SUNY Poly Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence with School of Nursing Renaming
In March, SUNY Polytechnic Institute marked a historic milestone by renaming its Department of Nursing to the School of Nursing, a change that reflects the program’s remarkable growth, impact, and vision for the future. The announcement coincided with the 50th anniversary of SUNY Poly’s nursing program, which has educated generations of exceptional nurses serving the Mohawk Valley, New York State, and beyond.
The renaming comes at a time of exciting momentum for the program, building on last year’s significant investment from New York State to expand the health sciences wing and modernize nursing labs in Donovan Hall. These enhancements will provide cutting-edge learning environments, ensuring SUNY Poly continues to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare workforce.
The establishment of the School of Nursing recognizes decades of dedication from faculty, staff, and alumni while opening new opportunities to attract talented students, educators, and donors. It strengthens SUNY Poly’s leadership in nursing education across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, underscoring the institution’s role as a driving force in healthcare innovation and excellence.
Flexible and Collaborative Nursing Pathways
SUNY Poly offers a diverse range of nursing and health-related programs to address regional and statewide healthcare needs. The RN to BS program provides registered nurses with associate degrees a fully online pathway to earn their bachelor’s degrees. The innovative 1+2+1 nursing partnership pathway, in collaboration with MVHS/St. Elizabeth’s College of Nursing, allows students to earn their associate’s degree, RN credentials, and bachelor’s degree in an integrated sequence.
Graduate options include master’s degrees (MS) and certificates of advanced studies (CAS) in Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Education, along with a CAS and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner—one of the few such programs in the region. The Nursing Education MS program was recently ranked second in New York State by registerednursing.org.
Several programs have also earned initial accreditation or reaccreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), affirming SUNY Poly’s commitment to high-quality, nationally recognized nursing education. The DNP and CAS in Psychiatric Nursing earned full five-year accreditation, the CAS programs for Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Education were accredited for five years, and the RN-BS, MS in FNP, and MS in Nursing Education programs achieved 10-year accreditations. These distinctions enhance graduate credentials for licensure, certification, and advanced education while reinforcing employer and patient confidence in SUNY Poly-trained nurses.
Beyond Nursing
SUNY Poly’s College of Health Sciences also offers undergraduate degrees in Community and Behavioral Health and Health Information Management—one of only a few such programs in New York—as well as a fully online graduate program in Health Informatics. These offerings prepare students for leadership roles across the healthcare spectrum, ensuring SUNY Poly continues to meet the critical needs of communities throughout the state and beyond.
