Nursing Program
1+1 Nursing Program
The Jefferson Nursing Program provides students with a flexible, career-focused route
to professional nursing practice through a two year, 4-semester, stackable credential
model. Designed to meet the growing demand for skilled nurses, the program enables
students to enter the healthcare workforce quickly while creating a seamless pathway
to continued nursing credentials.
The program requires a supplemental nursing application for acceptance. Acceptance into the program is competitive, taking into consideration academic preparation, experience, and motivation. Eligibility for acceptance is determined by program admission requirements, described below. A holistic admission review based on a rubric occurs each spring for admission into the fall semester.
The program admits 60 new students each fall semester. Once all seats are filled, eligible applicants may be placed on a waiting list and will be notified by the Nursing Department if space becomes available. Eligible applicants on the waiting list that are not admitted by the first week of the program must reapply for further consideration.
1+1 Nursing Program Pathway
Year One: Practical Nursing Certificate
Students begin by completing the Practical Nursing Certificate Program, a one-year course of study that combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice, simulation experiences, and clinical learning in a variety of healthcare settings.
Upon successful completion of the certificate program, graduates are awarded a Practical Nursing Certificate and are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). After obtaining licensure, graduates may enter the workforce as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and/or choose to continue into the Nursing AAS degree program.
Year Two: Nursing AAS Degree
Students who complete the Practical Nursing Certificate may continue directly into the second year of the pathway, the Nursing Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree program. Building upon the knowledge and skills acquired as practical nurses, students develop advanced competencies in nursing assessment, clinical decision-making, patient-centered care, leadership, and evidence-based practice.
Upon successful completion of the AAS degree requirements, graduates are awarded an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing and are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Graduates who obtain RN licensure are prepared for entry-level professional nursing practice in a wide range of healthcare settings.
LPN Bridge Pathway
The Jefferson Nursing Program also offers an LPN-to-RN Bridge pathway for currently licensed New York State LPNs. The bridge pathway allows LPNs to build on their previous education and clinical experience and enter directly into the Nursing AAS degree program.
The Bridge pathway requires a supplemental nursing application for acceptance. Acceptance into the program is competitive, taking into consideration academic preparation, experience, and motivation. Eligibility for acceptance is determined by program admission requirements, described below. A holistic admission review based on a rubric occurs each spring for admission into the summer semester.
The bridge pathway admits a select number of new bridge (LPN) students each summer semester. Once all seats are filled, eligible applicants may be placed on a waiting list and will be notified by the Nursing Department if space becomes available. Eligible applicants on the waiting list that are not admitted by the first week of the program must reapply for further consideration.
Learn More
Choose a Program:
- Implement safe clinical judgement with the understanding of evidence-based practices in the delivery of quality patient-centered care within the scope of the practical nurse.
- Collaborate effectively with the interdisciplinary health care team, clients, families, and peers.
- Reinforce an environment that fosters health promotion for the achievement of optimal health outcomes across the lifespan.
- Model the values of professional identity to include the responsibilities and legal and ethical behaviors within the practical nurse scope of practice.
- Reinforce care for individuals using basic leadership skills and quality improvement processes to provide holistic care.
- Demonstrate competency in applying technical skills.
- Mathematics Level 0B or higher
- Satisfy one of the following criteria to meet the prerequisite for BIO 251 Anatomy
& Physiology 1 and BIO 252 Anatomy & Physiology 2:
- Satisfactorily complete BIO 106 Human Biology, BIO 111 Survey of Cell Biology, or
BIO 131 Principles of Biology 1
OR - AP Biology exam score of 3 or higher (high school applicants only)
OR - Biology CLEP exam with a score of 50 or higher (high school applicants only)
- Satisfactorily complete BIO 106 Human Biology, BIO 111 Survey of Cell Biology, or
BIO 131 Principles of Biology 1
- Satisfy one of the following criteria to meet the prerequisite for ENG 101 Research
and Composition:
- Direct Placement into ENG 101 Research and Composition
OR - Satisfactorily complete ENG 100 College Composition
- Direct Placement into ENG 101 Research and Composition
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. For high school applicants only: a cumulative GPA of 75 or higher.
For more information, please view the Nursing Advising Guide. (requires access to myJCC)
Important note:
Although Chemistry is not an admission requirement for the PN Certificate, it is an admission requirement for the AAS degree. If a student intends to continue on to the AAS degree after completion of the Certificate, they need to ensure the Chemistry pre-requisite is met prior to the application deadline. Chemistry and is a pre-requisite for BIO 202.To apply to the nursing program, you must:
- Complete Jefferson’s free application for admission.
