ABSN Programs in New York: The Benefits of Earning Your Degree in Albany

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ABSN programs in New York can allow you to earn a baccalaureate nursing degree in as few as 16 months by applying your prior non-nursing college education toward your degree. Utica University’s ABSN in Upstate New York is an accredited program that combines didactic and hands-on learning.

Utica campus skyline

As you start planning your future nursing career, consider the advantages of choosing an accelerated nursing program in Upstate New York and why Albany is an excellent location for registered nurses (RNs). Consider Utica University and what you can expect from our accelerated nursing program in Albany, NY.

As a private nonprofit school, Utica University is known for academic excellence and dedicated nursing faculty. If you’re considering becoming a nurse in New York, Utica’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program could be a good fit. With two locations and three start dates each year, Utica’s ABSN program in New York graduates nursing students that can help address the nursing shortage in New York.

Why Choose an Accelerated Nursing Program in New York?

Switching to a career in nursing could be the right move for you if you’re dissatisfied with your current job and interested in a diverse field full of opportunities to specialize. If you have prior college education, you might not need to go back to school for an additional four years to earn a nursing degree. Instead, Utica’s ABSN in Albany can allow you to earn a B.S. in Nursing in as few as 16 months after completing any needed degree requirements.

nursing students in classroom

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It’s not necessary to have prior healthcare experience or prior nursing education. Students with a completed bachelor’s or at least 65 non-nursing college credits could be eligible to apply to our ABSN program or our Advanced Standing B.S. in Nursing program, respectively.

Why choose our accelerated nursing program? Consider the benefits of preparing for a nursing career with an ABSN program:

  • A faster pathway toward a new career
  • Three start dates each year, so that you can start sooner
  • A quality nursing degree from a respected, accredited institution
  • A combination of didactic learning and hands-on learning experiences for thorough career preparation

Although an ABSN program is accelerated, it doesn’t cut corners. You’ll still receive the same quality nursing education as you would at a four-year program. An ABSN’s accelerated nature is possible by eliminating most or all general education requirements and consecutive semesters.

Why Albany Is an Ideal Location for Nursing Students in New York

Albany has a lot to offer nursing students and registered nurses. After you graduate, there is the potential for competitive wages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for RNs in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area was $40.93 as of May 2023. In addition, the location quotient for RNs was 1.2, meaning the area hires a higher proportion of RNs than the rest of the country.

nurses sitting at a table

In addition, you’ll find some world-class medical facilities in the Upstate New York area. You might pursue employment opportunities at Albany Medical Center, which is a Level I Trauma Center; St. Peter’s Hospital, which is consistently ranked high; and the Children’s Hospital of Albany Med, which serves as the referral hospital for infants, children, and adolescents in need of specialized care.

The Albany area also offers incredible attractions and amenities to enjoy when taking a break from school or work. The Palace Theater and The Egg are renowned performing arts centers, while Washington Park offers excellent views for strolling or picnicking.

Utica ABSN: Albany Program Spotlight

Albany is a great place to begin your nursing career, and Utica’s ABSN program can help you make it possible. Since 1946, Utica has remained dedicated to providing personalized student learning experiences, emphasizing professional integrity and ethics. Our ABSN program is designed for students who welcome a challenging curriculum with a supportive learning environment.

Here in Upstate New York, you’ll benefit from:

  • Three start dates each year and no waitlist, so you can enroll as soon as you’re ready
  • Accelerated curriculum to jumpstart your career
  • A hybrid learning approach for greater flexibility
  • Academic Success Coaches who will work with you one-on-one
  • Experienced nursing instructors who are committed to supporting your progress

Learn what you can expect from your first semester of nursing school in Utica’s ABSN program.

Utica nursing student in sim lab

What to Expect From Our ABSN Program in New York

At Utica’s accelerated nursing program, you can expect a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum that teaches you how to navigate modern challenges in nursing. The curriculum will cover diverse nursing topics from health assessments and pathophysiology to pharmacology and medical/surgical nursing care through didactic learning and hands-on experiential learning.

Online Coursework

Our online classes provide greater flexibility compared to traditional nursing programs. You’ll use our e-Learning management system to review coursework, complete assignments, participate in task-based simulated learning modules, chat with professors, and participate in the discussion forum.

In-Person Nursing Skills and Simulation Labs

During in-person nursing skills labs, you’ll learn key nursing skills, like checking blood pressure, performing wound care, and inserting IV lines. You’ll also complete nursing simulation labs, working with other cohort members through various patient care scenarios. You’ll refine your critical thinking skills as you practice applying the nursing process and developing appropriate clinical responses.

Utica University ABSN student in sim lab

Clinical Rotations

Clinical rotations allow you to practice what you’ve been taught in real-world settings. At Utica, our nursing students complete clinicals at various healthcare facilities throughout Upstate New York. You’ll provide direct patient care under the watchful eye of your preceptor. Clinicals allow you to experience nursing practice across various specialties, such as pediatrics, acute care, mental health, and community health.

Why New York Nurses Need a B.S. in Nursing

In New York State, earning a baccalaureate nursing degree is now a legal requirement. The B.S. in 10 law requires nurses who graduate from a diploma or associate degree nursing program to obtain a B.S. in Nursing within 10 years of their date of initial licensure. The law went into effect in 2017 to improve nursing care and practice throughout the state. According to the American Nurses Association of New York, the law is based on scientific evidence that demonstrates patients receive better health outcomes when treated by nurses with a baccalaureate degree.

Legal requirements aside, earning a B.S. in Nursing is preferable to earning an associate degree or diploma in nursing for multiple reasons. Compared to nurses without a bachelor’s, baccalaureate-prepared nurses:

  • Can pursue more employment opportunities, as many employers require a B.S.
  • Can earn a graduate degree in nursing
  • Can pursue career advancement
  • May serve as nurse leaders
  • Contribute to better patient care and patient outcomes
nurse giving patient a shot

Check out these exciting alternative careers for nurses that will take you outside the hospital.

Get Started Today at Utica University in Albany

Ready to join a thriving nursing school community and experience the best of what Albany, New York, has to offer? Talk to an admission representative at Utica about our ABSN program in New York, and get ready to earn a nursing degree in as few as 16 months. Your dedicated admission rep will review your unofficial transcripts and determine your eligibility for our accelerated nursing program. Then, they’ll create a personalized plan for you to prepare for admission.

Contact us and get started preparing for nursing school today!

The Ultimate Nursing School Admissions Checklist

Ready for nursing school but stressed about applying? We recommend downloading our free admissions checklist to learn the important ins and outs of applying to accelerated nursing school.

The ultimate nursing school admissions checklist