(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK – Feb. 25, 2020) SUNY Empire State College and Jefferson Community College today announced a new partnership providing guaranteed admission for Jefferson nursing graduates to SUNY Empire’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

SUNY Empire State College President Jim Malatras and Jefferson Community College President Ty A. Stone signed the agreement, which will seamlessly transfer all associate-level credits earned at Jefferson to SUNY Empire’s School of Nursing and Allied Health’s BSN program. SUNY Empire and Jefferson created the partnership to provide an affordable, convenient degree option for Jefferson graduates.

The agreement helps address the growing shortage of nurses at all levels that continues to affect healthcare quality nationwide. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects demand for registered nurses to grow 15 percent by 2026, faster than for most other professions. If that demand is not met, there will be fewer nurses in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, schools, clinics, the military, and in private homes.

In addition, the pathway helps nurses and nursing students meet the requirements of New York State’s 2017 BSN in 10 law, which requires nurses graduating from an associate program to obtain a baccalaureate in nursing within 10 years of initial licensure. With this agreement, students will be able to meet their graduation requirements in as little as two years.

SUNY Empire nursing students will also complete a supervised practice experience in community health and leadership working with faculty. A mentor will guide students as they transition from Jefferson’s in-classroom teaching model to SUNY Empire’s online coursework. Under the partnership, SUNY Empire will waive the registration fee and all Jefferson full- and part-time transfer students will receive a $100 Presidential Scholarship.

“With a SUNY Empire learning hub right on campus, Jefferson Community College’s students can seamlessly finish their four-year degree without leaving their community,” said SUNY Empire State College President Jim Malatras. “Throughout New York and across the country, there are too few nurses, and this shortage is a threat to public safety. This partnership will allow Jefferson graduates to remain close to home, living, working, and studying in their community, where they are most needed. We are grateful to President Stone and her dedicated faculty for finalizing this important agreement.”

“Jefferson Community College’s long-standing academic partnership with SUNY Empire State College has helped many North Country students in their academic pursuits,” said Dr. Ty A. Stone, president of Jefferson Community College. “This most recent collaboration with SUNY Empire gives Jefferson nursing students a clearly defined pathway to achieving their academic and career goals by starting here at Jefferson and continuing on with SUNY Empire.”

“This partnership is an affirmation of the strength of Jefferson Community College’s pre-licensure nursing program and an opportunity to provide a seamless pathway to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing offered by SUNY Empire,” said Bridget Nettleton, dean of the School of Nursing and Allied Health at SUNY Empire State College. “With the BSN in 10 legislation in effect, which requires new nurses to earn a bachelor's degree within 10 years of initial licensure, this partnership will facilitate the ability of graduates from Jefferson’s nursing program to achieve their next nursing credential and positively affect patient care outcomes.” 

“The Nursing Department is very excited to share this opportunity with our nursing graduates,” said Dr. Marie Hess, chair of Jefferson’s nursing department. “SUNY Empire is known for its quality education, affordability, and flexibility in helping our students meet their goal of obtaining a bachelor’s degree. SUNY Empire’s location in Jefferson’s Higher Education Center offers students the added benefit of access to knowledgeable advisors and a local support system to help them stay on track and be successful.”

SUNY Empire has more than 20 nursing agreements with community colleges around New York state, including Hudson Valley Community College, Onondaga Community College, Nassau Community College, and Monroe Community College.

About Jefferson Community College

One of 30 community colleges supervised by the State University of New York, Jefferson Community College is the community’s leading resource for leading better lives, offering 40+ associate degrees and certificates for career preparation or for transfer to a 4-year college; local access to bachelor’s and advanced degrees through partner institutions; lifelong learning through personal enrichment workshops; workforce development and career training; and cultural enrichment opportunities for the entire Watertown/Fort Drum region.  Learn more at www.sunyjefferson.edu.

About SUNY Empire State College 

SUNY Empire State College educates students at any stage of life with a personalized learning experience delivered online, in person, or a blend of both. Since 1971, SUNY Empire has empowered students to earn an accredited degree around the demands of a busy lifestyle to advance their personal and professional goals. With world-class faculty, more than 1,300 dedicated mentors to help students tailor their degree programs, and cutting-edge distance learning technology, SUNY Empire delivers a trusted and flexible online college experience grounded in more than 30 New York state locations and seven international sites where students can learn and collaborate in person. Our nearly 50 years as a leader in awarding credit for prior learning and life experience helps students earn a degree faster and at lower cost. To learn more, visit www.esc.edu and follow @SUNYEmpire.