For a rural region, the Twin Tiers that includes McKean and nearby counties in Pennsylvania and Cattaraugus and Allegany counties in New York has multiple avenues one might pursue to earn nursing credentials.

Along with St. Bonaventure University’s School of Nursing, featured in this edition, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford offers a respected nursing school, as do SUNY Jamestown Community College — with a program on the Cattaraugus County Campus in Olean — and Alfred State College.

Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES serving Cattaraugus and Allegany counties offers a licensed practical nurse course for adult students as well.

PITT-BRADFORDMany nurses in the region earned their Associate of Science in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Pitt-Bradford.

“Our nursing program has a long history of supplying well-prepared, knowledgeable and compassionate nurses to serve the needs of the Bradford and Titusville regions and beyond,” said Dr. Jean Truman, director of the nursing program on both campuses and an associate professor or nursing.

Pitt-Bradford graduates work at every hospital in McKean, Elk and Potter counties as well as at Warren (Pa.) General Hospital, OGH, the Bradford Ecumenical Home and the Lutheran Home at Kane, Pa.

Following completion of their Associate Science of Nursing, nursing graduates study for the National Council Licensure Exam — or NCLEX — to become registered nurses. Last year, 100% of Pitt-Bradford and Pitt-Titusville nursing students passed the licensing test on their first try.

After becoming licensed nurses, graduates can return for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Beginning this fall, the BSN will be a remote program, allowing students greater flexibility to earn a four-year degree while working.

JAMESTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGEAnnually ranked among the best associate’s degree nursing programs in New York state — 2023’s nursing grads achieved 100% pass rate on the state boards — JCC entered into a nursing program partnership with St. Bonaventure in 2021.

JCC’s nursing program began in 1965 and is one of the longest-running two-year programs in New York state.

Many JCC graduates gain employment at local hospitals and medical offices, including Olean General Hospital, UPMC Chautauqua, Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk, Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, Bradford Regional Medical Center and Warren General Hospital.

JCC nurses are involved in community health-related events, including volunteering at Remote Area Medical clinics in Olean that provide care for underserved community members, YMCA kids days, and flu vaccine clinics at OGH.

Thirty-two nursing students on the Jamestown Campus and 31 on the Cattaraugus County Campus are expected to graduate this spring and the program will be seating a full cohort this fall on both campuses.

Pinning ceremonies are scheduled for 3 p.m. May 16 at the Jamestown campus and 1 p.m. May 17 at the Olean YMCA to honor 2024 nursing graduates.

“I’m proud of our nursing students and graduates,” said Heather Burrell, Nursing Program director. “The journey from first-year student to professional nurse is not an easy one. Through determination, they grow so much here at JCC and do so much to support our communities. I’m continually impressed by their dedication, compassion, attention to detail, and grace under fire.”

Burrell noted that many of JCC’s RN graduates continue on to earn their bachelor’s degree while working full-time in the field.

“We have terrific partnerships with St. Bonaventure, Daemen College, Gannon University, and others that help our grads to seamlessly advance their careers and provide even greater care to patients,” she said.

ALFRED STATE COLLEGEThe college, rated No. 1 in the state of New York for its Associate’s of Applied Sciences in Nursing degree, offers versatility to choose between three programs.

There is the two-year AAS program, the two-year RN Bachelor of Science in Nursing program online option or a four-year dual degree AAS/BS program.

The dual degree nursing program is a model to meet the high demand for bachelor’s degrees in nursing, while allowing the student to earn both an associate and baccalaureate degree over four years. Graduates of the associate program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam at the end of the third year.

CA BOCESCA BOCES offers a 10-month, full-time licensed practical nurse program — beginning Sept. 3 — at the CTE Center at Olean and CTE Center at Belmont

Pre-entrance testing is required. The practical nursing program offers the opportunity for adult students to practice patient-centered nursing care of all age groups.

Courses included in this program are Fundamental Skills, Structure and Function of the Human Body, Pharmacology, Growth and Development, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pediatric and Maternity Nursing. The program is registered by the New York State Education Department for 1,188 hours of combined academic and clinical instruction.

The program prepares the student for admission to the state licensing examination.