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Nursing Affiliation Program

Build on your undergraduate education at a partner college with a simplified path to a nursing degree at the University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences.

Nursing students walk through Helen Wood Hall's experiential learning expansion

The Nursing Affiliation Program creates a streamlined path for students at participating colleges to pursue a nursing degree at the University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences. Through these partnerships, eligible students at SUNY Geneseo, Ithaca College, and Hobart and William Smith Colleges can prepare for a career in nursing while completing their undergraduate degree—with opportunities for early admission, a simplified application process, and additional financial support.

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Flexibility

Complete your bachelor's degree

Stay at your current college while pursuing your academic interests and completing the coursework required to prepare for nursing.

Convenience

Simplify your application process

Apply through a streamlined application process with Early Action consideration and a waived application fee for eligible students at participating colleges.

Support

Receive tuition benefits

MDE students receive a guaranteed 30% tuition scholarship. ABSN students may also qualify for scholarships, including full tuition coverage.

 

Partnering colleges

Build your path to nursing with one of our participating undergraduate colleges. Explore the benefits and opportunities available through each affiliation.

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SUNY Geneseo

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Ithaca College

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Hobart and William Smith Colleges

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Am I eligible?

The Nursing Affiliation Program is designed for undergraduate students who plan to complete a non-nursing bachelor's degree at a participating institution, then pursue a nursing bachelor's or master's degree at the University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences.

Nursing students practice on a simulation manikin

Eligibility Details

To participate, students must:

  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at their undergraduate institution

  • Remain continuously enrolled at their undergraduate institution after receiving conditional admission through the affiliation until completing their bachelor's degree

  • Complete the required prerequisite coursework for their selected nursing program

  • Apply by the January 15 Early Action deadline for the fall semester immediately following their expected undergraduate graduation

  • Meet all admission requirements for the University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences


Nursing program options

The Nursing Affiliation Program provides two accelerated pathways for continuing your education at the University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences and launching your nursing career.

12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing (ABSN)

Over three consecutive semesters, build foundational nursing knowledge and skills through intensive coursework and clinical experiences while preparing for the NCLEX-RN and professional nursing practice.

Degree: Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing
Length: 12 months / three semesters
Focus: Foundational nursing competencies and preparation for RN licensure

Master’s Direct Entry into Nursing Practice (MDE)

Over five consecutive semesters, gain master's-level expertise in leadership, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, health policy, and population health to prepare for practice or future advanced nursing education.

Degree: Master of Science in Nursing
Length: 20 months / five semesters
Focus: RN preparation plus master's-level nursing education

Why URochester?

Prepare for a career in nursing through rigorous academics and hands-on learning within the University of Rochester’s leading academic health system, where you’ll experience the latest advances in healthcare and learn alongside professionals across disciplines—bringing your education into the context of real-world care.

  • Practice before you enter practice: Develop clinical judgment and hands-on skills through simulation, training, and clinical experiences in a range of healthcare settings.
  • Learn from experienced faculty: Gain insight and perspective from practicing faculty whose expertise spans nursing specialties, bringing current knowledge into the classroom.
  • Build a foundation for your career: Prepare for opportunities in patient care, advanced practice, leadership, education, and research while developing skills for continued professional growth.

Explore the School

Aerial view of School of Nursing & Health Sciences, University of Rochester and Medicine campuses

How do I get started?

Ready to explore your path to nursing? Start by connecting with your academic or pre-health advisor, who can help you understand your options and plan your next steps.

Students meeting to discuss notes
  • Review prerequisite requirements: Prerequisites vary by program. Review the requirements to ensure you have time to complete prerequisite coursework as part of your undergraduate degree.
  • Apply through Early Action: Plan to apply by January 15 for the fall semester following your expected undergraduate graduation, with a streamlined application process and an earlier admission decision.
  • Prepare for the transition: Once admitted, you'll have a clear plan for moving directly into your prelicensure nursing program at the University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences.

Frequently asked questions

Students currently enrolled at one of our participating undergraduate partner colleges who meet the program’s eligibility requirements may participate.

No. The affiliation is designed for undergraduate students completing a bachelor’s degree who are interested in pursuing nursing after graduation.

The affiliation allows students to apply to the University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences' 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing (ABSN) program or the Master’s Direct Entry into Nursing Practice (MDE) program.

Eligible students can apply to the University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences through the affiliation, with access to Early Action consideration and a waived application fee.

Students admitted to the MDE program through the affiliation receive a guaranteed 30% tuition scholarship. Students entering the ABSN program may also be eligible for additional scholarship opportunities, including the UR Nursing Scholars program, which provides full tuition coverage in exchange for a three-year work commitment at a URochester Medicine hospital.

No. Students must complete the applicable admission requirements and go through the School of Nursing & Health Sciences' standard admissions process.

Choose a major that interests you while completing the prerequisite coursework required for your intended nursing program. Your academic advisor can help you plan your coursework.

Students should apply by the January 15 Early Action deadline for entry in the fall semester immediately following their expected undergraduate graduation.

Yes. Students can apply while completing their undergraduate degree, as long as they meet the application requirements and will complete their bachelor’s degree before starting the nursing program.

The affiliation benefits are available to students at participating partner colleges. Students attending other colleges can still apply to the University of Rochester School of Nursing through the regular admissions process.

Nursing student practicing in a simulation suite

Start your application

Complete your bachelor’s degree at a participating college, then take the next step toward nursing at the University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences.

Through the affiliation, you’ll have access to a streamlined application process, Early Action consideration, and exclusive scholarship opportunities.

Ready to get started? Complete the form to begin your application.

 

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