Nursing offers an exceptional associate degree program designed to empower aspiring healthcare professionals. Our dedicated faculty, composed of highly trained nursing experts, is committed to fostering student success every step of the way. Through strong partnerships with local hospitals and health facilities, we provide students with invaluable opportunities for hands-on clinical experience right in our vibrant community.
The associate degree nursing program at Columbia Greene Community College, situated in the picturesque Hudson, NY, proudly holds accreditation from esteemed organizations, ensuring a quality education that meets the highest standards in healthcare.
The associate degree nursing program at Columbia Greene Community College located in Hudson, NY is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
404-975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate degree program is continuing accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by ACEN regarding this program at https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs
The nursing program is registered by the:
New York State Education Department
Division of Professional Education
89 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor West Wing
Albany, NY 12234
Telephone 518.474.3817 extension 360
We invite all applicants and potential applicants to attend "Discover Nursing," an informative session hosted by our nursing faculty and staff. This event aims to provide in-depth insights into the nursing program. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain a broader understanding of the nursing profession. Choosing a major is a significant decision, and we are committed to equipping you with the necessary information to make a well-informed choice.
Criteria for Admission
- Nursing Information Session (NIS): Applicants must attend an information session specific to nursing program requirements. This must be done prior to being considered for the nursing program. A NIS expires after 5 years.
- Students must have a GPA of 2.5 or above (calculated by the most recent college attended where a semester was completed) and a score of 50 or above on the "Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam" to be considered for the nursing program.
- Nursing program applicants take the college placement test in accordance with the stated Admissions requirements.
- Applicants must submit official transcript(s) from high school (or GED) and ALL other colleges attended.
- Admission to the nursing program requires the readiness to begin EN 101, MA 102, and BI 130. Students who do not meet all of the nursing program criteria will not be accepted into the nursing program, but may be accepted to the college while completing required courses. Basic skills course work is available for students who do not meet placement criteria. Basic science courses (Human Biology I, General Biology, General Chemistry, and Introductory Chemistry) are available for applicants who do not meet the science requirements. Students must receive a minimum grade of C in the basic science course.
- Students who receive a grade of less than C in a nursing course at another institution will not be accepted into the C-GCC nursing program. The only exception is for LPN’s who received the less than C grade PRIOR to successful completion of an LPN program.
- Entrance to the nursing program is based on the following point system:
Points for Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam:
Students must be admitted into the college and meet all requirements for acceptance into the Nursing Pathway as Kaplan Ready before they can take the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam. These requirements must be met at least 4 full business days prior to being able to sign up for a Kaplan exam.
"Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exams" book is available at most book suppliers to help prepare for this exam.
Students must take the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam and achieve a minimum score of 50. Students with a score of less than 50 can repeat the exam in an attempt to achieve a score of 50 or above. Students who already achieved the required minimum score of 50 can repeat the exam in an attempt to achieve a higher score. Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam may be taken twice in an admissions cycle. The exams will be offered January, April, September, and December. The highest score will be used. For exam dates and times, and to register to take the exam, go to: https://www.columbiagreene.edu/academics/programs/nursing.
Students with a score of 50 or above on the "Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam" may submit a Nursing Program Entrance Form. Forms must be e-mailed to the Nursing Division at nursingcontact@sunycgcc.edu by February 1st.
Students with a score of 50-59 on the “Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam” will receive 30 points.
Students with a score of 60 or above on the "Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam" will receive points for the grade they received. For example, grade of 60 = 60 points, grade of 68 = 68 points, etc.
Points for A&P I, A&P II, and Microbiology:
10.0 points for a grade of A
9.0 points for a grade of A-
8.0 points for a grade of B+
7.0 points for a grade of B
- These courses do not need to be taken prior to acceptance into the program.
- Minimum grade of C allowed. However, no points will be given for a grade less than B.
- Science course must be less than 10 years old at the time the student enters NU 101.
- Courses graded as "pass" will be counted as a grade of C.
High School Students:
Students who meet all admission requirements, are accepted to the college, score 50 or higher on the "Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam," and submit a Nursing Program Entrance Form by February 1st of their senior year of high school will be considered based on high school grades. Acceptance will be contingent on final high school grades upon graduation. High school students who are offered a seat in the nursing program have two options:
Option one: start Nursing 101 in the fall and complete the program (nursing and non-nursing courses) in two years.
