Dutchess BOCES – School of Practical Nursing

44 Sewall Street, Ludlow, MA

Dutchess BOCES School of Practical Nursing provides certifications for adults and high school students who are keen on a career in nursing. The school is located in Poughkeepsie, NY, and is part of the Dutchess Country Board of Cooperative Educational Services.

The adult LPN course requires students to complete at least 1,080 hours of theory and clinical instruction with 75% grading in each area, in which all clinical components must be included. Candidates should also possess current BLS CPR certification to be eligible for the course.

The adult program tuition fee (exclusive of other costs) is $9,640, and financial aid may be availed. The average loan debt has been calculated at $5,464 per student receiving financial assistance. In 2012, 84% of the students received financial aid – primarily as loans and grants. On-time graduation rate is currently at 75%.

The school also offers the High School LPN I and the High School Nursing Assistant programs, both of which teach foundation skills for a career in the nursing profession. All courses commence twice a year – in September and January – and there are options for full-time and part-time study.

BOCES is a public organization set up in 1948 to facilitate shared educational resources to school districts. Its success in New York State has prompted at least 30 other state legislatures to mandate or pass legislation similar to the configuration currently operating in New York. Dutchess is one of 38 BOCES in the state.