Nursing
A.A.S. Degree
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Nursing
Nurses play vital roles at all levels of the health care system. They are caregivers, counselors, educators, and advocates who work with clients of all ages. Care is given in a variety of inpatient and community settings, and involves clients with chronic and acute health care needs. Nursing is a continually growing field that offers diverse opportunities and challenges.
The College's rigorous and highly-praised nursing program offers diverse clinical experiences in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community settings. Courses in nursing and the liberal arts provide in-depth career preparation. Scholarships are available for students in the Nursing program. The most recent first-time NCLEX pass rate for the program is 92%. The completion rate within 150% of four semesters for the program is 80%, and our job placement rate within six months is 100%.
Clinical Experience
To prepare nursing students for the many diverse roles available to them, clinical opportunities in a variety of health care settings are integrated as part of each semester.
Internship
Students have the opportunity to participate in a nursing internship offered during the summer after the second semester of the nursing program, and during winter break after the third semester. The internship provides hands-on experience within the limits of students’ current clinical knowledge. Students work directly under the supervision of an RN preceptor for a total of 100 or 150 hours and are also supported by a faculty mentor. Settings for internships have included acute inpatient units, same day surgery, community agencies, midwife/MD offices, mental health clinics, and hospice organizations.
Degree Requirements
Careers on Career Coach
After passing the NCLEX-RN examination and obtaining an RN license, graduates are eligible for employment in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, schools, industries, hospices, family planning agencies, doctor’s offices, and a variety of other settings. Graduates have found employment in a variety of health care facilities throughout the U.S., and are prepared to pursue baccalaureate and higher degrees in nursing and advanced practice roles. Learn more about related jobs:
Transfer Options
We encourage our nursing graduates to continue their education. Recent transfer institutions include:
- Binghamton University
- Elmira College
- Empire State College
- SUNY Delhi
- Keuka College
- Utica College
- SUNY Upstate Medical University
- Le Moyne College
Accreditation
The Tompkins Cortland’s nursing degree program is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
404.975.5000
NY State Education Department
Office of the Professions
Division of Professional Licensing Services
Nurse Unit
89 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12234-1000
518.474.3817
HESC code: 006788
Student Showcase
Kira Read
Kira Read was born and raised in Cortland. At the age of 38, she decided to become a nurse – enrolling in Tompkins Cortland Community College’s esteemed nursing program and graduating two years later.
“It was the best thing I have ever done,” she says. “I know that I am doing exactly what I was meant to be doing in life.”
Kira is a nurse at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center and recently began working as a travel nurse at the Roosevelt Island Medical Center in Manhattan, a “makeshift” hospital set up to deal with the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Can you tell us about what you’re doing in the city … where you are, what kind of working, etc.?
I took a travel nurse position working at Roosevelt Island Medical Center. I work in a "makeshift" hospital that hasn't been open for more than 10 years. I am on a medical unit, which is the type of nursing I did at home while working for Guthrie Cortland Medical Center.What job were you doing prior to going downstate?
I worked for Guthrie on a medical/surgical floor.What’s the been the hardest part so far?
The hardest part besides missing my family has been the limited resources at the facility I am working at here in the city.What’s been the most rewarding and/or surprising – in a good sense?
The most rewarding has been lining the hallway on the floor and clapping and cheering as we discharge a patient to their home.How did TC3 prepare you for this kind of work?
TC3 has prepared me for the diverse nursing world. The school had given me a learning environment filled with variety and embraced diversity in the various roles we were able to pursue as student nurses.