Planting roots

Nursing Extension

WHAT: High Needs Nursing Grant

WHERE: SUNY Adirondack

Saratoga

THE PROJECT: SUNY Adirondack was awarded a state High Needs grant to extend its Nursing program enrollment.

WHY: The health care industry is in need of more nurses, as the nation’s aging population increases demand for health care.

SUNY Adirondack first started offering evening classes in rented space at Saratoga Central Catholic High School in 1977. Last winter, the college celebrated its 45th anniversary serving Saratoga County.

Today, the college offers courses at SUNY Adirondack Saratoga, a two-story modern facility that features state-of-the-art laboratories, spacious classrooms and a lecture hall at 696 Route 9 in Wilton.

“We are honored to be Saratoga County’s educator of choice since 1977,” said Kristine D. Duffy, Ed.D., president of SUNY Adirondack. “SUNY Adirondack started off in Saratoga with just a few evening classes and, throughout more than four decades, has greatly expanded its presence, and is proud to be celebrating this milestone.”

BY THE NUMBERs

$48 million: SUNY Adirondack’s contribution to the Saratoga County economy

34 percent of SUNY Adirondack students are residents of Saratoga County

250: number of Saratoga County high school graduates who enter SUNY Adirondack directly from high school each year

1,500: number of students attending college courses in local high schools

1 in 8 Saratoga County residents, ages 18 to 65, are enrolled in a SUNY Adirondack course

18,982: number of Saratoga County students who took classes at SUNY Adirondack between 2007 and 2022

HOW: SUNY Adirondack welcomes eight licensed practical nurses (LPN) in a grant-funded cohort to SUNY Adirondack Saratoga, where they attend classes based on SUNY Adirondack’s Queensbury campus remotely, live and simultaneously in a classroom and laboratory specially outfitted for the program.

SUNY Adirondack received funding to increase enrollment and address emerging trends in Nursing education. The SUNY High Needs Nursing grant supports eight LPNs to attend SUNY Adirondack at its SUNY Adirondack Saratoga facility.

“The entire room is set up so the students are attending virtually, but they’re still a part of the classroom, expected to participate and be part of what is happening,” explained Kim Hedley, chair of SUNY Adirondack’s Health Services division.

A lab at SUNY Adirondack Saratoga was outfitted to look exactly like the Nursing lab at SUNY Adirondack’s Queensbury campus. A classroom assistant ensures everything runs smoothly and set up labs.

“This will help us meet the needs of our community,” Headley said.