What Does the BS in 10 Law Mean For Me?

Future nurses graduating from associate degree or diploma nursing programs are required to obtain a baccalaureate in nursing within 10 years of initial licensure.

"with the increasing complexity of the American healthcare system and rapidly expanding technology, the educational preparation of the registered professional nurse must be expanded. The nurse of the future must be prepared to partner with multiple disciplines as a collaborator and manager of the complex patient care journey. Shorter lengths of stays, higher patient acuity, and more sophisticated technologies and procedures are increasing the complexity of patient care - which in turn places great demands on nursing competencies..."

"Several recent research studies clearly demonstrate the added value of additional education in relation to improved patient outcomes; one study demonstrates that each 10 percent increase in the number of baccalaureate prepared nurses results in a five percent decrease in surgical patient deaths."

See NY State Senate Bill S2145.

Those who are already nurses, those who are currently enrolled in nursing programs, and those with admissions pending to nursing programs (those currently enrolling or admissions pending when the law went into effect December 2017) are exempt from this change. The bill will allow continuation of entry at the associate degree level where many nurses begin their educational careers.

The number of opportunities for advancement increases with a bachelor's degree as opposed to an associate degree. More than ever, hospitals and other health care organizations are requiring nurses to have a bachelor's degree before they can advance up clinical ladders.

The critical thinking, clinical judgment, and decision-making nurses are being asked to make is becoming increasingly complex with the dynamic nature of health care. The bachelor's degree positions nurses to be able to make the best decision in this environment.

We are dedicated to preparing today's nursing workforce for the future of health care. To increase access to our innovative program, we offer the following tuition support:

• 50% Finger Lakes Regional Scholarship
• 55% Affiliate Professional Development Scholarship
• SON Tuition Grant (For UR Employees) 

In addition to tuition support, we understand going back to school can be a big commitment for nurses. Therefore, the RN to BS program offers flexibility and features interactive coursework, which can be completed from home while balancing a full-time schedule that includes juggling work, family responsibilities, and other commitments.