SUNY/CCC Dual Degree Integrated Program

The two year AAS Degree nursing graduates are facing strong competition in the healthcare job market from graduates holding an advanced degree. In order to fortify our graduates’ chances to be more competitive, CCC and SUNY PB officials have been in close communication and agreement in providing a seamless pathway to the baccalaureate degree. The following proposal is presented as a way to achieve this objective and to help assure that the community’s need for a continuous pipeline of well-educated nursing graduates is met well into the future.

Proposal: CCC collaborates with SUNY Plattsburgh in the development of a multi-institution, multi-award (dual degree)program in nursing that is jointly registered with the NYSED. Following a dual admission process, students will attend CCC for the first three years, integrating at least one SUNY PB course per semester. Students will matriculate at CCC for years one through three and cross-register for SUNY courses. Following graduation at the completion of year three, graduates will sit for the NCLEX and if all other requirements are met, will continue at SUNY PB to complete their fourth year, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree.

Development of a MOA between the two institutions is yet to be achieved and will determine which institution is awarded the FTE’s vs. student tuition. Matriculation will be addressed in the agreement as well as a number of additional areas under present discussion.

Significant changes in the health care delivery system which affect the practice environment are posing major challenges to nursing education. Graduate nurses need to be prepared to deliver quality and safe care to patients with increasingly complex health care requirements, across all settings. Preliminary research studies are indicating that a better educated workforce results in better patient outcomes. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has taken a lead role in preparing a vision for improved healthcare to include an 80% national benchmark for the number of nurses prepared at the baccalaureate level by the year 2020. Healthcare organizations are responding to the IOM initiative through preferential hiring of BS- prepared nurses. Nursing educational systems are challenged to not only improve nursing training, but to preserve associate degree programs and create seamless academic progression pathways.

Many of the current academic progression pathways are perceived by nurses in pursuit of higher education as being unnecessarily costlyand not designed to accommodate fully and sequentially, their undergraduate education/credits. Cognate courses required by the BSN at SUNY Plattsburgh, for example, are scheduled currentlyto be taken after the AD student graduates and is working as a nurse. This sequencing of courses bears little if any justification.

The following proposal is designed to maximize credit transfer to the SUNY PB baccalaureate program, sequence courses in a way that makes good pedagogical sense, contain costs for students, and help safeguard the future of the CCC AD nursing program. A process of credit validation allows SUNY PB to be able to maximize the transfer of nursing credits while allowing for acceptance of up to 67 credits of non-nursing courses.To minimize costs, dual enrolled students will complete three of the four years at CCC, paying a lower tuition/fee rate.Maximizing the number of courses/credits taken at CCC has the added benefit of diminishing the burden of some of the high enrollment courses at SUNY PB.

In years one through three, students will be required to cross-register for limited coursework at SUNY PB. The fourth year will be completed at SUNY PB. Integrating baccalaureate courses into the AD program during the first three years has the dual purpose of gradually socializing the two year students to the four year program and helping ensure BS degree completion following AD graduation and licensure.

The proposed program revision is aligned with Clinton’s mission to provide educational opportunities that enrich minds, strengthen the economy, and improve the qualityof life in our region. It meets Clinton’s Vision of helping our economy thrive, allowing the people of our region to enjoy an enhanced quality of life and preparing individuals to meet the challenges of a global society. The program meets the Clinton strategic goal of increasing access to postsecondary education in our region.

The proposal as presented will meet the imperatives of improving nursing training, preserving associate degree programs and creating seamless academic progression pathways.

Therefore we see this as having significant benefit to Clinton Community College and its nursing students and graduates, benefits to SUNY PB, to CVPH Medical Center and its patients, the community, and to the nursing profession at large.

Admission Policy:

The Nursing Admissions Committee at Clinton Community College welcomes applications from all individuals who meet all academic and health requirements, and who possess the intellectual, emotional and mechanical capabilities to undertake the curriculum and achieve the competency level required for safe, effective nursing practice. Applications are encouraged from:

  • High school seniors or recent high school graduates with strong science and mathematics achievement
  • Current college students with limited credits attending Clinton Community College or any other college
  • Individuals interested in making career changes

The admissions process is very competitive due to the high number of applicants. Candidates are urged to review the general college and specific admission requirements at both institutions, which are cited in the college catalogs. Each applicant must successfully complete (“C” grade or higher) all pre-requisite courses before applying for entry into Nursing.

