clubs and activities on campus for students. Admission to the college requires that students have a strong college preparatory background and a Regents diploma. Although this diploma is not required, it is preferred. Applicants should have an average grade of B or better in their high school studies and good SAT or ACT scores.

RN to BS Online Program

The Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science degree in nursing is a program at SUNY Plattsburgh that is available online. Students may use some or many of the credits that they earned while working on their associate degree to pursue a bachelor’s degree. This enables them to advance in their nursing career or to enter a graduate program for more education as a specialist. The online program is very convenient and helpful to RNs who want to earn their BS because they can choose to study when it is convenient for their personal and work schedules. Applicants to the program must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in their associate degree studies, and they must earn at least a C in all required nursing courses to continue in the program. Clinical experience is a large portion of the program that is completed after much of the online coursework is finished.

Contact:
101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, New York 12901
(518) 564-2000

CUNY Queensborough Community College Nursing Program Review

Queensborough Community College (QCC) is a community college within the City University of New York (CUNY) system. It is located at Bayside in Queens County in New York City. There are around 15,000 students enrolled at the college that offers associate degrees and certificates. The student body is very diverse with almost equal proportions of African Americans, Asians, Caucasians, and Latinos. Almost half of the students were born in another country.

Over half of Queensborough graduates transfer to bachelor’s degree programs. The nursing department at the college is one of the largest associate degree programs in New York State.

Nursing Programs

Associate of Science in Nursing

Queensborough Community College offers an Associate of Science in Nursing degree for those who want to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). At the completion of the program, graduates qualify to take the NCLEX-RN, the exam that leads to licensure needed to work as an RN. Students complete general education requirements including liberal arts, sciences, social sciences, and nursing. The program trains nurses to be prepared to enter the workforce as entry-level RNs. Students may also choose to continue their studies and continue to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing at one of the CUNY four-year colleges or to another college or university.

Applicants to the program must first complete pre-clinical nursing courses and earn a minimum grade point average of 3.0. These are English Composition, Psychology, Sociology, and Anatomy and Physiology. The Nursing Pre-Admission RN exam must also be taken and passed with a satisfactory score. In addition, placement tests are required in reading, writing, math, and speech. Students not meeting minimum scores in these subject areas need to take remedial coursework at Queensborough.

Admission to the clinical program is extremely competitive, and even if a student meets all of the necessary requirements for admission, the student may not be accepted into the program. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may enter the AAS program with advance standing once they complete and pass the required exam. They must also pass and meet a practicum given at the college by the nursing faculty.

While taking nursing courses at Queensborough, students spend time in Queensborough’s Virtual Hospital. This is where they practice their skills using simulation to produce medical scenarios that may occur in their practice as RNs. Simulation labs are becoming popular in almost all nursing schools since it is becoming more difficult to access clinical sites because of increased demand. There are also healthcare restrictions that keep students nurses from spending as much clinical time as required to develop the excellent skills needed before graduation.

This cutting-edge learning facility at the college is maintained by a variety of grants and is supported by numerous foundations. The Virtual Hospital allows students to practice in a safe environment with advanced technology. Another benefit of the virtual learning experience is that faculty members can continually monitor students and work with them to help them perfect their nursing skills. This practice is especially important at Queensborough Community College since many of the students speak English as their second language.

Contact:
Queensborough Community College
222-05 56^th Avenue,
Bayside, New York 11364,
(718) 631-6262

Roberts Wesleyan College Nursing Program Review

Roberts Wesleyan College (RWC) is a Christian liberal arts college located in North Chili, New York in the Rochester area. It was the first college founded for Free Methodists in North America. It is a small college with around 2,000 students enrolled. The college offers over 50 academic professional and pre-professional programs.

The campus is built in a park-like suburban setting. In addition, there is an award winning academic library and one of the area’s best performing arts centers. The college offers a close-knit community of students, small classes, and access to the faculty that is not usually found at larger institutions.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Roberts Wesleyan College offers a traditional bachelor’s degree in nursing. The nursing curriculum focuses on caring and wholeness and is built on a liberal arts base. Students must complete eight semesters including liberal arts and science, nursing core courses, and clinical experience that is necessary before graduation. Clinical practice begins in the second year and continues for five semesters. Clinical experience takes place in large medical centers as well as in community hospitals. It culminates in the senior year with the senior practicum, which is an experience in a field of nursing of particular interest to the student. These areas may be women’s health nursing, preoperative nursing, cardiopulmonary nursing, or other specialties. Besides academics, nursing students are involved in many different organizations at the college. They take part in organized sports, student government, and many other activities.

Some of the unique features of the Roberts Wesleyan College nursing program are that students are approached with a wholistic approach. Students are treated as having spiritual, social, psychological, and physical needs, and they are encouraged to approach patients in the same way. Students get a lot of personal attention and help if required at the college, and this is done in a Christian environment. Students are encouraged to lifelong service of God and society. Also, the college offers opportunities for foreign study to learn transcultural nursing and missionary nursing in other countries. After completing all of the required courses and clinical experience, students who have reached the graduation point qualify to take the NCLEX-RN. This is the national exam that is required to gain certification as a Registered Nurse.

Master of Science in Nursing

The Master of Science in nursing (MS) offers two specialty options to students. These are Nursing Education and Leadership & Administration. The accelerated curriculum requires only 69 weeks of study with classes held only one night each week. A total of 39 credits of graduate study must be earned to qualify for graduation. The classes are held at Roberts and are taught by long-term nursing faculty that has worked with many graduate students for many years. The program uses a modular, cohort format that focuses on one course at a time. A graduate internship is required for both of these programs. When the programs are complete, students qualify to take the certification exam to attain the Nurse Educator or Nursing Leadership & Administration status.

Contact:
Roberts Wesleyan College
2301 Westside Drive
Rochester, New York 14624
(585) 594-6000

Rochester General Hospital Nursing Program Review

The Rochester General Hospital (RGH) School of Nursing has been in existence since 1880. It was the 12^th nursing school to open in the U.S. and the third in New York State. Instruction focuses on bandaging, massage, and hygiene, and there was no anatomy or physiology required. Student nurses slept in unoccupied rooms in the hospital since there were no dorms available. The Rochester General Hospital School of Nursing graduated its last class in 1964. Today, the Isabella Graham Hart School of Practical Nursing is still training nurse professionals to be Licensed Practical Nurses.

Nursing Program

Isabella Graham Hart School of Practical Nursing

Students who want to begin a career in nursing often choose practical nursing as their starting point. They can attend this school and begin their nursing career in only 10 months of full-time study or two years of part-time study. When the program is completed, graduates qualify to take the NCLEX-PN to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). LPNs work under Registered Nurses (RNs) caring for patient needs and performing important functions in the healthcare team.

Admission requirements include having a high school diploma or equivalent, a satisfactory interview and references, and being 17 years of age or older. Applicants must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills entrance exam and attain a score of 70 or higher. All applicants must also write an essay on why they want to become a practical nurse. The candidate’s application and application fee, which is nonrefundable, must be sent as far in advance as possible. In addition, the candidate’s high school or college transcripts must be forwarded to the Isabella Graham Hart School of Practical Nursing. Candidates must also forward two references from employers or work associates.

Once a student is accepted into the practical nursing program, they must complete the curriculum that includes Anatomy and Physiology, Practical Nursing I, Human Growth and Health Promotion, and a Laboratory in the first semester. Practical Nursing I includes 180 hours of theory and 60 hours of clinical practice. During the second semester, students must complete Practical Nursing II. This consists of 219 hours of theory and 120 hours of clinical practice plus 120 laboratory clinical hours. Semester III includes Practical Nursing III with 28 hours of theory and 135 hours of clinical practice. There is also a laboratory component of 120 hours. Students must have a final grade of 80 percent or higher in all nursing courses. They must have minimum grades of at least 75 percent or above in Human Growth and Health Promotion and Anatomy and Physiology.

In addition, students receive grades on their clinical performance. Evaluations are also completed at regular intervals during the program. There are formal evaluations and informal conferences throughout the year. Most of the students’ clinical experience occurs at Rochester General Hospital where students rotate to various medical, surgical, and mental health units. They are scheduled to work in the operating room, post anesthesia care, pediatrics, ambulatory care centers, and maternity. Students also gain clinical experience in Rochester Psychiatric Center, Monroe County Community Hospital, Hill Haven Nursing Home, and others. Students are also required to complete an independent study unit at a community health agency.

Contact:
Rochester General Hospital
1425 Portland Avenue,
Rochester, New York 14621
(877) 922-LINK

The Sage Colleges Nursing Program Review

The Sage Colleges is a group of three private colleges in New York. These are Russell Sage College (RSC), which is a women’s college in Troy, Sage College of Albany (SCA), a co-educational college in Albany, and the Sage Graduate School with branches in Troy and in Albany. There are over 3,000 students who are enrolled in bachelors, masters, and doctoral level programs at the Sage Colleges. Students complete extracurricular service projects and academic service learning to broaden their educational experiences. Also, Sage Colleges offer many opportunities for students to study abroad.

The colleges have formal partnerships with the Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade, Mahidol University in Thailand, and the Initiative to Educate Afghan Women. Students may study in China at the Shanghai Institute for Foreign Trade, in Denmark at the Danish Institute of Study, and in France at the Parsons Paris School of Art and Design. Other opportunities to study abroad are in Span at the Center for Cross-Cultural Study or in the United Kingdom at the University of the Arts London.

Nursing Programs

Russell Sage College Nursing

The Russell Sage College offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing for women that requires 120 credits of liberal arts, science, nursing core courses, and clinical experience. Students may attend the program either full-time or part-time. There are at least five semesters of nursing courses required, and these may be during the summer session. Nursing courses require five or six semesters of study. A candidate’s high school grade point average and class rank are the most important indicators of academic success at Sages Colleges, and the SAT is no longer required. Admission is also based on the rigor of the high school program that the student attended. With a holistic approach to admitting students, each application is considered individually. After students have completed all of the requirements for the bachelor’s degree in nursing, they qualify to take the NCLEX-RN, the national exam that leads to licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse.

Nursing for Registered Nurses

Registered Nurses who have graduated with an associate degree in nursing who want to continue their education and earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing may enter this program. One of the advantages of this program is that it offers reduced tuition. On-site courses are offered at Glens Falls Hospital and St. Peter’s Hospital so that working RNs do not need to spend time traveling to the campus of the college. Also, some of the course work is web-based for even more convenience. Another advantage of this program is that two graduate-level courses in nursing are offered during the final year to accelerate graduate education for those who want to pursue their master’s degree. Most RNs need to earn only 60 additional credits after the credits from their associate’s degree are transferred to Sage.

MS in Nursing

Sage Graduate Schools offer a Master of Science degree in nursing at both Sage locations. Students pursue advanced study in a specialized area of clinical nursing, such as nurse educator, clinical specialist, nurse practitioner, or administrator/executive in nursing. To obtain the MS, students must complete 39 to 49 credit hours. This may be completed either full-time or part-time. The programs take from two years to seven years to complete.

Master of Science in Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Executive

RNs with a bachelor’s degree may enter this program to improve their knowledge of a particular nursing specialty. Community health nursing students study literature and research related to current and evolving strategies in public health. They specialize as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Educator, Executive, or in Leadership in Public Health. Students must earn from three to nine credits by taking electives pertinent to the field that they are studying. Upon completion of the program, students are qualified to take the certification test in their field of study to become a certified Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Executive.

Adult Health Nursing

This graduate program in nursing prepares registered nurses for roles as educators, administrators, and resource nurses and to work in state and county health departments and in research and consultation.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Advanced Practice

This program prepares RNs with a bachelor’s degree for a career as a nurse practitioner or clinical specialist who is qualified to work with psychiatric patients.

Adult Nurse Practitioner

RNs with a bachelor degree may pursue their MS to become certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner. These nurses work in doctor’s offices, clinics, and other healthcare settings.

Family Nurse Practitioner

This program prepares RNs with a bachelor’s degree to provide primary care to all family members. These professionals also work in doctor’s offices, clinics, and in other healthcare settings.

Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

In this MS program, students learn to care for the elderly patient. The Gerontological Nurse Practitioner provides primary care to the patient.

Post-Master’s Certificates in Advanced Nursing

Sages Colleges offer post-master’s certificates in all role and clinical areas of the Master’s Degree program.

Doctor of Nursing Science

The Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS) program prepares registered nurses who are holders of master degrees to be educators and leaders in academic and healthcare settings. Students must attend classes three weekends each semester at the Albany campus and complete additional coursework online.

Contact:
The Sages Colleges
65 1^st Street,
Troy, New York 12180

St. Joseph’s College New York Nursing Program Review

St. Joseph’s College is a private liberal arts college in New York State. There are two campuses that are located in Brooklyn and in Long Island. The college offers both graduate and undergraduate programs with more than 20 majors. The college was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph because there was no day college for young women in the area. There are around 5,000 students enrolled at Saint Joseph’s. The college has small classes with a student-faculty radio that enables students to get guidance and support from the faculty. The college has a strict standard of excellence and low cost tuition.

Nursing Programs

Nursing Program for Adults

This nursing program at St. Joseph’s College is designed for adults who are already Registered Nurses (RNs). It focuses on self-directed learning so that the working nurse can learn more about the profession at his or her own pace. The program provides the upper division nursing courses so that RNs may earn their Bachelor of Science in nursing. Having a bachelor’s degree opens many career doors for nurses. If an RN wants to advance in his or her career, the first step to take is to complete the Bachelor of Science program. The program focuses on nursing theory and the restoration and maintenance of health. Nurses with a bachelor’s degree are trained to work in leadership positions in hospital teams, supervising associate degree level nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses. Many nurses with a bachelors degree continue their education and go on to earn a master’s degree with an advanced certificate qualification.

Admission requirements are that the RN must have graduated from an associate’s degree program or a hospital diploma program. The applicant must hold a current license in New York State or must be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, the applicant must have completed lower division course requirements. After completing 24 credits, the candidate may apply to Saint Joseph’s Nursing Department. A grade point average of 2.5 must have been attained in all lower level college work. Preference is given to those with a 3.0 grade point average on their previous nursing academic work. Registered Nurses must also take the Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam.

Graduates from hospital diploma programs must also take the RN to BSN tests. Students who are accepted into the program must then complete the remaining liberal arts and science classes, upper division nursing courses, and many hours of clinical experience. At the completion of these, the student may graduate and receive a Bachelor of Science in nursing.

MS Nursing Major

St. Joseph’s College also offers a Master of Science in nursing degree. To enter this program, applicants must have a BS from a nationally accredited program. The applicant must also have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0, but preference is given to those with a 3.3 or above grade point average. Applicants must be currently licensed in New York State and must have completed at least one year of clinical practice. The MS program takes a minimum of seven semesters, and at least 38 credits are required for the clinical nurse specialist in adult health concentration. In addition, 525 clinical hours are required. The nursing education concentration includes a minimum of 37 credits and 100 practicum hours. Students must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average in their graduate studies. They must also obtain at least a 3.0 on the comprehensive examination for certification at the end of the program.

Contact:
St. Joseph’s College
LONG ISLAND CAMPUS,
155 West Roe Boulevard,
Patchogue, NY 11772
631-687-5100

St. Joseph’s College
BROOKLYN CAMPUS,
245 Clinton Avenue,
Brooklyn, NY 11205
718-940-5300

St. Elizabeth Medical Center Nursing Program Review

St. Elizabeth Medical Center (SEMC) offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) major in nursing. There are around 210 students who attend this college. Saint Elizabeth College of Nursing has been operating since 1904. Students at this college learn theory in class and immediately transfer their new knowledge to actual nursing practice. This makes this college different from many others that separate theory and practice. A day program is offered as well as an evening and weekend program that is designed for those who are not able to attend classes during the weekday hours.

Nursing Programs

Weekday Program

Students may elect to complete their Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree during the day on weekdays. Students complete Anatomy & Physiology, English, and Psychology at the State University of New York Institute of Technology (SUNYIT) and also Fundamentals of Nursing at Saint Elizabeth during the first semester. Students also complete two courses at SUNYIT during the second semester, as well as two nursing courses at Saint Elizabeth. During the second year of the program, students complete two courses at SUNYIT and the remainder of the nursing courses at Saint Elizabeth. The bulk of the clinical experience occurs at Saint Elizabeth Medical Center. At the completion of the program, students take the NCLEX-RN to obtain their license as a Registered Nurse.

Evening/Weekend Program

This program is designed to take three years to complete. All classes are held at the college on Saturday and Sunday. There are also courses on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Students complete their clinical experience at St. Elizabeth Medical Center and other healthcare facilities on Saturday and Sunday. Liberal arts and science courses are taken at SUNYIT. After completing all of the liberal arts and science courses, nursing core courses, and clinical experience, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to obtain their license as Registered Nurses.

Three Year Program

Another option that is available for students is to complete their Associate of Applied Science Degree in three years rather than in two years. In this curriculum format, students go to SUNYIT to take Anatomy & Physiology, English, and Psychology during the first semester. They also take College Survival Skills at Saint Elizabeth. The rest of the curriculum is stretched out over three years rather than two years. At the end of the program, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse.

SUNYIT/SECON 1 + 2 + 1 Program

Saint Elizabeth College of Nursing and State University of New York Institute of Technology (SUNYIT) have a unique partnership. The 1 + 2 + 1 program is geared towards high school students who have met excellent academic achievement and who can meet the strict admission requirements of the program. For this program, students complete their general education requirements at SUNYIT during their freshmen year. They then move to Saint Elizabeth College of Nursing to complete their RN associate’s degree. In the four year, students return to SUNYIT to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). By entering this program, students earn two degrees in four years.

