University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences, Hobart and William Smith Colleges launch partnership for aspiring nurses

Hobart and William Smith (HWS) students can take advantage of a streamlined path to earning a second bachelor's degree in nursing or a master's degree in nursing through a new partnership between HWS and the University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences.

This partnership enables eligible and qualified HWS students to gain early admission to the School of Nursing’s Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing (ABSN) degree program or the Master's Direct Entry (MDE) into Nursing Practice degree program.

"We are excited to enter into this partnership with Hobart and William Smith,” said University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences Dean Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN. “As a result of this affiliation, our two academic institutions are joining forces to expand the nursing workforce and help address the nursing shortage."

"This partnership creates an exciting new opportunity for HWS students to build on the breadth of their liberal arts and sciences education and move directly into professional preparation for a career in nursing,” says Provost and Dean of Faculty Sarah Kirk. “Our students develop the scientific knowledge, critical thinking, communication skills and capacity to understand complex human challenges that are essential in health care. The University of Rochester School of Nursing offers them an exceptional next step, with a streamlined pathway to a profession where those strengths can make a meaningful difference in people's lives."

The School of Nursing's 12-Month ABSN degree program is designed to prepare students over three consecutive semesters to pass their licensing exam and practice as an RN. If students commit to working at one of three URochester Medicine hospitals for three years after passing their licensure exam, they can receive full tuition coverage through the UR Nursing Scholars program. The MDE program offers an innovative path to RN licensure plus master's-level preparation for college graduates with non-nursing bachelor's degrees.

The URochester/HWS Affiliation will simplify the admissions process, including:

• A fast-tracked application process, with early action on admissions
• A waived application fee
• A guaranteed 30% tuition scholarship for students admitted to the MDE program

To be eligible, HWS students must have a cumulative HWS GPA of 3.0 or better and remain continuously enrolled at the college after acceptance into the nursing program at URochester School of Nursing until receipt of the bachelor's degree.

HWS students also must apply early action for entry into the URochester School of Nursing ABSN or MDE Nursing programs for the fall semester after their expected graduation from HWS. The first admissions to the programs will begin in the fall of 2027, with the early-action application process opening for HWS students on Oct. 1, 2026, and closing on Jan. 15, 2027.

For more information about the two nursing degree programs, visit: son.rochester.edu/academics/.

About the University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences

The University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences is a private, nonprofit institution offering accredited undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. Established in 1925 and later led by founding dean Loretta Ford, co-developer of the nurse practitioner model, the School has a long-standing commitment to integrating education, research, and clinical practice.

As part of URochester Medicine, the School is embedded within a leading academic health system, providing students with direct access to diverse clinical settings and interdisciplinary training. Its nationally ranked programs emphasize hands-on learning, close faculty mentorship, and innovative approaches to education and care delivery. The School prepares graduates to meet evolving workforce needs and to improve health outcomes in Rochester, across New York State, and beyond.

About Hobart and William Smith

Hobart and William Smith is a liberal arts and sciences institution known for preparing students to lead lives of consequence through an outcomes-based focus on their futures. Located in Geneva, N.Y., in the heart of the Finger Lakes, HWS combines broad, interdisciplinary study with hands-on learning, close faculty mentorship and opportunities for global education, career development and community engagement. Students receive a highly personalized education that connects their talents and interests to meaningful lives and fulfilling careers.