SUNY Downstate and SUNY Old Westbury Create Pathways To Healthcare Careers In New Collaborative Partnership
Apr 9, 2019
Articulation agreements between SUNY Downstate and SUNY Old Westbury offer students added access to high-demand programs
BROOKLYN, NY – The State University of New York Downstate Medical Center and State University of New York at Old Westbury have entered into three new articulation agreements to offer direct paths into accelerated and graduate healthcare studies for eligible Old Westbury students interested in careers as physician assistants, physical therapists, and nurses.
Up to 23 Old Westbury students each year who meet the admissions standards and deadlines outlined for each program will be given priority enrollment consideration at SUNY Downstate through these agreements. This collaboration will help to advance New York State’s “BSN in 10” signed into law by Governor Cuomo in 2017 that aims to increase the level of education for professional Registered Nurses.
“At a time when our nation’s healthcare needs are becoming increasingly complex, these campuses are working together to build up our healthcare workforce and provide more opportunities to our students,” said State University of New York Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. “I look forward to seeing more partnerships between Downstate Medical and our other campuses, and to SUNY’s growing role in strengthening the state’s healthcare system.”
“As one of the top nursing programs in New York State, this is a fitting partnership for SUNY Downstate and Old Westbury,” said SUNY Downstate president Wayne J. Riley, M.D. “Our nursing program is known for training tomorrow’s workforce, and we are excited that this collaboration with Old Westbury will enhance our collective commitment to educational excellence while preparing our nurses to meet the healthcare challenges of a changing population.”
“Developing pathways like these for our students is of critical importance so they
can access these important opportunities in the medical field,” said SUNY Old Westbury
President Calvin O. Butts, III. “The number of opportunities available may not be large, but we believe having this
relationship will provide an incentive to those students who have a true passion and
inclination for these fields. The education provided by Downstate is excellent, and
we look forward to seeing our students excel once they enter these programs.”
Annual priority admission opportunities for Old Westbury students are available at
SUNY Downstate as follows:
- A maximum of four in the Bachelor of Science/Doctorate of Physical Therapy program offered by the College of Health Related Professions,
- A maximum of four in the Master of Science Physician Assistant program offered by the College of Health Related Professions, and
- A maximum of 15 in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered by the College of Nursing.
Eligibility requirements vary from program to program, with each requiring Old Westbury
students to complete a combination of classes in biology, chemistry, psychology, and
other arts and sciences disciplines as appropriate. For the Physician Assistant and
Nursing degree programs, students must have an undergraduate degree from Old Westbury
before applying to SUNY Downstate. All Old Westbury students also must gain a recommendation
from the College’s Health Professions Advisory Committee.
About SUNY Old Westbury
SUNY Old Westbury is a selective public liberal arts college with more than 5,000 students studying in more than 45 undergraduate degree opportunities in its liberal arts and professional programs and 21 graduate programs in business, education, liberal studies, and mental health counseling. On the College’s 604-acre campus, students are challenged to take ownership of their futures through an environment that demands academic excellence, fosters intercultural understanding, and endeavors to stimulate a passion for learning and a commitment to building a more just and sustainable world.
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About SUNY Downstate Medical Center
SUNY Downstate Medical Center is the borough’s only academic medical center for health education, research, and patient care, and is a 376-bed facility serving the healthcare needs of Brooklyn’s 2.6 million residents. University Hospital is Downstate’s teaching hospital, backed by the expertise of an outstanding medical school and the research facilities of a world-class academic center. More than 800 physicians, representing 53 specialties and subspecialties—many of them ranked as tops in their fields—comprise Downstate's staff.
A regional center for cardiac care, neonatal and high-risk infant services, pediatric dialysis, and transplantation, Downstate also houses a major learning center for children with physical ailments or neurological disorders. In addition to University Hospital, Downstate comprises a College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Health-Related Professions, a School of Graduate Studies, a School of Public Health, and a multifaceted biotechnology initiative, including the Downstate Biotechnology Incubator and BioBAT for early-stage and more mature companies, respectively. For more information, visit www.downstate.edu