Nazareth University sees record interest in nursing applications
New York State needs more nurses, with a projected shortage of 40,000 registered nurses expected by 2030. Nazareth University is answering that call with record interest from prospective nursing students for the fall. Nazareth received the largest number of first-year applications ever for its nursing program — nearly 800, which is a 35% increase from 2024. Nazareth is also setting records again with overall applications to the university higher this year.
“Nazareth nursing graduates are in high demand, receiving offers for nursing positions several months before their graduation dates,” said Bonnie Walden, chair of Nazareth’s nursing department. “Nursing employers know that Nazareth graduates are well-prepared for their first nursing positions. The 2023-2024 first-time pass rate for Nazareth nursing graduates on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses was 97%, outperforming national and New York State pass rates.”
In addition to 675 clinical hours in the nursing program, Nazareth nursing students have the opportunity to sharpen their clinical judgment and decision-making skills through participating in realistic patient care scenarios in a high-fidelity interprofessional simulation center. The simulation center is currently being expanded to include two new briefing/debriefing rooms and two additional patient rooms with state-of-the-art manikins. In addition, we are in the process of implementing a standardized patient simulation program which will combine the technology of Avkin wearable simulators with the realistic aspect of student actors portraying the patients.
With overall applications also up university-wide, Nazareth is seeing a large increase in the number of first-generation students applying and significant growth in out-of-state student applications.
“The number of first-generation college students applying to Nazareth is up. They make up about 31% of our applicants,” said Christie Smith, associate vice president of university admissions and enrollment. “We continue to enhance our partnerships with community-based organizations and our local school districts, leading to an increase in students from both rural and urban communities. Additionally, 35% of our applicants are from out of state, expanding the geographic diversity of our incoming class."
Students and families can learn more about Nazareth at www.naz.edu.
Contact
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
