Utica College Is Now Utica University

Each blog post is dated and contains accurate information as of that date. Certain information may have changed since the blog post publication date. If you would like to confirm the current accuracy of blog information, please visit our ABSN program overview page or contact us at (866) 892-6747.

Utica University campus

Utica University is a comprehensive, independent, private institution founded in 1946 and formerly known as Utica College. If you already know us as Utica College, you know our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum and clinical placements with top healthcare providers. If you haven’t heard of us before, allow us to introduce ourselves with our new name!

Our History

Located in the heart of Central New York, we offer many perks of a large university. We have an extensive range of undergraduate and graduate degree options, excellent academic programs and a diverse and experienced faculty. But what makes Utica University special is that we can also offer students the tailored, personal attention of a smaller private college.

As a nursing student at Utica University, you’ll get the best of both worlds by choosing an educational experience that exposes you to different ways of learning. Our multi-faceted approach helps you complete your nursing education with a dynamic combination of online and in-person learning.

What do we know about how a large university works? We’re glad you asked. Utica University’s founding was initially spearheaded by Syracuse University back in the 1930s. Utica University first operated as an extension of courses offered by Syracuse.

In 1946, Syracuse University officially launched Utica University, which became a financially and legally independent institution in 1995. Since 1998, Utica has offered graduate degree programs, including a wide array of master's and doctorate options.

Our 16-month ABSN program offers a fast-track for students looking to leverage their previous experience to become a nurse. Service, compassion and empathy have been deeply ingrained in the history of Utica College nursing. Our ABSN program may be the right path for you if you share those values in your future nursing career.

Utica College vs. Utica University: What’s Changed?

Flash forward to today. Utica University still offers the same high-quality education rooted in innovation and excellence. Utica University upholds high standards, as shown by our accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Utica University empowers you to put your best foot forward.

While accelerated nursing school is no easy feat, you can expect to graduate from our college prepared to take the National Council Licensure Exam and join the nursing workforce.

So, what’s changed? Not a lot. You can still count on the same high-caliber program from Utica University. Our name may have changed, but our values, our commitment to accessible education and our innovative approach have remained central to everything we do.

Four Utica ABSN students

Utica Accelerated Nursing Program

As a student in the ABSN program, you can expect a rigorous full-time schedule that utilizes both online and hands-on learning. Our ABSN program is made up of three parts:

  • Online nursing courses you’ll complete via an intuitive e-Learning platform.
  • Skills and simulation labs where you’ll get in-person practice in a safe and supportive environment.
  • Clinical rotations at respected hospitals where you’ll have diverse patient care experiences under the supervision of an instructor.

The Utica ABSN program applies undergraduate credits you've previously earned toward a bachelor's degree in nursing. However, you must first meet the requirements for admission to our program before that may happen. We are looking for students who are committed to becoming a nurse and have a strong sense of compassion, empathy and drive. You’ll also need at least 65 credits from a regionally approved university and a 2.8 minimum cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Utica Admissions

Although we are now Utica University, you can still expect the same streamlined admissions process you love and the same knowledgeable Utica College admissions staff that are there for you each step of the way.

The Utica University ABSN program has no waitlist, meaning you can start providing life-changing care as a nurse sooner.

Qualified applicants can take this faster path toward nursing, knowing that they’ll be supported each step of the way. An admissions representative will help you navigate the process, understand the application requirements and prerequisite courses. They’ll check in with you periodically to be sure you’re meeting deadlines.

We offer three program start dates per year and a rolling admissions process, eliminating the stressful waiting period some students experience when applying to nursing school.

UticaABSN has a supportive learning environment

That means, depending on your desired program site location, if you have at least 65 college credits and a 2.8 cumulative GPA, you can start the Utica nursing program as soon as you’re ready.

Get Started

Now that we’ve reintroduced ourselves to you as Utica University, we’d love to meet you officially. Learn how you can complete your nursing prerequisite courses online through Utica University’s Prerequisite Priority Program and enroll in our ABSN program. Contact an admissions representative today to get started.

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