Program Description

The Nursing A.A.S. program at SUNY Westchester Community College provides comprehensive training to prepare students for rewarding nursing careers. Accredited by the ACEN, this program combines classroom learning, advanced simulation labs, and clinical rotations to build foundational skills in patient care, mental health, maternity, pharmacology, and more. With a curriculum designed for transfer or direct entry into the nursing workforce, students gain hands-on experience through real-world clinical placements at area hospitals, guided by a team of expert faculty. Graduates are well-equipped for the NCLEX-RN exam, leading to licensure and diverse career pathways in nursing.

The program is completed over two years (four semesters) and is structured as follows:

• Semesters 1–3: Students participate three days per week:
  • One day of classes
  • One day in the laboratory
  • One day in clinical placement

• Semester 4: Students participate four days per week:
  • Two days of classes
  • Two days in clinical placement

Admissions

Admission to the Nursing, A.A.S. is a multi-step process. Visit the Nursing Program Admissions page to review detailed requirements, deadlines, and instructions for applying.

Accreditation

Accrediting Body:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: 404-975-5000

Accreditation Status: Accredited, May 2017

Accreditation Period: 8 years

Next Review: Self-study and site visit conducted February 11-13, 2025. 

NCLX Pass and Completion Rate: 

Program Notes

Program Policies

1. Upon admission to the program students are required to:

1. Have an annual medical examination and receive medical clearance from the health office prior to clinical rotation.
2. In addition to the college immunization requirements, nursing students must also submit proof of additional immunizations prior to the start of classes as required by clinical placement sites (such as Influenza, COVID-19, MPOX). 
3. Complete, at their own expense, a successful criminal background check and drug screening prior to beginning clinical courses. This is required each year. Additional details regarding schedule and procedure for completing these requirements are shared at orientation and reminders given each semester as needed.

2. Students must complete the following with a grade of C+ or higher:

1. All ADN courses
2. BIOL 121 Anatomy and Physiology 1 - Lecture & Lab  
3. BIOL 123 Anatomy and Physiology 2 - Lecture & Lab  

Note: If BIOL 121 and BIOL 123 were completed more than 5 years prior to program matriculation, the student is required to repeat the courses and obtain a grade of C+ or higher

3. Students must receive a final grade of C or higher in all other courses, including General Education courses.

4. Nursing courses from other institutions are not transferable to the SUNY WCC Nursing Program.

5. Prior Learning Assessment for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

1. Students admitted to the program who hold a valid and current New York State LPN license may be awarded credit for:
   1. ADN 120 ADN-Nursing 1, Fundamentals of Nursing (and Lab, and Clinical Study)  (8 credits)
   2. ADN 102 Dosage Calculations for Nurses  (1 credit)
2. To earn these credits students must successfully pass a written exam demonstrating knowledge of all ADN120 and ADN102 content, with a grade of 75% on both exam and successfully pass a skills performance exam in the laboratory based on comprehensive knowledge of all ADN 120 skills.
3. If the LPN is successful, the student will start the Nursing courses with ADN 131 ADN-Nursing 2, Mental Health Nursing/Maternity Nursing (and Lab, and Clinical Study)  
4. If the LPN is unsuccessful in the above, they will start the Nursing courses with ADN 102 and ADN 120.

Detailed policies for Nursing students are included in the Nursing Student Handbook . 

Program Requirements

64 credits are required for the degree:

• General Education - 17 credits
• Required Degree Courses - 47 credits

General Education Requirements - 17 Credits

• Communication - Written and Oral (3 credits): ENG 101 - Writing and Research  
• Mathematics (and Quantitative Reasoning) (3 credits):  MATH 117 - College Quantitative Reasoning  or higher
• Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) (3 credits):  BIOL 121 - Anatomy and Physiology 1 - Lecture & Lab  and BIOL 123 - Anatomy and Physiology 2 - Lecture & Lab  
• Social Sciences (3 credits):  PSYCH 101 - Introduction to Psychology  

Where specific courses are not listed within the categories above, courses must be selected from the list of all General Education Courses . 

Required Degree Courses - 47 credits

• ADN 120 - ADN-Nursing 1, Fundamentals of Nursing (and Lab, and Clinical Study)  
• ADN 131 - ADN-Nursing 2, Mental Health Nursing/Maternity Nursing (and Lab, and Clinical Study)  
• ADN 221 - ADN-Nursing 3 (and Lab, and Clinical Study)  
• ADN 231 - ADN-Nursing 4 (and Clinical Study)  
• BIOL 202 - Pharmacology (for Nurses)  
• BIOL 221 - General Microbiology - Lecture & Lab  
• ADN 102 - Dosage Calculations for Nurses  
• NUTR 109 - Nutrition for Health Care  

Program Map

The program map is a recommended semester-by-semester schedule of courses based on degree requirements and serve as a general guideline to help students complete their program in two years. Although designed for full-time enrollment, these are easily adaptable for part-time study. For additional, individualized guidance, students should review Degree Works and consult an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to ensure they are on track to complete their program.

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Minimum Total Credits: 64

Transfer Opportunities

Westchester Community College is committed to facilitating a smooth transfer process to ensure that graduates of the college are prepared to transfer with junior status, and are able to complete a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer. View 4-year institutions’ transfer agreement information by program here.