The admissions process requires the following:

All Candidates

  • Demonstrate competency in basic mathematics (eligible for Mat 101/103 or higher). Competency may be determined by CCC Placement Test, SAT or ACT.
  • Demonstrate competence in college level writing equivalent to Eng 101 – English Composition.
  • Submit ACT and/or SAT results if available.
  • Submit three letters of character reference.
  • Submit the Clinton Community College Admissions Application.
  • Submit the Clinton Community College Nursing Application.
  • Submit official high school transcripts or copy of GED.
  • Submit official transcripts from all previous colleges attended.
  • Submit required health forms upon acceptance.
  • Complete the ATI TEAS test

For Candidates Who Are Currently in High School

  • Completion of a college preparatory high school program which must include for (4) units of English, three (3) units of social science, three (3)units of mathematics and three (3) units of natural science including biology, chemistry, and physics or other science. Students are expected to have an overall high school average of 80 or better.

Candidates Who Lack High School Course Requirements

  • Lacking high school biology – candidates must have a college biology course. CCC equivalent is BIO 101.
  • Lacking high school chemistry – candidates must have a college chemistry course. CCC equivalent is CHE 101 or CHE 111.
  • Individuals possessing a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) are eligible if they successfully complete college level equivalent courses.
  • Transfer applicants must have achieved an overall grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for courses completed at another college or university.
  • To certify English proficiency, international applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), achieving a score of 550 on the paper examination; or 80 on the Internet version.
  • Cases that present exceptions to the admission requirements are considered by the Director of Nursing in collaboration with the AdmissionsDepartment, the Admissions Committee, and the Academic Standards Committee.
  • For admission to the Integrated Dual Degree Program, in addition to meeting the general admission requirements for CCC, the applicant must meet the general admission requirements for SUNY Plattsburgh.

Progression Policy

  • Students must achieve a C or better in all required major courses (nursing and cognate). Students who earn less than a C grade, only one repeat attempt is allowed. A student who receives a second grade less than a C in the same course, regardless of where it is taken, will be dismissed from the major.
  • No more than two required major courses, (nursing and cognate)maybe repeated. A student who receives less than a C in a third course will be dismissed from the major.

Students must have an overall GPA of 2.5 to enter upper division, junior level nursing courses. A student who does not meet this may remain in the major and take courses to raise the GPA. For students in the pre-licensure program, cognate courses must be completed prior to beginning junior level nursing courses.

Students must demonstrate satisfactory performance in both theory and clinical components to receive a passing grade ( C or better) in a nursing course with both theory and clinical components.

Students in the integrated dual degree program must meet all progression standards of Clinton Community College and SUNY Plattsburgh and must successfully earn the AAS with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 to enter year four.

Clinical Policy:

Clinical experience is provided in a variety of settings, including local hospitals, public health agencies, and other healthcare settings. Clinical practice is under the supervision of the nursing program faculty in collaboration with staff at the host facility. Documentation; of clinical readiness must be on file prior to the first day of the academic year in which the student takes a course with an off campus clinical component. Failure to submit the completed documentation prevents admission to the clinical experience, which results in an unsatisfactory grade in the course. It is the student’s responsibility to know and meet current clinicalreadiness requirements in the following areas: 1. Students must meet all health requirements of the nursing program and affiliating clinical agencies, including updated immunization status for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, an annual healthexamination and annual tuberculosis screening. Influenza vaccine is required unless a medical contraindication exists, in which case a mask will be worn in the clinical setting throughout the designated influenza season. Vaccinationagainst hepatitis C is recommended or a declination statement must be signed.

2. Students must obtain professional liability insurance and must maintain coverage throughout the program.

3. Students must be certified in adult, child and infant CPR. Certification must be current and renewed at least every two years thereafter.

4. The college does not assume either responsibility or cost for student transportation to clinical agencies.

5. Students are responsible for purchase of uniforms and needed equipment; information is provided prior to the beginning o fthe first course.

6. Students must meet standards for role performance within guidelines o f reasonable accommodations. In situations where accommodations are needed, the student and department will consult with the Student Affairs Office.

7. Background checks and/or drug screening may be required by affiliating clinical agencies, associated fees will be the responsibility of the student. If a student is unfit to enter a certain clinical agency and a suitable alternative is not available, the student may be unable to meet course and program objectives, resulting in a lack of success.

8. Students who are suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or other substances will be removed from the clinical setting and may be subjected to on-the-spot testing.

