Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing and Keuka College have partnered in the creation of a unique dual degree program that will allow students to earn degrees from both colleges. Students enrolled in the program will earn both an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Nursing, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.) degree.
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The program is one of the first of its kind to be approved in New York state, and helps both Keuka College and Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing continue their tradition of educating exceptional nurses who remain in the region. Built upon a strong general education foundation, the dual academic degree is a 1+2+1 program, and provides the fundamental principles of nursing and clinical skills. A strong liberal arts foundation is needed for the practice of nursing in today’s dynamic and complex healthcare environment.
To satisfy both the associate degree and baccalaureate degree requirements, students will be required to have two years of full-time study at Keuka College and two years at both Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing and Keuka College.
"At Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing, we are excited to partner with Keuka College to bring this unique educational opportunity to our community,” says Jose Acevedo, M.D., M.B.A., who serves as president of Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing. “Finger Lakes Health has long been a center for health education. This dual degree program is another example of our commitment.”
Keuka College President Jorge L. Díaz-Herrera, Ph.D., agrees.
"By partnering together, students will receive hands-on training and foundational nursing knowledge in the hospital while taking liberal arts, science, and upper-level nursing courses at Keuka College,” says Dr. Díaz-Herrera.
The partnership is just the first step in an exciting adventure, adds Dean of Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing Victoria Record, Ed.D., M.S., R.N.
"The collaborative work between Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing and Keuka College represents a commitment to the forward thinking of new models of education,” says Dr. Record. “We need to embrace new ways of delivering health care, and that change begins with how we educate those who provide health care services.”
“Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing invites its students to 'take the challenge,' and that statement fits perfectly with Keuka College's dedication to providing our students with a dynamic and engaging education,” says Dr. Díaz-Herrera.
The future-focused program was designed by faculty from both colleges, led by Dr. Debra Gates, chair of the Keuka College Division of Nursing, and Dr. Record. “Both Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing and Keuka College are committed to keeping our community strong and healthy, and we can continue to be a strong community by helping educate the next generation of nurses,” says Dr. Gates.
“Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing has graduated more than 323 students through its Registered Nurse educational program based in Geneva,” says Dr. Acevedo. “The partnership with Keuka College will continue to provide highly trained clinical, compassionate, and caring nurses to fulfill our mission and vision.”
The benefactors of the dual degree program, Dr. Record says, “will be our students, patients, and community. “
The inaugural class of 2021 will begin the program in September 2017. Applications will be accepted online after Feb 1 on both the Keuka College and Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing websites.
