Nursing AAS (RN)

Maria's NCLEX-RN first time pass rate for 2023 is 91%, higher than the NYS average. Close interaction with faculty and a network of leading healthcare facilities for clinical experience play a major role.

 

A two-year Associate degree program

Our Associate in Applied Science (AAS) prepares students with the foundation they need to have a successful career as a registered nurse (RN). At Maria College, our focus is on the Art and Science of Nursing – giving students both a theoretical and clinical background in nursing to provide compassionate care to the community.

Upon completion, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®). Our first-time pass rates in 2023 for the NCLEX-RN® is at 91% – higher than the NYS average. Our knowledgeable faculty, comprehensive education, and supportive environment all play a major role in the success of our students.

Courses for everyone
Our program is designed to meet the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students alike. Whether you’re enrolled from day or evening classes, you will receive the same level of education. Both divisions will have access to:

  • Personal attention and guidance from faculty and staff
  • Our state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab and innovative technology
  • Hands-on clinical experience in the Capital Region’s top healthcare facilities
  • Connection with the largest graduating class and alumni network in the region

Most Focused

Maria College was ranked in the top 5% nationally for 2022 Most Focused Associates Degree Colleges for Nursing. Click here to view ranking. To learn more about our two-year RN program in Albany, NY, we welcome you to contact us or plan a visit today!

Accreditation

The Associate degree in applied science in nursing program at Maria College located in Albany, New York is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate degree in applied science in nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

  • End of Program Student Learning Outcomes

    After completion of the Associate in Applied Science Degree program in Nursing at Maria College, the graduate will be able to meet the following competencies:

    • Integrate caring and sound nursing judgment to promote the health of clients, families and communities in various environments.
    • Incorporate the nursing process when planning safe, quality care for clients, families and communities to promote, maintain, and manage health and modify the environment.
    • Communicate in a collaborative manner with clients, families and communities, members of the health care team, and with community resources.
    • Incorporate critical thinking to examine the evidence that underlies clinical nursing practice and improves the quality of care for clients, families and communities.
    • Personify professional identity in an accountable, ethical, and responsible manner as a member of the profession of nursing.
    • Advocate for clients, families and communities to make educated decisions about health care choices by providing evidence-based health information through teaching-learning.
  • Course Sequence: Day Division

    Day Division

    First Year: First Semester                 

    Course

     

    Credits

    BIO 209

    Anatomy & Physiology I

    4

    NUR 110

    Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice

    1

    NUR 120

    Fundamentals of Nursing

    8

    PSY 100

    General Psychology

    3

      

    16

    First Year: Second Semester

    BIO 210

    Anatomy & Physiology II

    4

    ENG 111

    Composition

    3

    NUR 130

    Care of individuals across the lifespan

    8

    PSY 200

    Developmental Psychology

    3

      

    18

    Second Year: First Semester

    BIO 203

    Microbiology

    4

    NUR 240

    Care of Clients with Physical and Psychological Needs

    8

    SOC 101

    Introduction to Social Change

    3

    ENG 211

    Critical Inquiry and Writing

    3

      

    18

    Second Year: Second Semester

    NUR 250

    Care of the Complex Client

    8

    NUR 260

    Transition to Nursing Practice

    3

    RES 201

    Foundations in Social Justice

    3

      

    14

     

  • Course Sequence: Evening Division

    Evening Division

    First Year: First Semester

    Course

     

    Credits

    BIO 209

    Anatomy & Physiology I

    4

    PSY 100

    General Psychology

    3

      

    7

    First Year: Second Semester

    BIO 210

    Anatomy & Physiology II

    4

    ENG 111

    Composition

    3

      

    7

    First Year: Third Semester  

    RES 201

    Foundations in Social Justice

    3

    PSY 200

    Developmental Psychology

    3

      

    6

    Second Year: First Semester  

    NUR 110

    Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice

    1

    NUR 120

    Fundamentals of Nursing

    8

      

    Second Year: Second Semester

    NUR 130

    Care of individuals across the lifespan

    8

      