- Submit high school transcripts, GED test scores, and/or college transcripts to the college. Admissions Office.
- Meet all program admission requirements.
- Complete and submit the Supplemental Nursing Application for PN Certificate by the January 31 deadline.
The supplemental nursing application for admission into the PN Certificate program will be available September 2026.
Applications are due January 31.
Notification letters are delivered via postal mail service in April.
Admission Review Process:
All on-time applications are reviewed by the Nursing Admission Review Committee in the month of February. This review includes an evaluation of each application using the admission rubric. All eligible applicants are given a score based on the rubric and prioritized by rubric score on an acceptance list (highest score to lowest). Remaining eligible applicants will be added to a wait list in priority order. If seats become available, applicants are offered acceptance from the wait list in order. The wait list order is not disclosed to applicants. The wait list will be maintained until the start of the fall semester.
Applicants determined to be ineligible at the time of review may be placed on hold
and reviewed again in May if the applicant is currently taking required prerequisite
coursework but meets all other requirements. Ineligible high school applicants at
the time of review may be placed on hold and reviewed again in July if the high school
applicant is currently taking required prerequisite coursework but meets all other
requirements.
View the rubric for the Practical Nursing Certificate admission review process.
View the Practical Nursing Certificate requirements.
Computer Requirements:
Students entering this program are required to purchase or lease a computer laptop for in-classroom use. Computers are an integral part of all course instruction within the Nursing A.A.S. program. Please review the College’s recommendations for computer purchases or check with the Helpdesk to ensure you purchase a computer that will be able to run any specialized software or textbook add-ons. Note: some technology such as Chromebook, iPads, and tablets are good for Internet access or to access cloud applications and storage but are not able to run specialized software required for some classes, some textbook add-ons, and will definitely not meet the needs of a “power user.”
The data below is based on Nursing AAS degree program prior to Fall 2026.
| May Graduates | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation rate | 64% | 77% | 76% | 78% |
| First-time licensure pass rate | 82% | 82% | 85% | 78% |
- Implement safe clinical judgement with the understanding of evidence-based practices in the delivery of quality patient-centered care.
- Collaborate effectively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team, clients, families, and peers.
- Create an environment to foster health promotion for the achievement of optimal health outcomes across the lifespan.
- Model the values of professional identity to include the responsibilities and legal and ethical behaviors within the registered nurse scope of practice.
- Manage care for individuals using basic leadership skills and quality improvement processes to provide holistic care.
- NYS licensure as a practical nurse (provisional continuance for JCC PN graduates scheduled for the NCLEX-PN before August 1)
- Satisfy one of the following criteria to meet the prerequisite for BIO 202 Microbiology:
- Earn a grade of C or higher in one year of high school chemistry
OR - Earn a grade of C or higher in one semester of college chemistry (equivalent to CHE 107 Introduction to Chemistry)
- Earn a grade of C or higher in one year of high school chemistry
For more information, please view the Nursing Advising Guide. (Requires access to myJCC)
The supplemental application is only required for JCC PN Certificate graduates returning to the nursing program.
Applying for Readmission:
If you have been dismissed from the program you may be readmitted only once. You must meet all admission requirements, re-apply, and be accepted by Nursing Admissions Committee. Once admitted to the program, you have four years to complete all program requirements.
Please follow this link to the supplemental nursing application for admission into the Nursing AAS program. Available September 2026.
Applications are due January 31.
Notification letters are delivered via postal mail service in April.
Admission Review Process:
All on-time applications are reviewed by the Nursing Admission Review Committee in the month of February. This review includes an evaluation of each application using the admission rubric. All eligible applicants are given a score based on the rubric and prioritized by rubric score on an acceptance list (highest score to lowest). Remaining eligible applicants will be added to a wait list in priority order. If seats become available, applicants are offered acceptance from the wait list in order. The wait list order is not disclosed to applicants. The wait list will be maintained until the start of the fall semester.
Applicants determined to be ineligible at the time of review may be placed on hold and reviewed again in May if the applicant is currently taking required prerequisite coursework but meets all other requirements. Ineligible high school applicants at the time of review may be placed on hold and reviewed again in July if the high school applicant is currently taking required prerequisite coursework but meets all other requirements.
Late applications will be reviewed in May, following the processes above.
View the rubric for the Nursing AAS admission review process.View the Nursing AAS degree requirements
Computer Requirements:
Students entering this program are required to purchase or lease a computer laptop for in-classroom use. Computers are an integral part of all course instruction within the Nursing A.A.S. program. Please review the College’s recommendations for computer purchases or check with the Helpdesk to ensure you purchase a computer that will be able to run any specialized software or textbook add-ons. Note: some technology such as Chromebook, iPads, and tablets are good for Internet access or to access cloud applications and storage but are not able to run specialized software required for some classes, some textbook add-ons, and will definitely not meet the needs of a “power user.”
