In an effort to address the nation's nursing shortage, Utica University and SUNY Oneonta have partnered to create a seamless transition for students to enter into the nursing field.

“So they complete their bachelor's degree in let’s say, anthropology, which is what the dean mentioned in his speech. They finish that degree, then decide, perhaps they may want to go on and be a nurse. This allows them to complete that second bachelor's degree in 16 months,” explained Doreen Rogers, chair of nursing at Utica University.

SUNY Oneonta students who are majoring in anthropology, biology, sociology, communications or philosophy can take advantage of the Bachelor of Science Accelerated Nursing Program (ABSN).

Rogers said they chose the degree programs because they contribute to the nursing major.

“Communication is very important in nursing to be a nurse. You have to be able to speak with people. You have to be able to communicate what we need to do with those patients. Also, be able to assess what your patients need both in verbal and non-verbal communication,” Rogers said.

Rogers said it’s a rigorous course and there are no breaks. She says students have been successful with the program.

“We’re entering into our 11th year of providing this program. It’s been replicated at other schools in the state. There is a need because students want to levy the education they previously received and complete their degree as soon as possible. They don’t want to take the summer off,” Rogers said.

“The students can learn on a regular basis and work with the professors to get that nursing courses and skills, as well as knowledge as quickly as they can,” said James Monahan, director of Utica University’s Traditional Nursing Program.

Monahan, who was previously a faculty member for the Bachelor of Science Accelerated Nursing Program, said the education that students receive at the ABSN sites is the same as at the university.

“We want to make sure that all of our nurses are prepared to be in the real world, become a productive part of health care as a registered nurse,” he said.

Monahan If SUNY Oneonta students are accepted into the ABSN program, they can choose between Syracuse, Latham and St. Petersburg, Fla., to purse a degree.