ADN Programs Buffalo, NY

The global pandemic brought a national spotlight on the role and commitment of nurses in healthcare. Their bravery and compassion have inspired many to pursue a career where caring for others takes precedence. Nursing programs such as the associate degree in nursing offered at community colleges across New York have recorded a dramatic increase in applications making admission even more competitive than before. The entry-level degree is one of two pathways to registered nursing. The two years required for completion make it more attractive than the bachelor of science in nursing, which requires an additional two years for completion. Graduates of the associate degree program can begin practicing as a professional nurse after passing the national licensing exam and continue their education to the BSN degree while they work.

Trocaire College

The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program at Trocaire College prepares adults to provide compassionate, committed, and competent care to patients in the greater Buffalo community. Students will receive a foundation in Mercy traditions through real-world clinical experiences at hospitals and healthcare facilities in the community. The training will support the development of key nursing skills through hands-on lab skills and classroom fundamentals that helps graduates answer the call to nursing and make a difference in the lives of the patients they serve. The program is registered by the New York State Education Department and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Graduates will be eligible to apply to the NY Board of Nursing to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 65
Duration: 4 semesters

Course titles:

Courses – Anatomy and Physiology II, Anatomy and Physiology II lab, English Composition or Advanced Composition, College Seminar or College Success, Health Assessment and Promotion, Nursing Concepts, Medication Essentials I, Professional Issues I, General Psychology, Microbiology, Microbiology Lab, Medication Essentials II, Health Restoration I, Maternal Newborn Nursing, Developmental Psychology, Introduction to Literature, Health Restoration II, Pediatric Nursing, Introduction to Philosophy, Principles of Sociology, Mental Health Nursing, Health Restoration III, Ethics in Health Care

Admission criteria:

  • Submit official transcripts from high school or GED as well as all post-secondary colleges or universities attended
  • Provide a high school diploma with a minimum 75% average or GED diploma with a minimum score of 2500
  • Must have a cumulative college-level GPA of 2.5
  • Must have completed high school or college biology with a minimum grade of C
  • Demonstrate academic preparedness – based on success in past courses
  • Take and pass the HESI A2 Nursing entrance exam – applicants should meet with a counselor to determine readiness to take the exam
  • Submit a current resume or the completed Experience Form indicating paid or voluntary health care experience
  • Attend an interview with a Trocaire Admissions Counselor or submit a letter of recommendation or a personal statement responding to the question “Why does Nursing appeal to you?”
  • Provide proof of completing CPR for Health Care Providers once accepted to the program

Program Cost:
Tuition costs $9,170 per semester for full-time students. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Website: https://trocaire.edu/
Address: 360 Choate Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14220
Phone: 716.826.1200
Fax: 716.828.6107
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 65.1%

Genesee Community College – Antoinette Marchese Clancy School of Nursing

Genesee Community College offers an associate degree in nursing program that prepares students for a career as a registered nurse. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). It combines nursing theory with supervised real-world clinical experience at local health care facilities. Students will also have a unique opportunity to participate in a four-week capstone/internship experience with an RN in a health care facility.  These practical experiences will open doors as students work alongside teams in various practice settings. Students are encouraged to join the Nurse’s Club, which focuses on promoting leadership in Nursing. GCC offers hybrid classes, higher than average NCLEX pass rates, clinical experiences in various counties, practice in a state-of-the-art facility, use of technology, and advanced placement for licensed practical nurses. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX to practice as a registered nurse. They may transfer into BSN completion programs and complete the requirements for a BSN degree in one year. The class size is limited to 70 to 75 students per cohort.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 65
Duration: 4 semesters

Course titles:

General education courses – Mathematics (proficiency only), Microbiology and Human Disease, General Psychology, College Composition, Composition in the Natural and Social Sciences

Core courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Nursing I, Nursing Lab/Clinical I, Nursing II, Nursing Lab Clinical II, Pharmacology for Nurses, Nursing III, Nursing Lab/Clinical III, Nursing IV, Nursing Lab/Clinical IV, Professional Issues in Nursing, Nursing V, Nursing Lab/Clinical V

Admission criteria:

  • Attend a mandatory Nursing Information Session
  • Meet with an Admissions Representative who will provide information and review transcripts
  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges previously attended
  • Submit a Genesee Community College Admissions Application – may be completed online
  • Submit official high school transcripts or GED certification
  • Must have an overall GPA of 2.0 or above for high school and college courses
  • Complete the required placement testing to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics
  • Complete and submit a nursing program change request
  • Return the Enrollment Confirmation form to the Program Director once accepted to the program
  • Attend an orientation with the Director of the program
  • Complete BIO 104 (Fundamentals of Cell Biology) or earn credit for Anatomy and Physiology or complete the New York Regents Biology exams with a grade of 75 or higher
  • Complete CHE 100 (Introduction to Chemistry) with a grade of C or higher or complete the NYS Regents Chemistry exam with a grade of 75 or higher
  • Must meet the GCC Proficiency requirements for reading and math and place into ENG 1010 before acceptance to the program

Program Cost:
Tuition costs $2,620 per semester for full-time students who are NY residents. Students will need to purchase uniforms, lab supplies, a PDA and software, and textbooks. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Website: https://www.genesee.edu/
Address: One College Rd, Batavia NY 14020
Phone: (585) 343-0055
Toll-Free: (866) CALL-GCC
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.3%

Niagara County Community College

The Associate Degree in Nursing program at Niagara County Community College educates individuals who will provide safe, patient-centered holistic care to diverse patients in various health care settings. The program includes instruction in the classroom as well as clinical experiences at local hospitals, community agencies, and health care facilities. the comprehensive curriculum is designed to produce dependable, compassionate, and knowledgeable providers of care. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX to become a registered nurse. Advanced standing is available for licensed practical nurses. Candidates must meet with the Nursing Education Department before applying to the program.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 68
Duration: 4 semesters

Course titles:

Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab, Medical Simulation, Nursing I, Introduction to Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Human Anatomy and Physiology II  Lab, Nursing II, Lifespan Development Psychology, Microbiology, Microbiology Lab, Nursing III, General Pharmacology, Writing I, Introduction to Sociology, Nursing IV, Nursing Perspectives

Admission criteria:

  • Must meet the NCCC admission application requirements
  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalency diploma
  • Must have an overall high school average of 80 percent or a minimum 2.75 for the last 5-year cumulative GPA of all colleges attended
  • Must have completed high school level biology or chemistry with a minimum grade of 85% or a college level biology course with a lab or a college-level chemistry course with a lab with a minimum grade of C
  • Must take and earn the minimum required score on placement assessments or pass the academic foundations course ENG 099, AAC 042 and MAT 012
  • Applicants who have completed more than 12 college credits must have a minimum GPA of 2.75
  • Complete an acceptable physical exam report – the health records submitted must include a physical exam., immunization or titers, and verification from the physician that the student may participate in the clinical with no restrictions
  • Must have current Basic Life Support for Professional Rescuer or Basic Life Support Provider
  • Must obtain annual immunization for seasonal flu
  • Complete a background check prior to the nursing clinical

Program Cost:
Tuition costs $2,376 per semester for full-time students who are NY residents and present a Certificate of Residence. Additional costs for books, fees, supplies, and uniforms are not included. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Website: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/
Address: 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd., Sanborn, NY 14132
Phone: 716-614-6222
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.1%

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.