The data below is based on Nursing AAS degree program prior to Fall 2026.
| May Graduates | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation rate | 64% | 77% | 76% | 78% |
| First-time licensure pass rate | 82% | 82% | 85% | 78% |
- Implement safe clinical judgement with the understanding of evidence-based practices in the delivery of quality patient-centered care.
- Collaborate effectively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team, clients, families, and peers.
- Create an environment to foster health promotion for the achievement of optimal health outcomes across the lifespan.
- Model the values of professional identity to include the responsibilities and legal and ethical behaviors within the registered nurse scope of practice.
- Manage care for individuals using basic leadership skills and quality improvement processes to provide holistic care.
- Successful completion of an accredited PN Certificate education program with a cumulative GPA of 2.5/75 or higher
- Current NYS licensure as a practical nurse
- Satisfy one of the following criteria to meet the prerequisite for BIO 202 Microbiology:
- Earn a grade of C or higher in one year of high school chemistry
OR - Earn a grade of C or higher in one semester of college chemistry (equivalent to CHE 107 Introduction to Chemistry)
- Earn a grade of C or higher in one year of high school chemistry
- Mathematics Level 0B or higher
- Satisfactorily complete PSY 133 Introduction to Psychology
- Satisfactorily complete ENG 101 Research and Composition
To apply to the nursing program, you must:
- Complete Jefferson’s free application for admission.
- Submit high school transcripts, GED test scores, and/or college transcripts to the college. Admissions Office.
- Meet all program admission requirements.
- Complete and submit the Supplemental Nursing Application for Nursing AAS by the January 31 deadline.
Please follow this link to the supplemental nursing application for admission into the Nursing AAS program.
Applications are due January 31.
Notification letters are delivered via postal mail service in April.
Admission Review Process:
All on-time applications are reviewed by the Nursing Admission Review Committee in the month of February. This review includes an evaluation of each application using the admission rubric. All eligible applicants are given a score based on the rubric and prioritized by rubric score on an acceptance list (highest score to lowest). Remaining eligible applicants will be added to a wait list in priority order. If seats become available, applicants are offered acceptance from the wait list in order. The wait list order is not disclosed to applicants. The wait list will be maintained until the start of the fall semester.
Applicants determined to be ineligible at the time of review may be placed on hold and reviewed again in May if the applicant is currently taking required prerequisite coursework but meets all other requirements. Ineligible high school applicants at the time of review may be placed on hold and reviewed again in July if the high school applicant is currently taking required prerequisite coursework but meets all other requirements.
Late applications will be reviewed in May, following the processes above.
Please follow this link to view the rubric for the Nursing AAS admission review process.
Applying for Readmission:
If you have been dismissed from the program you may be readmitted only once. You must meet all admission requirements, re-apply, and be accepted by Nursing Admissions Committee. Once admitted to the program, you have four years to complete all program requirements.Please follow this link to view the Nursing AAS degree requirements.
Computer Requirements:
Students entering this program are required to purchase or lease a computer laptop for in-classroom use. Computers are an integral part of all course instruction within the Nursing A.A.S. program. Please review the College’s recommendations for computer purchases or check with the Helpdesk to ensure you purchase a computer that will be able to run any specialized software or textbook add-ons. Note: some technology such as Chromebook, iPads, and tablets are good for Internet access or to access cloud applications and storage but are not able to run specialized software required for some classes, some textbook add-ons, and will definitely not meet the needs of a “power user.”
The data below is based on Nursing AAS degree program prior to Fall 2026.
| May Graduates | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation rate | 64% | 77% | 76% | 78% |
| First-time licensure pass rate | 82% | 82% | 85% | 78% |
- Practice concepts of learned attributes to care for clients at all developmental levels.
- Utilize the nursing process to meet the caring needs of individuals experiencing an illness or loss/dysfunction.
- Utilize effective communication skills when interacting with health team members, clients, families and peers.
- Demonstrate competency in performing technical skills for clients.
- Practice as a team member in collaboration with other health team members.
- Create an environment for health teaching for individuals seeking to restore balance.
- Maintain ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities within the Registered Nurse scope of practice.
- Utilize theories and concepts of science, liberal arts and nursing to provide holistic care.
