The Nursing AAS program provides a sound foundation in both the theoretical principles of nurse caring and the clinical foundations of nursing practice. Students have varied opportunities in many different health care environments during their clinical practice in the program and, therefore, graduates of the program are prepared to begin employment in a variety of health care settings as entry level professional nurses.
The Program is approved by the New York State Board of Education and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN). This is a prestigious national accreditation that insures a quality program of study. Students completing the program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX- RN licensing exam. ACEN can be reached at: 3390 Peach Tree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326 and www.acenursing.org. Successful completion of the program enables the graduate to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN). Hegis Code Nursing 5208. Required Preparation: Students must be eligible to enter BIO 107 (Regents or college preparatory Biology and Chemistry in last 5 years with Regents score of 80% or above or BIO 103 and CHM 103 or equivalent course with a grade of C or better.)
General Education Requirements
Introduction to College Writing
| ENG 101 | Introduction to College Writing | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Writing II
Choose one:
| ENG 102 | Academic Writing | 3 |
| ENG 103 | Writing in and about the Sciences | 3 |
| ENG 104 | Writing for Business and the Professions | 3 |
| ENG 105 | Writing in and about the Social Sciences | 3 |
| ENG 106 | Writing in and about the Performing and Visual Arts | 3 |
| ENG 107 | Language, Structure and Style | 3 |
| ENG 108 | Writing in and about Literature | 3 |
| ENG 109 | Elements of Creative Writing | 3 |
| ENG 110 | Elements of Technical Writing | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
| BIO 107 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
| BIO 108 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4 |
Microbiology
| BIO 223 | Microbiology | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4 |
General Psychology
| PSY 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Principles of Sociology
| SOC 101 | Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Developmental Psychology
| PSY 222 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
SUNY GEN ED Mathematics (and Quantitative Reasoning)
Program Core Requirements
Program Core
| NUR 100 | Foundations of Nurse Caring I | 6 |
| NUR 102 | Principles of Nurse Caring II | 5 |
| NUR 103 | Principles of Family Nursing Caring | 4 |
| NUR 104 | Principles of Nurse Caring III | 10 |
| NUR 200 | Principles of Nurse Caring IV | 5 |
| NUR 201 | Principles of Mental Health Nurse Caring | 4 |
| NUR 202 | Professional Issues and Leadership Management in Nursing Capstone | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 36 |
Nursing Elective
Choose 1 credit from:
Recommended Sequence
First Semester
3 credits in ENG 101
4 credits in BIO 107
3 credits in PSY 101
2 credits in SUNY Gen Ed Mathematics (and Quantitative Reasoning)
6 credits in NUR 100
Second Semester
3 credits in ENG 102, ENG 103, ENG 104, ENG 105, ENG 106, ENG 107, ENG 108, ENG 109 or ENG 110
4 credits in BIO 108
9-10 credits in NUR 102 and NUR 103 OR NUR 104
Third Semester
4 credits in BIO 223
3 credits in PSY 222
9-10 credits in NUR 102 and NUR 103 OR NUR 104
1 credit in Nursing elective
Fourth Semester
3 credits in SOC 101
5 credits in NUR 200
4 credits in NUR 201
2 credits in NUR 202
Notes
I. Admission Information
- Students requesting admission into the Nursing Program must submit a separate Supplemental Nursing Program Application. Applications will be accepted between January 1st and February 1st for Fall consideration and between August 1st and September 1st for Spring consideration.
- A college minimum GPA of 2.8 is required to enter the Nursing Program. Students admitted to the nursing program without a college GPA must have a minimum high school GPA of 80.
- Students admitted to the nursing program must be 18 years of age or older before the first day of their first nursing course.
- All applicants must be eligible to enter college level Math and English courses as determined by SUNY Adirondack ACCUPLACER Test, or have earned college level Math and English credit.
- A grade of C+ (77) is required in all nursing courses for the AAS in Nursing and in BIO 107, BIO 108, and BIO 223. Grades less than C+ (77) in the above courses cannot be used to fulfill the program requirements.
