A new bachelor’s degree program tailored for
practicing registered nurses is now in place at
SUNY Plattsburgh’s branch campus at SUNY
Adirondack in Queensbury and is accepting
applications.
Officials said the on-campus R.N.-to-B.S. in
nursing program opens new career paths for
health professionals in Warren, Washington
and Saratoga counties. The convenient option
pairs classroom teaching and affordable SUNY
tuition with a top-rated institution known for
a premier nursing program. An online R.N.-to-
B.S. option will remain in place.
SUNY Adirondack offers a two-year associate
degree in nursing. Strengthening the connection
to include a bachelor’s degree program
provides a seamless transition from the nursing
A.A.S. degree, college officials said.
“Our longstanding partnership with SUNY
Plattsburgh coupled with our outstanding nursing
program is strengthened with the addition
of another seamless pathway for completion of
the emerging industry standard of a baccalaureate
degree in nursing,” said SUNY Adirondack
President Kristine Duffy. “Being able to offer
this continuum of education at our Queensbury
campus is crucial to connect our students and
community members with regional workforce
demands in the growing field of health care.”
“We are pleased to add an on-campus
R.N.-to-B.S. nursing completion program to
our SUNY Plattsburgh at Queensbury Branch
Campus offerings,” said Stephen Danna, Ed.D., dean of the branch campus.
“Requirements
for nursing have increased as more hospitals
and health care centers expect nurses to hold
bachelor’s degrees. We’re pleased to offer this
affordable opportunity for practicing registered
nurses.”
The on-campus R.N.-to-B.S. initiative originated
with the faculty of the SUNY Plattsburgh
Department of Nursing and Nutrition. It passed
several administrative steps and was recently
approved by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state
Department of Education.
“Our programs provide students with outstanding
resources and experiences found in
few colleges this size,” said Noreen Houck, M.S.,
R.N., associate professor and chairperson of
the SUNY Plattsburgh Department of Nursing
and Nutrition. “Students work with dedicated
faculty and industry leaders to provide health
care to their communities.”
The two colleges have had an extensive and
cooperative relationship for many years, since
SUNY Plattsburgh began offering master’s
degree programs in education at the community
college, SUNY Plattsburgh President
John Ettling said.
“The close affiliation between our two
campuses has benefitted residents in Warren,
Washington and Saratoga counties,” Ettling
said. “Since 1986, students have successfully
completed course work toward baccalaureate
and master’s degrees through classes at the Queensbury campus and online. I am pleased
that registered nurses will now be able to
pursue bachelor’s degrees through this new
arrangement.”
Initially, 26 nursing credits will be held on
site, including health assessment, health promotion,
research, informatics, theory, public
health and leadership and management. The
program can be completed in four semesters,
or two years, officials said.
A total of 415 students were enrolled in
SUNY Plattsburgh nursing programs in fall
2014. Graduates have achieved a 100 percent
pass-rate on national licensing exams within
one year of graduation. All graduates in 2014
were employed within one year of graduation,
with half securing a first job before graduation.
For information or to apply for admission,
contact Anna Liem, M.A., R.N., advisor and
program coordinator, at 564-4238 or RNOption@
plattsburgh.edu. Details on the SUNY
Plattsburgh at Queensbury Branch Campus
and the R.N.-to-B.S. program are available at
plattsburgh.edu/queensbury.