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The Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) is introducing a new nursing degree program in partnership with St. Peter's Health Partners, set to commence in Fall 2025. This innovative program allows students to earn both an Associate of Science and a Bachelor of Science degree in four years, with eligibility to take the registered nurse (RN) licensing exam after just three years.
Students will begin with general education and foundational science courses on the ACPHS campus, followed by two years of clinical-skills classes at a nursing school affiliated with St. Peter's Health Partners. The final year will be a hybrid format, enabling licensed nurses to work while completing their studies. The program aims to prepare students for leadership roles or further graduate study.
According to ACPHS, the program is designed to address the growing demand for nurses, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a six percent growth in registered nurse jobs from 2023 to 2032. ACPHS President Toyin Tofade, PharmD, expressed pride in the program, highlighting its potential to reduce nursing shortages in the region.
The program will provide students with access to state-of-the-art laboratories, including a digital cadaver lab and a patient-simulation lab. Students will also gain interprofessional experience by collaborating with peers from various health-care disciplines. Applications are now open, and more information can be found on the college's website.