Nursing
School of Nursing
1040 Kimball Tower
South Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214-3079
Phone: 716.829.2537
Fax: 716.829.2021
Web: nursing.buffalo.edu
Email: nurse-studentaffairs@buffalo.edu
Mecca S. Cranley
Dean
Jean K. Brown
Associate Dean, Academic Affairs
Mary Ann Jezewski
Associate Dean, Center for Nursing Research
Elaine R. Cusker
Assistant Dean, Student Affairs
Martha Kemsley
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Carol Flaugher
RN Program Advisor
Sally A. Sams
Assistant to the Dean
About the Department
Nursing is a profession dedicated to the care and nurturing of sick and well people. Its practitioners identify health needs, promote healthy behaviors, and provide care for individuals and families who experience acute and chronic illness. The scope of nursing roles has broadened to include that of caregiver, patient advocate, teacher, counselor, and manager. Nursing brings a human touch to modern health care. The profession is both a science and an art. As a science it requires the systematic application of theory; as an art it is concerned with skills that require proficiency, dexterity, and interpersonal sensitivity.
Department Resources
Nursing students have access to the university's Health Science Library, Nursing Research Center, and new School of Nursing computer and health assessment labs, as well as electronic patient simulators.
Students have an option for paid clinical internships in summer prior to the senior year.
Degrees Offered
Undergraduate: B.S. (Basic Program), B.S. (Accelerated B.S. for second-degree students), B.S. (RN track program)
Graduate and combined:
Acute Care:
M.S. – Nurse Practitioner
M.S. – Clinical Nurse Specialist
B.S./M.S. – Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist
Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate - Nurse Practitioner
Adult Health:
M.S. – Nurse Practitioner
M.S. – Clinical Nurse Specialist
B.S./M.S. – Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist
Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate - Nurse Practitioner
Geriatric Care:
M.S. – Nurse Practitioner
M.S. – Clinical Nurse Specialist
B.S./M.S. – Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist
Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate - Nurse Practitioner
Family Health:
M.S. – Nurse Practitioner
B.S./M.S. – Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate - Nurse Practitioner
Maternal & Women’s Health:
M.S. – Nurse Practitioner
B.S./M.S. – Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate - Nurse Practitioner
Child Health: (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Track or Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Track)
M.S. – Nurse Practitioner
B.S./M.S. – Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate - Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Anesthesia:
M.S. – Nurse Anesthetist
Psychiatric Mental Health:
M.S. – Nurse Practitioner
B.S./M.S. – Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate - Nurse Practitioner
Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS) and Ph.D. in Nursing
About Our Degrees
We offer four different programs for obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Basic Nursing Program. This program provides the curriculum required for a freshman or transfer student who is pursuing a nursing degree for the first time.
Accelerated Bachelor or Science (ABS) Option for Second-Degree Students. The accelerated second-degree option offers the undergraduate nursing curriculum as an intensive, full-time, 12-month program designed for the mature, highly motivated, career-minded student who has already completed an undergraduate and/or graduate degree in a field other than nursing.
RN Track Program. This track provides the curriculum needed by students who have completed an associate’s degree or diploma program in nursing.
Combined B.S./M.S. Degree. The School of Nursing offers an accelerated program for students who have completed an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing and are seeking a master’s degree. This program allows students to complete the undergraduate portion of the program more quickly and then matriculate at the graduate level.
Acceptance Criteria
Basic Nursing Program - B.S.
Freshman Students
All intended nursing students admitted to UB for the fall will be admitted directly to the School of Nursing. Admission is on a space available basis.
By the sophomore year, students must have earned a minimum GPA of 2.5 overall and completed at least five of the prerequisite nursing courses, at least two of which are in the required sciences (chemistry, anatomy, physiology, or microbiology). All fourteen prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better prior to entering the clinical nursing program.
To remain in the major, students are required to maintain good academic standing in the university and complete prerequisites in four semesters.
Transfer and Continuing UB Students
All intended nursing students may apply to School of Nursing in November and March. The basic nursing application is located at our web site: http://nursing.buffalo.edu.
Admission is granted on a space available basis to students who have completed five of the nursing prerequisites, at least two of which are in the required sciences (chemistry, anatomy, physiology, or microbiology), and have earned a overall minimum GPA of 2.5 for all previous college work. All fourteen prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better prior to entering the clinical nursing program.
To remain in the major, students are required to maintain good academic standing and complete prerequisites by the time they begin the upper-division courses.
Acceptance Criteria
Accelerated Bachelor of Science (ABS) Option for Second-Degree Students - B.S.
Applications must be completed for the University at Buffalo and the School of Nursing. Apply online at http://www.buffalo.edu/admissions and http://nursing.buffalo.edu.
Applications are due November 15.
Earned bachelor’s or graduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 overall.
Current resume, goal statement, complete transcripts, personal interview.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 overall in prerequisite courses.
Acceptance Criteria
R.N. Track Program - B.S. for students with R.N. licensure
Applications must be completed for the University at Buffalo and the School of Nursing. Apply online at http://www.buffalo.edu/admissions and http://nursing.buffalo.edu.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; November 1 and April 15 are recommended deadlines.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 overall.
A.A.S. degree or diploma in nursing completed prior to entry at UB.
Acceptance Criteria
Nursing - B.S./M.S. for students with R.N. licensure
Applications completed for the University at Buffalo and the School of Nursing. Apply online at http://www.buffalo.edu/admissions and http://nursing.buffalo.edu.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; November 1 and April 15 are recommended deadlines.