Contact:
St. Elizabeth Medical Center
2209 Genesee Street,
Utica, New York 13501
(315) 798-8100

St. Francis College Nursing Program Review

St. Francis College (SFC) is located in Brooklyn Heights, in Brooklyn. This New York City private college was founded by the Franciscan friars in 1859. There are 19 academic departments at the school with 72 majors and minors offered. This small college has only around 2,500 students, but the student body is diverse because students originate from more than 80 countries. St. Francis has opportunities for studying abroad in several European countries.

Nursing Programs

The nursing program at Saint Francis College is designed to meet the shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) in Brooklyn who do not have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing. This program is only for those who are currently licensed in New York State as Registered Nurses. It is a bachelor’s degree completion program that will result in a Bachelor of Science in nursing. RNs with their bachelor’s degree can step into higher-level jobs. These Registered Nurses will then supervise and work with RNs who have an associate degree in nursing. A bachelors degree also leads to great salary increases as more administrative and supervisory responsibilities are assumed. This is the only nursing program available at St. Francis College.

Bachelor of Science Degree

This program is designed to help RNs who would like to earn their bachelor’s degree. The courses may be completed either full-term or part-time, according to the RNs personal availability. Courses and clinical experience are provided during the daytime, but the college attempts to make evening classes possible as well. Part-time students must complete a minimum of 12 credits per year, so it takes five years to earn the bachelor’s degree on a part-time basis. A total of 62 credits are earned in the program, whether a student attends full-time or part-time.

Registered Nurses may transfer up to 97 credits to St. Francis as long as they were completed with a grade of C or higher. Foreign students and graduates who have a diploma in nursing may transfer up to 30 credits. They must first complete an exam that is taken during their first semester at St. Francis. To qualify for graduation, students must have a total of 128 credits completed.

RNs in the program take liberal arts and science courses that are required for the bachelor’s degree at Saint Francis College. They also spend a substantial amount of time taking upper-level nursing courses and completing clinical experience at area hospitals in Brooklyn and in other Burroughs in New York City. Students must show that they have the knowledge and skills in liberal arts and sciences, including mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, history, the arts, and basic communication in the courses that they take.

Student life at St. Francis College is much different for working RNs who are completing their bachelor’s degree than it is for students who attend the college right out of high school. There are sports, clubs, and many activities at the college, including the opportunity to study abroad. Working nurses are not usually able to participate in the travel abroad opportunity since they must work and complete courses and additional clinical work at the same time.

Contact:
St. Francis College
180 Remsen Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201
(718) 489-5200

St. John Fisher College Nursing Program Review

St. John Fisher College (SJFC) was founded in 1948 by the Basilian Fathers and was a male-only college at that time. It became coeducational in 1971. Saint John Fisher is a small college with around 2,900 students enrolled. The college offers 32 undergraduate majors, 12 master’s degree programs, and 3 doctoral programs. Wegmans School of Nursing at the college offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in nursing.

Nursing Programs

Traditional Nursing BS Program

St. John Fisher College offers a traditional nursing program that leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) in nursing. This program is for students who are directly out of high school or older students without any college courses. The advantage of attending St. John Fisher College is that in the first two years at the college, students follow the undergraduate Nursing curriculum. This involves completing the college core courses and prerequisite liberal arts and science courses. Students also participate in non-credit nursing seminars. Since the first two years do not include clinical practice in medical settings, students in the nursing program are free to pursue trips abroad and special outreach programs at St. John Fisher. Groups of nursing students and some of the nursing teaching staff take part in projects, such as going to Kenya to provide immunizations and basic health care.

Students are admitted to the nursing program in their junior year, and they begin studying nursing theory and clinical coursework related to children, adults, women’s health, psychiatry, and community health. They also complete their clinical experience in a variety of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities at this time. After completing the program and earning 120 credits, students take the NCLEX-RN, the national exam that leads to becoming a RN in New York State.

RN/BS Nursing Program

Nurses who are already RNs may complete their Bachelor of Science (BS) in nursing at St. John Fisher College. The college offers a blended curriculum that consists of both online and in-class courses that make it much more convenient for the working adult to complete their degree. RNs must be graduates with an associate degree or a nursing diploma. The program can be completed in 18 months consisting of nine 7-week modules that include liberal arts courses and nursing courses. The college encourages students to coordinate their course projects around their current work environment.

Fast-Track RN/BS to MS

RNs with an associate degree or diploma in nursing may also choose the RN to BS to Master of Science (MS) program if they want to quickly earn an advanced degree. A MS in nursing leads to higher level jobs with much higher pay than a nurse with an associate degree or diploma in nursing would earn. This advanced degree also leads to many more high level jobs in hospitals, clinics, and as nurse practitioners who provide primary care, or other positions. Students in this program follow the same program as other RNs in the RN to BS nursing program, except that at the end of their studies, they substitute four courses that count towards the BS and MS degree. This overlapping of coursework enables them to complete the program much faster. Completing these master-level courses does not automatically guarantee that the student will be admitted to the MS program. Students are accepted on an individual basis that is based on grade point average, clinical experience, and other factors.

If a student is accepted into the MS program, they must then choose their special area that they wish to focus on in their master’s level studies, such as Nurse Education, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Clinical Nurse Specialist programs.

MS in Advanced Practice Nursing

RNs who have their BS in nursing may apply to enter the Master of Science (MS) in Advanced Practice Nursing at St. John Fisher. Applicants must have current licensure as an RN in New York State. Students attend classes in the evening and in the summer, and they may begin their studies in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. Applicants must have two letters of recommendation from a professional who is on the master’s level or above. The options of MS programs are discussed below.

MS in Advanced Practice Nursing: Clinical Nurse Specialist

This Master of Science in nursing program involves a choice of pursuing either an Adult/Gerontologic focus or a Maternal/Child focus. Students must complete 9 credits of coursework and 500 hours of precepted clinical practice. After completing the program, students take the certification exam to become certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

MS in Advanced Practice Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner

After completing this program, the RN is qualified to take the test for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. These nurses provide primary care for children and adolescents, adults, and the elderly. The MS program requires that 27 credits in addition to the core courses must be completed. This amounts to 46 credits of coursework and 600 hours of precepted clinical practice..

MS in Advanced Practice Nursing: Nurse Educator

RNs with a BS in nursing may opt to complete the Nurse Educator program at St. John Fisher College. There is a great demand for nurse educators all around the US. This program requires 17 credits in addition to the MS core courses, including three education courses. Students may either major in Adult/Gerontologic focus or a Maternal Child focus. The program requires that students earn 36 credits and complete 300 hours of clinical practice. At the end of the program, RNs take the national certification exam to receive their Nurse Educator certificate.

Post-Master’s Certificate: Clinical Nurse Specialist

This program is for those who already have a MS in nursing, but others with a non-clinical master’s degree may also take the program to prepare to become a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Students with a master’s degree in another area may need to complete other core courses. All students must choose whether to pursue the Adult Health Focus or Maternal/Child Health Focus. The national exam that leads to a certificate as a

Post-Master’s Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner

The college also offers the Family Nurse Practitioner program for RNs who already have a master’s degree in nursing who want to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Those with a master’s degree in another field may also qualify after taking additional core courses. After completing the program, graduates will qualify to take the national exam that leads to certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Post-Master’s Certificate: Nurse Educator

RNs that already have a MS in nursing and want to become a Nurse Educator may complete this program to become certified to teach student nurses in a variety of settings. This is an 11 credit certificate program, and students take the national certification exam after completing a practicum.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

St. John Fisher College offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Admission requirements include a grade point average of 3.3 in master’s level work. The applicant must have graduated from an accredited Advanced Practice Nursing program, must be licensed in New York State as an RN, and must hold a certificate as an advanced practiced nurse. Applicants must also have at least one year’s clinical experience as an advanced practice nurse. Students may enter the program at the Post Baccalaureate Degree Entry Level or the Post Master’s Degree Entry level.

The Post Baccalaureate Degree Entry Level program requires 72 credit hours that are completed over 3-1/2 years. Students may enter the program on a part-time or full-time basis and attend classes that meet every other weekend. The curriculum is designed to accommodate working nurses. The other option is for those who already have a master’s degree. The Post Master’s Degree Entry Level program can be finished in two years. It requires that 48 credit hours are taken. There are also part-time or full-time options at this level, and nurses meet for classes every other weekend, which includes Friday evening and all-day Saturday.

Contact:
St. John Fisher College
3690 East Avenue,
Rochester, New York 14618
(585) 385-8000

Cochran School of Nursing Review

The Cochran School of Nursing (CSN) at St. John’s Riverside Hospital is the oldest hospital-based nursing school in this area of New York. The program leads to an Associate in Applied Science, and there are over 150 students currently enrolled in the program. The program is part of St. John’s Riverside Hospital that cares for patients in Yonkers and Southern Westchester. The hospital has been in existence since 1869. State-of-the art medical technology is used at St. John’s, and nursing students train on this equipment.

Nursing Program

Associate in Applied Science

Classes that lead to an Associate in Applied Science are offered at St. John’s Cochran School of Nursing on a daytime or evening basis. Students accepted into the program are expected to complete it in two years consisting of four semesters. Licensed Practical Nurses are able to enter the program to become Registered Nurses (RNs) and complete the program in 18 months consisting of 3 semesters. The nursing school also offers a Fast Track program that can be completed in less time.

Students who are enrolled in the Day Theory Section attend courses full-time. Classes are held twice a week and last four to five hours. Clinical practice is twice a week as well, usually lasting from 7 AM to 4 PM. Student who choose to attend the Evening Theory Section also attend classes twice each week, but their classes last from 5:30 PM until 11 PM. Their clinical practice hours are also from 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM twice each week. Evening students must also spend some daytime and weekend hours for classes and clinical work.

Applicants to the nursing program at the hospital must be US citizens or legal residents of the US. Once a student is accepted into the program, the student must pass a physical examination that includes screening tests and immunizations. Applicants must have the physical abilities needed for nursing, such as the ability to lift 50 pounds, work on their feet for around eight hours or more each day, and the applicant must also have the motor coordination and manual dexterity to perform nursing duties. Visual acuity and auditory acuity are also necessary for performing routine nursing duties.

The Cochran School of Nursing also requires that a non-refundable application is paid to the school when the application is submitted. Applicants should also submit all high school and college transcripts. Applicants must also take a computerized Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) at the nursing school within one month of applying to begin the program. Financial aid is available for students who need assistance paying their tuition at the nursing school. Most students who apply for financial aid receive approximately two-thirds of the cost of the tuition and are responsible for paying only one-third of it. This is a great help to those who would not otherwise be able to attend the program.

Applicants must also be high school graduates or have a GED. They must have at a grade of C in high school algebra, biology, and chemistry. If these were not taken in high school, they must be completed on the college level with a grade of B or better. Applicants must also take microbiology and anatomy and physiology with a minimum grade of B in these courses. Licensed Practical Nurses who meet all of the entrance requirements may be exempt from Nursing 101, a basic nursing course. After students complete the curriculum at Cochran School of Nursing, they qualify to take the national examination for licensure as a RN.

Contact:
Cochran School of Nursing
967 North Broadway,
Yonkers, New York 10701
(914) 964-4296

St. Joseph’s College of Nursing Program Review

St. Joseph’s College of Nursing (SJCON) is located at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center (SJHHC) in Syracuse in central New York State. It was founded by the Sisters of St. Francis in 1898 and there have been thousands of graduates from this nursing program since that time. St. Joseph’s is the only nursing college in the area that is affiliated with a hospital that has been recognized as a Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Nursing Program

Associate in Applied Science

The program at Saint Joseph’s is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce as Registered Nurses. After completing a two-year program, graduates qualify to take the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as Registered Nurses (RNs). Admission to the program is very competitive, so not all applicants are accepted into the program even if they meet the admission requirements. New York State high school students who plan to attend St. Josephs College of Nursing are highly encouraged to take Regents courses, including four years of high school science and math. They should have a grade point average of at least a B in these courses to increase the chance that they will be accepted into the nursing program.

Candidates for admission must have a high school diploma and they must rank in the upper half of their graduating class. They must also have SAT or ACT scores that are acceptable. The high school courses that must have been completed are Biology, Chemistry, and Math, including Algebra, Social Sciences, and English, including English Composition. Once admitted to the program, students must take a critical thinking entrance exam before orientation.

St. Joseph’s has a weekday program for students or a weekend program. Students are placed in clinical experience after only six weeks of classes during their first semester as a freshman. This is not found at most community college or in four year programs that focus on liberal arts and sciences during the first two years. Students complete many hours of clinical care experience during the four semesters that they attend St. Josephs, including 180 hours each semester. Students also take 30 credits of liberal arts and science courses at Le Moyne College. Nursing courses are taken at St. Josephs. The school also offers economical tuition for students, with a fee for the entire program that is approximately equal to one year at a public college. Almost all graduates from the program pass the NCLEX-RN the first time that they take it.

2 + 2 Option

St. Joseph’s College of Nursing offers the 2 + 2 option for students who graduate from the nursing school. Through an arrangement with Le Moyne College in Syracuse and other nearby colleges, students are able to transfer to these four year colleges to complete their bachelor’s degree. They are also able to work as RNs during this time. St. Josephs offers more patient care than most other nursing programs, so attending this college to earn an associate degree in nursing is a good choice. Then, students are able to work and earn a salary while completing their bachelor’s degree.

Dual Degree Partnership in Nursing (DDPN)

This option is very unique because it allows students to earn both an associate and bachelors degree in nursing in four years. Students begin their first year of study at Le Moyne College and then transfer to Saint Joseph’s for the second and third year. They then finish their bachelor’s degree in the fourth year of studies. Students who choose this option live on the Le Moyne campus so that they can have the full college experience.

Weekend Program

This option is good for students who need to work during the daytime. They can then earn their associate degree in nursing in two years by attending classes two weekends each month. Clinical experience is also completed during this time. The 2 + 2 option is also available for weekend students who begin their college career at Le Moyne College for their first year and then attend St. Josephs for the next two years to earn their associate degree. The final year of studies is then completed at Le Moyne to finish the bachelor’s degree.

Licensed Practical Nurse-RN Program

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who want to become RNs may enter the RN program at St. Josephs. There are weekday and weekend programs available. LPNs are exempt from taking the first semester of nursing courses in most cases. Each applicant must have an 85% grade point average during their practical nursing (PN) program and must be a licensed practical nurse (LPN) .

Contact:
St. Joseph’s College of Nursing
206 Prospect Avenue,
Syracuse, New York 13203
(315) 448-5040

Stony Brook University Nursing School Review

The State University of New York at Stony Brook, also known as Stony Brook University (SBU), is located about 50 miles east of Manhattan on the North Shore of Long Island. It is a public research university that is part of the State University of New York (SUNY). Over 24,500 students are enrolled at the college. It is best known as an internationally recognized research university. Stony Brook also has many activities for students, including a month-long series of events at the beginning of the Fall and spring semesters, an annual regatta, a concert series with popular recording artists, and a film festival.

Nursing Programs

Basic Baccalaureate Program

The nursing program at The State University of New York at Stony Brook leads to a Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing. Students must first complete the first two years of their bachelor’s degree at Stony Brook or at another college before transferring to the nursing program for the final two years. Students often begin their college studies at one of SUNY’s community colleges and then apply to the nursing program at Stony Brook. Students must have at least 57 credits before beginning the nursing program, and a grade point average of at least 2.5 is required in these courses. Once students are accepted into the nursing program at Stony Brook, they must complete 71 credits in nursing courses and clinical experience. Much of the clinical experience takes place at the Stony Brook University Hospital on campus.

Admission to the Stony Brook nursing program is very competitive and not every applicant is accepted into the program. Applicants must have the physical and emotional ability that is needed for a nursing career, such as the ability to use visual, auditory, olfactory, and somatic senses. They must also have the behavioral and social attributes needed in nursing that are required while caring for patients. At the completion of the nursing program, students are qualified to take the national exam, The NCLEX-RN that leads to licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).

12-Month Accelerated Bachelor of Science Program for College Graduates

This program is designed for those who have a bachelor’s degree. At the completion of the program, these students have a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing. They also qualify to take the NCLEX-RN to obtain their license to work as Licensed Nurses. Admission to the 12 Month Accelerated Nursing Program is very competitive. Applicants are required to have at least a 2.8 or C average in their previous undergraduate studies. Students must earn 69 credits and complete 820 hours of clinical experience to qualify for graduation. This program is very intense and requires full-time attendance without working outside of clinical experience in most cases.

Registered Nurse Baccalaureate Program

RNs that have either an associate degree or a diploma in nursing may pursue their bachelor’s degree in nursing by completing this program. The credits from the student’s previous studies for the associate degree or diploma are transferred to Stony Brook and go towards to bachelor’s degree. Up to 57 credits may be transferred with a grade point average of 2.5 or better. Applicants to the program must have three letters of recommendation and must complete three prerequisite science courses by the application deadline. They must also have clinical experience for at least one year as an RN.

Registered Nurse Baccalaureate to Master’s Program

This program is designed for students who are RNs who have either an associate degree or diploma in nursing. Students complete the remaining liberal arts and science courses needed for their bachelor’s degree plus upper-level nursing courses and additional clinical experience. A grade point average of 3.0 is required in the associate degree courses or nursing school courses. When the bachelor’s degree is completed, the students may continue to study for their master’s degree if they have maintained a minimum grade point average.

