SARATOGA SPRINGS - As SUNY Empire State College marks the 10th anniversary of its RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, students, alumni, faculty, staff, friends and family celebrate the inaugural cohort’s 10-year reunion in Saratoga Springs.
The inaugural nursing cohort comprised 42 students. Today, the college enrolls approximately 1,250 nursing students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Since the establishment of the RN to BSN program, the School of Nursing and Allied Health has added three online degree programs: The Master of Science in Nursing Administration, the Master of Science in Nursing Education, and, in 2018, a Bachelor of Science in Allied Healthcare, to better meet the needs of New York’s health care providers and the people they serve.
SUNY Empire has transfer pathway agreements with all 37 SUNY and CUNY community colleges and many private institutions. Pathways agreements with nearly half of the SUNY community colleges provide a seamless education for registered nurses seeking their bachelor’s degree. Recently, the college also has developed enhanced partnerships with Corning, Rockland and Ulster community colleges, which enables nursing students to complete initial bachelor’s coursework on their campus through a blend of face-to-face and online learning.
The college’s nursing partnerships have taken on new importance because in December of 2017, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed into law what is known as the “B.S.N. in 10” legislation, which requires all future graduates of associate degree programs in nursing to complete a bachelor’s within 10 years. A column by SUNY Empire Officer in Charge Mitchell S. Nesler, details the college’s leadership role as this legislation takes effect.
“Congratulations to SUNY Empire nursing students, alumni and the faculty and staff who educate and support them on a decade of success,” said Nesler.
“SUNY Empire nursing students and alumni play a critical role in patient care throughout New York state, and their accomplishments merit celebration. The college takes great pride in the challenging work nurses do to care for the sick and suffering every day,” Nesler continued.
“Celebrating our nursing students, alumni, faculty and staff is a joy,” said Bridget Nettleton, dean of the School of Nursing and Allied Health.
“Better-educated nurses means better health care for the people of the state. Continuing to provide nurses, and their employers, with the education they need to meet every increasing and complex health care is essential for success. Thanks to the hard work of our students, and the education and support they receive from our faculty and staff, SUNY Empire nursing graduates are professional health care providers of the highest quality,” Nettleton commended.
In the spring of 2014, the School of Nursing and Allied Health became part of the at-large Tau Kappa chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (STTI). STTI is the most prestigious nursing honor society, which recognizes academic excellence and achievement in its members.
