Nursing
The Degree
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)
The Outlook
The employment outlook for registered nurses continues to increase. According to the U.S. Labor Department, the overall growth in health care, the continuing development of complex new technologies, and the long-term health care needs of an aging population will increase the need for well-educated nurses in a wide variety of positions. Finger Lakes Community College offers a highly competitive nursing program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission* since 1978.
* FLCC's program is registered with the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006. Tel: 1-800-669-1656, ext. 153.
The Program
The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Nursing offers a registered nurse (R.N.) course of study, utilizing a state-of-the-art nursing lab, audio-visual lab, and computer-assisted instruction. In addition to developing the skills necessary for nursing practice, students in the program receive a broad-based liberal arts education. After four semesters, students are qualified to take a national licensing exam to become registered nurses. The overall passing rate for FLCC nursing students has remained above state and national averages.
Pre-Nursing Courses: A pre-nursing sequence is provided for those students who either apply too late in the year for admission to the nursing curriculum, have not met the prerequisites for admission, or prefer to pursue the nursing curriculum on a part-time or reduced course load basis. An accelerated option for LPNs is also available. For details, contact the Nursing Department.
Faculty: The nursing faculty at Finger Lakes are well-respected in their areas of expertise. They have presented at national workshops and authored published works.
Honors Courses: The College offers honors courses that provide enhanced
educational experiences for students who have demonstrated outstanding
academic ability. Enrollment in honors courses is open to qualified
students in this degree program, as well as all other qualified
FLCC students. Successful completion of honors courses or an Honors
Certificate may increase student transfer options to four-year institutions.
The Experience
Clinical experiences at a variety of health care agencies enhance the program. Opportunities for forty-hour clinical practicums exist during the January and summer sessions. Nursing and pre-nursing students are invited to become members of FLCC's Nursing Club, which promotes fellowship and high standards of nursing.
The Graduates
One hundred percent of graduates in nursing who have sought employment have found it. Many transfer to baccalaureate programs in nursing utilizing the "2+2" agreements that Finger Lakes currently holds with Keuka College, Nazareth College of Rochester, St. John Fisher College, the University of Rochester, and SUNY Colleges at Brockport and Utica/Rome. Joint Admission Agreements are in place with Keuka College, and Roberts Wesleyan College.*
Salary: While salaries vary greatly by segment and region, the most recent Occupational Outlook Handbook reports median annual earnings for registered nurses as $52,330.
* This is a sampling of some of the four-year colleges and universities to which our students have transferred. Please consult your advisor or the Center for Advisement and Personal Development for a complete listing of transfer agreements between Finger Lakes Community College and four-year institutions.
The Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities exist through the FLCC Foundation and various other organizations. For more information, contact a member of the Nursing Department or the Financial Aid Office.
The Faculty
All full-time Nursing faculty have a master's degree in Nursing. They collectively bring many years of clinical practice experience within the profession. Many continue to work in the acute and public healthcare settings in addition to their faculty roles. A number of the faculty have advanced certification in specialty areas that goes beyond their basic nursing education. All faculty spend many hours each year in continuing education and professional development activities in order to keep their skills and knowledge on the cutting edge of health care information.
