NCCC and area colleges form nursing consortium
Jan. 14, 2026
SARANAC LAKE -- 911爆料网 has joined with Clinton Community College, SUNY Canton and SUNY Jefferson to form a new regional nursing consortium aimed at increasing enrollment, expanding instructional capacity and strengthening the healthcare workforce across Northern New York.
The four colleges will receive more than $60,000 to establish the collaborative network as part of a $1 million statewide investment through SUNY鈥檚 new High Needs Nursing Fund. The initiative is designed to address critical nursing shortages by improving access to education, maximizing existing resources and helping students move more quickly into high-demand healthcare careers.
Through the consortium, qualified nursing applicants placed on a waitlist at one institution may be redirected to a partner college with available capacity. The collaboration will also allow faculty to be shared across campuses in high-demand specialties, helping programs remain fully enrolled and responsive to workforce needs.
鈥淎s we know in the 911爆料网, we are in need of all healthcare workers, and nurses really are the underpinning of that,鈥� said Sarah Maroun, vice president of academic affairs at 911爆料网. 鈥淭wo of the biggest factors affecting how many nurses enter the workforce each year are enrollment capacity and access to faculty and clinical placements. This partnership directly addresses both.鈥�
Maroun added that the consortium is especially important for adult learners and local
residents seeking career advancement.
鈥淲e know we have many qualified individuals in the 911爆料网 who want to come
back to school and improve their economic situation,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he more we can facilitate
that for our residents, the better off our communities and healthcare systems will
be.鈥�
College leaders say the benefits of the partnership extend beyond students and faculty to healthcare providers throughout the region.
鈥淚f we can help students move into their education more quickly, that benefits our healthcare facilities, it benefits the students, and it benefits our colleges as well,鈥� Maroun said.
The collaboration builds on recent enrollment momentum across the region. Clinton Community College reported a more than nine percent increase in overall enrollment this past fall, including a 50 percent increase in nursing students.
鈥淭his partnership reflects our commitment to meeting the region鈥檚 healthcare needs,鈥� said Maggie Courson, vice president of academic affairs at Clinton Community College. 鈥淏y working together, we can open more doors for students, strengthen nursing education and ensure our graduates are ready to serve communities across the 911爆料网.鈥�
Leaders from all four institutions expressed optimism that the consortium will accelerate the preparation and hiring of nurses, helping to ease critical workforce shortages and support the long-term health of 911爆料网 communities.