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