Option two: (highly recommended option) required to attend one year at C-GCC to complete some or all of the non-nursing courses required for the nursing program and be guaranteed a seat in Nursing 101 the following year (as long as their GPA is 2.5 or higher and they submit a new “Nursing Program Entrance Form”).
High School students who do not meet all admission requirements or do not submit a “Nursing Program Entrance Form” by February 1st but meet all requirements (including the Kaplan Exam) by the end of August, will only be allowed Option two.
Application Procedure:
Students who meet all requirements for the nursing program and have successfully passed the nursing entrance exam may apply for admission to the nursing program. The Nursing Program Entrance Form must be submitted by February 1st. Admission will be granted to students based on the highest point totals. Applications received after February 1st will be considered only if there are available seats.
Please note that students are admitted to the nursing program once a year, in March. Students who do not fulfill all requirements for the nursing program, or who wish to take non-nursing courses, can still be admitted to the college. If they later meet all requirements and are accepted into the nursing program in March, their curriculum will be adjusted to include nursing courses.
Program Content
- Nursing courses are comprised of concepts and experiences that assist in comprehending the health-illness theories that promote the highest level of wellness in clients. Courses in the behavioral and biological sciences, as well as liberal arts, are integral to the learner’s comprehension of nursing. Nurses facilitate activities for clients to attain, maintain, or regain health, as well as proceed to a peaceful death. The interactive components of the health-illness continuum are integrated throughout all nursing courses.
- Nursing campus laboratory sessions are conducted at Columbia-Greene Community College. A variety of healthcare agencies in Columbia and Greene, as well as neighboring counties, are used to provide students with the opportunity to participate in the delivery of client care. Students are responsible for transportation to all clinical agencies.
- During the first weeks of the semester, each nursing course will start with "clinical on campus." This time on campus will give students the chance to learn and practice clinical skills, ensuring they are prepared to practice safely in the community.
Program Requirements
- The nursing curriculum may be completed in two years. The nursing courses must be taken in sequential order. The non-nursing courses which are part of the program requirements must be taken and successfully completed before or concurrently with the nursing courses as stated in nursing course descriptions. Nursing students must receive a grade of C or better in NU 101, NU 102, NU 201, and NU 202, BI 130, BI 131, BI 210, EN101 and PY 101 to continue taking nursing courses. A grade of less than C in any course from another college will not transfer into the nursing program.
- Candidates must be in good health to safely participate in the nursing program. An annual health assessment is required of all nursing students and must be submitted to the College's Director of Health Services. Nursing students must not only submit immunization records required of all students, but are also required to have a yearly flu shot and TB test, Hepatitis B vaccinations (or a signed declination), document varicella immunity, and meet current COVID vaccination(s). The due date for the completed health assessment form, including immunizations, will be given to the students during their registration appointment. Any student not submitting the completed form, including immunizations, by the due date will be deregistered from the nursing course.
- Students must have an American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider card (BLS) effective through May of the current academic year. The due date for submission for a copy of the BLS card will be given to students during their registration appointment. Any student not submitting a copy of the BLS card by the due date will be deregistered from the nursing program.
- There is a mandatory one-day Nursing Orientation program in August for all students entering NU 101. Students will be notified of this date during their registration appointment. Any student not attending the orientation program will be deregistered from NU 101.
- Students will need to spend additional time in classroom laboratory sessions to develop required skills.
- Liability insurance is required and is available through the college at the time of registration.
- Special fees for nursing students’ uniforms and equipment amounts to approximately $800 in the first semester.
- Students will not be allowed to enter (or continue in) the nursing program if any of the following occur:
- The student is not allowed to practice in the affiliated clinical agencies.
- The student is unable to pass a drug screening test required by a clinical agency.
- The student is unable to pass a background check required by a clinical agency.
- The student engages in unprofessional behavior that jeopardizes confidentiality of patient information.
- Based upon student preference and scheduling availability. Students may have an option of day or evening clinical sessions.
- Any applicant who has been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony under New York State law, Federal Law, or the law of another jurisdiction will be subject to a review by an investigator for the Office of Professional Discipline, New York State Education Department, prior to a licensing decision. Upon acceptance to the program, students must immediately notify the division chairperson of any convictions. A graduate of the program may apply for, and take, the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurse. However, the license will be held by the State Education Department until any necessary investigation or hearing is completed and a decision is made by the Commissioner of Education.
- In order to be successful in the nursing program students must be able to:
- Perform motor skills safely such as: lifting, bathing, positioning, and transporting patients; moving efficiently enough to meet the needs of several patients in a timely fashion; lifting, positioning or moving an unconscious patient in order to perform life-saving procedures.
