SUFFERN, NY – Rockland Community College has once again received two prestigious recognitions for its Nursing Program. NursingProcess.org, a website that compiles nursing education and career information data, ranked RCC’s program # 2 out of 153 New York State Board of Nursing approved schools to pursue an associate degree program in nursing. In addition, RegisteredNursing.org, a nursing advocacy organization, released its annual list of the 2023 Best RN programs and ranked the Rockland Community College nursing program fifth out of 103 in New York State.

The College’s accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program prepares nurses to meet the needs of the community and incorporates philosophical beliefs, scientific discipline, and concepts from nursing research to prepare nurses for careers in the ever-changing healthcare system. Tuition costs at RCC are about one-third of other colleges in New York, making it an affordable choice for future nurses.

“Nurses have always been a linchpin of our healthcare system, a fact underscored by the ongoing pandemic. I deeply appreciate RCC’s Nursing Program for working so hard to serve the healthcare needs of our community, and I am so proud of this latest recognition of their excellence! Congratulations to Dr. Maureen Kroning (Dean), Professor Sara Annunziato (Program Director), and all the highly skilled and dedicated faculty who teach in the program,” said Dr. Katie Lynch, Officer in Charge of Academic Affairs.

RegisteredNursing.org assesses nursing programs on several factors which represent how well a program supports students toward licensure and beyond. The judges analyzed past and present first time NCLEX-RN “pass-rates” weighted by year to rank the schools. Find more information about the methodology used here: https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

NursingProcess.org ranking factors look-into every dimension of a nursing school. They capture four broad areas, such as academic quality, NCLEX-RN exam performance, affordability, and the overall reputation of a school. Among the four areas, academic quality and NCLEX-RN first time pass rates have been given the maximum weightage as both these are clear indicators of a college’s academic performance. Find more information about the methodology used here: https://www.nursingprocess.org/nursing-schools-ranking-methodology/.

“My mother and I are proud graduates of RCC’s Nursing Program. The Program’s high ranking is the result of the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff, and the desire of our nursing students to make a positive impact on the lives of others,” said Dr. Maureen Kroning, Dean, School of Nursing, Health and Wellness.

Kristen Warbrick, a nursing student graduating in December 2022 said, “RCC’s Nursing Program is absolutely top notch. You can see it in both the clinical and academic settings. I couldn’t have chosen a more professional and perfect nursing program and will be very proud to represent it once I graduate.”