Master of Science Programs in Advanced Practice Nursing

Nurse Practitioner

Adult Health Nurse Practitioner Program

The Master of Science in Advanced Practice Nursing as a Nurse Practitioner offers many choices for RNs with a bachelor’s degree. A Nurse Practitioner may focus on Adult Health, Perinatal/Women’s Health, Neonatal Health, Pediatric, or Psychiatric/Mental Health. There are core courses that are taken for all of these specialties with specific courses geared to the specialty required as well. The Adult Health Nurse Practitioner Program prepares nurses to provide primary healthcare service to adults and older adults and their families. Applicants to the program must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 and be licensed as an RN. Three letters of recommendation are also required. Applicants must also complete a course in Health Assessment and one in Statistics. Upon completion, the graduate is qualified to take the national exam to gain certification as an Adult Health Nurse Practitioner.

Advanced Practice Nursing Program in Perinatal Women’s Health

This masters-level program involves distance education with additional on-site requirements. It prepares RNs to care for women and their families in many different healthcare settings. Applicants to the program are required to have at least a 3.0-grade point average in their undergraduate studies. They must also have three recommendation letters, and complete a course in Health Assessment and one in Statistics. Only RNs who are currently licensed are considered. It is preferred that applicants have at least one year of clinical experience. After completing the program, the graduate will take the national exam leading to certification as a Perinatal/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

This program is for RNs with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. It prepares nurses to provide primary care to neonates and their families. It is preferred that applicants have at least one year’s clinical experience and a grade point average in undergraduate work of 3.0 or greater is required. Applicants must also have their RN license and submit three letters of recommendation. Two classes are required before beginning the program, which is Health Assessment and Statistics. When the program is completed, graduates take the national exam that provides certification as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care

Graduates of this program are qualified to take the national exam that leads to certification as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. These specialized nurses provide primary healthcare to children. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 in their undergraduate studies and must submit three letters of recommendation. They must also take Health Assessment and Statistics courses before entering the program.

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Stony Brook University offers this program for RNs with a bachelor’s degree that wants to become primary caregivers as Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. The program offers distance education, but some on-site requirements are also required. Applicants with at least one year’s clinical experience are preferred, and they must have at least a 3.0-grade point average in their bachelor’s degree studies. The courses Health Assessment and Statistics are required before beginning the program. Upon graduation, students take the national exam leading to certification as a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist

This master’s degree program is offered either on-site or by distance education with some on-site requirements. An Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist works with adults of all ages and their families in a variety of healthcare settings. Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 in undergraduate work. Three recommendation letters are required plus the completion of Health Assessment and Statistics courses. It is preferred that applicants have at least one year’s clinical experience as well.

Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist

RNs with bachelor’s degrees who want to work specifically with children may want to pursue this degree. Many of the courses are available through distance education with some on-site requirements. An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 is required plus three recommendation letters. In addition, the courses of Health Assessment and Statistics must be completed before admission to the program. It is preferred that applicants have worked as a clinical nurse for at least one year before beginning the program.

Certified Nurse-Midwifery

This master’s degree program is offered with distance education that requires some on-site hours. The Nurse-Midwifery Program prepares nurses to care for women of all ages with a focus on normal birth and care of a healthy newborn. Admission to the program requires that the applicant had a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Applicants must be currently licensed RNs and submit three letters of recommendation. They must also take Health Assessment and Statistics courses before entering the program. At graduation, they take a national exam to be certified in Nurse-Midwifery.

Advanced Certificate Programs

RNs who already have their master’s degree may earn an Advanced Certificate as a Nurse Practitioner. They may specialize in Adult Health, Women’s Health, Neonatal Health, Pediatric, or Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. At the completion of the program, students take a national exam to become certified as Nurse Practitioners in their particular area.

It is also possible to complete an Advanced Certificate Program to become a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health or Pediatrics. Another specialty area is Nurse Midwifery. These areas lead to certification after graduation when a national exam is passed.

Master’s Completion Programs

Nurse Practitioner

On-Site or distance education with on-site requirements in Nurse Practitioner specialties are offered at Stony Brook University for Nurse Practitioners who want to continue their education. Specialty areas are in Adult Health, Neonatal Health, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

Midwifery

This program is designed for Midwives who want to continue their education beyond the master’s degree level. It is a distance education program with on-site requirements.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

This doctoral program prepares RNs who have a master’s degree through computer-mediated distributive learning and on-site residencies. The program uses the cohort model and takes 18 months of full-time study and 42 credits.

Contact:
The State University of New York at Stony Brook
100 Nicolls Road,
Stony Brook, New York 11794
(631) 632-6000

Suffolk County Community College Nursing Program Review

Suffolk County Community College (SCCC, SUNY Suffolk) is a two-year college that is part of the State University of New York (SUNY). It is a large college with over 22,000 students enrolled. Located in the suburban and rural area of Suffolk County on Long Island, this college offers 69 academic programs. Many activities and programs are offered at Suffolk County Community College, including a Study Abroad Program.

Most of the travel opportunities are in the summer session, so it may be possible for nursing students to participate in one of the programs that will not interfere with clinical experience. Some of the summer programs that are planned are to Germany, Canada, Spain, and Italy. Suffolk County Community College does not have dorms or housing available for students. They are required to rent a room or apartment nearby, and the monthly cost of rental is from $700 to $2,000.

Nursing Programs

Practical Nursing

This community college offers a highly competitive Practical Nursing (PN) program. Graduates of the program qualify to take the NCLEX-PN national exam that will enable them to be licensed practical nurses. They may then enter the workforce as entry-level nurses. Applicants are required to have taken high school biology and chemistry with a lab. If they do not have this background, they will need to take these courses at Suffolk County Community College before applying to the PN program. The program consists of three semesters plus one summer session.

Associate in Applied Science

Suffolk County Community College offers a two-year program that leads to an Associate in applied Science. Admittance to the nursing program is highly competitive, and even if a candidate meets all of the entrance requirements, it is not guaranteed that the applicant will be accepted into the program. Students take general education courses that include liberal arts and science courses. They also take the nursing core courses and complete clinical experience at nearby hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that prepare them to take the NCLEX-RN when they are ready to graduate. This national exam leads to licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) that is required to work as a professional nurse in the State of New York. Two options are offered to students who want to enter the nursing field by beginning their studies at the college. These are either a two-year day program or a three-year evening program.

Once a student is accepted into the program, he or she must take a CPR class sponsored by the American heart Association and pass the class to be certified in CPR. Students are also required to have a physical exam and to purchase uniforms and a patch and name tag. A background check is also required. Also, all students entering Suffolk County Community College must take a placement test to ensure that they have beginning college level skills necessary for success in college level courses. Students complete their courses either in the daytime or evening program. When they are ready for the clinical experience portion of the program, students are sent to nearby medical facilities for a variety of experience. When the program is completed, students are ready to take the national exam for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Contact:
Suffolk County Community College
Crooked Hill Road,
Brentwood, New York 11717
(631) 851-6700

Sullivan County Community College Nursing Program Review

Sullivan County Community College (SCCC, SUNY Sullivan) is a two-year program that is part of the State University of New York (SUNY). It is located in Fallsburg, New York, a rural area of Loch Sheldrake in the Catskill Mountains. There are only about 1,700 students who are enrolled at the college. Sullivan has EcoGreen Community townhouse residences for students, or they may live in the Lazarus I. Levine Residence Hall if they are not going to commute to classes. The campus is on over 400 acres of rural land, but is only about a two hour commute to New York City.

Nursing Programs

Nursing Associate Degree

Sullivan County Community College offers an associate’s degree in nursing that is highly competitive. High school students must have an overall average of 85 or above or a grade point average of at least 2.5 to be considered. High school students should complete Regents courses, including English, math, Advanced Placement Biology or Principles of Biology. The ACT or SAT college entrance tests are also required. A minimum score on the ACT English section must be at least 17, and for the SAT a minimum of 560 in Critical Reading and Writing must be at least 550, or the applicant may have a B or higher in English Composition in high school.. ACT scores for math must also be 17 or higher, and SAT must be 560. Higher-level math courses must have at least a C or higher. Applicants must also take the SUNY pre-nursing exam and score at least a 70 or higher to be considered for the program.

About 40 students are accepted into the program each year, and after admission decisions are made, no one else may enter the program. Students admitted to the program are expected to complete it in two years or four semesters of full-time study. If students need to complete prerequisite courses, completing the nursing program can take up to six semesters. Clinical experience must also be completed in this time frame. Licensed Practical Nurses may apply to enter the program with an advanced standing if they pass the advanced placement exams and prerequisites for the program. These nurses must hold a current license to be considered. At the completion of the associate degree program, graduates take the NCLEX-RN, the national exam to receive their license as a Registered Nurse.

LPN to RN Evening/Weekend Nursing Cohort

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may study to become Registered Nurses (RNs) and work in a cohort group with other LPNs. The LPN must first meet all of the admission requirements of the college and complete the prerequisites of the nursing program. The prerequisite courses may be completed in cohort style meetings with other nurses who take the required courses together. Groups meet one evening during the week and on Saturdays. The courses are taken during the fall and spring semesters, as well as during the winter and summer session. At the end of the prerequisite studies, LPNs must take a LPN to RN Transition-Bridge Course in the summer, and this course must also be passed. Once the LPN has met all of the requirements, 16 credits are awarded. This means that the LPN can then begin taking higher level nursing courses and complete the program is less time. At the completion of the program, the graduate may sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to qualify for licensure to work as a Registered Nurse.

Contact:
Sullivan County Community College
112 College Road,
Loch Sheldrake, New York 12759
(845) 434-5750

SUNY Brockport Nursing Program Review

The College at Brockport (SUNY Brockport ) is part of the State University of New York (SUNY). This college is a four-year liberal arts institution with around 7,000 undergraduate students and almost 2,000 graduate students enrolled at the university. There are over 400 acres of land at Brockport’s campus that is located near Rochester. The university has one of the largest study abroad programs in the US and more than 60 clubs and organizations. There are indoor recreation facilities, such as a large pool, gymnasium, squash and racquetball courts, and more.

Nursing Programs

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

Brockport offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in nursing program that takes four years to complete. Before being admitted to the program, there are prerequisite courses that must be completed, including Statistics, Microbiology, Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, and others. Students must also complete all of the liberal arts and other science courses that are required for general education at Brockport. A total of 122 credits must be accumulated over the four years to qualify for graduation. Students complete nursing core courses and clinical experience during their junior and senior years at Brockport. At their completion, the graduate is prepared to take the NCLEX-RN, the national exam that leads to certification as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Before being admitted to the BS in nursing program, applicants must first be accepted into Brockport. Admission is competitive, and high school students are usually in the top 28 percent of their graduating class. Typical SAT scores of accepted students range from 1040 to 1170, and ACT scores are between 22 and 26. It is preferred that students have an Advanced Regents Diploma with four years of English, three years of math, science, and social studies, three years of a foreign language, and a solid grade point average. After being accepted into the university and completing prerequisite courses, students may apply to the nursing program.

Students may qualify for a scholarship to pay for their four years of tuition at Brockport by joining the Army ROTC. The Military Science/ROTC Scholarships are for those who want to be an Army Officer and Registered Nurse after graduation. They will work wherever the US Army sends them. Academic requirements are for a student to have a high school grade point average of 2.5 or better, and applicants must also score at least 1000 on the SAT. Those who receive the scholarships are obligated to complete eight years of service after graduation. There are also opportunities for scholarships if a student enlists in the US Army Reserves or National Guard.

RN-BSN Program

Brockport offers a Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program for nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing. They must also be licensed as RNs. Students who are accepted into the program may earn their bachelor’s degree in two semesters plus part of a summer session when a bridge program from RN to BSN is held. Students must also complete all required liberal arts and sciences courses to qualify for graduation.

Contact:
State University of New York at Brockport
350 New Campus Drive,
Brockport, New York 14420
(585) 395-2211

SUNY Alfred State College Nursing Program Review

Alfred State College (ASC, SUNY Alfred) was once called the Agricultural and Technical College at Alfred. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) in Allegany County in the city of Alfred, a rural area. The college has around 3,200 students enrolled in 18 baccalaureate degree areas or 60 associate degree areas. The university also awards certificates for numerous programs. One of the social events for which Alfred is known is Hot Dog Day, an annual event that is held in April. There are 12 residence halls on the campus, and students have the option of becoming part of a fraternity or sorority.

Nursing Programs

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

This associate degree program prepares Registered Nurses (RNs) to enter the workforce as entry-level RNs. The program is designed to take two years to complete, but if an individual needs more time to take prerequisite courses, it can be extended according to the student’s needs. Students must take a clinical lab once a week during the first year of the program and twice a week during the second year. Each lab lasts for seven hours. Alfred offers transportation to clinical sites. Students must have a computer with Internet access and Microsoft Word. They must also have an i-Pod Touch without a phone or camera, or with the camera disabled. Students must earn at least a C in the core courses and must meet the grade specifications for computing medication.

Students must demonstrate the physical ability to complete the duties of a RN to enter the program. This includes the ability to lift at least 30 pounds, to perform under stress, to adjust to changing situations, to maintain confidentiality, and to demonstrate effective communication orally and in the written word. If the applicant has not had algebra, biology, and chemistry at the high school level, then they must be completed at the college level. Admission requirements also include a minimum SAT score of 900. Before being eligible to graduate, a nursing student must have earned 40 credits of nursing courses, 12 credits of natural science, including anatomy and physiology and microbiology, 9 credits of social science, 6 credits of English and humanities, and 1 credit of physical education. At the completion of the AAS program at Alfred, graduates qualify to take the NCLEX-RN, the national exam that leads to licensure as a RN.

Another option for graduates is to transfer to a baccalaureate nursing program. Around 8 percent of the graduates at the college do this because of the 2 + 2 baccalaureate nursing program. Graduates of Alfred are eligible to enter upper level Bachelor of Science (BS) nursing programs after their credits at Alfred State are transferred to the BS program. There is also a program called 3 + 1 Transfer Program that allows students to complete their third year at Alfred State and then transfer to Brockport for their fourth year.

Nursing (BS)

Alfred State also offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) program. Applicants to the program must have an associate degree in nursing or a diploma from a nursing school. They must also be currently registered as professional RNs. Students complete upper level nursing courses plus two in-residence classes each semester. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 2.0 in their associate degree program. By the time a student is qualified to graduate, he or she has completed 27 credits of upper level nursing courses, 3 credits of electives, 21 credits of liberal arts and sciences, and 12 credits of upper level liberal arts electives. One credit of physical education is also required. After completing the program, graduates may take the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain their licensure as Registered Nurses.

Contact:
Alfred State College
10 Upper College Drive,
Alfred, New York 14802
(800) 425-3733

SUNY Canton Nursing Program Review

SUNY College of Technology at Canton (SUNY Canton) is a large campus that is built next to the Grasse River in St. Lawrence County. The university is in the Canton, but is near the Adirondack Mountains and the St. Lawrence River. It is not far from the Canadian border and Montreal and Ottawa. There are around 3,300 students enrolled in the university that is part of the State University of New York (SUNY). Both associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees are offered at this university with around 40 program offerings.

Nursing Programs

Practical Nursing-Certificate

SUNY Canton offers a Practical Nursing (PN) certificate program for students who want to begin working with patients without spending years in college. Practical Nurses take care of patients in long-term care facilities, in acute care, and in clinical settings. Admission to the PN program is selective, and to be considered for admission a student must have a high school diploma and an average of at least 75. Applicants must also score at least 75 on the test for sentence structure and 60 on the test for reading that is required before entering the PN program. An SAT score of at least 420 on the verbal section is required or an ACT score of at least 17 on reading and writing. After completing the program, graduates take the NCLEX-PN national exam that they must pass to become Licensed Practical Nurses.

Associate of Applied Science

Canton State also offers a two year program for those who want to enter the workforce after only two years of education. They will be ready to take the NCLEX-RN after completing the program that includes liberal arts and sciences courses, nursing courses, and clinical experience. Around 95% of the graduates who take the NCLEX-RN pass it, which is a rate higher than the state average for New York. Admission to the program is selective, and applicants must have either a high school average of 80 or an SAT score of 900 or higher. An ACT score of 21 or higher is also acceptable. Prerequisite courses must be completed before a student is considered for admission to the nursing program. Students must complete a CPR course and meet the physical and other requirements of the program. At the completion of the program, graduates may continue their education by transferring the credits that they have earned to a bachelor’s program in nursing.

Nursing-BS

Registered Nurses (RNs) who want to earn their Bachelor of Science (BS) in nursing may also do that at Canton State. This four-year program prepares RNs for advanced positions in many different healthcare facilities, including doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and other sites. Applicants must be licensed RNs in New York State and must be graduates with an associate’s degree. Some employers pay the tuition for nurses to continue their education, so many RNs can earn their bachelor’s degree without paying a cent. In addition to that, they will have many more opportunities for advancements over their working years in their career. The program is offered through SUNY Canton OnLine with a lot of flexibility so that RNs may continue working.

Contact:
State University of New York at Canton
34 Cornell Drive,
Canton, New York 13617
(315) 386-7011

SUNY Delhi Nursing Program Review

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi  (SUNY Delhi) is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. It is located in the rural area of the Catskill Mountains, around 3.5 hours from New York City. There are around 3,000 or more enrolled in the university. There are one-year certificate programs offered, associate degree programs, and bachelor’s degree programs. The campus is fairly large and is situated on 625 acres with 44 buildings. There is even an 18 hold golf course. Many students live on campus in the six residence halls.