    8

    Second Year: Third Semester

    ENG 211         

    Critical Inquiry and Writing

    3

    SOC 101

    Introduction to Sociology

    3

      

    6

    Third Year: First Semester

    BIO 203

    Microbiology

    4

    NUR 240

    Care of Clients with Physical and Psychological Needs

    8

      

    12

    Third Year: Second Semester

    NUR 250

    Care of the Complex Client

    8

    NUR 260

    Transition to Nursing Practice

    3

      

    11

  • Application Requirements

    Minimum Grade Point Average:

    • High School Students:
      • 80% Minimum Grade Point Average
      • 80% Biology
      • 80% Chemistry
    • College Transfer Students:
      • 2.5 Minimum Grade Point Average
      • “C” or higher in Biology
      • “C” or higher in Chemistry

    Prerequisite Coursework:

    • Successful completion of at least 2 college-preparatory Math courses
    • Successful completion of at least 3 science courses, which must include a Biology and a Chemistry course.
    • Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS VI)
      • The TEAS VI is a multiple-choice assessment of basic academic knowledge in reading, mathematics, science and English and language usage.
      • Applicants will be admitted on the basis of meeting the minimum requirements for entry and their TEAS test scores.
      • Admissions decisions will be based on space availability.
      • How to Register for the TEAS VI
        • TEAS VI is administered through PSI and offered regularly in Albany
      • Minimum TEAS scores for content areas are as follows:
        • Reading 70.5%
        • Mathematics 69%
        • Science 53.6%
        • English 63.8%
      • An applicant may take the TEAS test twice in a 12-month period. Test attempts at other colleges are reported to Maria College and will count as an attempt.
      • For more information please visit the Testing Requirements page. 

    Note:  High School students can substitute their SAT scores provided that they meet the minimum requirements.

    Qualified LPN applicants may be granted advance placement into the Associate degree in Nursing program in one of three pathways:

    1. Successful completion of the Advanced Placement Review Course (NUR 195).
      Successful candidates will receive transfer credit for the first semester of nursing courses.
    2. Successful completion of the Maria College Practical Nurse Certificate program, licensure, and completion of all Associate degree program required liberal arts credits with the exception of microbiology (BIO 203). Applicants must have a minimum of six months’ work experience as a licensed practical nurse.
      Successful candidates will receive transfer credit for the first two semesters of nursing courses. 

    Please note:

    • Advance Placement Nursing applicants must meet all nursing admission and program requirements.
    • A copy of the Practical Nurse license, a letter of employment verification, and a resume of work experience must be submitted at time of application.
    • Placement is dependent on seat availability and is at the discretion of the Associate degree Program Director.
  • Student Achievement Data

    Year

    NCLEX-RN® First-time Pass Rate

    Program Completion Rate

    2023

    91%

     

    2021

    88%

    2020

    94.95%

    2019

    90.18%

    2018

    95.69%

    2017

    92.7%

    69.49%

    2016

    88.8%

    71.19%

    2015

     93.6%

    68.48%

     

  • Articulation Agreements
    • Capital Region BOCES graduates with CNA license to the AAS in Nursing at Maria College
    • Capital Region BOCES Practical Nursing Program graduates with LPN to AAS in Nursing at Maria College
    • Graduates of Certified Nurse Aide program at Questar III BOCES with CNA license to AAS in Nursing at Maria College
Maria Stories

Elisabeth Morehouse is in Maria College’s Nursing, AAS (RN) program and chose the College for the small supportive community and personal experience. She shared, "Nursing school can be very daunting but at Maria College, it feels very achievable."

Michael O’Brien graduated from the Nursing ADN Program at Maria College in May of 2023. In his Maria Story, Michael discusses how his mother's influence and an injury he incurred during his time in the Navy would ultimately lead him here.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Lahtika Minns graduated from Maria College’s Nursing AAS (RN) Program. Like many Maria students, nursing wasn’t her first career plan, but after a few redirects, she found she couldn’t resist the field she was destined for.