Nursing, A.S.

Associate in Science Degree Program

Hegis Code: 5208.1
NYSED Code: 01616

Program Description

Students who complete the Nursing program earn an Associate in Science degree. SUNY Ulster’s Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, telephone 404.975.5000, fax 404.975.5020, www.acenursing.org. SUNY Ulster’s Nursing program is also accredited by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), Office of the Professions, Division of Professional Education, 89 Washington Ave, Albany, New York 12234.

The program can be completed in two academic years or extended and pursued on a part-time basis. Nursing courses, however, must be taken consecutively, and it is recommended that they be taken without interruption. Local hospitals and health agencies are utilized as an extension of the College laboratory, providing on-site experience in various medical settings. SUNY Ulster’s Nursing program cannot be completed during the evening.

It is recommended that a student who has a felony conviction on his or her record discuss it with the Nursing Department chairperson prior to enrolling in the program. He or she may complete the program and take the licensing examination (NCLEX-RN). However, licensure determination is made by the New York State Board for Professional Licensure. Pending investigation by the State, the graduate may or may not be licensed.

Student Program Outcomes

• At the completion of the AS Nursing Degree program, a student will be able to:
• Perform safe, caring, patient-centered, evidence based nursing care to diverse populations throughout the lifespan.
• Apply critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and judgement strategies when providing patient centered care.
• Demonstrate teamwork and collaboration with members of the inter-professional team.
• Interpret informatics principles, techniques, and systems when providing nursing care.
• Analyze the role of leadership/management in a variety of healthcare settings for the purpose of providing safe, compassionate quality care in an ever evolving healthcare system.
• Practice within professional, ethical, and legal principles consistent with the role of the professional nurse.

Program Outcomes

1. Annual licensure examination pass rate will be at least 80% for all first-time test-takers during the same 12-month period.

2. 70% of the students will graduate within the time frame alloted for the program (150% of the 4 semester length (2 years) = 6 semesters (3 years).

3. 90% of graduates seeking employment will be employed in a RN position within one year of graduation.

4. Program Evaluation demonstrates that students have achieved each End-of-Program Student Learning Outcome.

Employment Potential

Upon satisfactory completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurse licensure (NCLEX-RN). This opens up local and nationwide employment opportunities for graduates in many settings with diverse populations.

Requirements for Program Entry

Visit the Nursing Program website to find information on program requirements.

Students accepted into Nursing courses are required to have the following in place prior to the Fall semester in which the courses begin:

• Satisfactory physical examination, including immunizations, titers and TB testing are required of all students for each year of the program.
• Proof of hepatitis B vaccination (available at cost through College Health Services) or a signed declination with admissions credentials.
• Basic Life Support Certification for the healthcare professional: American Heart Association.
• Compliance with established dress code.
• Professional liability insurance available through the College.
• Satisfactory certified background check and drug screening.

Developmental Assistance Available

For students who do not meet basic reading and math requirements or who have other learning issues, extra assistance is readily available through SUNY Ulster’s Learning Center, The Gary and Janaki Math Center, the Writing Center, the Peer and Friend Tutor Program, and English as a Second Language (ESL) tutors.

For More Information

For more information contact Admissions 1‐800‐724‐0833 ext. 5018 or 5022