Nursing Programs

Associate in Applied Science Degree

Delhi offers an associate degree in nursing that prepares students to enter the workforce when they graduate. They will be professional Registered Nurses (RNs) after passing the NCLEX-RN. RNs work in industrial settings, geriatric centers, public and private healthcare agencies, and acute care facilities. The nursing program is selective, and students must meet the minimum requirements to be considered. These are a high school grade average of at least 80, Algebra Regents grade of 80, Biology Regents grade of 80, English Regents grade of 80, or a transfer GPA of 3.0.

Once a candidate is accepted into the program, they are assigned an advisor who will guide them when planning their schedule for the two years that they are at Delhi. A total of 69 credits must be earned, and a minimum grade of C+ is required in all nursing courses. Students complete liberal arts and science classes plus nursing core courses. They are also assigned to a variety of healthcare facilities for clinical experience for a well-rounded experience in acute care, psychiatric, maternity, pediatric, and other specialty areas.

Online RN to BSN Program

This program at Delhi is for RNs who want to continue their education and earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in the most flexible way possible. Since it is designed for working nurses, it is 100% online and does not require RNs to sit in class. Courses may be completed at the convenience of the student. There are practicum experiences that are required, but these are completed near the student’s home. RNs with an associate degree are often able to transfer between 60 and 80 credits. There are only 120 credits needed for a bachelor’s degree at Delhi, so students begin with at least half of the credits needed. A benefit to the program is that employers often pay 100% of the tuition for associate degree level nurses to continue their education and earn their bachelor’s degree. Many RNs pay little to nothing for their bachelor’s degree that will provide multiple career opportunities over their lifetime.

The time that the program takes to complete depends on how many credits are transferred. Students must complete more liberal arts and sciences, electives, and higher level nursing courses. There are some requirements for RNs to enter this program, including an RN license. Applicants must also have at least a 2.8 grade point average in their associate degree coursework. Those who complete the online program are eligible to graduate with other students when they complete the program.

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

SUNY New Paltz Nursing Program Review

SUNY New Paltz is part of the State University of new York (SUNY). The campus is located in a small college town that is only 90 minutes from New York City. Students lie in thirteen residence halls, and there are 24 buildings on the main campus. New Paltz is one of the most selective of the SUNY schools, accepting only around 34 percent of those who apply. The mean SAT score is 1172, and students typically have a high school grade point average of 91.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Certificate of Advanced Study in Nursing

The nursing program at New Paltz is in a phase out phase. There are currently 148 students enrolled in undergraduate programs. Most of these students attend only one-third time. There are 19 students enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing degree program and 0 students are currently enrolled in the Certificate of Advanced Study in Nursing. Those who are currently enrolled will be given the opportunity complete their degree over the next three years. No new students are currently being accepted into the program, and none will be accepted because the closure is a permanent one. The college will save one-half a million dollars by making this change. There are 11 students who have been accepted into the Bachelor of Science program that will not be allowed to begin. They have been sent to SUY Delhi as of Fall, 2009.

Contact:
SUNY New Paltz
1 Hawk Drive,
New Paltz, New York 12561,
(845) 257-7869

SUNY Rockland Community College Nursing Program Review

Rockland Community College (RCC) is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. It is a two-year college that is in the Village of Suffern in Rockland County, just north of New Jersey. It is only 35 miles from New York City. There are 48 programs offered at Rockland, and associates degrees and certificates may be earned. Around 7,300 students attend Rockland. The college also has articulation programs with four-year schools so that the credits earned at Rockland may be transferred to a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year university. The college has many sports available, as well as activities for students.

Nursing Programs

Associate in Science

Rockland Community College offers an Associate in Science that trains students to become professional Registered Nurses (RNs) in only two years if the student attends full-time. A part-time option is also available for students who must work while they attend college. Students complete their liberal arts and science courses as well as nursing core courses within this time frame. They also work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and community health centers during this time to gain clinical experience. At the completion of their studies, students take the NCLEX-RN, the national exam that leads to licensure that is needed to work as a professional RN. They will then be able to enter the workforce as entry-level nurses.

Students who want to have a career in nursing must first enroll in Rockland community college. They must take the Math and English Assessment exams. The math exam consists of both arithmetic and algebra. While waiting for a seat in the nursing program, students may take prerequisite courses and several nursing courses. Once a student is enrolled in the AS program, he or she must maintain at least a C+ in nursing courses. A grade point average of at least 2.0 is required to graduate with the Associate of Science degree and to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, the national exam that provides licensure for nurses to work as professional RNs.

Attending Rockland Community College is already very economical since it costs only a fraction of what a private college would cost in tuition. In addition, many students receive financial assistance. Every year, students from the college receive over $10 million in financial assistance. Besides federal and state financial aid programs, there are local programs that can sometimes aid nursing students with paying their tuition. The Rockland Community college Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization that awards hundreds of scholarships to new and continuing students each year.

LPN to RN Express

Licensed Practical Nurses who want to become RNs may enter this program. They have the opportunity to test out of four of the six nursing process courses by passing the test that is required to measure their nursing knowledge. These nurses must be currently licensed as Practical Nurses in the State of New York. After completing the required arts and science courses, LPNs can often complete the remaining nursing courses in only one semester. Most students take longer than one semester because the RN nursing courses are presented in more depth than those for LPNs.

Contact:
SUNY Rockland Community College
145 College Road,
Suffern, New York 10901
(845) 574-4000

SUNY Morrisville State College Nursing Program Review

Morrisville State College (MSC) is part of the State University of New York (SUNY). It is a small college with only 3,356 students enrolled. Morrisville offers 22 bachelor degrees and many different associate degrees at its two campuses in Morrisville and Norwich. The college is in Central New York. There are over 50 buildings on the campus that is about 30 miles from the cities of Syracuse and Utica.

Nursing Programs

Associate of Applied Science

Morrisville State College has some definite advantages in the Associate of Applied Science in nursing degree. One of the biggest of these is that classes are small, so students get a lot of personal attention from faculty. During clinical experience, there are never more than 8 students with one faculty member as students practice learning the skills they will need in their careers as nurses. Another advantage of this college is the low cost of tuition. Some nursing students intend to continue their education to complete their bachelor’s degree in later years after they have worked for a few years. By attending a SUNY college like Morrisville, they keep their student loans down to a minimum.

Admission requirements for the AAS program are having a high school average of B or better. Students are expected to have completed biology, chemistry, and New York State Math A. They should also have a Regents score of at least 65 in all of these. Applicants must also take the NLN pre-admission exam and score at least 100 points. Once students are accepted into the program, it takes four semesters or two years to complete. At the end of this time, students qualify to take the NCLEX-RN, the national exam that is necessary to become licensed as a Registered Nurse. Graduates are then eligible to work as entry-level professional nurses in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Students who graduate from this program may apply to the Nursing Bachelor of Science program at SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology-Morrisville when they are in their final semester of the AAS program.

Nursing BS

A Nursing Bachelor of Science (BS) is a good choice for those who want to stay in school for four years before beginning their professional career. RNs with a bachelor’s degree earn higher salaries, have more responsibility, and they often manage LPNs and RNs with associate degrees. Some graduates with a BS in nursing go on to complete their Master of Science (MS) degree. Students who are in the AAS program at Morrisville may apply to enter the BS program in their final AAS semester. They must have a cumulative average of 2.5 or better in the AAS program, and they must be licensed RNs by the time that they complete the first semester in the bachelor’s degree program.

Most of the time, students are able to transfer 60 credits from their associate’s degree work, and this gives them around half of the credits necessary for their bachelor’s degree. They must then complete the courses in liberal arts and sciences needed to meet the college’s general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree. In addition, they complete higher-level nursing courses and many hours of clinical experience. At the completion of the program, the RN is awarded a BS degree.

Contact:
Morrisville State College
80 Eaton Street,
Morrisville, New York 13408
800-258-0111

SUNY Upstate Medical University Nursing School Review

The State University of New York Upstate Medical University (SUNY-UMU) is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) network of colleges. It is located in Syracuse and has around 1300 students enrolled in upper-division transfer programs and graduate programs. The campus includes University Hospital where students complete clinical experience. The College of Nursing has options for nurses to complete a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or post-master’s certificate.

Nursing Program

RN to Bachelor’s (2 + 2) Early Admission Program

This unique program at SUNY-Upstate Medical University allows students to apply to this university at the same time they apply to an associate’s degree nursing program. This guarantees students a spot in the bachelor’s degree program at Upstate Medical University as soon as they complete their Registered Nurse (RN) associate degree program. Before beginning at Upstate Medical University, the student must have completed all prerequisite courses and must have at least a 2.8 cumulative grade point average.

Students are accepted into this program after completing their associate’s degree at nearby community colleges and nursing schools including Cayuga Community College, Crouse Hospital School of Nursing, Jefferson Community College, Mohawk Valley Community College, Onondaga Community College, and more. Other associate’s degree programs are St. Elizabeth’s College of Nursing, St. Joseph’s College of Nursing, Morrisville State College, and Tompkins-Cortland Community College. Those accepted into the program must have successfully completed at least three years of Regents or honors level courses in math and science. They should also be in the top 25 percent of their high school class. Additionally, volunteer or observational experience is highly regarded when considering students for the program.

Bachelor of Science

This Bachelor of Science (BS) program is designed for RNs who want to complete their bachelor’s degree. A total of 61 credits must be completed, consisting of upper level nursing courses and clinical experience plus the liberal arts and science courses that are necessary for graduation. The program curriculum is arranged so that it is convenient for working nurses. It is possible to take courses only one day a week. Many students complete the BS on a part-time basis. They are encouraged to take a minimum of 12 credits per year. At the completion of the program, students are awarded their BS.

Master of Science

The Master of Science (MS) program at Upstate Medical University is a program that RNs with a bachelor’s degree are eligible to enter if they meet the admission requirements. Although the core courses of this program are the same, there are upper level specialty courses that prepare nurses to perform important tasks in the healthcare industry. RNs may train to be nurse practitioners, nurse educators, or they may decide to pursue research with this training. They may also want to go into leadership roles or consulting jobs within the healthcare community. The following information about these advanced nursing specialties explains each one.

BS to MS

Some students at Upstate Medical University want to continue their education as far as they want to go without stopped to work for a year or so. This can be done at this SUNY University. Admission requirements for any of the MS programs are two prerequisite courses of Basic Health Assessment and Basic Statistics. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 in their undergraduate courses. They must also be currently licensed as an RN in New York State, and have current CPR certification. When an applicant moves directly to the master’s program after completing the BS, there is no work requirement to gain experience as an RN and no GRE required.

RN to MS

Applicants who are already RNs and have an associate’s degree or a nursing diploma from a nursing program may also attend the BS program at Upstate Medical University. They must have a minimum of 60 credits including Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, six credits in English, six credits in social science including psychology, and six to nine liberal arts science credits. They also need to have 30 credits in nursing courses. A minimum grade of C should have been earned in all of these courses. It is also recommended that applicants have 12 additional credits in arts and sciences.

Bachelor’s in Another Field RN to MS

RNs who have a bachelor’s degree in another field may also attend the university to complete their MS. They must have Basic Health Assessment, Basic Statistics, and Management in Nursing, Research, and Community Focused Nursing completed before entering the program.

RN to MS Program

RNs with an associate’s degree may enter this program to complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degree in three years of full-time study.

Nurse Practitioner: Child Track

This program is currently on hold at the university.

Nurse Practitioner: Family Track

This advanced practice nursing program prepares RNs to diagnose acute and chronic illnesses. They create treatment plans and prescribe medication and diagnostic tests. They then analyze the lab tests and x-rays. They also refer patients to specialists and educate patients about their illness. The program takes two or three years of full-time study to complete, including coursework, clinical experience, and residency. Students may complete the program part-time, and doing this usually takes around three to five years. At the completion of the program, students take the national exam leading to certification as a Nurse Practitioner.

Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is a specialist who provides children and adults with primary healthcare that includes the diagnosis of mental illness and medication. This nurse also works with the family in group therapy in clinics, shelters, and other settings. At the completion of the program, students take the national exam for certification to practice this specialty. This program can usually be completed by attending the university full-time for two years.

RN to MS Program

RNs with an associate’s degree may enter this program to complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degree in three years of full-time study.

Master of Science: Clinical Nurse Specialist

This program is very unique in that it is designed for RNs with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. It is the only local clinical program that accepts students with this academic background. Those who are accepted into the program may choose from two clinical tracks, which are Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist. Nurse Practitioner students must choose from either the Family Nurse Practitioner or Family Psychiatric mental health Nurse Practitioner. A Clinical Nurse Specialist is trained in a particular area, such as wound care, Emergency Department, rehabilitation, and others.

Master’s Completion for NPs

Nurse Practitioners who have only their bachelor’s degree in nursing may complete their MS at Upstate Medical University in one year of full-time or two years of part-time study.

MS-Unique Education Minor for Certificate

There is also a master’s program for RNs who want to become Nurse Educators. They complete the core courses of the MS and also a minor in education. The education minor takes two semesters to complete.

Certificate Programs

RNs that have their MS may complete the Nurse Practitioner program or the Clinical Nurse Specialist program. They do not need to repeat courses that were taken when working on their MS, and this cuts down the time needed to earn the specialty certificate. They take the national exam at the completion of the program to become licensed in their specialty.

Contact:
SUNY-Upstate Medical University
750 East Adams Street,
Syracuse, New York 13210
(315) 464-5540

Tompkins Cortland Community College Nursing Program Review

Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) is near the counties of Cortland and Tompkins in New York. It is a public college that is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The campus is located in a rural area in the town of Dryden. There are around 3,270 students enrolled at the college. The student body is diverse, with students from over 50 different countries attending Tompkins-Cortland. These students attend colleges in their own countries and then go to Tompkins-Cortland for two semesters. Students stay in seven student housing buildings. Over 50 different programs are offered at this community college.

Tompkins-Cortland offers some programs that are not often seen in community colleges. One of these is a study abroad program that is led by faculty members. Some of the countries where these opportunities are available are India, Ireland, Argentina, Ecuador, Cyprus, England, France, Japan, Peru, Switzerland, and many others. Students who have completed 12 credits may also take part in the Disney College Program. Students complete a full-time internship at Walt Disney World in Orlando. They are paid for their work and receive academic credit as well. Although it is not always possible for nursing students to take part in these activities, it is possible in certain circumstances if the student completes these experiences before beginning the nursing courses.

Nursing Program

AAS Degree

An Associate of Applied Science is offered at Tompkins-Cortland Community College. This two-year associate degree in nursing prepares students to enter the workforce as entry-level nurses. At the completion of the program, graduates take the national exam, the NCLEX-RN, to attain their license to practice as professional Registered Nurses. General admission to college is open, but the nursing program is selective. Students are selected on the highest grade point averages and other criteria. Those who have graduated from high school within five years must have completed New York State math courses A and B, biology, and chemistry with Regent’s scores of 80 percent or better. Preference is given to students residing in Tompkins, Cortland, or Tioga Counties.

Applicants must also take the Test of Essential Academic Skills. Applicants who have graduated from high school more than five years ago must complete 12 credits at the Tompkins-Cortland or at another college before being considered for the nursing program. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may seek advanced entry into the nursing program. They must complete the New York Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse course with a passing grade. After that, they are granted experiential credit for some of the nursing courses in the RN program. Grade point averages of college work completed for the LPN are considered when admitting students to the program.

The college’s nursing program is highly-praised and is demanding to prepare future nurses to work in many different healthcare facilities. Students take liberal arts and science courses to meet the general education requirements at the college. Then, once accepted into the nursing program, they take nursing courses and complete clinical experience. This experience takes place in same day surgery, acute care units, community agencies, doctor’s and midwives’ offices, mental health clinics, and hospice organizations.

Contact:
Tompkins Cortland Community College
170 North Street,
Dryden, New York 13053
(607) 844-8211

Trocaire College Nursing Program Review

Trocaire College (TC) specializes in healthcare training. It is located in Buffalo and has around 1,300 students enrolled. The Sisters of Mercy founded the college in 1958, and at that time it was for sisters only. Other women were admitted in 1965, and the college became coeducational in 1972. It is a junior college that offers certificates, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Although healthcare is the main focus of Trocaire, they also have programs in Human Resource Management, and Hospitality Management. Students receive a lot of attention with a student to faculty ratio of nine to one.

Nursing Programs

Nursing PN

Trocaire College offers a Nursing Practical Nurse program. A graduates of this program is eligible to take the NCLEX-LPN exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Applicants must have a high school diploma and a grade point average of at least 75 percent. Either high school algebra or algebra on the college level is required, as well as biology or chemistry. Candidates must take the Arnett Diagnostic Entrance Test at Trocaire. They must also have a cumulative average of 2.5 on all coursework at the college. Students are first accepted into the college into a pre-professional program and are not guaranteed admittance to the professional program. Students in the program must complete 48 credits to qualify for graduation.

Nursing AAS Day

Students who want to become Registered Nurses (RNs) may enroll in the Associate in applied Science degree program. This program trains entry-level RNs to join the workforce in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare facilities. There are two ways to complete the program. These are either in the day program or evening program. Both of them require the same amount of credits, but the day program is completed in two years, while the evening program is planned to be completed in three years plus two summers. It is ideal for students who must work in the daytime. Students in the day program must take the pre-professional Anatomy and Physiology course before moving onto the nursing curriculum. The first semester of courses is a heavy course load consisting of 19 to 21 credits. The second and third semesters require 16 credits each, and the final fourth semester consists of 12 credits.

