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Nursing - A.A.S.


The Nursing Program combines general education courses and nursing courses that allow students to complete their education in two years and be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Classroom lectures, laboratory sessions and clinical practicums in area hospitals, long term care facilities and community health agencies are offered over the four semesters. Education is viewed as a mentoring relationship based on mutual respect and understanding that recognizes the diverse needs of the learner and empowers the learner to achieve their highest level of potential. Graduates earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing and are eligible to become Registered Professional Nurses.

Important Program Information

Program Highlights

  • Obtain eligibility to be a Registered Professional Nurse
  • Develop critical thinking and professional behaviors
  • Become competent in nursing skills
  • Participate in clinical practicums and the skills laboratory

Please download a copy of the Nursing Handbook which describes our program in more detail and contains the Rubric for Nursing Admission Scoring.

The SUNY Canton Nursing Program is registered by the New York State Education Department, which is responsible to the Board of Regents. The Board is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a national accrediting body for nursing education programs. The program is also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) and Middle States, having met and maintained criteria for excellence.

Accreditations

The Associate nursing program at State University of New York at the Canton located in Canton, New York is accredited by the:

  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
    3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
    Atlanta, GA 30326
    404-975-5000
    www.acenursing.org

    The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

  • Registered by the NYS Education Department, Office of the Professions.
    State Education Building - 2nd Floor
    Albany, NY 12234
    Phone: 518-474-3817

New York State Education Department Office of the Professions

State Education Department
The University of the State of New York
Division of Professional Education
Professional Education Program Review
Education Building
89 Washington Avenue
2nd Floor, West Wing
Albany, NY 1223
Email: OPPROGS@MAIL.NYSED.GOV
Phone: (518) 474-3817 ext. 360

The majority of our graduates are employed shortly after graduation in positions as staff nurses in hospitals, long-term care facilities and community agencies. Other graduates choose to continue their education at a four-year educational institution. SUNY Canton offers a RN-BS program for those wishing to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in nursing.

Students in this Major:

  • Utilize the nursing process, think critically, and base client care on evidence based practice.
  • Engage in active learning.
  • Develop personally and professionally.
  • Upon meeting the requirements for graduation, are eligible to sit for the licensing examination to become Registered Professional Nurses.

Nursing Students Shannon Szafranski and Thea Krywanczyk holding a swaddled baby manikin during a birthing simulation lab.

Career Outlook:

  • Nursing is the largest health care occupation.
  • There is increasing diversity in nursing employment, and projections indicate large numbers of new jobs.

Employers Of SUNY Canton Graduates:

  • Hospitals and physicians’ offices
  • Home healthcare services
  • Nursing care facilities
  • Correctional facilities
  • Schools
  • Military service

Transfer Opportunities:

Graduates have a number of transfer options including: RN-MSN, RN-BSN, and BSN programs. The AAS nursing program has 2+2 articulation agreements with SUNY Canton, SUNY Upstate Medical Center and SUNY Plattsburgh.

Minimum Technology Requirements

  • Access to a working computer with internet capability.
  • Hardwire connections are recommended over wireless for assessments (tests/quizzes). Other connections (Wi-Fi, 4G/5G) may not be as reliable  when taking exams or quizzes online.
  • Technology Requirements for Online Learning

# Writing Intensive Course

Graduation Requirements: Total Semester Hours – 62 credits with minimum 2.0 GPA

*A grade of C+ or better is required for successful completion of all Nursing courses.

**A grade of C or better in all co-requisite courses.

# Writing Intensive Course

Successful completion of all co-requisite courses and a semester GPA of 2.0 is required to continue in the program. This requirement is different from that of the college in order to help insure that the student is adequately prepared to enter the nursing profession, increase likelihood of success on the NCLEX-RN test, and enhance the ability of the student to transfer credit to another college.

Once enrolled in NURS 101, students must complete the program within 2 years. For extraordinary circumstances, permission to complete the program beyond four years must be granted by the Dean of the School of Science, Health, and Criminal Justice in consultation with the Nursing Department Director or Curriculum Coordinator.

Of the five clinical nursing courses (NURS 101, 106, 107, 201, 202) only one course may be repeated one time. Examples of interpretation of this rule follow:

  • A student does not obtain the final required grade of “C+” or better in NURS 101 and repeats the course. That student will not be allowed to continue in the program if he/she needs to subsequently repeat NURS 101, 106, 107, 201, or 202.
  • A student successfully completes NURS 101 on the first attempt, but does not get the required grade of “C+” in NURS 106 or NURS 107 and repeats the course. That student will not be allowed to continue in the program if he/she needs to subsequently repeat NURS 106, 107, 201, or 202.
  • A student successfully completes NURS 101, NURS 106 and NURS 107 on the first attempt, but does not get the required grade of “C+” in NURS 201 and repeats the course. That student will not be allowed to continue in the program if he/she needs to subsequently repeat NURS 201 or 202.
  • A student successfully completes NURS 101, 106, 107, and 201 on the first attempt, but does not get the required grade of “C+” in NURS 202 and repeats the course. That student will not be allowed to continue in the program if he/she needs to subsequently repeat NURS 202.

** CPR certification (American Heart Association for Health Care Professionals - BLS for Adults, Infant, and Child or Red Cross certification (Professional Rescuer Course) is required for NURS 101, 106, 107, 201, and 202.

** Students will complete clinical experiences in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community agencies throughout Northern New York. Clinical hours may include day, evenings, and weekends. The college does not provide transportation to clinical.

** The New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions requires persons applying for licensure to answer questions related to criminal convictions and/or professional misconduct.

** In order to be eligible to take RN boards (NCLEX exam), you must have the required educational background and be of good moral character. Persons charged with or convicted of a crime (felony or misdemeanor) in any state or country, or who have committed an act which raises a reasonable question as to the applicant's moral character (e.g., professional misconduct, unprofessional conduct, incompetence or negligence, or the termination of professional training, employment or privilege or voluntary/involuntary leaving to avoid termination by any hospital or licensed facility) shall be referred to the executive director of the Office of Professional Discipline or his/ her designee. This is a lengthy process and the applicant is responsible for his/her own legal fees. A person concerned with his/her eligibility is advised to initiate the process well before graduation. (Source: New York State Licensing Application Packet published by the New York State Education Department, Office of Professions).


RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete SUNY Canton's NURS 201, 202, 203, and 204 in order to meet the program's residency requirements.

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Office of Admissions
Wicks Hall 021
SUNY Canton
34 Cornell Drive
Canton, NY 13617

(315) 386-7123 or
1-800-388-7123
Fax: (315) 386-7929
admissions@canton.edu
transfer@canton.edu