- Students have up to two attempts to receive a C+ or greater in BIO 107, BIO 108, and BIO 223, and only courses with a grade of C+ or better within the past five years of being accepted into a nursing cohort, will be eligible to meet program requirements. Successful science course completions prior to admittance into the Nursing AAS program, will remain in place for continuously enrolled students in the Nursing AAS program.
- Admission in this program is conditional upon meeting all college and hospital specific requirements. These include, but are not limited to: annual physical examination in which the provider attests to the student’s ability to care for patients in the hospital setting; documented proof for all vaccination requirements; TB testing; Healthcare Provider CPR (must include hands on demonstration); current nursing student malpractice insurance; completion of felony conviction information in Banner; proof of medical insurance; and completion of criminal background check in CastleBranch. All items must be completed by the due date (August 1 for fall cohort & January 3 for spring cohort). Students not meeting the requirements will not be allowed in the clinical setting; this will result in an “unsafe” for the clinical day - two unsafes result in a failure for the course.
- Applicants to the Nursing Program who have been found guilty of a crime and/or have pending criminal charges (misdemeanor or felony) should contact the State Education Department Office of the Professions at 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234-1000 to determine eligibility for licensure. If a student is arrested and charged with a misdemeanor or felony anytime while enrolled in the Nursing Program, the student must report this to the Division Chair within 72 hours. Failure to report this by the required deadline may result in Program Probation or Dismissal.
- All students admitted to the Nursing Program must attend a mandatory Nursing Program Orientation (NUR 100 for traditional students, and LPN Transition course for LPNs and transfer students). Students will be required to register and pay for the LPN Transition Course. At the Orientation all nursing students will be given a Student Nursing Handbook which contains important Nursing Program Policies which will be reviewed with the students. The faculty will review the Handbook with the students and all students are required to sign the handbook attestation form acknowledging that they have received and understood the policies that they are bound to as a nursing student at SUNY Adirondack. The signed form will be kept in the student files and acknowledges understanding of the policies outlined in the handbook and consequences of a breach of this contract. Admission and continuation in this program are conditional upon annual physical examination in which the provider attests to the student’s ability to care for patients in the hospital setting; maintaining currency with all vaccinations, Healthcare Provider CPR, and nursing student malpractice insurance; and remaining in compliance with the policies and procedures as noted in the SUNY ADK Student Handbook and the Health Sciences Division Nursing Student Handbook. Forms are available from the Office Specialist in the Health Sciences Division office. Students not in compliance will not be allowed in the clinical area and will receive an unsafe for the clinical experience missed.
- A deferment from acceptance into the Nursing Program is only granted for extenuating circumstances and is not guaranteed. To qualify for a deferment, you must submit a request PRIOR to the start of the semester that you were accepted for. A deferment is only given for one (1) academic semester and only one (1) time. If a student does not start the Nursing Program after the completion of their deferment terms, they will be removed from the list and the student must reapply to the Nursing Program for future consideration.
Ia. Supplemental Admission Information for Graduates of Practical Nursing Programs
- Graduates of practical nursing programs, who are registered and licensed, may be granted advanced standing in the Nursing Program. A minimum college GPA of 2.8 or minimum practical nursing program GPA of 80 is needed for entry. Applicants must be eligible to enter BIO 108 and must have a “C+” or better in BIO 107 in two attempts or less, within the past five years of being accepted into the nursing cohort. LPN students who receive advanced placement in the Nursing Program and credit for NUR 100 will be required to take the one-day noncredit LPN Transition Course that will be offered prior to the start of the entering cohort (fall or spring semester). The cost for this course will be set by the college and will be the responsibility of the student. Satisfactory completion is required for LPN students to receive credit for NUR 100 and advanced placement in the Nursing Program. Students are expected to complete the Nursing program within 3 semesters and no more than 4.5 semesters from enrollment in the first nursing course.