Nursing AAS Evening

Trocaire College’s Associate of Applied Science Evening Program requires that students complete 67 credits, the same as for the day program. Students who apply to this program must have their high school diploma and a grade point average of at least 85 percent. Math I, Biology, and Chemistry are also required before being admitted to the program. Students must also take Anatomy and Physiology I as a pre-professional course, and they must maintain at least a 2.75 in this course and all others in the program. The Accuplacer and TEAS test are also required before admission is finalized.

Nursing BS

Trocaire College also offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) program for RNs who have a diploma in nursing or an associate’s degree. RNs with a bachelor’s degree qualify for higher paying positions on nursing teams in hospitals or for jobs in other healthcare facilities. All courses for this program are offered online with a maximum of three traditional courses on campus. This allows working RNs to complete their degree according to their unique schedule. The 135 hours of clinical experience may sometimes be completed at the nurse’s current worksite, but these experiences must take place on units that are distinct from the current worksite. The BS program can be completed in as little as 16 months.

Contact:
Trocaire College
360 Choate Avenue,
Buffalo, New York 14220
(716) 826-1200

SUNY Ulster County Nursing Program Review

SUNY Ulster is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) network of colleges. It is a two year college that offers over 60 programs, including nursing. The college is located in a rural area of New York and has around 3500 students enrolled. The college offers athletics programs, peer tutoring, and a variety of cultural programs throughout the year. They are known for their Poetry Forum, Visiting Artist Series, Elizabeth Gross Lecture Series, and musical concerts featuring many different genres that are open to the public year round.

Nursing Program

Associate in Science

The nursing department at SUNY Ulster offers a two-year nursing program that leads to an Associate in Science (AS) degree. Students may attend either full-time or part-time to complete the program. Students seeking admission to the nursing program must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills and score at least 75 percent on the test. Students who need extra academic help or tutoring may find it at the SUNY Ulster’s Learning Center, Times Square math lab, the Writing Center, the Peer and Friend Tutor Program, or English as a Second Language (ESL) tutors. Students who attend full-time can complete the nursing program in two years. At that time, they are prepared to take the national exam for certification, the NCLEX-RN, which leads to a license to practice as a Registered Nurse.

It is recommended that nursing courses are taken in succession without interruption. Although it is possible to attend the program part-time, not all nursing courses and laboratories are offered in the evening. Admission to the nursing program is competitive, and applicants must be legal residents of Ulster County, New York to be admitted to the program. Permanent residents must have resided in the county for six months or in New York State for one year. In addition, students who are taking general education requirements at SUNY Ulster must maintain a grade point average of 2.5 to be considered for the nursing program. Students must complete a total of 72 credits to qualify for graduation, including clinical experience that takes place at nearby clinics, community agencies, and hospitals. All students who graduate from Ulster must complete the general education requirements of liberal arts and science classes in addition to the nursing courses that are required. Some of the liberal arts courses are foreign languages, sociology, and history such as American History, Other World Civilizations, or Western Civilization.

There are also general requirements that must be met to be considered for the program, such as a satisfactory physical examination. Applicants must have the proper immunizations and must have a certificate of Basic Life Support. Another consideration is the nursing dress code. Students should expect to spend at least $400 for the cost of uniforms and supplies. They also need to pay for their liability insurance, which can be purchased through the college for around $20 annually.

Financial aid is available for nursing students through federal, state, and private loans, grants, and scholarships.

Contact:
SUNY Ulster
491 Cottekill Road
Stone Ridge, New York 12484
(845) 687-5000

University of Rochester Nursing School Review

The University of Rochester (UR, U of R) is a research university located in Rochester, New York. This private university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. Doctoral and professional degrees are also offered. There are around 5,600 undergraduate students and 4,600 postgraduate students who attend the university. There are students from 90 different countries enrolled at the University of Rochester. The university offers around 200 programs and is a prominent research university with a very low student to faculty ratio of nine to one.

Nursing Programs

University of Rochester’s School of Nursing (SON) can be found at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) campus.

Accelerated Bachelor’s Program for Non-Nurses (ABPNN)

This program prepares those with a bachelor’s degree in another field to graduate as a Registered Nurse (RN). At the completion of the program, students qualify to take the national exam for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). It is possible to complete this program in only one year of accelerated studies after completing the prerequisite courses of Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Human Growth and Development, and Statistics if the student has not yet taken these in the undergraduate work. It is preferred that applicants have a grade point average of 3.0 in their undergraduate work. Students complete 750 hours of clinical with 660 hours of direct patient care during their studies.

RN to BS Modular Program

This program is specifically designed for RNs who have an associate’s degree or a diploma from a nursing school. The program builds on the knowledge that these RNs have from their previous studies and from their work experience. The university will transfer 32 nursing credits from previous studies, and only 32 additional nursing credits must be completed. Most of the coursework is online, and the program is part-time so that the RN can continue working. A grade point average of 3.0 in undergraduate studies is preferred, and applicants must have their licensure as an RN. It is possible to complete it in four semesters if the arts and sciences requirements have been completed. After the student has a total of 64 arts and sciences credits, he or she may graduate with a Bachelor of Science.

RN to BS to MS

This program enables RNs with an associate degree or diploma from an accredited nursing school to save time in earning their master’s degree. This is accomplished by saving from 19 to 24 credits, depending on the specialty. Some courses count for both the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree. It is possible to earn both degrees in only three years. Applicants choose the nurse practitioner specialty that they would like to practice after graduation, and their master’s level courses focus on these. It is highly preferred that applicants have a grade point average of 3.0 in their undergraduate studies to enter this accelerated program.

Accelerated Master’s Program for Non-Nurses

The University of Rochester offers this master’s program for students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Students are able to earn a bachelor’s degree in one year and a master’s degree in two years. Through this program, students may become Nurse Practitioners. They qualify to take the national exam to obtain their licensure as a Nurse Practitioner at the completion of the master’s program. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a grade point average of 3.0 or higher to be considered for the program. They must also complete the prerequisite courses, including Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Human Growth & Development, and Statistics if they have not taken them in their undergraduate studies. There are eight Nurse Practitioner programs that are described in the following paragraphs. At the completion of these programs, students take the national certification test to become registered Nurse Practitioners in their specialty.

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Cardiovascular or Critical Care)

This program requires that the student complete 43 credits, including 672 clinical hours. Students must complete the master’s degree courses and those related to acute care.

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Students must complete 42 credits of study plus 560 clinical hours. They complete master’s core courses as well as courses related to healthcare of adults of all ages.

Family Nurse Practitioner

This program prepares students to treat family members of all ages, providing primary care and prescribing medication. A total of 53 credits must be earned, including master’s core courses and specialty courses. In addition, 672 clinical hours are required.

Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner

The Master of Science degree in Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner requires 50 credits of core courses and specialty courses plus 840 clinical hours to complete.

Care of Children and Families/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

This program prepares RNs to become Nurse Practitioners who care for families and children of all ages. There are 45 credits of study required plus 616 clinic hours.

Care of Children and Families/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

RNs that complete this program are qualified to care for children in doctor’s offices, community agencies, and other healthcare facilities. They are also specially trained to care for newborn babies. The program requires the completion of 54 credits and 960 clinical hours.

Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

This specially trained Nurse Practitioner will be able to care for the family and diagnose and treat mental illness in the family. There are 47 credits required and 616 hours of clinical experience.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

A program leading to this advanced degree is available at the University of Rochester. This degree is for RNs who want to continue clinical work at the highest level, and it is an alternative to a research-oriented PhD degree. It takes approximately two and one-half years to complete the program. Students must complete a minimum of 90 credits plus a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. The clinical practicum courses are geared towards the student’s clinical focus. Admission requirements to the program are a grade point average of 3.0 for undergraduate studies and 3.5 for graduate studies.

PhD in Health Practice Research

RNs who want to go into academic and research leadership may complete this program to complete their PhD. The program builds on the research skills of RNs with a master’s degree. This program at the University of Rochester is also open to non-nurses, and it is one of two programs in the U.S. that allow non-nurses to complete a program like this. Students must spend two full years of coursework at the beginning of the program, and they then work independently and spend 360 hours on Research Assistantship and Teaching Assistantship work.

MS and PhD Dual-Degree Accelerated Programs

This program allows RNs with bachelor’s degrees in nursing to become researchers and Nurse Practitioners at the same time. It is a very rigorous program that can be completed in five years. Those who are interested in the program should have a grade point average of 3.5 in their undergraduate work. They must also have taken statistics and have a grade of B or higher.

Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Programs

The University of Rochester offers this program to RNs with a master’s degree in nursing who want to become certified in New York and nationally as Nurse Practitioners. After choosing one of the Nurse Practitioner specialties, the student completes only the subspecialty courses since the masters’ level nursing courses have been completed while studying for the master’s degree. Any courses that were not included in these studies must be completed as well. At the completion of the program, the student takes the national certification exam to practice as a Nurse Practitioner.

Post-Doctoral Fellowship

This program allows those with a doctoral degree to study for two more years to expand their research skills. They will establish a program of nursing research in areas of faculty expertise. Each applicant and their academic goals are considered individually before admission to the program.

Contact:
University of Rochester
601 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, New York 14642
(585) 275-2375

Utica College Nursing Program Review

Utica College (UC) is a private university with only 2,500 undergraduate students and around 600 postgraduate students. Utica is a four-year college that offers 37 majors, 27 minors, 21 master’s and doctoral programs, and some special programs. Its health science education is well known, and it is one of the op colleges for occupational therapy and physical therapy, as well as psychology. Utica offers a personalized atmosphere for each student, and they choose students who will contribute to the culture of their community. Each applicant’s background is considered individually to determine if the applicant would fit into the college community.

Nursing Program

Bachelor’s Program in Nursing

This four-year bachelor’s degree program offers unique elective courses in forensic nursing for students who want to work with prison populations and geriatric nursing for future nurses who want to work with the elderly. Utica offers small classes with a strong clinical focus. The Dr. Albert and Gloria Shaheen Nursing Laboratory is a practice facility that provides learning experiences for students. It has a 10-bed ward, a 6-bed examination bay, a multipurpose isolation room with diagnostic and vital sign monitoring equipment. In this lab, students learn bedside monitoring and respiration technology and more. Besides learning in this lab, students complete clinical experience at nearby St. Luke’s Healthcare.

Admission requirements are three years of science and math experience in high school with a preferred minimum grade of 80% or better. The applicant’s high school grade point average should be 2.5 or better. Satisfactory ACT or SAT scores are also required. Once an applicant is accepted, the college’s general requirements must be met. In addition, students must complete the nursing core courses and clinical experience. A total of 128 credits must be completed before a student is eligible for graduation. At that point, the graduate takes the national exam, the NCLEX-RN, to gain licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Online RN to BSN Degree

Utica Collage also offers an online Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This program is designed for RNs who have completed their associate degree. Graduates of the program are prepared to fill higher level positions in hospitals and other healthcare facilities that demand bachelor’s degrees. In this program, students focus on management, pharmacology, and health assessment. Students are not required to complete clinicals because they take Community Health Nursing and Nursing Management in place of the clinical experience. Most students complete their bachelor’s degree in three years, but it can be completed sooner, depending on the number of credits transferred from their associate’s degree. Utica accepts between 60 and 90 credits from undergraduate work that enables students to complete their bachelor’s degree in less time.

Financial aid is available for almost every student who wants to complete a degree program at Utica College. Besides federal and state financial aid, there are scholarships, grants, and other sources available to nursing students. The Financial Aid office works with students to locate the funds needed to pay for their tuition if they want to attend Utica College.

Contact:
Utica College
1600 Burrstone Road
Utica, New York 13502
(315) 792-3006

Wagner College Nursing Program Review

Wagner College (WC) is a small liberal arts college in the borough of Staten Island in New York City. There are around 2,400 undergraduate students enrolled and 400 postgraduate students at this private college.

Wagner was originally a college to train Lutheran ministers in 1883 with a six-year curriculum. Today, most students live in one of the four residence halls. Students admitted to Wagner from high school have an average high school grade point average of 3.6 and high SAT scores of 530 to 640 in critical reading, 530 to 650 in math, and 520 to 650 in writing. The average ACT scores are usually between 24 and 28.

Each year, the college consistently appears in Princeton Review’s ‘Best Colleges’ list. Wagner College is also featured on several ‘top 20’ lists and receives special mention as a great school for health service majors. With these ratings, it is easy to see that the college has more going for it than its spectacular views overlooking the New York Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. When you add its convenient location to Manhattan (just a free ferry trip away), you will discover why so many students choose Wagner for their education home.

The nursing school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. (NLNAC). The school is also registered with the New York State Education Department and holds membership in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

Nursing Programs at Evelyn L. Spiro School of Nursing

Wagner College’s School of Nursing focuses on a “community-based” approach to health and nursing education. Nursing students are inspired to become leaders down the path of health for the people they will serve in communities around the nation. The nursing program incorporates an understanding of society as a whole, the value of individuals, and the impact of environment, including the objects, people, cultural values, beliefs, and experiences in the world around.

The Evelyn L. Spiro School of Nursing seeks to prepare individuals for their role as professional healthcare givers, both independent thinkers and collaborative team workers. The idea of personal care is never divorced from professionalism at Wagner’s, but becomes an integral part of the educational focus. Field experience is a critical component of the nursing programs and occurs in a variety of nearby healthcare facilities. All graduates are prepared to take and pass the NCLEX-RN examinations.

Undergraduate Nursing Degrees

One of the best ways to begin an exciting career in the field of nursing is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. Wagner College offers several ways to accomplish, designed to meet the needs of every student. Whether you are just starting college, are working on a second degree, or already have nursing experience as a registered nurse, Wagner can get you on the path to a BSN in no time at all.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Wagner offers a BSN as a fantastic way to launch into the nursing field. Carefully built upon the foundational core of liberal arts subjects, the nursing degree thoroughly transforms students into professional nurses, equipped to serve society as guardians of health. The rigorous studies of a BSN train nursing students to research and think for themselves, while the practical experience at local healthcare facilities helps them embrace the teamwork and collaboration skills needed in the medical field.

Admission into the baccalaureate program requires a score of at least proficient on the entrance exam (TEAS V), and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Prerequisites of Biology, Psychology (or Sociology or Anthropology), Microbiology, and Nutrition must be completed before a student can begin taking nursing courses.

RN-BS

Registered Nurses seeking to boost their career with an undergraduate degree will find the perfect program at Wagner College. The college offers credit for on the job experience, allowing nurses to receive credit for clinical practice. In addition, some transfer credits may be obtained from other colleges.

RN to BS students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to enter the program, or be evaluated by the admission committee. A total of 36 units are required for a RN to BS, and 18 can be received by credit for previous experience. However, the final 9 credits must be taken at Wagner College.

Second Degree – 15 Month Program

Already have a Bachelor degree but want to delve into the field of nursing? Wagner’s 15 month program may be the perfect match. The previous Bachelor’s degree must have come from an accredited college, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher is required. In addition, a number of prerequisites are required, including 4 units of Biology and one of either Psychology, Sociology, or Anthropology.

Graduate Programs

When it is time to advance your nursing career to the professional level, check out the graduate programs at Wagner. Designed to enable nurses to focus in on a special area, the graduate level offers focus that a general, undergraduate degree cannot accomplish. Students wishing to transfer credits for the Master’s level are required to seek approval from the school.

Masters in Nursing (MSN)

At the graduate level, Wagner College offers two Masters programs: the Family Nurse Practitioner and the Nurse Educator. Both of these advanced practice degrees offer nurses greater flexibility and opportunity for advancement in their nursing career. Both Masters level programs are designed to be taken either as full-time study (5 semesters) or part-time (7 semesters), offering flexibility for working professionals to continue their education without sacrificing their jobs.

Post Master’s Advanced Certificate Program

Nurses who already have a Master’s of Nursing degree can receive certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner, allowing them to legally practice independently as a Family Nurse Practitioner. These advanced level courses include 27 credits, and involve clinical practice. These classes may be taken in the evening, acknowledging that most students at this level will be actively involved in a nursing career.

Contact:
Wagner College
1 Campus Road
Staten Island, NY 10301
(718) 390-3100

York College – CUNY Nursing School Review

York College is part of the City University of New York (CUNY). It is one of the eleven senior colleges in the network and is located in Jamaica, Queens in New York City. The college offers bachelors degree programs in over 40 fields. There are about 7,800 students enrolled at the college. A large part of the college’s focus is on continuing education, and many programs are offered for students who want to continue their educations. Students who attend this college have the experience of living in New York City with its cultural and other attractions.

Nursing Programs

Nursing BS

York College-SUNY offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) program that enables students to transfer credits that they have earned in their associate degree work. RNs may complete their bachelor’s degree by completing this program. RNs may also be nurses who have earned their diploma in nursing from an accredited nursing school. York College has articulation agreements with the nursing programs at Queensborough Community College/CUNY and LaGuardia Community College/CUNY. Students who have earned their associate’s degrees at these two community colleges are guaranteed entry into the nursing program at York College. The credits that they earned are then transferred to York to give them a good start on their bachelor’s degrees.

