Nursing

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AAS Degree - Code #0622

The nursing AAS program will prepare you to become a registered  nurse — one of the fastest-growing fields in the country. Courses are sequential and progress from simple to more complex situations, with specialized content in obstetrics, mental health, and pediatric nursing. Learning is enhanced through the use of skill practice for a hands-on approach to gain expertise. During the first year, there is a seven-hour per week clinical experience. During the second year, the clinical experience increases in time and complexity. Simulation is incorporated into the laboratory experience.

Clinical experience, an essential part of each nursing course, further enables students to gain technical competence to apply theoretical knowledge with practice. Clinical experiences are gained through a variety of health care facilities. 

Advantages

• The associate degree in nursing (AAS) is currently being offered with two options: 
  • Traditional two-year program (AAS)
  • Dual-degree format (AAS to BS in Nursing)
• Graduates of the AAS degree may directly enroll in the RN-BS in Nursing program after filling out the "Joint Intent to Enroll" form.
• Graduates of the AAS degree are eligible to apply for licensure as a registered  nurse.

Facilities

Program Student Learning Outcomes

• Patient-centered care – Acquires self-empowerment to provide holistic care to a diverse population while providing health education using learner-centered focused principles.
• Teamwork and collaboration – Demonstrates accountability and effective interpersonal relationships with clients and members of the health care team, and works collaboratively in professional practice.
• Evidence-based practice – Implements evidence-based practice to promote a caring environment that ensures client's safety, comfort, dignity, and self-esteem consistent with his/her developmental stage in an effective and efficient manner.
• Quality improvement – Demonstrates responsibility for continued learning and further growth.
• Safety – Manages care for clients while evaluating own performance to improve professional practice, quality of care, and safety in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Informatics – Applies technology and information management skills to retrieve data, communicate, support decision making, and submit information.

  Reference: Quality and Safety Education for Nurses, 2019

Direct Entry Into Baccalaureate Degree Program

Alfred State nursing graduates may enter directly into either the healthcare management BTech, the interdisciplinary studies BTech, the BS in Nursing, or the technology management BBA degree program.

Professional Opportunities

• Ambulatory settings
• Health insurance providers
• Hospitals
• Long-term care facilities
• Schools
• Clinics
• Home health care
• Industry
• Physician offices
• Visiting nurses' agencies

Employment Statistics

Employment and continuing education rate of 100 percent - 80 percent are employed; 20 percent continued their education

NCLEX-RN First-time Candidate Pass Rate

	2021	2022	2023
Alfred State College	70.69% (41/58)	68.00% (34/50)	88.89% (48/54)
New York State	77.72%(13,920/17,911)	73.52%(12,200/16,595)	84.39% (9,266/10,980)
National Average	77.91% (66,808/88,349)	82.80% (71,639/86,520)	88.56% (165,036/186,352)

Student Completion of the Dual Degree Nursing Program

AAS Program	2019	2020	2021
Completion Rates **	0% (0/2)	73% (11/15)	81% (17/21)

**students who complete the program within 1.5 times of the length of program

Related Programs

Biological Science
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Health Information Technology
Health Science
Human Services
Liberal Arts and Sciences: Humanities

Entrance Requirements/Recommendations

• Required: Algebra, Biology, and Chemistry
• Required: It is essential that students are able to fully participate, with or without a reasonable accommodation, in clinical caring for clients as assigned. Nursing students should be able to:
  • Ambulate in a sufficient manner in order to appropriately and safely perform patient care.
  • Lift at least 35 pounds.
  • Function in a safe manner, not placing clients in jeopardy.
  • Maintain confidentiality in regard to professional practice.
  • Appropriately use standard medical equipment.
  • Interpret data from electronic devices in a health care setting for the purpose of client care.
  • Maintain professional composure at all times.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Licensure

Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure in any state as well as sit for the NCLEX-RN. Completion of the AAS nursing program does not assure licensure as a registered nurse. Graduates of this AAS nursing program meet the education requirements for admittance to the NCLEX-RN licensure exam; however, there is a requirement that the applicant be of “good moral character” and a fee must be paid for the test and license.

To be licensed and registered as a RN in New York State, you must:

• Be of good moral character
• Be at least eighteen years of age
• Graduate from a nursing education program acceptable to NYSED
• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) or another license examination acceptable to NYSED
• Apply for a RN License with NYSED

On the application for New York State licensure, the applicant is required to truthfully answer the following questions:

• Have you ever been found guilty after trial, or pleaded guilty, no contest, or nolo contendere to a crime (felony or misdemeanor) in any court?
• Are criminal charges pending against you in any court?
• Has any licensing or disciplinary authority refused to issue you a license or ever revoked, annulled, canceled, accepted surrender of, suspended, placed on probation, refused to renew a professional license or certificate held by you now or previously, or ever fined, censured, reprimanded, or otherwise disciplined you?
• Are charges pending against you in any jurisdiction for any sort of professional misconduct?
• Has any hospital or licensed facility or clinical laboratory restricted or terminated your professional training, employment or privileges or have you ever voluntarily or involuntarily resigned or withdrawn from such association to avoid imposition of such measures?

A "yes" answer to one or more of these questions will not necessarily disqualify you from a license or a registration in New York State.  The New York State Education Department decides on a case-by-case basis whether prior criminal conviction(s) or other issues will disqualify the applicant from being licensed or registered as an RN in New York State.  For more information: https://www.op.nysed.gov/registered-professional-nursing

Accreditation

• Alfred State College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), 3624 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104; 215-662-5606, http://www.msche.org. The MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• The AAS nursing program at Alfred State College located in Alfred, NY is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326 phone 404-975-5000
• The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the AAS nursing program is Continuing Accreditation
• View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm 
• The AAS nursing program is registered by the New York State Education Department.

General Notes:

A zero-tolerance for incivility is in effect at Alfred State nursing. Furthermore, if a student's behavior compromises or threatens the health or safety of others, including clients, peers, faculty, and staff, the student may be denied enrollment or continuation in the program. A policy regarding chemical impairment is publicized to enrolled nursing students.

Background checks may be required by affiliating agencies. Background checks will be at the expense of the student. Any costs associated with clinical would be the responsibility of the student.

Nursing students are required to provide documentation of an annual two-step PPD and a self-report health assessment. Hepatitis B vaccine, flu vaccine, Covid vaccinations, and other requirements may be specified by affiliating agencies. CPR certification is required before taking Nursing I and must remain active throughout the nursing program.

Specific policies related to progression in the nursing program and readmission to the nursing program are publicized to enrolled nursing students in the Nursing Student Handbook.

RN Transfer Program

Alfred State students may transfer to most New York State baccalaureate programs consistent with NYS transfer agreement.

Required Equipment

A tier 1 laptop computer is required for students entering this degree program, as it will be needed for on-campus exams and other educational purposes.  Microsoft Office is required; internet access is required.  In addition, a handheld pocket-sized electronic device is required (i.e. smart phone) for downloading program software.  The device must have the capability to turn off both phone and camera.  Further system requirements will be sent via a newsletter in early June to newly admitted, transfer, and continuing students. Laptop specifications are available at www.alfredstate.edu/required-laptops. 

• See our nursing website for full disclosure documentation at www.alfredstate.edu/nursing.

Office of Accessibility Services

Students who believe they need a reasonable accommodation to properly participate in this program may contact Melanie Ryan in the Office of Accessibility Services. This office may be contacted by email at oas@alfredstate.edu  or by phone at 607-587-4506. Please keep in mind that some accommodations may take time to implement, so students seeking accommodations are encouraged to contact OAS as early as possible.