Farmingdale State College Nursing Program Guide 2026

Farmingdale Nursing Program Overview and SUNY Advantage

Farmingdale State College, a respected institution within the State University of New York (SUNY) system, offers one of Long Island’s most sought-after nursing programs. Located in Farmingdale, New York, the college has built a reputation for producing competent, practice-ready nurses who go on to serve healthcare facilities across the region and beyond. The nursing department operates under the tagline “Reach Higher,” reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and professional development in the healthcare field.

What makes Farmingdale’s nursing program particularly appealing is its three distinct pathways to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Whether you are a high school graduate entering college for the first time, a transfer student with existing college credits, or a licensed registered nurse looking to advance your credentials, Farmingdale has structured a program to fit your situation. This flexibility within a rigorous academic framework is one of the key reasons the program attracts hundreds of applicants each admissions cycle.

As a SUNY institution, Farmingdale offers significant advantages including competitive state tuition rates, access to the SUNY application system, and compliance with General Education requirements that transfer seamlessly across the SUNY network. Students considering similar nursing programs may also want to explore the Mt San Jacinto College ADN Nursing Program for comparison with community college nursing pathways. The college’s location on Long Island provides access to a dense network of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems that serve as clinical placement sites for nursing students.

The Farmingdale nursing program is designed to produce graduates who are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination and enter the workforce as competent registered nurses. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience, ensuring that students develop both the critical thinking skills and the practical competencies required in modern healthcare settings. With nursing demand projected to grow significantly through 2030, a BSN from Farmingdale positions graduates for strong career prospects in an expanding field.

Direct Entry BSN Admission Requirements and Deadlines

The direct entry Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Farmingdale State College is designed for students entering college directly from high school or those with very few college credits. This pathway leads to a four-year degree regardless of any previous coursework, as the nursing course sequence must be completed in its entirety from the beginning of the program.

Admission to the direct entry program is highly competitive and operates on a weighted rubric scoring system. The application deadline falls on January 15, with all supporting documentation required by the same date. The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam must be completed by February 15, giving applicants a narrow window to complete all requirements. Final admission decisions are typically sent approximately two weeks after the TEAS deadline.

The high school prerequisite requirements are substantial. Applicants need a minimum high school GPA of 90, which immediately establishes a high academic bar. Three units of mathematics including Algebra 2 and Trigonometry are required. Biology with laboratory must have a Regents score of 75% or above, while Chemistry with laboratory requires a Regents score of 70% or above. Standardized testing requires a minimum SAT score of 1100 on the Math and Reading sections, or an ACT composite score of 22. Advanced Biology coursework, including AP Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, or College Biology, is highly recommended though not strictly required.

The admissions rubric breaks down as follows: the TEAS Total Exam Score accounts for 30% of the evaluation, the highest SAT or ACT score counts for 10%, the average of Biology and Chemistry Regents Exam scores represents 20%, and the cumulative GPA carries the heaviest weight at 40%. This transparent scoring system means that applicants can assess their competitiveness before applying. It is important to note that meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee admission; applicants are ranked against each other, and typically admitted students hold a minimum grade of B in all prerequisite courses.

Advanced Standing BSN for Transfer Students

For students who already have college coursework under their belt, Farmingdale offers an Advanced Standing Bachelor of Science pathway that enters in the spring semester only. This program is specifically designed for transfer students and requires a minimum of three years to complete. It is important to understand that this is not an accelerated program; the timeline reflects the sequential nature of nursing coursework that cannot be compressed without compromising educational quality.

The application deadline for the advanced standing track is October 15, by which time all applications, supporting documentation, and TEAS exam scores must be submitted. A critical requirement is that all prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the summer term prior to this deadline. This means students need to plan their prerequisite coursework well in advance, ideally beginning at least one to two years before they intend to apply.

College-level prerequisites for this pathway include Human Anatomy and Physiology I (BIO 170) and Human Anatomy and Physiology II (BIO 171), both of which must have been completed within five years of application and with a grade of B or better on the first attempt. This is a critical policy distinction: applicants who have repeated Anatomy and Physiology courses, even if they earned a B on the second attempt, will not be considered for admission. Additional prerequisites include English Composition (EGL 101), Statistics (MTH 110), Introduction to Psychology (PSY 101), and three Liberal Arts and Sciences curriculum requirements. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 is required. Students exploring pharmacy-related healthcare careers may find it useful to compare this with the University of Toledo PharmD Program, which has similarly rigorous prerequisite requirements.

The admissions rubric for advanced standing is weighted differently from the direct entry program: TEAS Total Exam Score counts for 30%, cumulative GPA accounts for 30%, and prerequisite GPA carries the most weight at 40%. The TEAS minimum score requirement for this pathway is 75 or higher, compared to the “proficient” requirement for direct entry applicants. TEAS scores remain valid for one calendar year, and applicants may take the exam twice per calendar year with a minimum 30-day waiting period between attempts.

Online RN-to-BS Completion Pathway

Farmingdale’s Online RN-to-BS Completion Program caters to licensed registered nurses who hold an associate degree and wish to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through distance education. This program enters in the fall semester and is delivered entirely online, making it an attractive option for working nurses who cannot attend traditional on-campus classes.

Admission requirements for the RN-to-BS program include holding an unencumbered RN license and current registration from the applicant’s state of residence, graduation from an accredited associate degree nursing program, and a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program expects competence in all transfer science and nursing courses, with typically admitted students holding grades of B or better. While these requirements are somewhat lower than the other pathways, the program still maintains rigorous academic standards appropriate for baccalaureate-level education.

The program requires 60 college credits beyond the associate degree, divided between 26 credits in nursing major courses and 32 to 36 credits in liberal arts and sciences. Transfer credits are evaluated after acceptance, with a maximum of 30 nursing credits and 20 liberal arts credits eligible for transfer. Key courses in the nursing component include Developing Nurses’ Ways of Knowing (NUR 215W), Community Nursing (NUR 301) with 90 clinical hours, Health Promotion and Patient Education (NUR 305), Modes of Inquiry (NUR 401), and the Senior Leadership Practicum (NUR 406) with 120 clinical hours. Students entering the SUNY system after Fall 2000 must also complete all General Education requirements as outlined in the College Catalog.

One important geographic restriction applies: as of May 2019, California is not a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which means residents of California and U.S. territories are currently ineligible to enroll in this online program. Prospective students from these areas should verify current eligibility status before applying, as reciprocity agreements can change over time.

Farmingdale Nursing Curriculum and Course Structure

The full BSN curriculum at Farmingdale State College encompasses 120 to 126 total credits, thoughtfully divided between a strong liberal arts foundation and intensive nursing coursework. The liberal arts and sciences component accounts for 60 credits, while the nursing major requires 60 to 66 credits. This balanced approach ensures graduates possess both the scientific knowledge base and the broader critical thinking skills that define baccalaureate-prepared nurses.

The liberal arts component includes foundational sciences such as Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (4 credits each), Medical Microbiology (4 credits), and Bioethics (3 credits). English composition spans two courses covering college writing and literary analysis. Mathematics is represented by Statistics (MTH 110), while psychology includes both Introduction to Psychology and Child Development. Additional requirements include Interpersonal Communications, a foreign language at Level II, and courses in history, the arts, and humanities. Twelve credits of liberal arts electives round out this portion of the degree.

The nursing course sequence begins with Health Assessment (NUR 100) and Clinical and Theoretical Foundations of Baccalaureate Nursing Practice (NUR 114, 7 credits), which together establish the core competencies students will build upon throughout the program. Intermediate courses cover pharmacology (NUR 311), pathophysiology (NUR 302), health promotion and patient education (NUR 305), and care of individuals experiencing acute and chronic health changes (NUR 217 and NUR 306, 6 credits each). The pediatric and maternity component, Nursing Care of Children and the Child Bearing Family (NUR 307), also carries 6 credits. Students interested in how other healthcare programs structure their curricula may want to review the Ohio State University admissions framework for a broader perspective on undergraduate health science education.

Upper-level nursing courses include Modes of Inquiry (NUR 401), which develops research and evidence-based practice skills, Nurse as Advocate and Change Agent (NUR 404), and Healthcare Organizations (HST 301). The capstone experience differs by pathway: traditional BSN students complete a Nursing Practicum (NUR 405, 9 credits) while completion program students take the Senior Leadership Practicum (NUR 406, 5 credits). Community and Mental Health Nursing (NUR 402, 6 credits) rounds out the clinical nursing education for direct entry and advanced standing students.