Applicants to the nursing program must complete 56 general education and prerequisite credits. They must maintain a 3.0 grade point average in these courses. Applicants must also complete all lower division Writing Intensive Courses. They must also be RNs in the State of New York. There are other requirements for admission, such as holding a current Basic Life Support Certificate and having professional liability insurance before the first clinical course begins. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. They may also be international students with F1 status or those who have been granted asylum, refugee status or have a legal reason to stay in the U.S.

York College offers some unique courses for students to choose from when completing their prerequisite courses. Some of these are Spanish for the Health Professions or French for the Health Professions. These courses can be very practical if the RN intends to continue to practice in a diverse area like New York City.

Nursing-Generic (BS)

This program is designed for students who want to become RNs and want to complete a bachelor’s degree to do so. Admission to the program is highly competitive. Students must first meet the requirements for admission to York College. They must also complete 56 credits of prerequisite courses before being admitted to the nursing program. All candidates must be proficient in reading, writing, and math and must pass the CUNY assessment tests. Students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 in general education courses and prerequisite courses. They must also have adequate scores on the pre-admission RN exam (PAX-RN). In addition, students must have a Basic Life Support Certificate and professional liability insurance. Once students are accepted into the program, they begin taking nursing core courses and completing their clinical experience. When the program is completed, they must take the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as Registered Nurses.

Contact:
York College-CUNY
94-20 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard
Jamaica, New York 11451
(718) 262-2000

Central New Mexico Community College Nursing Program Review

Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) boasts to be the state’s largest community college besides being the largest-post secondary education center after University of New Mexico. It opened doors for the first students in 1965 as Albuquerque Tech and Vocation Institute (TVI). During its early years, it offered diploma, certificate and continuing education programs until 1986 when it was granted the mandate to offer 2-year degrees. 

The name was changed to CNM in 2006 to reflect its expanded scope of academic programs. It operates from the main campus in Buena Vista –Albuquerque, 4 satellite campuses and 2 learning centers around Albuquerque.

Nursing at Central New Mexico University

CNM is a good place to start for students looking forward to get into the nursing profession at the very basic level or plunging directly into professional nursing.  It offers 2 certificate programs in nursing assisting, a practical nursing certificate program and a 2-year associate degree in nursing option. It also offers a mobility program to licensed practical nurses seeking advanced standing in the registered nurse (RN) program. The nurse refresher course is also offered to RN who has been of out of practice for long.

Nursing Assistant, Certificate of Achievement

This is a short 150 hours course: 45 lab, 45 clinical and 60 theory designed to train entry-level students on basic patient care skills. Upon completion, students receive a Certificate of Achievement in Nursing Assistant besides becoming eligible for the State Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) exam.

Nursing Assistant/ Unit Coordinator, Certificate of Achievement (NAUC)

This program includes two 8-week courses: a complete package of the 6-credit nursing assisting course mentioned above and another 6-credit patient care technique course. Upon completion of the nursing assisting course, students must take the CNA exam before taking the second patient care course. Completion leads to the award of a NAUC Certificate of Achievement.

Practical Nursing, Certificate of Completion

The CNM practical nursing program is a limited entry program. Candidate must have current certification as a Certified Nurse Assistant or take a selected alternative nursing course from the University of New Mexico.

The program’s curriculum consists of 48 credit hours: 31 nursing and 17 of general education, designed to be completed in 3 terms. Upon completion students become eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). Graduates can choose to exit or seek advanced placement in the registered nursing program.

Nursing, Associate of Applied Science (AASN)

This CNM registered nurse program is a limited entry program that prepares students for the NLCEX-RN exam. Candidates are expected to have a current CNA license; otherwise, they should take a selected alternative course from University of New Mexico.

The program has a curriculum of 72 credits designed to be completed in 4 terms of full time study. 42 credits and 30 credits are for nursing and general education courses respectively. Upon completion, students receive the AASN degree and become eligible for the NLCEX-RN exam for initial licensure as registered nurses.

Nursing (LPN Mobility), Associate of Applied Science

The LPN mobility program allows licensed practical nurses with valid licenses to become registered nurses (RN) by advanced placement. Candidates must show proof of at least 1000hours LPN working experience taken in last two years. It is also a limited entry and competitive program. Candidates that meet the general admission requirements of the AASN program plus the above LPN qualifications are eligible to apply.

Upon admission, students take a LPN transition course for which they receive 18 credits from their prior LPN program. These credits are held in an escrow account and are awarded to the students upon completion of all other nursing course for LPN mobility track. In total, students must have 72 credits, including those of advanced placement to be eligible for graduation. They also become eligible to apply and sit for the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Nurse Refresher

This consists of two nurse refresher courses: a theory course, 7-credit hours and a clinical application course, 2 credit hours. Registered nurse interested in this program must first obtain at least a temporary RN or LPN license. Occasionally, Central New Mexico Community College also offers Continuing Education Units for RNs. Such include IV procedures for Nurses and Non-Licensed Professionals.

Contact:
Central New Mexico Community College
525 Buena Vista Drive, Albuquerque
NM 87106

Clovis Community College Nursing Program Review

Clovis Community College (CCC) history can be traced back to 1961, when the Eastern New Mexico University opened a satellite campus in rented property at Clovis. The satellite campus was opened to offer some of the university’s evening college credits to students around Clovis. Clovis opened its own campus in 1980 and by 1990, Clovis legislature voted to make it a locally-supported independent campus. This resulted to CCC breaking-off as a campus of Eastern New Mexico University and officially adopting its current name.

The Nursing Program at Clovis Community College

Clovis Community College offers a Career Mobility nursing program designed to culminate into registered nursing licensure. It is offered as a collaborative effort between Clovis and its mother campus. It is meant for both high school entry-level students and licensed practical nurses (LPN) seeking advanced standing.  As a career mobility program, it has two levels and students can exit at their preferred choice to earn a certificate or an associate nursing degree. The program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the New Mexico Board of Nursing.

Level I Nursing

Certificate of Completion in Practical Nursing

This level is the starting point for all nursing students at Clovis.  The program has two admission cycles for fall and spring semesters. In addition, all candidates are expected to have completed a nursing assistant course but not necessarily have state certification.

Upon admission, students complete 12 and 21credits in general education and science courses respectively.  This are well distributed between the first and second semester. After successfully completing this portion, they take another 8 and 10 nursing credits in the first and second semesters.  This brings it to a total of 51 credits at the end of 1^st and 2^nd semesters and also the end of level I. At this stage students become eligible to apply and take the NLCEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses. They are free to exit at this point and are such awarded a Certificate of Completion in Practical Nursing.

Level II Nursing

Associate of Applied Science

This level is a mobility track that picks from level I for students who wish to continue to level II. Clovis college graduates of level I need not apply again for the level II. The track leads to students becoming registered nurses. It consists of 5 nursing courses equivalent to 21 credits. 11 credits are taken in the 3^rd semester and 10 credits in the 4^th semester.  This totals to 72 credits including of the level I practical nursing portion required for the completion of the entire nursing program.

Students who complete this portion become eligible to apply for the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. They also earn an occupation based degree: an associate of applied science in nursing degree.  In addition, graduates have the golden opportunity of transferring to Eastern New Mexico University to complete an online RN to Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree.

Note

Level II is also open to LPN and Licensed vocational nurses (LVN) seeking to have advanced standing. Such candidates must have valid LPN or LVN licenses from state approved practical nursing programs to be eligible for admission. Such students get into the program to complete the 21 credits leading to NLCEX-RN exam eligibility.

Contact:
Clovis Community College
417 Schepps Blvd., Clovis,
NM 88101

Dona Ana Community College Nursing Program Review

Dona Ana Community College (DACC) was established in 1973 as part of the larger New Mexico State University (NMSU).  DACC was specifically opened to meet the vocational and technical education needs of Las Cruces, Hatch and Gadsden; the 3 school districts of Dona Ana county. The college is therefore nationally accredited as part of NMSU. As a branch of NMSU, it also directly governed by the board of regents of the university. It offers 2-year degrees, vocational training and adult education through 2 campuses and 5 off-campus learning centers of the county.

Nursing Programs at Dona Ana Community College

DACC offers qualified students a chance to become registered nurses through a ladder of career mobility tracks. The college allows students to choose from starting their nursing career from a very basic level in the certified nursing assistant program. Such students can then go further and become certified health care assistants. Students can also decide to start from the practical nursing program and progress to take the associate degree in nursing (ADN). Graduates of the ADN program can also complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from NMSU online. The programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the New Mexico Board of Nursing.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

This program consists of 2 short courses equivalent to 8 credits. The program trains students on the basics of direct patient care in health care and long term care settings.  Students may wish to add a few more classes in phlebotomy and electrocardiogram in order to complete the whole package of courses needed for certification as a Health Care Assistant. However, those who take the 8 credits only are still eligible to take the state exam to become a CNA.

LPN Program

This program is in the form of a mobility program which culminates with licensure to become registered nurses. Candidates for the program are required to have completed a state-approved nursing assisting course to be eligible to apply. Prior to admission, candidates are also expected to have finished all prerequisites courses totaling between 27-35 credits. Those without the prerequisites courses will take an extra semester. New students for the program are admitted every fall and spring semesters.

Upon admission, students take 23 nursing credits which are part of the 1^st and 2^nd semesters of the ADN program followed by a separate 6-credit maternal nursing course.  After completion of this 29 nursing credits, students become eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses. They are also awarded a Certificate of Completion in Practical Nursing and are free to exit the program at this point.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

DACC offers this program as a choice for traditional students with no prior nursing experience or those willing to move-on from the LPN exit point.  For traditional students, the program accepts new students every fall and spring.  Traditional students take 27-35 general education credit in addition to 44 nursing credits. This means that a minimum of 71 credits are required for eligibility to graduate with an ADN degree. For this group of students, four semesters are required to meet graduation requirements.

On the other hand, LPNs seeking advanced standing must have valid LPN licensure to be eligible to apply. Graduates of DACC LPN exit option do not need to reapply afresh as it is part of the career mobility. Since 29 nursing credits had already been covered at the LPN exit level, such students take only 15 credits to complete the ADN graduation requirements.  Upon completion in both cases above, students become eligible to take the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses besides earning the ADN degree.

RN to BSN Program

As part of NMSU, graduate students of DACC have the opportunity to complete the BSN degree from NMSU. It is an online RN to BSN program that allows students from associate degree programs to transfer up-to 41 credits for lower division BSN requirements. Classes begin in the summer semester going forward for 1 year on a full time basis- for students who do not have outstanding general education courses. The program requires 128 credits some of which can be transferred from the associate degree program. It is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Contact:
Dona Ana Community College
3400 S. Espina Street, Las Cruces
NM 88003

Eastern New Mexico University Nursing School Review

Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) opened doors for its first students in 1934 as ENM Junior College offering 2-year degrees in business and education. In 1939, the college started offering 4-year degrees and was renamed ENM College before gaining university status in 1955. The university operates from its 4-year main campus in Portales, and its 2-year satellite campuses in Ruidoso and Roswell. It is a Hispanic-serving institution with a relatively large high percent of students being of Hispanic origin.

Nursing Programs at Eastern New Mexico University

ENMU-Portales offers 2 nursing distinct nursing tracks leading to registered nurse. The first program is a cooperative program between ENMU and Clovis Community College. The other track is a registered nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) completion track for RN offered independently by ENMU. Both programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the New Mexico State Board of Nursing.

ENMU/Clovis Community College (CCC)Pre-Nursing

This program is offered as a collaborative effort between CCC and ENMU. This collaboration can be attributed to the fact that CCC had been initially established as satellite campus of ENMU before it broke–off to become an independent college.

The program at Clovis is a 2-year associate degree program meant to prepare both licensed practical nurses and registered nurses. It is a career mobility program that consists of two levels I and II. As part of the program plan, students can complete the first portion of the mobility plan by completing 51 credits: 18 of nursing courses and 33 of general education and science courses. Students can opt to exit the program and take the NLCEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses.

On the other hand, students can decide to continue with the second portion of the by competing another 21 nursing credits. As such, they become eligible to take the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. All these courses from Clovis can be completed while students are living and using facilities at ENMU. This program culminates into students being awarded an associate of science in nursing degree.

BSN Completion Program

The BSN completion is a 100% online program designed as a completion option for RN graduates of CCC and other RN from 2-year degree or diploma programs. Students who start as freshmen from the cooperative associate program at Clovis are given first preference over other applicants.  Prior to admission, all candidates must be in possession of a valid RN license in New Mexico. Besides Clovis, ENMU also has special articulation agreements for the BSN program with Pima Community College.

Upon admission, students complete 46 upper-division nursing credits through the ENMU online learning mode.  These are distributed between the junior and senior years at ENMU. Any outstanding general education and elective courses must also be completed to reach the graduation requirements of 128 credits. Generally, all students finish the BSN program within three years with a self-paced online learning mode.

Scholarships for Nursing Students at ENMU

Students at ENMU can apply for the following nursing scholarships available for ENMU students:

• Laurie, Kurt, Kaaren and Travis Mahan Endowed Scholarship
• Sharon Farris-Stern Scholarship
• Eleanor Shields Williamson Scholarship in Nursing
• Plains Regional Medical Center Scholarship
• Dabbs Merit Endowed Scholarship
• Marsha Dean Kelly and Sylvia Delores Akins Memorial Scholarship

Contact:
Eastern New Mexico University
1500 S. Avenue, Portales
NM 88130

Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Nursing School Review

Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell (ENMU-Roswell, ENMUR, ENMU-R) is a public 2-year university established in 1958. It was established as a branch of ENMU-Portales which had been operational from 1934. The mother campus offers 4-year degree programs while its 2 satellite campuses; Roswell and Ruidoso, offer 2-year programs. Due to the affiliation with the major campus ENMU-Portales, Roswell associate degrees and certificate programs are specially designed to transfer to the main campus. However, students are free to make their own choices in terms of career entry and transfer prospects.

Nursing Programs at Eastern New Mexico-Roswell

ENMU –Roswell has two nursing programs to offer to interested students. Those wishing to enter the nursing profession from the basic level can choose to apply for the nursing assisting certificate program. Those interested in professional nursing, the associate degree is their choice. The latter is designed to enable students to directly transfer to ENMU-Portales to complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree. The nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the New Mexico State Board of Nursing.

Nursing Assisting

This is a short program that trains entry-level students to become direct caregivers in hospitals, health care agencies and long term care facilities. The program takes 10 weeks of both clinical and practical study of one nursing assisting course. Following completion, students are awarded a Certificate of Occupational Training in Nursing Assisting/ Certificate of Employability. Graduates can also take a state certification exam to become Certified Nurse Assistants.

Associate of Science in Nursing

This registered nurse program prepares students to become registered nurses by taking the NLCEX-RN exam. Candidates for the programs are expected to have completed a nursing assistant course and be certified as nurse assistants. Candidates without state certification as CNA must provide proof of at least 6 months full time working experience as a nursing assistant to be eligible to apply.

The curriculum consists of between 66-74 credit hours: 40 nursing credits and at least 26 general education credits. Students admitted having taken prerequisites courses take four semesters to complete while those without prerequisites take an extra year before starting on the nursing program. Upon successful completion, an associate of science in nursing degree is awarded. Graduates also become academically prepared to take the NLCEX-RN exam.

BSN Completion Program

Graduates of the associate degree at Roswell are given the chance to complete a BSN degree program at ENMU-Portales. This is a 100% online program that offers students to complete a baccalaureate degree at the comfort of their homes. However, graduates of the Roswell program must complete the NLCEX-RN exam and be registered nurses before being eligible for the Portales BSN program.

The BSN completion offers an upper division nursing program of 46 credits projected to be completed within three years. Students are free to choose their preceptors and clinical sites for purposes of clinical practical. All courses in the program can be taken at a student’s pace; i.e. no specific times for taking courses.

Contact:
Eastern New Mexico University Roswell
52 University Blvd., Roswell
NM 88203

New Mexico Junior College Nursing Program Review

New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) was established in 1966 to offer post-secondary education to the residents of Lea County and neighboring communities. Its objective was to offer affordable yet high quality academic programs in preparation for workforce entry or transfer to four-year colleges. It’s location in Hobbs offers a serene rural learning environment in Southeastern New Mexico. It offers associate degree programs in science, applied science, arts and a few certificate and vocational training opportunities.

Nursing Programs at New Mexico Junior College

NMJC has 4 and nursing programs to choose from depending on where the students wish to start from. At the basic level, students can choose the short nurse aide program. Those wishing to become registered nurses can apply for the 2-year associate degree nursing program. This program is offered as a career mobility program with an option to exit at some level and take the practical nursing licensure exam. There is also the Licensed practical nurse/licensed vocational nurse advanced placement option. NMJC nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Nurse Aide (CNA)

The Nurse Aide is a short course meant to train entry-level students to provide patient care and bedside care. The program enables students to take the state’s Certified Nurse Assistant exam and be entered in the states Nurse Aide Registry. At NMJC, it is a prerequisite for the registered nurse program.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Option

Since the registered nurse program is a career mobility program, students must meet all the requirements of the associate degree program. This includes being in the states Nurse Aide Registry having completed a CNA program in the last one year.

Students are basically admitted in the RN program to complete the first 3 semester’s credit requirements of the associate degree in nursing. Prior to starting on the nursing courses, students must complete 29 general education and science courses. The first year/level I include the first 2 semesters and the second year/level II has the 3^rd semester. Up to the 3^rd semester, students will have completed 34 nursing credits plus the 29 and will be eligible to apply for the NLCEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses. They are also awarded a Certificate of Completion for Practical Nursing

LPN/LVN to RN Completion Option

LPN/ Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) seeking advanced placement in the registered nurse program are advised to contact the school directly. This enables the LPN to discuss the entry level and the number of credits they need to complete on an individual basis.