- Perform activities requiring manual dexterity: giving injections, operating equipment and devices such as thermometers, blood pressure cuffs and IV pumps; efficiently operating equipment and devices in emergency situations; inserting and/or maintaining any patient catheters or other tubes.
- Perform activities requiring accurate and efficient interpretation and communication of information in English, both written and spoken. For example: responding to physician’s orders, reading and recording information, and directing staff.
- Respond to signals, alarms, and other displays indicating urgent patient need, and take immediate action.
- Perform effectively under stress.
- Demonstrate ability to analyze data, calculate, and measure.
End of Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Columbia-Greene Community College nursing program, graduates will have the following skills:
Critical Knowledge and Clinical Reasoning
Exercise critical thinking and clinical reasoning to safely care for groups of clients with complex needs.
Communication
Utilize effective communication techniques that demonstrate caring with clients and interprofessionals, and that empower clients to advocate for their health care values.
Health Care Promotion
Analyze, and practice within, the legal/ethical/professional nursing standards when collaborating with interprofessionals to provide safe, client-centered care.
Ethical Comportment
Prioritize and manage client care throughout the lifespan, utilizing ethical decision making, interprofessional collaboration, client advocacy, cultural competency, and inclusion
of diversity.
Evidence-Based Practice
Incorporate evidence-based practice when performing contemporary nursing skills and caring for groups of clients in various health care settings.
Transformational Leadership
Analyze nursing leadership roles, the importance of lifelong learning, and the pathways to achieve higher levels of education.
- A minimum of 75% of the students entering NU 101 will graduate from the program.
- Graduate passing rate on the NCLEX will be 80% or higher.
- 90% of graduates seeking employment will be able to find employment in nursing within six months after graduation.
- A minimum of 90% of the graduates will rate program satisfaction as satisfactory or above.
- A minimum of 90% of employers will rate graduate performance as satisfactory or above.
Grading Policy
- Students must maintain the minimum grade of C in all nursing courses, a GPA of 2.0 or above, and maintain accepted standards of care in all nursing clinical experiences in order to continue in the nursing program. Each nursing course consists of three components: classroom, campus laboratory, and clinical. In NU 101 and NU 102, students must average 78% or better in both classroom and campus laboratory, as well as “satisfactory” in campus lab on skills and in clinical. In NU 201 and NU 202, students must average 78% or better in classroom and a “satisfactory” in both campus laboratory and clinical. A “U” in either campus lab or clinical will result in failure of the course regardless of the classroom grade. If performance in clinical is graded U, the student will be notified in writing and given the opportunity to demonstrate satisfactory performance. A student exhibiting unsafe behavior in clinical may not be given this opportunity and may be dismissed from the course at that time, as stated in each nursing clinical evaluation tool. Determination of safe practice is guided by the ANA Code for Nurses (see the CGCC Student Handbook.) The student may appeal the decision as outlined in the College Catalog.
- Students can only repeat one nursing course one time.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Challenge Opportunities
- Eligibility requirements: LPN challenge students must be current students and meet all admissions criteria for acceptance and program requirements. The challenge applicant must be a currently licensed LPN (and provide an official LPN transcript, current registration, and license). Providing official LPN transcript and license will meet the prerequisite for Anatomy and Physiology I (BI 130).
- LPNs are not eligible to take a challenge exam if they have already failed, or withdrawn from, that nursing course. The only exception is if the LPN program was completed AFTER the withdrawal or failure.
- Licensed Practical Nurses attending C-GCC who meet all admission requirements for the nursing program may request to challenge NU 101 & NU 102. There will be a fee accessed for the challenge exam. Only one attempt will be allowed to pass each challenge exam. The exam must be taken no more than one year before the student enters a nursing course.
To challenge nursing courses, the process begins with the nursing enrollment specialist, who evaluates the student’s eligibility requirements. The student must request the “LPN Nursing Course Challenge Application” via email from the nursing division assistant. This application, signed by the student, should then be emailed to the nursing enrollment specialist. It is important to submit the application at least two weeks before the exam date.
The exam for NU 101 will be scheduled during the Fall semester for those entering the Spring semester of the following year. Once an applicant has been deemed eligible for the challenge exam, the nursing division assistant will provide the student with information about testing requirements and helpful preparation tools.The challenge process consists of three parts: didactic, clinical skills, and dosage calculation. Applicants must pass each section to qualify for the next step. Challenge exams are graded on a pass/fail basis, and these grades do not affect the student's GPA.