- Satisfy BOTH of the following criteria to meet all prerequisites for BIO 251 Anatomy & Physiology 1, BIO 252 Anatomy & Physiology 2, and BIO 202 Microbiology:
- Satisfactorily complete BIO 106 Human Biology, BIO 111 Survey of Cell Biology, or
BIO 131 Principles of Biology 1
AND - Earn a grade of 70 or higher in one year of high school chemistry or one semester of college chemistry (equivalent to CHE 107 Introduction to Chemistry)
- Satisfactorily complete BIO 106 Human Biology, BIO 111 Survey of Cell Biology, or
BIO 131 Principles of Biology 1
- Satisfy ONE of the following criteria to meet all prerequisitesfor MTH 174 Mathematical Probability and Statistics 1:
- Direct placement into MTH 174 Mathematical Probability and Statistics 1
OR - Completion of one of the following with a C or better: MTH 125 Intermediate Algebra, MTH 144 Elementary Statistics, MTH 154 Quantitative Reasoning, or any course MTH 165 College Algebra and Trigonometry or higher
- Direct placement into MTH 174 Mathematical Probability and Statistics 1
- Satisfy ONE of the following criteria to meet the prerequisitesfor ENG 101 Research and Composition:
- Direct Placement into ENG 101 Research and Composition
OR - Complete ENG 100 College Composition with a 70 or higher
- Direct Placement into ENG 101 Research and Composition
To apply to the nursing program, you must:
- Complete Jefferson’s free application for admission.
- Submit high school transcripts, GED test scores, and/or college transcripts to the college. Admissions Office.
- Meet all program admission requirements.
- Complete and submit the Supplemental Nursing Application for Nursing AAS by the January 31 deadline.
Applications are due January 31.
Admission Review Process:
All on-time applications are reviewed by the Nursing Admission Review Committee in the month of February. This review includes an evaluation of each application using the admission rubric. All eligible applicants are given a score based on the rubric and prioritized by rubric score on an acceptance list (highest score to lowest). Remaining eligible applicants will be added to a wait list in priority order. If seats become available, applicants are offered acceptance from the wait list in order. The wait list order is not disclosed to applicants. The wait list will be maintained until the start of the fall semester.
Applicants determined to be ineligible at the time of review may be placed on hold and reviewed again in May if the applicant is currently taking required prerequisite coursework but meets all other requirements. Ineligible high school applicants at the time of review may be placed on hold and reviewed again in July if the high school applicant is currently taking required prerequisite coursework but meets all other requirements.
Late applications will be reviewed in May, following the processes above.
Applying for Readmission:
If you have been dismissed from the program you may be readmitted only once. You must meet all admission requirements, re-apply, and be accepted by Nursing Admissions Committee. Once admitted to the program, you have four years to complete all program requirements.View the Nursing AAS degree requirements prior to Fall 2026.
Computer Requirements:
Students entering this program are required to purchase or lease a computer laptop for in-classroom use. Computers are an integral part of all course instruction within the Nursing A.A.S. program. Please review the College’s recommendations for computer purchases or check with the Helpdesk to ensure you purchase a computer that will be able to run any specialized software or textbook add-ons. Note: some technology such as Chromebook, iPads, and tablets are good for Internet access or to access cloud applications and storage but are not able to run specialized software required for some classes, some textbook add-ons, and will definitely not meet the needs of a “power user.”
The data below is based on Nursing AAS degree program prior to Fall 2026.
| May Graduates | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation rate | 64% | 77% | 76% | 78% |
| First-time licensure pass rate | 82% | 82% | 85% | 78% |
- A Jefferson nursing student practices a physical assessment on a patient simulator in our Simulation Center, using a stethoscope while the simulator lies in a hospital bed.
- A Jefferson nursing student listens to a patient simulator's chest with a stethoscope while practicing assessment skills in a simulated hospital room.
- Two Jefferson nursing students use stethoscopes to assess a patient simulator seated upright in a hospital bed during a clinical simulation exercise.
- A Jefferson nursing student performs a physical assessment on a patient simulator in a hospital bed, using a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff during hands-on clinical training.
- A Jefferson nursing student in scrubs uses a stethoscope to assess a patient simulator positioned in a hospital bed during a hands-on clinical skills exercise.
- Two Jefferson nursing students listen to a patient simulator with stethoscopes in a simulated hospital room, practicing patient assessment techniques.
Accreditation
The Associate Degree nursing program at Jefferson Community College located in Watertown,
NY is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
https://www.acenursing.org
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for
the Associate Degree nursing program is: continuing accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs
Contact Enrollment Services for Application and Admissions Information
admissions@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2437, fax (315) 786-2471 or toll free (888) 435-6522
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday
Program Contacts
Kady Hoistion
Director of Nursing
khoistion@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2322
Donna Stevenson
AVP of STEM, Health Professions, & Business
dstevenson@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2323