New transfer agreement promises admission to Maria College
Hunter Wallace
News Editor
Students in Hudson Valley’s Nursing and Community Health Navigation degree programs can now consider Maria College after graduation, thanks to a new seamless transfer agreement between the two schools that was signed on Nov. 1.
Those who complete either one of these associate degree program at Hudson Valley with a GPA of 2.5 or greater will automatically be guaranteed admission into Maria College with a third year (junior) status. This transfer applies to both Maria’s Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing completion program or Health Care Management bachelor’s degree program.
“The majority of our Nursing graduates move directly into the field after graduating, but a large portion of them eventually go on to pursue higher degrees,” said Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing Eric Bryant. “I believe [Maria College has] only been offering four-year degrees since 2014.”
The option to transfer to Maria College provides more options for students to continue their education.
“The majority of our students are residents of the region and stay in the region after completing their education,” said Beth Wales, Maria’s chief marketing and communication officer. “Therefore, transferring from a local college is very attractive. Maria has flexible schedule options offering day, evening, weekend and online courses, allowing students to juggle their busy lives. We have been offering a bachelor’s of science in nursing degree completion program for working RN’s since 2010.”
Maria offers a blend of classroom instruction and real-world healthcare experience.
“Maria’s BS in healthcare management provides a balance among the technological, clinical and business sides of healthcare,” Maria College Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. John Kowal said, in a press release. “An internship also allows students to work with professional healthcare practitioners to enhance their classroom learning experience and give them a competitive edge when seeking employment.”
Maria College offers three entry levels into the nursing field, with a practical nurse certificate program (LPN), associate degree in Nursing (RN) and a bachelor of science degree in Nursing completion program. Hudson Valley and Maria alumni are viable for healthcare leadership positions across the region.
Maria’s bachelor’s degree in healthcare management program prepares students for mid-level management positions in a variety of healthcare settings. Students currently enrolled in Hudson Valley’s Community Health Navigation program can transfer into Maria’s healthcare management program.
Hudson Valley’s Nursing associate degree program has existed for over five decades. About 70 students graduate from it each year, many of whom decide to further their education.
Maria College is proud to be working with Hudson Valley to provide students with this transfer opportunity.
“Having a baccalaureate degree can be very important to career advancement and we are very pleased to work with Hudson Valley and other educational partners to create new pathways and opportunities for students,” said Maria College President Tom Gamble, in a press release. “Together we are building a strong healthcare infrastructure in the Capital Region.”
To learn more about this seamless transfer agreement, visit the Center for Careers and Transfer at Siek Campus Center, Suite 290 or call (518) 629-7326.