Associate Degree Nursing Program (RN)

This program is a continuation of the LPN program from the 3^rd semester level. After completing the 63 credits required for the LPN certificate, students can continue to take another one semester of 10 nursing credits. This brings the total number of credits for the RN program at NMJC to 73. The entire curriculum to become an RN is therefore designed to be completed in 4 semesters of full time study.  Students become eligible to take the NLEX-RN exam.

Contact:
New Mexico Junior College
1 Thunderbird Circle, Hobbs
NM 88240

New Mexico State University Carlsbad Nursing School Review

New Mexico State University (NMSU-Carlsbad, NMSU-C, NMSUC) prides to be oldest community college in the state. It was started in 1950 as Carlsbad Instructional Center before acquiring the current name in 1960. It is a branch of NMSU-Las Cruces and offers only 2-year associate degree programs, non-credit programs, personal development, continuing education and adult basic education programs. Most of the 2-years programs have been designed to offer transfer opportunities to the Las Cruces campus for interested students.  In addition, the college also offers some selected upper division and graduate programs from Las Cruces onsite.

Nursing Programs at NMSU-Carlsbad

The nursing department at Carlsbad offers a career mobility associate degree program that enables students to begin nursing practice at various points. The program is designed with two exits options such that after completion of the first level, students can take the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses. Students can also continue with the second level of the program to become prepared for the NLCEX-RN exam and become registered nurses (RN). It is also an approving agency for continuing education units for RN through mandate from AACN.  Through NMSU-Las Cruces distance learning, graduates of the RN program can complete an online Bachelor or Master of Science in nursing degree right at Carlsbad.

Certificate in Practical Nursing

This program is part of NMSU-Carlsbad nursing career mobility program. Candidates must have completed a Certified Nurse Assistant course to be eligible to apply. The program is the first portion of the associate of applied science program.

Upon admission, students take 18 credits in the general education and supporting courses curriculum and 23 credits for the nursing program curriculum. These are usually designed to be completed in the first two semesters of the associate track. After completing the total 41 credits for this section, students can choose to exit and take the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed Practical nurses besides earning the certificate of completion.

Associate Degree in Nursing

This registered nurse program picks from the first section of the LPN option. Since students had already completed 18 general education and 23 nursing credits, they only need to add an extra 29 credits to bring it to a total of 70 for the associate degree. This package is taken in the 3^rd and 4^th semester of the sophomore year. Students become eligible for the NLCEX-RN exam for initial licensure as registered nurses. In addition, the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) degree; a transferable degree is also awarded.

NMSU Distance Education

The distance education nursing programs are offered by the main campus New Mexico State University-Las Cruces. Graduates of all NMSU branches become eligible to take the distance learning program at their local sites. In this case, NMSU Carlsbad ADN graduates can apply to complete the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree (BSN) in Eddy County. The RN to BSN program is offered 100% online by faculty of Las Cruces. BSN graduates can also choose the Master of Science in nursing (MSN) which is also offered online. Both distansce education nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Contact:
New Mexico State University Carlsbad
1500 University Drive, Carlsbad
NM 88220

New Mexico State University Alamogordo Nursing School Review

New Mexico State University-Alamogordo (NMSU-A, NMSUA) opened its doors for the first students in 1958. It offered night classes at the Alamogordo High School with an objective of offering post-secondary education to military students.  Besides offering university-credited education, NMSU-A also offers technical and occupational programs. This two-year community college campus is part of NMSU-Las Cruces. As such, it offers degree programs that are in line with 4-year degree requirement of the mother campus at convenient location and affordable fees.

The Nursing Program at NMSU-Alamogordo

NMSU-A offers an associate degree in nursing program for preparation of registered nurses. For students who wish to take the Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN), the Pre-nursing certificate program is their choice. It is a non-licensure program for most foundation and general education courses needed to complete upper division nursing courses. As a branch campus of NMSU-Las Cruces, graduates students of the associate program are offered a chance to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Las Cruces. The program associate program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Pre-Nursing Certificate

The Pre-nursing certificate program is a special program designed to enable students to complete non-nursing courses required for associate and bachelor nursing programs. It consists of 51 non-nursing general education courses in sociology, general sciences, math, anatomy & physiology among others. 

Most courses in this curriculum are transferable to four year colleges for those wishing to take a BSN degree. Students must note that they do not gain eligible for licensure or to practice nursing. It is also not a requirement to enter the NMSU-A associate nursing program.

Associate in Nursing

This registered nurse track is a limited entry program designed to be completed in 4 semesters of full time study. Candidates must have completed a nursing assistant course and have a current Certified Nurse Assistant certificate. Pre-requisite courses must be completed prior to admission into for the nursing courses. On the other hand, co-requisites may be completed prior to admission or hand-in-hand with the nursing courses. Almost all of the pre-requisites and co-requisite courses can be completed online. Two of the nursing courses also have online scheduling.

In total, students complete 72 credits after which they become eligible to apply and take the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. They also graduate with a transferable Associate of Science in nursing degree.

NMSU Distance Education

Despite earning a degree that can transfer to most 4-year colleges for a BSN, graduates of the nursing program at NMSU-Alamogordo can take advantage of the distance learning nursing degrees offered by the mother campus: NMSU-Las Cruces. These programs: a BSN and Master of science-Administration degrees can be completed right at Alamogordo.

Specifically, immediate RN graduates can take the 100% online RN to BSN program to earn a baccalaureate nursing degree. NMSU-A also facilitates the distance education MSN program for BSN-prepared students. Programs under the NMSU distance education are also available in all other 2-year branches of Las Cruces including Carlsbad, Dona Ana Community college and Albuquerque.

Contact:
New Mexico State University Alamogordo
2400 N. Scenic Dr, Alamogordo
NM 88310

New Mexico State University-Las Cruces Nursing School Review

New Mexico State University-Las Cruces (NMSU–Las Cruces, NMSU-LC) was formed after the merging of two colleges: New Mexico Agricultural and Mechanical Arts College and Las Cruces College established in 1988 and 1989 respectively.  The merge happened in 1890 and it continued operating from the former Las Cruces college site before moving to a new site south of Las Cruces.  NMSU is one of the largest land-grant universities in the state and has expanded with a number of branch campuses. Most of its branch campuses are 2-year community colleges namely NMSU- Carlsbad, Alamogordo, Grants, Albuquerque and Dona Ana Community College.

Nursing Programs at New Mexico State University-Las Cruces

NMSU-Las cruces nursing programs can be classified into those offered on-site at Las Cruces and those offered at each of the branch campuses. In this guide, we will discuss the programs offered at the Las Cruces campus or online/distance from Las Cruces. NMSU offers a variety of options for the prospective nursing student with its dynamic bachelor’s, masters and doctoral programs. 

Within the undergraduate category, there are 3 options: the generic 4-year Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN), a 2^nd degree in nursing option and an online registered nurse (RN) to BSN completion option. At master level, the university has one Master of Science in nursing (MSN)-Administration track. The two terminal nursing degree programs are also offered: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the PhD in nursing.  Programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This is the generic program that offers a pre-licensures curriculum for recent high school graduates or those with no prior nursing experience. The program is designed to cover 68 credits of pre-requisites and general education courses only during the freshman and sophomore years. If students successfully complete this section, they can take 61-67 nursing major/upper division nursing credits in the junior and senior years.  Completion of this curriculum makes the students eligible to take the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses besides. Students are also awarded a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

Note

This program is also offered to students of NMSU-Grants at the same timing and schedules as the main campus. This means that BSN students at Grants follow classes live from Las Cruses through Live Interactive Television. All courses offered at the main campus are delivered in a real-time synchronous mode via videoconferencing.  Student at Grants earn the same degree and eligible for the NLCEX-RN exam.

Online RN to BSN Option

The RN-BSN completion program is designed for registered nurse graduates of associate programs. New students are admitted once annually during the summer session. Candidates are expected to have completed all general education requirements for the NMSU BSN prior to starting the program.

Coursework from earlier programs is evaluated against that of the school of nursing and credits awarded appropriately. Credits transferred are only lower division courses, to a maximum of 41 credits.  All outstanding requirements for the lower division must be completed. All courses for the upper division nursing are offered 100% online; students only need to come to campus for a 3-day orientation session at the very start of the program.  The program is projected to take one year of full time, online learning. This track is offered as a Distance Learning option at other NMSU-branch campuses.

2^nd Baccalaureate Degree

The 2^nd degree pathway is offered for students with undergraduates degrees in other fields other than nursing. The program admits new students biannually for the fall and spring semesters. Students receive most of the lower division degree requirements from their earlier programs. As such, the curriculum offered is a 67-credit pre licensure package designed to prepare the students take the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. It is a rigorous track and demands full time commitment on the part of the student.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program

The MSN program at NMSU offers two degree plans to qualified students as follows:

Nursing Administration

This track is open for the registered nurse who has a BSN degree. It is a 42 credit hour program available in part time and full time options.  The full time option takes 2 years of 4 semesters and 1 summer while the part time option requires 3 years of 6 fall and spring semesters and 1 summer semester.  Professional busy student in the MSN program can also choose to complete the coursework 100% online otherwise,  one can attend onsite classes. This track is also offered as a Distance Learning options at other NMSU-branch campuses

Roadrunner MSN (2^nd degree option)

The roadrunner MSN program is specifically meant for students without prior nursing experience but have undergraduate or graduate degrees in other fields. All student are admitted in cohorts and must remain as so to the end. The program offers nursing courses in undergraduates and graduates levels to enable the student become a MSN generalist yet eligible for the NLCEX-RN exam.

Due to lack of prior nursing experience, this track is offered in a hybrid of online and classroom instruction-especially for clinical purposes. All undergraduate courses with a clinical component are offered within Lac cruces. Students can complete the 92-nursing credits in 2.5 years: 5 semesters and 3 summer sessions of year-round study and become registered nurses after the NLCEX-RN exam.

Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

The DNP program at NMSU is a terminal degree that has two entry options: Post BSN DNP and Post-MSN DNP cohorts. It has been designed in line with the requirement of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing to convert all advanced practice MSN tracks to the DNP by 2015. As such, this program offers students the freedom of choosing among Mental/Psychiatric Health Nursing, Public health or Adult Health options as their area of concentration. These options; previously available as MSN specialties are no longer offered as so at NMSU.

Post-BSN to DNP students are only admitted for a full time study plan in contrast with the Post MSN to DNP which has both full time and part time options. On a further note, the mental health track is offered in odd numbered years while the adult and public health tracks are offered in even numbered years. All courses for both options are offered online/ web enhanced formats with an annual 2-3 day onsite seminar. Failure to attend the orientation leads to dismissal from the DNP.

Online PhD in Nursing

This terminal degree program is designed for MSN prepared nurses who wish to become nurse researcher/scholars in contrast to the practice-based DNP. Like the DNP, all courses are offered online with full time and part time options. Students must attend a 1 week campus residency session in addition to a mandatory research conference annually.

The program carries a curriculum of 72 credits: 51 didactic and 21 dissertation credits. Full time students can take 3 years of 6 semesters and 3 summers while the part time track can take 5 years 5 summers and 10 semesters.

 Contact:
New Mexico State University – Las Cruces
1780 East University Avenue, Las Cruces,
NM 88003

San Juan College Nursing Program Review

San Juan College (SJC) was founded in 1956 as a branch campus of the current New Mexico State University (NMSU) in Farmington. The branch operated in temporally facilities of Farmington High school and offered only part time and evening classes. The branch acquired its own facilities and permanent site in 1968 still under NMSU. Due to the tremendous growth of this campus, San Juan County voted to make San Juan-NMSU an autonomous and independent college hence separating it from NMSU. As such, it became San Juan Junior College in 1981 which was later named SJC; a 2-year public community college.

Nursing at San Juan College

San Juan College offers a nursing curriculum leading to the associate degree in nursing (ADN). The associate program is designed to offer three entry options: Track I taking 24 months, Track II taking 18 months and an advanced placement option for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). In addition to the main tracks, SJC has a Nurse Aide Program under its Career and Technical Education category. The associate degree tracks are approved by the New Mexico Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Nurse Aide Certification

This course trains entry-level students on basic nursing skills as stipulated in the Omnibus Reconciliation Act. Students become prepared by taking classroom, theory and clinical work to take state certification exams to become certified nurse aides.

Track I ADN Program Option

This Associates Degree in Nursing track is offered every fall semester and takes the form of the traditional program. Before applying, students must take the TEAS V test and submits their scores to the nursing department for selection purposes. The program takes 24 months to complete with all clinical and theory classes being offered during the day on a full time basis.

To eligible for the award of an Associate degree in nursing (ADN), students must successfully complete 72 credits. The study plan of the 24 months is five academic semesters including a summer session. Graduates become eligible to apply and write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Track II ADN Program Option

This track is similar to the track I option in terms of curriculum and admission requirements. The only difference is that it is offered in a non-traditional format of late afternoon and evening sessions for clinical and theory classes.  Interested candidates must note that the track is offered once annually on even years only.

Prior to applying, students must have completed at least 27 prerequisite and general education courses. The remaining courses out of the 72 for the ADN are taken at San Juan College in a period of 18 months. Students earn an associate in nursing degree and as well become eligible to apply and take the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Advanced Placement

The advanced placement is open for licensed practical nurses and transfer students from other nursing programs.  Advanced placement opportunities are given on a space availability basis. Once admitted, students complete a Transition and Advanced Placement course to facilitate credit transfer from the previous program.

Contact:
San Juan College
4601 College Blvd., Farmington
NM 87402

Santa Fe Community College Nursing Program Review

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) was founded in 1983, operating in rented and temporally sites. The college was developed from scratch with the support of residents of Santa Fe. From rented property to its own permanent campus at Santa Fe, the community college has so much to show.  As a community college, SFCC offers students credit courses for various 2-year associate degree programs, non-credits courses and adult learning opportunities to Santa Fe residents and beyond. 

Nursing at Santa Fe Community College

The nursing program at SFCC prepares students to become registered nurses (RN) with a 2-year associate degree curriculum. Qualified candidates can join the program as freshmen or transfer students. The program also has an advanced placement option for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) who wish to becomes registered nurses. The rather unique Paramedic to RN option is also available as an advanced placement option. The tracks are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the New Mexico Board of Nursing.

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

The AAS nursing program at Santa Fe Community College is designed to enable students get into employment immediately.  Candidates are expected to have completed all prerequisites courses in addition to a Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR course prior to applying. Admission into the program is competitive and selection is based on prerequisites and GPA scores.  Selection is also based on residency where preference is given to New Mexico residents.

After admission, students are denoted as pre-nursing students until all general education and science course are completed. After this, students can re-apply again to be admitted in the nursing major.  As freshmen, students complete 33 general education courses within the first year. Nursing courses constitute 38 credits totaling to 71 credits for the program. Nursing courses are designed to be completed in 15 months of full time study while it would take 2-3years to complete the entire curriculum for the AAS.

After successful completion of the coursework, students graduate with an Associate of Applied Science in nursing degree: a degree not meant for transfer but for workforce entry. Graduates also become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Entry Options

Besides the generic option of first-year admissions, the program also accepts licensed practical nurses (LPN), paramedics and re-entry students. The advanced placement students take differing times to complete the program depending on the number of credits accepted for transfer. This means that candidates joining through advanced placement have personalized study plans and completion times.

Articulation Agreements

Despite being an occupation-oriented degree program, SFCC has formed special articulation agreements to enable the graduates complete a baccalaureate nursing degree. In this view, students can take advantage of SFCC and University of New Mexico (UNM) articulation agreement into the university’s Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) program. Students planning to transfer to other 4-year colleges besides UNM must consult with their future school and academic advisor to ensure courses taken will be transferable.

Contact:
Santa Fe Community College
6401 Richards Avenue, Santa Fe
NM 87508

University of New Mexico Nursing School Review

As a Hispanic-serving center of higher learning, University of New Mexico (UNM) was founded in 1889. It is located in the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico with additional satellite learning centers in Gallop, Taos, Valencia County and Los Alamos.  The university presents a rich and diverse culture of Native citizens, Latinos, Hispanics and Indians.  UNM boasts to be the flagship research university in the state with extensive research especially in the health care sector. It offers over 210 baccalaureates, master and doctoral degree programs available in both traditional and non-traditional modes of learning.

Nursing Programs at University of New Mexico

Health science programs and medical care make UNM one of the most respected research institutions in the state. In the nursing category, the university has bachelor, master and terminal nursing degrees. The baccalaureate programs are designed for basic entry-level candidates seeking initial licensure and registered nurses wishing to complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree (BSN). At the master’s level, candidates can choose from the 6 Master of Science in nursing (MSN) options available while those seeking terminal degrees can enroll for the PhD in nursing. Post-master’s tracks are available for all the MSN concentrations above. UNM baccalaureate and master programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Basic Entry Option

The basic entry option is designed for recent high school graduates with no prior nursing experience. The program admits students twice annually for the fall and spring semesters.  Candidates are expected to have completed at least 16 prerequisite credits prior to placing their applications. However, applicants must note that preference is given to New Mexico applicants over other applicants.

Once admitted at UNM, students must complete 65 credits of freshmen and sophomore courses after which, a second application into the BSN basic entry option is made. The basic entry option curriculum consists of 63-credits of upper division nursing courses and is designed to take 4 academic semesters.  In total, the two categories of 128credits take 8 academic semesters to complete. Upon successful completion, students graduate with a 4-year Bachelor of Science in nursing degree and become eligible to take the NLCEX-RN exam.