Ib. Supplemental Admission Information for Students from another Accredited Nursing Program
- Students, with prior enrollment from another accredited nursing program, wishing to transfer into the SUNY ADK Nursing Program must meet the 2.8 GPA to enter the Nursing program and have a grade of C+ (77) or better in BIO 107, BIO 108, BIO 223, and any transfer nursing courses. Students may have up to two attempts to receive a C+ or greater in BIO 107, BIO 108, and BIO 223, and only courses with a grade of C+ or better within the past five years of being accepted into a nursing cohort, will be eligible to meet program requirements. Transfer nursing courses will be considered if the grade is C+ or greater - acceptance of nursing courses from other programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis Students must submit a letter of good standing from the Program Director for consideration of transfer to the Nursing Program. Transfer nursing students are required to take the one-day, noncredit LPN Transition course that is offered prior to the start of the fall and spring semesters. The cost for this course will be set by the college and will be the responsibility of the student. Satisfactory completion is required for transfer students to receive credit for NUR 100 and advanced placement in the Nursing Program. Students are expected to complete the Nursing program in 4.5 semesters from enrollment in the first nursing course.
II. Information for Continuance in the Nursing Program
- Students must receive a C+ or greater for each required nursing course. A grade less than C+ in a nursing course is considered a failure for the nursing course.
- Students must receive a C+ or greater in BIO 107, BIO 108, and BIO 223. Students may repeat the required BIO courses once to attain a C+ or better; prior BIO W or X grades are not considered a repeat but may negatively impact continuance in the program. Only courses with a grade of C+ or better within the past five years will be eligible to meet program requirements. Students are expected to have a C+ or greater in BIO 107 by the end of the first semester (traditional students) and before entering the program for advanced placement students. Students are expected to have a C+ or greater in BIO 108 by the time they have completed NUR 102, 103, and 104. Students are expected to have a C+ or better in BIO 223 before or by the time they complete the final semester of nursing courses. Failure to meet the requirements may prevent the student from progressing in the program.
- Students who fail a nursing course are not guaranteed continued enrollment in the Nursing program. If a student fails or withdraws from NUR 100 their status in the Nursing Program will be reevaluated by the nursing faculty and continued enrollment will not be guaranteed.
- Students are eligible for one withdrawal and one failure (C or less) from a required nursing course OR two withdrawals from a required nursing course, during their enrollment in the nursing program.
- Traditional students are expected to complete the Nursing program within four semesters and no more than six semesters from enrollment in the first nursing course.
- A student who will not be enrolled continuously in the Nursing Program must request a Leave of Absence per the policy in the Nursing Student Handbook. A student will only be granted a Leave of Absence for a period of one (1) semester. Only one Leave of Absence will be granted during the student’s enrollment in the nursing program. During the Leave of Absence, the student will be moved from nursing to undeclared.
- Nursing electives can be chosen from any NUR course not required in the curriculum.
- Clinical experiences are provided in area health care facilities during day and evening hours and are dependent on availability of placements. PLEASE NOTE: Students may be required to travel an hour or more to a clinical site and must provide their own transportation.
- Clinical sections may be taught by adjunct faculty.
- Unsatisfactory or unsafe application of theory in the clinical experience/laboratory may result in the student being dismissed from the Nursing program.
- Basic Drug calculation skills will be taught in NUR 100. Evaluation and demonstration of proficiency of this skill will be tested at the completion of this unit in NUR 100 and at the beginning of each major nursing course with a clinical component. Students will be provided with drug calculation practice web sites and resources which will be posted on Learning Management System to prepare for the applicable math proficiency test. Students who receive 100% on the math proficiency test will be marked as complete on the Clinical Evaluation Tool for that course. A student who fails to meet the 100% requirement for a math proficiency test after three (3) attempts will be required to participate in remediation activities and demonstrate math proficiency per policy for each nursing course, and by the end of the course for which the proficiency was not met.
- All students are required to take the HESI Medical/Surgical Exam after completing NUR 102, 103, and 104 and the comprehensive HESI Exit Exam with NUR 202. Students completing NUR 202 are strongly urged to take the pre-paid NCLEX-RN Review Course offered by the college (January or May) to aid in their success with the NCLEX-RN examination. Repeat Review Course fees are borne by the student.
