Nursing

A.A.S.
Nursing students provide hands-on patient care in a simulated hospital setting, with one student examining a patient mannequin while another observes during a clinical skills training session.
A.A.S.

Build the Skills to Care, Lead, and Respond

Nursing is rooted in compassion—but it also demands strong clinical judgment. MCC offers four pathways to becoming a licensed registered nurse: A traditional four-semester program, a three-year program for high school applicants, and two- or three-semester options for current LPNs.  

No matter which pathway works for you, you’ll learn from seasoned nursing professionals and train in hands-on environments on both the human and the technical sides of patient care. You'll graduate prepared to take the licensing exam or transfer your credits to pursue a BSN. 

DEPARTMENT

What You’ll Learn

At MCC, you’ll get hands-on experience with real patients and simulators, guided by expert nursing instructors. You’ll cover topics including: 

  • The foundations of safe, quality, efficient, and effective nursing care 
  • Advocating for patients and families 
  • Incorporating evidence-based standards 
  • Contemporary issues facing the profession 
  • Adult and child focused healthcare 
  • Maternal and neonatal healthcare 
  • Mental healthcare 

Gain Clinical Experience

In the Nursing A.A.S. degree, you'll be part of a diverse student population while gaining hands-on clinical training at Rochester-area hospitals and health care facilities. Many of our students learn and work at organizations such as: 

  • Strong Memorial Hospital 
  • Rochester General Health System 
  • Highland Hospital 
  • Unity Health System 
  • Heritage Christian Services 
  • The Arc of Monroe County 
  • Episcopal SeniorLife Communities 
  • Thompson Health 
  • St. Ann’s Community 

Prepare for Licensing Examination

By the end of the Nursing A.A.S. program, you’ll be well-prepared to take the National Council's Licensing Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN). This exam provides the required licensure to practice as a registered nurse (RN). MCC graduates pass this exam at rates exceeding both state and national averages.

Continue Your Education

Many of our students choose to pursue advanced degrees to open the doors to advancement in jobs such as nurse supervisor, nurse practitioner, RN resource specialist, or medical-surgical RN. Our Transfer Services Team can help you smoothly transition to a four-year program at schools like the University of Rochester, Nazareth University, Roberts Wesleyan University, St. John Fisher University, SUNY Brockport, Keuka College, and more.

 

Ready to Apply?

The application deadline is September 30 for Spring Admission and January 31 for Fall Admission. Acceptance to the Nursing A.A.S. degree program is highly competitive; acceptance by Monroe Community College does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Many students need to complete several required courses before starting Nursing courses. 

Please review Nursing’s unique admissions requirements for the 2-Semester, 3-Semester, 4-Semester, and High School Applicants options.

Program Details

Immerse yourself in a competitive program designed to prepare you to lead the next generation of nursing professionals. In addition to a traditional four-semester program, MCC offers two- and three-semester advanced standing options for current LPNs.
A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science

Choose from four options to prepare for a career in nursing. No matter which you choose, you’ll find interactive instruction from working nurses and professionals with decades of experience in hospitals, acute care centers, and physicians’ offices. You’ll study the basics of high-quality healthcare and dive into specialty areas like hospice care, maternal health, pediatrics, and more. You’ll also develop invaluable leadership, collaboration, critical thinking, and safety skills needed to succeed in the nursing profession.

This program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Upon program completion, you'll be eligible to take the National Council's Licensing Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) to begin your career as a Registered Professional Nurse.

Please review Nursing’s unique admissions requirements for the 2-Semester, 3-Semester, 4-Semester, and High School Applicants options.

Length

2 semesters (current LPNs) / 3 semesters (current LPNs) / 4 semesters
Students typically complete this program in two to four semesters.

Location

Brighton Campus

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Important Links

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You May Qualify for Free Tuition

SUNY Reconnect helps many adult students attend MCC for free. But if you’re not eligible, don’t worry—there are plenty of other financial aid programs that can help make MCC even more affordable. Explore all your options.

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Program Accreditation

The Associate degree nursing program at Monroe Community College at the Brighton campus located in Rochester, NY is accredited by: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road 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 nursing program is "Continuing Accreditation."