Catalog description: The Integrated Dual Degree program is the result of the shared efforts of Clinton Community College and SUNY Plattsburgh to provide a seamless transfer for those students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing. ,The dual degree program is designed to be completed in a total of four years, on a full time basis. Students meeting Clinton and Plattsburgh’s admission requirements will be admitted to both institutions . The majority of coursework in the first three years is completed at Clinton Community College, with students cross registering for one or two SUNY PB courseseach semester. Following the successful completion of year three, students will graduate with an Associate ‘s Degree in nursing and be qualified to sit for the state board licensing exam (NCLEX). Successful completion of the fourth year entirely on the SUNY PB campus (or on-line)will earn the student a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

The Integrated Dual Degree programis designed tocarry out the Clinton nursing’s program’s primary mission ofeducating students to integrate the science and caring art of nursing, while providing safe, quality, patient-centered care and utilizing evidence-based practice, teamwork and technology. Theprogram is designed to prepareexcellent professional nurses capable of meeting the dynamic healthcare needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities. The nursing program is guided by the College’s established values. Nursing faculty are attentive to providing for the diverse needs of students and are committed to providing relevant learning, leading to career paths and future educational objectives. Student nurses are introduced to a holistic, caring philosophy which focuses on the humanness and uniqueness of each individual patient. Emphasis is on the bio-psycho-social person who has a healthcare requirement. The program’s tradition of excellence contributes to the fulfillment of the college’s mission to be an integral and responsive contributor to the educational economic and social vitality of the community. The nursing curriculum is rooted in a foundation of the sciences, humanities, and complemented by a broad-based general education program.

The program of study in professional nursing coursework is tightly organized and sequential. Students must follow the prescribed course sequencingpublished in the Nursing Handbook and College catalog. All required science, math and nursing courses must be completed with a “C” grade or higher. A minimum of 65 credits and a grade point average of 2.5 is required for graduation following the third year. Students may earn course credit by enrollment or transfer, according to nursing and college program policy. Students must successfully meet the criteria for promotion and graduation following completion of the third year of study, as defined in the CCC Department of Nursing Student Handbook and must meet the criteria for progression to, and graduation from, the fourth year as defined in the SUNY Plattsburgh Nursing Handbook.

NURSING MAJOR

Associate in Applied Science/Bachelor of Science (Integrated Dual Degree Program)

Curriculum Requirements (Clinton Community College/SUNY Plattsburgh)

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS Credits 94-95

  1. Associate in Applied Science Requirements Clinton Community College (65 cr.)
  1. Departmental Requirements: (38 cr.)
  1. NUR 103 Fundamentals of nursing
  2. NUR 104 Medical Surgical Nursing I
  3. NUR 105Maternal Child Nursing
  4. NUR 201 Medical Surgical Nursing I
  5. NUR 202 Mental Health Nursing
  6. NUR 203 Medical Surgical Nursing III
  7. NUR 204 Pharmacology
  1. Cognate Requirements: (21 cr.)
  1. BIO 228 Anatomy & Physiology I
  2. BIO 229 Anatomy & Physiology II
  3. C. BIO 204 Microbiology
  4. PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology
  5. PSY 230 Human Development
  6. SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology

B. Bachelor of Science requirements SUNY Plattsburgh

1. Departmental Requirements (26 cr.)

a. NUR 304 Health Assessment

b. NUR 326 Health Promotion and Social Justice

c. NUR 327 Application of Research in Nursing Practice

d. NUR 342 Nursing Informatics

e. NUR 350 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing

f. NUR 425 Public Health Nursing

g. NUR 428 Management/leadership

h. NUR 437 Public Policy and Professional Nursing

2. Cognate Requirements: (14 cr.)

  1. BIO 101 Intro to Biology
  2. CHE 101 General Chemistry
  3. FNI 211 Human Nutrition
  4. MAT 161 Statistics

Minimum Degree Requirements: 120 credits

English 6 credits

English 101

English 102

Mathematics

Nursing 68 credits

NUR 101 Introduction to Nursing

Miscellaneous

General Ed/Elective

World Systems/Foreign Language

Global Issues

US/Western Civilization

LIB 105 Information Literacy

A minimum of 36 credits must be taken at SUNY Plattsburgh to meet residency requirements including 26 nursing credits and at least 10 additional credits.

As per the agreement, 43 credits will be completed at SUNY PB and 77 credits at Clinton.

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