- The State University of New York (SUNY) and SUNY Adirondack is committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of children who participate in college-related programs and activities, whether on or off campus. A New York State Child Abuse Background Check may be required by a clinical agency at the beginning of the student’s Behavioral Health Clinical experience. If issues are identified, it can take up to six (6) months for a student to receive clearance. It is the student’s responsibility to pursue any issues that may be identified in the background check and get clearance and their participation in this clinical experience will be deferred until clearance is received
- Articulation agreement(s) are in place that provide for a seamless transition for SUNY Adirondack nursing students from an AAS to a B.S. program of study.
- Students who have failed clinical or have been dismissed from the Nursing Program because of clinical failure may appeal the decision using the grievance procedure outlined in the Nursing Student Handbook.
- Students who have been dismissed from the Nursing Program due to failing NUR 100 or two nursing courses may petition to reenter at a later date using the procedure outlined in the Nursing Student Handbook. A student who reapplies and restarts the Nursing Program is treated as a new nursing student.
- Students who have been dismissed from the Nursing Program due to failing two nursing courses may petition to be reinstated back into the program using the procedure outlined in the Nursing Student Handbook. Students reinstated back into the program must successfully complete all core courses, with a C+ or better, on the first attempt, without any withdrawals, to remain in the program. All decisions made by the Health Sciences Division relative to reinstatement to the Nursing Program will be final.
- Any student who has been dismissed from the Nursing program will be automatically reassigned to undeclared. Further changes of major will be the responsibility of the student.
- Students seeking re-entry into the Nursing Program must retake all nursing courses unless otherwise approved by the nursing faculty.
- Beginning with nursing students admitted to the Fall 2018 academic semester, all admitted nursing students will be required to undergo a national criminal background check and submit mandated annual requirements through the college designated compliance agency. The cost of this background check and compliance tracker will be the responsibility of the admitted student. The compliance agency will notify the Division Chair of the Health Sciences Division for any positive criminal activity that is identified through this background check. This may preclude a student from participating in clinical experiences with our clinical affiliating agencies and the College may not be able to accommodate clinical placement. Success in nursing courses and progression in the Nursing Program is dependent on successful completion of clinical experiences, so a finding may affect a student’s continuance in the Nursing Program. The College reserves the right to require an additional background check while a student is enrolled in the Nursing Program or when returning from an approved Leave of Absence. The cost of the background check will be the responsibility of the student.
- For compliance with SUNY Policy #3200 - Admissions of Persons with Prior Felony Convictions, nursing students with prior felony convictions will be required to report to the Dean for Student Affairs and may be subject to review and evaluation by the campus Felony Review Committee.
- In the event that a Nursing Policy is changed/updated in the Nursing Student Handbook mid academic year, the approved, updated policy in the Nursing Student Handbook will supersede the policy in the College Catalog.
- Nursing Students are required to take a full semester of nursing courses once accepted into the Nursing Program. They may not elect to take just one seven (7) week course each semester. Exceptions may be allowed for those with a prior approved leave of absence.
- Upon graduation, SUNY Adirondack nursing graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN. However, eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN is not guaranteed. Students are responsible for reading and understanding the RN licensure requirements in the state they hope to practice in following graduation or if considering relocation.
Nursing Program Information Guide
Entry to the SUNY Adirondack Nursing A.A.S. degree program is competitive and requires both acceptance to the College and the Nursing Program. This guide will help you decide when to apply, and what you will need to do in order to submit your application.
Requirements for the Nursing Program:
To be considered for the Nursing program, you must meet the following criteria:
Submit a complete Nursing Program Application and any supporting materials (LPN transcripts, college transcripts, etc.)
Nursing Application Deadlines:
For Spring (January) start, application deadline is September 1st
For Fall (September) start, application deadline is February 1st
*Applicants who do not meet the minimum nursing requirements will not be considered for entry into the program
Am I guaranteed acceptance to the Nursing program?
Admission to the program is competitive and acceptance is not guaranteed. The entry requirements listed above represent the minimum requirements to be considered. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance. You may submit an application more than once.
What will be my major while I’m getting ready to apply to the Nursing program?
Most students will begin in the Liberal Arts: Mathematics & Sciences: Health Education Concentration. You are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor each semester before registering for courses. Please note: If you have already earned a degree from SUNY Adirondack, you must meet with an advisor to declare a new degree program.
Please contact Student Success at advising@sunyacc.edu with questions.