Nursing — Become a Registered Nurse (RN)

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Nursing students practicing medical treatment in the Sands Family Center for Allied Health at FLCC.

Make an impact in your life and the lives of others as a registered nurse. Learn about patient-centered care, clinical judgment, and interprofessional collaboration from our experienced healthcare professionals.

Career Outlook: Registered Nurse

Provide caring, compassionate, safe, quality, patient-centered care that values the uniqueness of each individual. Registered Nurses (RNs) are in demand across many settings — hospitals, aging care facilities, clinics, schools, and more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects demand for registered nurses to grow 6% by 2032. RNs earned a median annual salary of $81,220 in 2022.

A.A.S. Nursing — Registered Nursing (RN) Program Overview

FLCC has been educating nurses since 1968. Accredited by the Commission for Education in Nursing, the A.A.S. Nursing program combines Liberal Arts courses with a comprehensive healthcare curriculum that includes hands-on experience at local healthcare facilities. Take courses in medical/surgical care, maternal/newborn health, and mental health from our experienced healthcare instructors.

After completing the program, you will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). On average, over 85% of FLCC's first-time test-takers pass the annual exam and become RNs immediately upon graduation.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the Nursing program is competitive and based on a point system. Applicants with the strongest academic performance have the greatest chance of being accepted. We encourage you to review our admissions requirements carefully. Please reach out with any questions.

Do I Qualify?

Clinical Experience at Regional Healthcare Agencies

Acquire over 500 hours of direct clinical care in local hospitals. Manage patient care and practice the professional competencies with the support of a registered professional nurse mentor. You will have the opportunity to practice at both large healthcare facilities — such as Strong Memorial Hospital — and smaller, regional facilities, such as Thompson Health, Newark-Wayne Community Hospital, and Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic.

During these clinical placements, you will practice a variety of professional nursing skills and learn to:

  • Administer medications
  • Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team
  • Develop clinical assessments
  • Lead physical and occupational therapy
  • Participate in daily safety huddles
  • Tend to wounds and injuries

Active Student Nursing Community

FLCC has a student-led Nursing Club that organizes community activities, supports local healthcare initiatives, and participates in departmental decision-making. Past activities include adopting a family for the holidays, donating to the Ronald McDonald House, coordinating the Nursing student graduation ceremony, and planning social events. The Nursing Club gives students an opportunity to connect with one another while promoting professional fellowship and high standards in nursing.

State-of-the-Art Nursing Facilities

Learn and practice in our newly renovated and expanded Sands Family Center for Allied Health. Our hands-on nursing facilities feature:

  • Simulation labs that look and feel like real hospital rooms.
  • Debriefing rooms to review student demonstrations with faculty.
  • HoloLens equipment using virtual reality to study human anatomy.
  • Science Incubator for group study and professional tutor support.

Tour Nursing Lab


A.A.S. Nursing — Registered Nursing (RN) Program Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Provide safe, patient centered care for individuals and families across the lifespan in a variety of settings.
  • Utilize clinical judgment based on current evidence to achieve optimal individual and family outcomes.
  • Collaborate with individuals, families, and the interprofessional team to meet desired outcomes.
  • Demonstrate behaviors consistent with legal, ethical and professional nursing standards.

End of Program Student Learning Outcomes

  • Over 90% of recent graduates started careers in healthcare within one year of graduation.
  • Over 85% of first-time test-takers pass the annual licensure examination.
  • Over 65% of students graduate from FLCC within 150% of the time frame allotted for the program.

Start Your Career Immediately

Our RN graduates practice in a variety of healthcare facilities, including many regional hospitals:

  • Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic
  • F. F. Thompson Hospital
  • Highland Hospital
  • Newark-Wayne Community Hospital
  • Rochester Regional Health
  • Strong Memorial Hospital
  • Unity Hospital

With advanced education, nursing students can become nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, certified midwives, clinical instructors, and more.

FLCC Nursing program graduates McKayla Moore and Allyssa Richmond

"I made one of my best friends on my first day of nursing school. She has continued to push me — and I continue to push her. Enrolling in FLCC's Nursing program was the best choice I ever made. This program not only teaches you how to become a registered nurse but also the value of good work ethic, friendship, and personal integrity."

— McKayla Moore

Seamless Transfer Opportunities

Many program graduates go on to complete a four-year degree in nursing. An FLCC education provides you with numerous opportunities to make this transition as easy as possible.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

Transfer articulation agreements allow you to transfer into a specific bachelor's program with full junior standing. FLCC has ongoing transfer articulation agreements with the following schools:

  • Alfred State College
  • The College at Brockport
  • SUNY Canton
  • Chamberlain College of Nursing
  • SUNY Delhi
  • Excelsior College
  • SUNY Upstate Medical University
  • Keuka College
  • Le Moyne College
  • Nazareth College
  • Niagara University
  • University of Rochester School of Nursing
  • St. John Fisher University

Joint Admissions Agreements

Joint admissions agreements enable entering first-time freshmen to earn admission to Finger Lakes Community College and certain four-year colleges and universities at the same time. FLCC has ongoing joint admissions agreements with the following schools:

  • Roberts Wesleyan University
  • St. John Fisher College
  • The University of Rochester

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost-per-credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. 80% of students are awarded scholarships or financial aid that help with the cost of college.

As a Nursing student, you also may be eligible for the following program-specific scholarships:

  • Alice C. Southgate Home Bureau
  • Arianne van Tienhoven Tepper Award
  • Bowen Family Memorial
  • Charlotte Cowie Memorial Scholarship
  • Frances F. MacLeod Legacy
  • Jane Milne Mills Memorial
  • Mary E. Moynihan Memorial
  • Mr. and Mrs. Elwood A. (Emma) Garner Award
  • Thompson Health Nursing

Mandatory Professional Licensure Disclosures:
SUNY's academic programs leading to licensure or certification are carefully designed to meet and exceed New York State requirements. Other states may have their own requirements. If your goal is to practice in another state, please review that state's requirements. View professional licensure disclosures.

FLCC Accreditation Status:
FLCC's program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326. Telephone: (404) 975-5000

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