TEAS Exam Preparation and Scoring

The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is a mandatory standardized examination for all Farmingdale nursing program applicants, regardless of the pathway they pursue. Administered through ATI Testing at atitesting.com, the TEAS assesses readiness in areas including reading comprehension, mathematics, science, and English language usage. Performing well on this exam is critical, as it accounts for 30% of the admissions rubric across all program pathways.

Score requirements differ between the direct entry and advanced standing programs. Direct entry BSN applicants must achieve a TEAS Total exam score at the “proficient” level or higher. The advanced standing program specifies a minimum score of 75. These different thresholds reflect the different applicant pools and the expectation that advanced standing students, who have already completed college-level prerequisite courses, should demonstrate a specific numeric benchmark of readiness.

There are important logistical considerations around TEAS exam timing. For direct entry applicants, the TEAS deadline is February 15, while advanced standing applicants must complete the exam by October 15. TEAS scores are valid for one calendar year, measured from deadline to deadline, so students should plan their exam date accordingly to ensure scores remain current when reviewed by the admissions committee. Students who do not take the TEAS at Farmingdale must provide an official transcript from ATI to verify their scores.

Regarding exam retakes, students are permitted to take the TEAS twice within a calendar year, with a mandatory minimum waiting period of 30 days between attempts. This policy gives applicants a second chance if their first attempt does not meet the threshold, but the limited retake window means that adequate preparation before the first attempt is essential. Study materials and practice tests are available through the ATI Testing website. Many successful applicants report dedicating several weeks of focused study to TEAS preparation, particularly in the science and mathematics sections where content knowledge plays a significant role.

Clinical Experience and Practicum Requirements

Clinical experience is a cornerstone of Farmingdale’s nursing education, integrating theoretical classroom learning with real-world patient care. The program embeds clinical hours throughout multiple nursing courses, ensuring students gain progressive hands-on experience as they advance through the curriculum. Two courses have specifically documented clinical hour requirements: Community Nursing (NUR 301) requires 90 clinical hours, and the Senior Leadership Practicum (NUR 406) includes 120 clinical hours.

Beyond these documented minimums, additional clinical experience is embedded within several other nursing courses including Clinical and Theoretical Foundations (NUR 114, 7 credits), Care of Individuals Experiencing Acute Health Changes (NUR 217, 6 credits), Care of Individuals Experiencing Chronic Health Challenges (NUR 306, 6 credits), Nursing Care of Children and the Child Bearing Family (NUR 307, 6 credits), and Community and Mental Health Nursing (NUR 402, 6 credits). The high credit loads of these courses indicate substantial clinical and laboratory components beyond traditional lecture hours. Students in health science programs can also examine how clinical training is structured in pharmacy education through the Emory University graduate science programs.

Farmingdale’s location on Long Island provides access to a variety of clinical settings. The region’s healthcare infrastructure includes major hospital systems, community health centers, long-term care facilities, and specialty clinics that serve as placement sites for nursing students. This geographic advantage means students are exposed to diverse patient populations and clinical environments, from acute care settings to community-based health promotion programs.

The Senior Leadership Practicum represents the capstone clinical experience, requiring 120 hours of supervised practice in which students demonstrate leadership competencies, apply evidence-based practice principles, and function in a near-independent nursing role. This practicum prepares students for the transition from student to professional nurse, bridging the gap between academic preparation and the realities of clinical practice in the healthcare workforce.

Academic Progression and GPA Standards

Farmingdale State College maintains rigorous academic progression standards for nursing students, reflecting the high-stakes nature of healthcare education. To continue in the nursing program, students must earn a minimum grade of C+ or better in all nursing courses. This threshold exceeds the typical C minimum found in many academic programs and underscores the college’s commitment to producing competent, safe practitioners.

