New ‘1+2+1’ Program Leads to Bachelor's of Science in Nursing
By Erin Frick
ALBANY, N.Y. (Nov. 12, 2024) — A four-year degree program for aspiring nurses is now available at the University at Albany’s College of Integrated Health Sciences. Offered in partnership with St. Peters Health Partners, students in the new “1+2+1” program will simultaneously work toward two degrees: an Associate Degree in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Designed to prepare students to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) after year three, this unique and accelerated path will afford students the opportunity to begin working as registered nurses (RNs) while they complete the fourth and final year of the program.
“Across New York and nationwide, we are continuing to see shortages of healthcare providers, including nurses,” said UAlbany Provost Carol Kim. “This trend comes with increased demand for nurses with advanced degrees, with many states — including New York — now requiring nurses to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to continue practicing. We are excited to offer the ‘1+2+1’ program to address the growing need for RNs in a way that offers students maximum efficiency.
“The program’s innovative curriculum design will prepare students for the nursing licensure exam after completing three years of training. With flexible hybrid coursework in year four, students will be able to begin working as a nurse while completing the final credits of their bachelor’s degree. We are proud to offer this efficient model, which gives students the ability to earn an income, working in the field, while completing their degree program.”
Blending Classroom and Clinic
Students in the “1+2+1” program will spend their first year at UAlbany completing prerequisite and foundational nursing classes.
In years two and three, students will undertake lab and clinical experiences at locations in the St. Peter’s Health Partners network. These sites will include a range of care departments including medical-surgical, geriatrics, rehabilitation, outpatient clinics, operating and procedural rooms, labor and delivery, post-partum, pediatrics, behavioral health, critical care and emergency. During this time, students will continue to take classes at UAlbany.
At the end of year three, students will be prepared to take the NCLEX. Upon successful licensure, students will be eligible to begin practicing while completing the final year of the program. Coursework in year four will primarily be delivered remotely, to allow students the flexibility needed to balance work and classes.
“UAlbany’s integrated approach ensures that students gain both academic knowledge and real-world clinical experience,” said Cassandra Marshall, director of nursing at UAlbany. “With small class sizes and hands-on learning opportunities, students will be prepared to succeed in diverse healthcare settings. In addition to academic rigor, we offer guaranteed job placement at local healthcare facilities, ensuring our graduates are ready to enter the workforce as skilled, compassionate nurses.
“This program is an ideal choice for students who want a fast track to becoming highly skilled, compassionate nurses who can contribute to improving patient care across a range of healthcare settings. Students have the opportunity to enter the workforce as RNs in as little as three years, while still having the guarantee of graduating with a BS in Nursing, ensuring both early career experience and a comprehensive academic foundation.”
UAlbany’s program will provide cutting-edge simulation experiences, incorporating virtual reality (VR) technology and high-fidelity mannequins to mimic real-life patient scenarios. These simulations will prepare students for both inpatient and outpatient care, enhancing their ability to work in a variety of healthcare settings.
“By connecting clinical experiences with public and community health, we aim to create well-rounded nurses who understand the continuum of care from hospital to home,” Marshall said. “Our strong partnerships with the New York State Department of Health and local hospitals will offer students valuable real-world clinical experiences that further develop their skills and prepare them for the ever-changing healthcare environment.”
Nursing at UAlbany
The four-year BS in Nursing program joins UAlbany’s two existing nursing programs — a Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion program and a Master of Science in Population Health Nursing — both aimed at licensed nurses. The new degree program is for students seeking to begin a career in nursing and requires no prior licensure.