RN to BSN Undergraduate Degree Option

This is an online program designed to allow and accommodate registered nurses to have flexible schedules in their quest for higher education.  The track admits students thrice annually for fall, spring and summer semesters. Registered nurses are given individualized progression plans and acceleration options are available for high achieving students.  Admitted students take a Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (ACE RN to BSN) to facilitate award of 34 upper division courses.  Other credits in the lower division category can be transferred if applicable.

Master in Nursing Program

The graduate nursing program offers various options leading to the Master of Science in nursing (MSN). The graduate program has advanced practice, community health and nursing education and administration. In the advanced practice category, the following MSN tracks are offered:

• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse-Midwifery
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

The Nursing education, Nursing Community health and Nursing Administration tracks can be offered alone or as dual degrees along with Public Health or Public Administration (MSN/MPH or MSN/MPA).

Acute Care Nurses Practitioner

The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) track welcomes BSN-prepared candidates from nationally accredited programs. BSN graduates of non-accredited programs together with Registered nurses with non-BSN degrees can also be admitted based on individualized selection. All candidates must also have valid registered nurse licenses for New Mexico.

The program takes 6 terms including 2 summers of full time study to complete. However, core nursing courses can be completed on part time basis but once started on the ACNP courses; students must commit themselves full time basically during the second year. All courses are web-enhanced so students do not need to be in campus for classes. On this note, students can arrange for accessible clinical sites and preceptors with UNM at various sites throughout the state.

Family Nurse Practitioner

The FNP track starts in the summer semester and is only available as a full time track with only 2 core courses being offered online. Clinical core courses are offered in blocks and rotations must be followed ie lectures followed by clinicals. Students in this track must be prepared to travel outside Albuquerque for 2 mandatory clinical rotations. This is because the program aims to train nurses in working underserved populations.

Nurse Midwifery

The academic qualifications needed for eligibility to apply match those of the other advanced practice tracks above. However, candidates for this track are required to have at least one year working experience as registered nurses. It is also a 6-terms full time program with a curriculum consisting of 55 credit hours.  Students are strongly advised not to take employment during study.

All but one course in the first two terms can be completed online and students may choose to stay away. For all other terms, students must be available on site on a full time basis. The track also has a strong emphasis on rural settings and a lot of travelling outside Albuquerque is inevitable.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

The PNP track is designed for candidates who meet academic qualifications matching those for the above tracks. However, the candidates must have at least 2 years experience as a registered nurse to be eligible for selection.

It is as 47-credit full time program with no provisions for part time classes. Classes commence in summer for year round learning for a period of 6 terms of 2 academic years including 2 summer sessions.  Core and non-clinical courses can be completed online but PNP courses must be taken on site.

Nursing Education

The nurse education track is a very flexible program as all courses can be taken online with exception of fieldwork. The 32-credit curriculum can be completed on a full time basis of 4 semesters inclusive of a summer semester or a part time basis of 6-terms: 4 semesters and 2 summer sessions. This track can be taken as a dual degree along with Master of Public health (MPH) or Master of Public Administration (MPA).

Nurse Administration

This track is available independently or students can opt for a dual degree along with MPH or MPA.  The curriculum consists of 32 credits that can be completed in a part time plan that can extend up-to 7 years to accommodate the working demands of registered nurses. The fulltime plan of 4 semesters including a summer takes less than 2 years to complete. All courses can be completed through web-enhanced online modes.

Post-Master’s Certificates

University of New Mexico offers post-master’s certificates in all the concentration areas at the MSN level. The tracks consist of an average of 15 courses to help registered nurses become certified in the following areas:

• Acute Care Nurses Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Midwifery
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing Education
• Nurse Administration

PhD Program

This terminal nursing degree at University of New Mexico is available for master-prepared students.  However, BSN students with a master degree other than MSN are only considered on an individual basis. Students can choose their own individualized concentration plan or opt for the university’s Health Policy concentration.

Degree requirements are completed in a part time plan requiring only 6-7 credits per term. Learning is all-year round and includes summer semesters. A maximum of 70 credits are required to fulfill the requirements for graduation.

Contact:
University of New Mexico
1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
NM 87131

Western New Mexico University Nursing School Review

Founded in 1893, Western New Mexico University (WNMU) serves as a serene learning environment for the people of New Mexico, the neighboring Arizona and beyond.  The university is located very close to the lush Gila National Forest, giving students an opportunity for many outdoor activities like hunting, camping and backpacking. In addition to the main campus located at Silver City, WNMU has extended campus sites in Gallup, Deming, Lordsburg and Truth or Consequences.  The university offers close to 80 programs: 41 baccalaureates, 10 master and 27 2-year associate and certificate programs.

Nursing at Western New Mexico University

The school of nursing at WNMU offers four nursing programs; two of which prepare candidates to become registered nurses (RN). The tracks are a generic associate degree in nursing option, an advanced placement option for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and a baccalaureate completion program for registered nurses.  A 4^th program is a short Certified Nurse Assistant course that trains entry-level candidates to enter the nursing profession. The associate programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission while the baccalaureate option is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Certified Nurse Assistant

This is a short 60-hours theory and 90-hours clinical course designed to prepare entry-level students to work as nursing assistants in health care facilities. The course prepares students to take certification exams to become licensed as nursing assistants.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

This is a limited admission program with only 32 students admitted per year. The program is offered at the WNMU main campus and the Mimbres Valley Learning center. Candidates must have certified nurse assistant status before applying to the program otherwise; a nursing assistant course must be taken after admission and licensure obtained.

The curriculum consists of 72 credit hours designed to be competed in four semesters and 2 summer sessions. Upon completion, students become eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses and graduate with an associate of science in nursing degree.

Associate Degree in Nursing- LPN to ADN

The LPN to ADN option is meant for New Mexico or multi-state licensed practical nurses who wish to become professional registered nurses. Due to the limited space in the registered nurses program, admission into the advanced standing option is based upon space availability in the sophomore year class of the ADN program.

To facilitate credit transfer and for advanced standing, students must complete 2 freshman years courses and CLEP exams.  Upon earning advanced status, practical nurses complete a maximum of 66 credits including 5 of a nursing articulation course. Successful completion of the curriculum leads to eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam for the transition to professional nursing.

RN to BSN Program

This program is designed or registered nurses who wish to complete the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree program. Candidates must be graduates of accredited associate and diploma programs and have active RN licenses.  Graduates of Associate nursing programs can automatically transfers all lower division nursing courses but diploma graduates must have their courses evaluated before transferring.

Registered nurses take a minimum of 50 upper division courses: 36 nursing, 12 outside the major and 2 electives. All nursing courses in the RN to BSN program are offered online, including most of general education courses. This online format enables RN to earn a baccalaureate degree without giving-up their employment. Basically, the track takes 2 semesters and 2 summers to complete.

Contact:
Western New Mexico University
1000 W. College Street, Silver City
NM 88062

Atlantic Cape Community College Nursing Program Review

Atlantic Community College (ACC) opened doors to its first students in 1966 on rented property of the Atlantic City High school of Atlantic County. This was after a New Jersey County college act was passed to establish affordable county colleges. Two years later, the college set-up its own campus and moved to its current location in May Landings. From its time of founding, Cape May County wanted the college to be part of the county and in 1999; the college became a joint college between the two counties. This warranted the change of name to Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC).

Nursing at Atlantic Cape Community College

The nursing department at Atlantic Cape Community College has one main nursing program that leads to an Associate degree award. The program is accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Licensed Practical Nurses are also considered for advanced placement in the associate program. In addition, it offers three nursing assistant programs under its continuing education category.

Nursing- Associate in Applied Science

This program is meant to prepare fresh entry-level candidates and licensed practical nurses to become professional nurses. Candidates must have completed at least 20 general education credits and a TEAS V test to be allowed to apply. Admission into the program is competitive and preference is given to candidates from the Cape May and Atlantic counties. Other candidates outside these regions are only considered on space availability basis. Students are admitted every fall and spring semesters for the nursing courses.

Once admitted, students take an additional 46 nursing and supporting credits to make up-to 66 credits required for graduation. Courses are taken on a full time basis at the May Landings campus for a period of 2 years. Courses must be completed in a sequential manner but in the case a student cannot complete a course, there is 1 chance for re-admission.  However, re-admission for a skipped course is not guaranteed and so is the case of a failed course.

After completion of the required curriculum coursework, students must take an “exit Exam” as required by the state of New Jersey. Only those who pass this exam are allowed to apply for the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. In addition, students are awarded an Associate of Applied Science in nursing degree. For LPNs seeking advanced placement, a LPN Transition course must be completed before starting on the associates’ nursing courses. This allows students to receive credits and gain advanced placement status in the associate program.

Continuing Education-Health Care

In the health care category of their continuing education, Atlantic Cape Community college has 3 nursing programs all offered at the Worthington Atlantic City Campus:

• Certified Home Health Aide

This is a 78 hours program that trains entry-level students to become nursing assistant in home health care agencies. Completion of this state’s board of nursing approved program enables students to apply to become Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)

• Certified Nurse Aide

This program is meant to prepare students to launch their nursing careers from the basic foundation level. It is a 90-hours program of 50 theory and 40 clinical hours.  The program is approved by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. Completion enables students to write the state examination in order to become Certified Nurse Aides (CNA)

• CHHA for CNAs

The Certified Home Health Aide for CNAs is a 10-hour program that enables them to become CHHAs. The program accepts students on a rolling basis after every 2 Saturdays.

Contact:
Atlantic Cape Community College
5100 Black Horse Pike, May Landings,
NJ 08330

Bayonne Medical Center Nursing Program Review

The School of Nursing at Bayonne Medical Center (BMC) opened its doors for the first students in 1891. The school offered in-house training for nurses who also served as members of staff in the hospital during their free time. The school was first approved for diploma nurse training in 1912 but by 1973, students started taking college credits from St. Peter’s College.  By 1998, the school expanded its curriculum and formed a joint program to enable students graduate with an associate degree alongside the diploma from Bayonne Medical Center.

The Nursing Program at Bayonne Medical Center

One nursing program is offered by the school of nursing at Bayonne medical center. The curriculum leads to two awards: a diploma and an associate degree. The program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting commission and is approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. The objective of the program is to prepare entry-level students and licensed Practical nurses to become registered nurses.

The Cooperative Program

Students admitted into Bayonne Medical Center school of Nursing have the advantage of receiving training from two distinct institutions. All course work required is taught by School of nursing and Hudson County Community College faculty.  Students need 33 nursing credits and 37 general education and supporting courses. The coursework is spread-out in 2-years of 4 fall and spring semesters, 2 winter sessions and 4 summer sessions.

Most courses with a clinical component are taken at Bayonne Medical center on a hospital-based delivery mode.  Completion of the program leads to the award of a Diploma from Bayonne Medical Center and an Associate of science in nursing degree from Hudson County Community College. Students also become eligible to apply and take the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Licensed Practical Nurses wishing to have a transition into professional nursing are also welcome to apply into the program. Such students must show proof of LPN licensure in the state to be eligible to apply.  Prior to admission, LPNs must take a Test of Cognitive Skills (TCS) to be allowed to take the LPN Transition course.  The courses enable students to gain advanced placement status in the associate towards becoming registered nurses.

Note

All qualified candidates must make their applications for consideration in this cooperative program from Hudson County Community College.  Students must note that all administration costs, fees and any other payments are paid to the community college and not Bayonne Medical Center. In addition, students pay all the applicable fees including tuition fees in the rates being used at Hudson

Joint Admission Program RN to BSN

The joint admission program enables Registered Nurses (RNs) to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree after graduation from Hudson County Community College and Bayonne Medical Center School of Nursing. These two have partnered with New Jersey City University to facilitate a ‘seamless’ transfer of their RN graduates.  Students transfer all the 71 general education and nursing credits taken at the two institutions to the New Jersey City University BSN program. After admission, students take an online BSN transition course that further awards then 17 nursing major credits. This means that RNs only need to complete 42 credits at the university to graduate with a BSN degree.

Contact:
Bayonne Medical Center
29 East 29^th St., Bayonne,
NJ 07002

Bergen Community College Nursing Program Review

Bergen Community College (BCC) was founded in 1965 following the need of quality and affordable higher education in Bergen County. The college offers transfer programs, career-entry training and lifelong learning opportunities to the community around it. It has three campuses: Lyndhurst, Hackensack and Paramus the main campus. Through these campuses, about 17,000 students take 2-year degrees and an additional 15,000 are enrolled in non- credit courses, adult education and continuing education.

The Nursing Program at Bergen Community College

Bergen Community College has one nursing program to offer to qualified candidates. The program; an associate of applied science is meant to prepare students to become registered nurses. The program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Students of BCC nursing program can also take the advantage of the Kean’s University nursing education partnership as will be explained.

Associate of Applied science (AAS)

This degree program has a curriculum designed to prepare qualified candidates to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. It is an occupation-based program, hence not suitable for students wishing to transfer to other four-year universities but those who want to get into employment fast. The program’s curriculum is offered on two options: day and evening.

Students interested in the day options must place their applications before February 1^st for classes commencing fall semester. On the other hand, the evening program accepts students who wish to start on the spring semester hence, applications must be received in BCC by October 1^st. Applicants for the evening option must have completed all the general courses to be allowed to apply while day students may start on general courses after admission. 

Both options take 2 years to complete and the only difference is that while day students take the usual 4 semesters, evening students take 8 semesters of year-round learning which includes summer and winter sessions. A total of 69 credits are required to be eligible for graduation: 36 general education and 33 nursing credits. After completing the coursework, students may apply for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

ADN/ BSN Partnership

Bergen Community College has partnered with Kean University to offer the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) nursing education completion. This partnership enables students at Bergen to enroll and take courses for the Kean University BSN degree while still at Bergen. Students interested in this program must apply and be accepted at Kean to allow them to take upper division nursing courses of the University.

ADN students at Bergen enroll for all upper division non-clinical courses which are taken at the Lyndhurst campus on Mondays and Wednesdays. Only a few exceptions can be taken at Paramus campus.  These courses are taken concurrently with those of the ADN curriculum at Bergen and some are offered during summer sessions.

By the time students finish their Associate degree requirements at Bergen, they usually have 88 credits; all of which are transferred to Kean University BSN program. It is not mandatory for students to apply for licensure after completing the Bergen coursework to start on the upper division clinical coursework at Kean University. Generally, the remaining courses can be completed in 12 months of full time study. Busy students can opt for the more flexible part time that takes 2-4 years.

Contact:
Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Road, Paramus,
NJ 07652

Bloomfield College Nursing Program Review

Bloomfield College (BC) has its history dating back to 1869, when it first opened doors for the first seminarian students. The college, then known as German Theological Seminary was based in Newark Township. Three years later, the college relocated to Franklin and occupied what was once Bloomfield academy. After a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree was established in 1923, the seminary and the college separated but remained partners as reflected in the name: Bloomfield College and Seminary.  In 1961, the college dropped the word seminary to the current name to reflect the full range of academic programs offered.

Nursing Programs at Bloomfield College

Nursing programs at the college are offered at the Frances M. McLaughlin Division of Nursing. There are two nursing programs which both lead to the Bachelor of Science in nursing. Qualified candidates can choose between the traditional Bachelor of Science for entry level pre-licensure students or the registered nurses baccalaureate completion option. The programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Once admitted, students can also take advantage of the numerous institutional-based nursing program scholarships available.

Nursing-Bachelor of Science (BSN)

The BSN is designed for candidates who apply as freshmen or transfer students from other colleges. The curriculum of this Traditional Track is designed to be completed in 4 years of full time study.  Qualified candidates do need any college credits before acceptance into the program. Admitted students take 24 nursing & supporting courses and 9 general education courses. As a requirement by New Jersey Nursing board, students who complete the coursework must take an “exit exam” before applying for NLCEX-RN. Only students who pass this exam are endorsed to take the National RN exams to become registered nurses (RN).  Successful candidates are also awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree

RN to BSN Accelerated Degree Program

This fast track enables registered nurses who hold diplomas or associate degree to complete a baccalaureate degree in a flexible and short period. RNs must have New Jersey registered nurse licensure and RNs from other states must obtain the New Jersey’s licensure to be accepted.  Courses are offered in a manner that allows registered nurses to work while they study. Courses are delivered in a hybrid of online and face-to –face classroom instructions.

 A maximum of 16 course units can be earned by means of transfer, Excelsior College Examination and CLEP.  Students need to attend classes on campus only once a week for theory classes while clinical experience schedules may differ in time and location. Classes run on all-year format and can take 15 to 18 months to complete. At least 8 courses must be completed at Bloomfield for students to eligible for graduation with a BSN degree. The exact number of courses to be taken depends on the number of courses transferred.

Bloomfield College: Nursing Scholarships

The nursing program students at the college can benefit from the following specific and private nursing scholarships available from the financial aid office:

• Mern Shafman Memorial Nursing Scholarship
• Presbyterian Nursing Alumnae Scholarship
• Zonta Scholarships
• The Rath Family Scholarships
• Katherene E. Carretta Nursing Scholarship
• Dorothy A. Snyder Scholarship Fund
• Schering-Plough Scholarships
• Alfred E. Rowe Scholarships
• Sutcliffe Foundation Scholarships

Contact:
Bloomfield College
467 Franklin Street, Bloomfield,
NJ 07003