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 overall.
Three letters of reference.
A.A.S. degree or diploma in nursing completed upon entry to UB.
Minimum score of 450 in both the verbal and the quantitative aptitude portions of the Graduate Record Examination, if overall undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.
Degree Requirements
See the Undergraduate Catalog.
Transfer Policy
Prerequisite courses may be transferred from other educational institutions if they are equivalent. Students should consult with the School of Nursing Student Affairs Office to determine equivalency.
About Our Courses
The typical class size for:
Freshman/introductory courses is: 85
Sophomore/intermediate courses is: 80
Upper level/advanced courses is: 80 (8 in clinical)
In the School of Nursing, what do student teaching assistants (TA's) do?
TA's are licensed nurses who assist with clinical and classroom instruction.
Suggested Introductory Courses for Basic Program
- ANA 113 Anatomy
- NUR 250 Human Growth and Development
- PGY 300 Human Physiology
- PSY 101 Introductory Psychology
- SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
Colleges that have good feeder programs for this department include:
- Alfred State College
- Erie Community College
- Genesee Community College
- Jamestown Community College
- Monroe Community College
- Niagara County Community College
- Trocaire College
For course descriptions, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.
About Our Faculty
The faculty in the undergraduate program are expert practitioners of nursing, all having advanced preparation in their fields of specialization. Many have achieved national and international recognition. Faculty are actively engaged in research, making significant contributions to nursing theory. Among the honors awarded to faculty members are the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, membership in the American Academy of Nursing, and election to office in the American Nurses Association. Many faculty have the distinction of holding certification as expert clinical practitioners awarded by professional associations that promote and recognize only the highest standards of nursing excellence.
Special Academic Opportunities
Practical Experience
Clinical experience in health-care agencies is part of the curriculum for all nursing students. A final preceptorship can be individually arranged according to student interest either in or outside of Western New York.
Independent Study
Faculty may sponsor students interested in doing independent study.
Internships
There are many available both locally and across the country.
Honors Program
Seniors may participate in an honors program under the mentorship of a faculty member.
Awards or Honors
The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo supports scholarships for Erie County residents. Dean’s scholarships are offered to outstanding freshmen undergraduate nursing students. Several special scholarships are available for eligible upper-division students.
Extracurricular Activities
Nursing Student Organization (NSO)
The purpose of the NSO is to aid in the preparation of nursing students for assumption of professional responsibilities on the school and community level. To accomplish this, students actively participate in School of Nursing and university governance and committee work.
Minority Nursing Student Association (MNSA)
MNSA serves the entire School of Nursing with opportunities for diverse students to come together in service, social, educational, and community activities.
Sigma Theta Tau
The national honor society chapter encourages and recognizes superior scholarship and/or leadership achievement in nursing. The organization has a commitment to increase the scientific base in nursing practice and thereby improve the health of the public.
Community Service Program
Student organizations and selected courses are both involved in extensive community service projects.
For more information about the above activities, please see Nursing Organizations.
See the UB Student Association.
Complementary Programs and Courses
- Biomedical Sciences
- Computers
- Foreign language
- Life sciences
- Management
- Psychology
Advising Information
Basic Nursing program:
Contact Dr. Elaine Cusker at 716-829-2537.
Accelerated Bachelor or Science (ABS) program:
Contact Dr. Martha Kemsley at 716-829-3268.
RN/B.S. Track & Combined B.S./M.S. programs:
Contact Mrs. Carol Flaugher at 716-829-2155.
Career Information
Skills gained in this program:
- Administrative
- Advocacy
- Assessment
- Documentation
- Interpersonal
- Leadership
- Management
- Research
- Supervisory
- Teaching
Career Choices
- Clinical specialist
- Critical care nurse
- Director of nursing
- Emergency room nurse
- Flight nurse
- Forensic nurse
- General duty nurse
- Geriatric care nurse
- Head nurse
- Holistic nurse
- Home health care nurse
- Integrated care deliverer
- Intensive care nurse
- Medical editor/writer
- Medical surgery nurse
- Military officer
- Nurse anesthetist
- Nurse consultant
- Nurse instructor
- Nurse midwife
- Nurse practitioner
- Occupational nurse
- Operating room nurse
- Parish nurse
- Pharmacology/medical sales
- Private duty nurse
- Professor
- Public health nurse
- Rehabilitation nurse
- Researcher
- School nurse
Work settings include:
Staff nursing and Specialty Unit nursing in various hospitals, community centers, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, patient’s homes, schools, private practice, and agencies in Western New York and throughout the country.
What percentage of graduates goes on to find related employment?
95%
Salary Information
$35,000 to $40,000 in Buffalo, NY; salaries vary by region.
According to a Hay Group survey of HMO's, group practices, and hospital-based clinics, the median annual base salary of full-time nurse practitioners was $66,800 in May 1996. The miulle 50% earned between $54,200 and $69,000. Nurse midwives earned about $70,100, and the miulle 50% earned between $59,300 and $75,700.
According to the Hay Group's survey of acute care hospitals, the median annual base salary of full-time nurse anesthetists was $82,000 in January, 1997. The miulle 50% earned between $74,700 and $90,300.
What percentage of graduates goes on to graduate school?
35-45%
Aulitional Resources
- American Nursing Association
- Johnson and Johnson
- Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow
- National Student Nurses’ Association
- Honor Society of Nursing/Sigma Theta Tau International
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing
Links to Further Information About This Program
- Undergraduate Catalog
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Graduate Admissions
- School of Nursing
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing