Utica University, SUNY Oneonta tackle shortage of nurses

SUNY Oneonta students will have an easier time becoming registered nurses under a new articulation agreement between the state school and private Utica University, an agreement that officials hope will also help the regional shortage of registered nurses.

The Early Assurance Program Accelerated Bachelor of Science Nursing Agreement between the two schools, announcedlast month, will allow SUNY Oneonta students with fewer than 90 credits into UU’s Bachelor of Science Accelerated Nursing Program. Under the program, students would earn a bachelor’s degree in an approved field and complete nursing program prerequisites at SUNY Oneonta.

They would then earn a second bachelor’s degree in nursing from UU in 16 months.

“It is an important moment that demonstrates how working together, we can address New York’s nursing shortage and the well-being of our communities,” said Tracy Allen, dean of the School of Sciences at SUNY Oneonta, in a statement, “while providing relevant educational experiences for our students.”

The partnership between the two colleges is “natural” given Utica University’s history of partnering with both other schools and industry to find solutions and new ideas for serving their students, UU President Todd Pfannestiel said.

After completing their degree and all prerequisites for the UU nursing program, students will earn their second bachelor’s degree in nursing in 16 months at UU’s Syracuse, Latham or St. Petersburg campus.

Tuition, financial aid and scholarships will be determined separately by each college.

“The universities are aligned in our commitment to the Mohawk Valley,” Pfannestiel said in a statement. “We share not only a culture of academic excellence and student centeredness, but also a dedication to advancing workforce and economic development in the region and state.”