Science course requirements are even more stringent. Human Anatomy and Physiology I (BIO 170) and Human Anatomy and Physiology II (BIO 171) both require a minimum grade of B or better. Medical Microbiology (BIO 220) requires a minimum grade of C. These requirements ensure that students have a strong foundation in the biological sciences that underpin clinical nursing practice. The B requirement in anatomy and physiology is particularly noteworthy, as these courses provide the fundamental knowledge base for pharmacology, pathophysiology, and clinical decision-making throughout the nursing curriculum.

For advanced standing applicants, the academic standards are applied retroactively in a critical way: the B-or-better requirement in BIO 170 and BIO 171 must be achieved on the first attempt. Applicants who have repeated these courses, regardless of the grade earned on subsequent attempts, are automatically excluded from consideration. This policy is designed to identify students who demonstrate strong scientific aptitude from the outset, as the nursing curriculum builds rapidly on anatomical and physiological concepts with little time for remediation.

Students are also responsible for meeting General Education and writing-intensive requirements as outlined in the college catalog. The program strongly recommends that students consult regularly with their academic advisors to ensure all graduation requirements are being met alongside the nursing course sequence. Given the prescribed nature of the nursing curriculum, careful course planning is essential to avoid delays in program completion.

Nursing Career Outcomes and Licensure Preparation

Graduates of Farmingdale State College’s nursing program are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination, the national licensing exam required to practice as a registered nurse in the United States. The BSN degree provides a distinct advantage in today’s healthcare market, where an increasing number of healthcare employers prefer or require a bachelor’s degree for registered nursing positions. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has noted that hospitals and other healthcare settings are increasingly seeking nurses with baccalaureate preparation due to evidence linking higher education levels with better patient outcomes.

The nursing profession continues to experience strong demand across the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow significantly over the coming decade, driven by an aging population, increased emphasis on preventive care, and the growing prevalence of chronic conditions. In the New York metropolitan area, where Farmingdale is located, nursing salaries are among the highest in the nation, with the region offering abundant opportunities in hospital systems, outpatient care centers, home health agencies, and public health departments.

Farmingdale’s curriculum is structured to prepare graduates for various nursing specialties and career trajectories. The breadth of clinical experiences, from community health to acute care to pediatrics and maternity, ensures that graduates have exposure to multiple areas of practice before entering the workforce. Many BSN graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees in nursing, including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, which open doors to roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator, and nurse administrator.

The program’s emphasis on evidence-based practice through courses like Modes of Inquiry (NUR 401) and the leadership focus of courses like Nurse as Advocate and Change Agent (NUR 404) prepare graduates not just for bedside nursing but for leadership roles within healthcare organizations. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing provides resources for NCLEX-RN preparation, and students should familiarize themselves with the exam format and content areas well before their graduation date. Additionally, the Farmingdale State College nursing department website provides the most current information on program updates, faculty research, and student resources.

How to Apply to Farmingdale Nursing

The application process for Farmingdale’s nursing programs follows the SUNY system application framework. Prospective students can apply online through three channels: the SUNY application portal at suny.edu/applysuny, the Common Application at commonapp.org, or directly through the Farmingdale State College website by clicking the “Apply Now” link. All three application paths lead to the same admissions review process.

Required documentation includes official transcripts from all schools previously attended. For the direct entry program, this means high school transcripts with Regents exam scores and any standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). Advanced standing applicants must provide college transcripts showing prerequisite completion and GPA verification. RN-to-BS applicants must additionally include a copy of their current, unencumbered RN license. All documents should be sent to the designated processing address: Secure Scan — Farmingdale State College, Attn: Admissions Processing, 1060 Broadway, Albany, NY 12204.

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to attend one of Farmingdale’s nursing information sessions, held on select Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. in Roosevelt Hall. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn about the program directly from faculty and admissions staff, ask questions specific to individual circumstances, and tour the nursing facilities. Registration for information sessions is available through the admissions page at farmingdale.edu/admissions.

Timing is critical for a successful application. Direct entry applicants should begin preparing during their junior year of high school, ensuring they meet all prerequisite courses and have time to study for and take the TEAS exam. Advanced standing applicants should plan their prerequisite coursework to be completed by the summer before the October 15 deadline, allowing ample time to submit documentation and TEAS scores. The nursing department can be reached at nursinginfo@farmingdale.edu or by phone at 631-420-2200 during business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for any questions about the application process or program requirements.