The employment outlook for registered nurses continues to increase. According to the U.S. Labor Department, the overall growth in health care and the number of complex technologies as well as the long-term care needs of a rapidly growing aged 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 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 three semesters, students are qualified to sit for the national licensing exam to become licensed practical nurses. After four semesters, students are qualified to take a national licensing exam to become registered nurses. The overall passing rate for Finger Lakes nursing students has remained above state and national averages.

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.

The nursing faculty at Finger Lakes are well-respected in their areas of expertise for presenting at national workshops and for authoring published works.

In addition, 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 enrolled 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.

Clinical experiences at a variety of health care agencies enhance the program. Opportunities for 40-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.

100% 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.*

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.

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.