Tompkins Cortland Community College
Degree Programs

Nursing

Nursing FAQs

Will I be an RN when I graduate?


The RN is a license issued by the state, and to work as an RN you must be licensed by the state where you work. Graduates receive an A.A.S degree from TC3 and are then eligible to apply for an RN license from New York or any other state in the U.S. In order to receive an RN license, you must first take and pass an exam called the NCLEX-RN.

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What is the difference between an RN and an LPN?


Although there are some areas where the duties of an RN and an LPN overlap, the responsibilities and independence of an LPN are more limited, and an LPN generally works under the guidance and direction of an RN.

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What is the NCLEX?


NCLEX stands for National Council Licensure Examination. This exam is given in every state in the U.S. Graduates of TC3 can take the NCLEX in New York or any other state. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing has NCLEX information available.

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How do I prepare for the NCLEX?


Many TC3 graduates prepare simply by reviewing their class notes and textbooks. The TC3 bookstore carries review books, as do several local bookstores. Review courses are also available. Visit NurseZone.com for more information.

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Is the TC3 nursing program accredited?


The TC3 nursing program is accredited by both the New York State Education Department and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

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I’ve been at another nursing program. How do I find out what I would need to take at TC3?


Contact Professor Kimberly Sharpe, Chair of the Nursing Department
Email Professor Sharpe
607.844.8211, Ext. 4240

or

For information regarding admissions to our nursing program, please contact:
Colleen Armstrong, Assistant Director of Admissions
Email Colleen
607.844.6580

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What jobs can I get when I graduate?


New graduates from TC3 have been hired by hospitals, nursing homes, physicians’ offices, and many other agencies throughout central New York and beyond. Some specialty areas of a hospital, such as Intensive Care or the Emergency Department, may require more general experience first. This is also the case with some types of community agencies. However, new graduates have been hired directly into areas such as the operating room and maternity where they received extra on-the-job training.

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Do I need extra training to specialize?


You will receive specialized on-the-job training in most types of jobs. However, advanced practice roles such as nurse anesthetist, nurse educator, nurse practitioner, and nurse midwife require more years of education beyond the basic nursing degree.

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What are starting salaries for graduates of the nursing program?


That depends some on where you go to work, since nurses’ salaries vary by region and also by type of employer. However, you can expect an annual starting salary as a full-time RN of approximately $35,000-$40,000. In addition, most full-time and even many part-time positions include very favorable benefits packages.

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What is clinical?


Clinical refers to time students spend practicing nursing skills by taking care of clients. On myINFO, part of myTC3 and in course schedule brochures clinical sections are labeled "fld," which stands for field placement.

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What happens during clinical?


Students provide nursing care to clients during clinical. The type of care students provide depends on the setting of the clinical, and will range from bedside care of hospitalized clients to health maintenance and disease prevention among healthy clients.

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How many hours of clinical are there?


Students spend approximately 10 hours per week in clinical. These hours are divided between two consecutive days, usually Wednesday and Thursday.

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Where does clinical take place?


The majority of clinical sites are in Tompkins and Cortland counties. Hospitals, nursing homes, senior citizens’ residences, schools, and a variety of other sites are used.

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Do I get to choose where I go for clinical?


Students choose clinical (fld) sections when they register. The sections are usually listed by county. It is highly recommended that each student plan on attending clinical at sites in both Tompkins and Cortland counties during their time at TC3.

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Do I need a car?


There is bus service from both Cortland and Ithaca to the TC3 campus. However, clinical sites may be up to 40 miles away from campus, and public transportation is not available to all clinical sites. Reliable transportation is essential. Carpooling arrangements are encouraged.

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What’s the difference in course work between a two-year and a four-year RN program?


In a four-year (Bachelor of Science, or BS) degree program, there are many more credits (approximately 128) required for graduation. These are usually split fairly evenly between liberal arts and sciences (prerequisites for entry into the nursing courses) and the nursing curriculum itself. Because of the longer time frame and the higher credit requirements, students in these programs pursue subjects (both nursing and non-nursing) with greater depth and breadth than in two-year (Associate Degree, or AD) programs. BS programs also include more information about community (public health) nursing, nursing research, and health care management than AD programs have.

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What’s the advantage of a four-year degree?


In most entry-level nursing positions, there is not a large distinction or advantage of one type of nursing degree over the other. However, certain opportunities for advancement are only open to nurses with BS degrees. In addition, advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator and nurse midwife require a graduate (Master of Science, or MS) degree. A nurse with a two-year degree would first have to complete a BS before he or she could pursue an MS. TC3 encourages its graduates to continue their education after graduation.

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