Maria to Deliver Practical Nurse Certificate (LPN) Program at Fulton-Montgomery (FM), Plus Opens
Bachelor’s Degree Pathways with Junior Year Status for FM Graduates
ALBANY, NY, – Maria College and Fulton-Montgomery Community College (FM) are building upon their successful dual admission partnership with a number of new agreements, including the enrollment and synchronous delivery of the Maria Practical Nursing Certificate (LPN) program.
Maria’s LPN program, which prepares students for the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-PN), fills a much-needed entry-level nursing educational gap in the Johnstown, NY area. Starting next month, the first nursing course will be at Maria’s Albany campus, and then students will return to the FM campus to complete the certificate program with lectures presented via synchronized distance technology and laboratory instruction, competency and dosage testing conducted on site by Maria faculty.
Five pathways will allow FM graduates to transfer from Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Home Health Aid (HHA), Human Services (AA or AAS), Health Studies (AAS) or General Education Certificate into the Maria College LPN program. All courses earn college credit allowing graduates to continue to advance their education. This agreement also waives the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) requirement for FM graduates entering the LPN program.
A second agreement facilitates a seamless transfer from seven FM associate degree programs into Maria bachelor’s degree programs (at a third year status), providing the Fulton County and Montgomery County regions with a number of new higher educational options. These pathways include AAS in Nursing into Maria’s BS degree in nursing completion program; AS in Business Administration into Maria’s BS in Healthcare Management; AS in Health Science into Maria’s BS in Health and Occupational Sciences; AS in Liberal Arts and Sciences into Maria’s BS in Health and Occupational Sciences; AAS in Health Studies into Maria’s BS in Health and Occupational Sciences; AA in Liberal Arts and Sciences into either a BA in Liberal Arts or a BS in Psychology.
Maria College President Dr. Thomas Gamble stated, “Maria College is pleased to partner with FM and deliver our highly ranked LPN program to that region. Healthcare facilities in the area will also benefit from the clinical nursing experiences that Maria will design and oversee by enhancing graduates’ career readiness and building a skilled and competent healthcare workforce. Maria is committed to creating partnerships, like this one, that removes barriers and opens pathways to new opportunities to seamlessly pursue certificates and degrees which are critical in today’s employment market place.”
“We are excited to partner with Maria College to offer an LPN program. The need to train a skilled workforce for healthcare and other quality programs is part of FM’s mission,” stated Dr. Dustin Swanger, President of FM. “We are always happy to form partnerships to better serve our students and the community.”
Maria Vice President for Academic Affairs, John Kowal, further added, “The opportunity for students to earn a Maria College practical nursing certificate by taking only one nursing course in Albany and the remaining courses in their local area shows a commitment to help individuals prepare for high demand nursing careers beyond the capital district. The agreements also demonstrate a strong collaboration by providing clear academic pathways for Fulton-Montgomery associate degree graduates into every one of Maria’s bachelor’s degree programs at third year (junior) status.”
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About Maria College
Founded in 1958, Maria College is one of 17 colleges and universities in the United States sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. The private, co-educational, Catholic college in Albany serves approximately 800 students in a variety of degree and certificate programs including liberal arts, healthcare management, nursing, occupational therapy assistant, and health and occupational sciences. Maria College prepares students for meaningful careers in healthcare and service so they can make a difference in the lives of others.
More information about the college is available at www.mariacollege.edu
Contact:
communication@mariacollege.edu
About Fulton-Montgomery Community College
Fulton-Montgomery Community College is located on 195 acres in the foothills of the beautiful Adirondack Mountains between Albany and Utica, NY. FM is dedicated to providing students with a quality education in an environment that nurtures success. With over 35 degree and certificate programs, we offer small classes, individualized attention, and many diverse programs.
More information about the college is available at www.fmcc.edu