Standardized examinations
Standardized examinations are allowed for students who feel they are proficient in the following non-nursing courses required in the nursing curriculum. (EN 101, EN 102, PY 101, SO 101, MA 102, PY 201.) In addition, internal challenge exams are available for BI 130 and BI 131. (Passing the BI 130 and BI 131 challenge exams is equivalent to a grade of C.) However, it is important to note that a minimum of 30 credits of C-GCC classroom instruction must be completed for a degree to be granted.
Returning Nursing Students
- Students who fail, drop, or withdraw from a nursing course or do not enter the next nursing course the following semester are not automatically readmitted to the nursing program. They will be considered for readmission the next time the course is offered (if they meet the criteria and if they apply). Students who do not enter the course the next time it is offered will need to start over in NU 101.
- Students requesting to reenter NU 101 will be considered with all other students applying for NU 101.
- In addition to applying to the college (Application for Readmission form), students must submit an application letter emailed to the nursing division chairperson, requesting readmission. The letter should include the following:
- The reason the student was not successful or withdrew from the nursing course.
- What he/she has done to remediate.
- Specific plans for successful completion.
The readmission letter must be emailed to the nursing division chairperson by January 15 for students requesting to reenter the nursing program into NU 101 or NU 201. The readmission letter must be submitted by August 1 for students requesting to reenter the nursing program into NU 102 or NU 202. Nursing division recommendation is required for the student to be considered for readmission. Faculty recommendation will be based on the following:
- performance in prior nursing courses
- student accountability
- student honesty and professional behavior
- potential for student to meet Program Learning Outcomes
Student will be notified of division decision via email.
- Students requesting readmission to the nursing program into NU 102, NU 201, or NU 202 need to pass a readiness exam for the last nursing course successfully completed in order to demonstrate that the information has been retained. To be eligible to take the readiness exam, the student must be matriculated at C-GCC, meet all nursing program admission criteria, have recommendation of the nursing division, and have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
- Readiness exam for NU 102 (knowledge of NU 101) can be taken in September. Readiness exam for NU 201 (knowledge of NU 102) can be taken in April. Readiness exam for NU 202 (knowledge of NU 201) can be taken in November. A study guide for the exam will be emailed to the student once the Nursing Division Faculty approve readmission. The written exam is composed of two parts: part 1 is a medication calculation exam (passing is 95%); part 2 covers the remainder of the course content (passing is 78%). Students must pass BOTH part 1 and part 2 of the written exam. If the readiness exam is not passed, the student will not be readmitted. The exam can only be taken once. Students who are unsuccessful on the readiness exam may apply to re-enter NU 101.
- Students will be allowed one readiness exam for only one nursing course.
- Faculty recommendation for readmission and passing a readiness exam (if required) do not guarantee the student a seat in the nursing course. Admission will be based on prior academic performance in the nursing courses, grades in other courses, the grade on the readiness exam, current GPA, and available seats. If admitted to the college, returning students can register for all non-nursing courses. However, they cannot register for the nursing courses until the end of the semester (after students presently in the program have registered and the number of available seats can be determined.)
Transfer Students
- Applicants must submit official transcripts from high school (or GED), and ALL other college (s) attended.
- Students requesting to transfer only non-nursing courses will follow the same procedure as any student requesting admission to NU 101. The point system will be applied to courses taken at the transferring institution, as well as courses taken at C-GCC.
- A challenge exam for NU 101 can be taken during Fall semester of the year preceding entry. Email the nursing division assistant at nursingcontact@sunycgcc.edu for exact dates. Once students are deemed eligible, the division assistant will provide the student with information about testing requirements and helpful preparation tools. The challenge process consists of three parts: didactic, clinical skills, and dosage calculation. Applicants must pass each section to qualify for the next step. Challenge exams are graded on a pass/fail basis, and these grades do not affect the student's GPA. The challenge exam can only be attempted once.
- Criteria for Challenge:
The following must be completed before request to take a nursing challenge exam will be considered. The student must:- Be currently matriculated at C-GCC and meet all admission criteria for the nursing program.
- Provide official transcript documentation of a grade of C+ or higher in the nursing course (or courses) that have been determined to be equivalent to Nursing 101 at C-GCC.
- Submit a letter of recommendation from a clinical instructor at the institution the student is transferring from.
Challenge exams must be taken no more than one year prior to entering Nursing 102, and the student must enter Nursing 102 within one year of completion of the nursing course at the college they transferred from.
Challenge exam for NU 101 can be taken in September or January. Email the nursing division assistant at nursingcontact@sunycgcc.edu for exact dates. A study guide for the exam will be emailed to the student once the application is approved. The challenge exam consists of a written test, graded as pass/fail. The written exam is composed of two parts: part 1 is a medication calculation exam (passing is 95%); part 2 covers the remainder of the course content (passing is 78%). Students must pass BOTH part 1 and part 2 of the written exam. The exam can only be taken one time.
Any student who successfully challenges Nursing 101 must also successfully complete all prerequisites for Nursing 102 in order to be considered for admission. Passing a challenge exam does not guarantee a seat in Nursing 102. Admission will be considered based on: grades in other courses, the grade received on the challenge exam, current GPA, and available seats. Transfer students cannot register for the nursing course until the end of the semester (after students presently in the program have registered and the number of available seats can be determined.)
Licensure and Degree Transfer
Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for licensure as RNs. Graduates are prepared to assume nursing responsibilities in a variety of structured health-care settings, such as acute care, long-term care, and other community agencies. They are also qualified to seek admission to other institutions for continued study toward a
bachelor’s degree in nursing.
For transfer assistance, contact Advising, Career and Transfer, room 112, email advising@sunycgcc.edu, or call 518.697.6395.
Nursing Program Progression
The Nursing Program can be completed in two years. However, because of family and/or employment obligations, many students choose to take longer. In deciding which courses, and the number of credits to take each semester, keep the following in mind:
- For each hour in class, plan two hours for study/homework. (ex. 3-semester-hour course, plan on 6 hours for study/homework.)
- Any non-nursing course can be taken prior to taking the nursing courses. Many students take some, or all, non-nursing courses prior to registering for NU 101.
- All nursing courses have prerequisites and/or corequisites.
Prerequisites must be taken prior to the nursing course.
Corequisites can be taken prior to or with the nursing course.
NU 101:
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: BI 130, EN 101
NU 102:
Prerequisites: NU 101, BI 130, EN 101
Corequisites: BI 131, BI 210, PY 101
NU 201:
Prerequisites: NU 101, NU 102, BI 130, BI 131, BI 210, PY 101, EN 101, MA 102 (MA 110 or higher level math will be accepted)
Corequisites: PY 201, SO 101
NU 202:
Prerequisites: NU 101, NU 102, NU 201, BI 130, BI 131, BI 210, PY 101, EN 101, PY 201, SO 101, MA 102 (MA 110 or higher level math will be accepted)
Corequisites: EN 102
A student MAY NOT withdraw from a corequisite and remain in the nursing course.
- Some non-nursing courses consist of classroom and lab components. All nursing courses consist of classroom, campus lab, and clinical components. Each clock hour of the classroom component equals one semester hour. Three clock hours of lab or clinical equal one credit hour. The “Nursing Program Curriculum” on the following page identifies the time spent in classroom, lab, and clinical for all courses required in the nursing curriculum.
Adjunct Faculty
The Nursing program has 3-4 adjunct nursing faculty who teach some of the clinical groups each semester.
| Hours Per week Classroom/Lecture | Hours Per Week Lab* | Clinicals** | Total Clock Hrs Per Week | Total Clock Hrs Per Semester (15 Weeks) | Semester Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NU 101 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 13 | 195 | 7 |
| NU 102 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 13 | 195 | 7 |
| NU 201 | 5 | 2 | 13 | 20 | 300 | 10 |
| NU 202 | 5 | 2 | 13 | 20 | 300 | 10 |
*HOURS PER WEEK IN CLINICAL CONFERENCE, OR CAMPUS LAB
**HOURS PER WEEK AT OFF CAMPUS AGENCY CLINICALS
30 Semester Hours
34 Semester Hours
*(MA 110-College Algebra or higher level math will be accepted instead of MA 102)
*All Nursing courses have prerequisites or corequisites
**(MA 110 or higher level math will be accepted instead of MA 102)
*Suggested Program Sequence For Completing the Program in Two Years below
Transfer Opportunities
Transfer opportunities include, but are not limited to: SUNY Delhi, SUNY Albany, University of Rhode Island, SUNY Institute of Technology: Utica/Rome, SUNY Binghamton, Russell Sage College, New York University, Syracuse University, SUNY Plattsburgh, University of Delaware, Maria College, Excelsior College. For more information, contact Advising, Career, and Transfer, 518.697.6395.