Founded in 1894, the Cochran School of Nursing has specialized in training compassionate and well educated nurses in Yonkers, New York. Cochran boasts more than 2,200 graduates in its venerable history, and is Westchester County’s oldest nursing educational institution. Located in a wing of St. John’s Riverside Hospital, the college’s graduates have filled nursing positions throughout the United States and have also served around the world in the armed forces from the time of the Spanish American War.
The Cochran School of Nursing is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission and is also registered with the State of New York Education Department. The college is recognized for its small class sizes and the individualized attention each student therefore receives from their instructors. Students acquire clinical experience at a number of medical facilities in the area, including:
- St. Joseph’s Medical Center
- St. Vincent’s Medical Center
- Westchester Medical Center
- Michael Malotz Skilled Nursing Pavilion
- Community Hospital at Dobbs Ferry
- Kateri Senior Residence
These clinical experiences at a broad range of medical facilities give students a solid foundation for practicing in a variety of settings and with a diverse cross section of the population. These experiences are central to the student’s educational goals and solidify practical skills and techniques which they will utilize throughout their career.
The school also prides itself on offering laboratory experiences that are second to none in the region. Students gain experience by practicing with a Human Patient Simulator. With the simulator, students are taught to diagnose and treat symptoms and diseases. The college also boasts a well equipped library facility, computer labs, and an A/V viewing room.
Students may choose to complete the nursing program on a day or evening schedule. The Cochran School of Nursing offers an Associate in Applied Science degree program that can be completed within a two year time frame when students attend full time. Students who enter the college as an LPN may skip the nursing basics programs in their pursuit of becoming an RN, and may therefore complete the Associate Degree program in as few as 18 months, or only 3 semesters. No matter which program the student requires, their coursework will take place on a predictable schedule which makes it easy for students to balance their other obligations. Theory classes are provided two days each week, with clinical practice occurring on two other days of the week. This schedule gives the student time to complete required homework and still maintain an active lifestyle.
Students must complete standardized testing prior to being admitted to the Cochran School of Nursing. The entrance exam is administered by the Assessment Technologies Institute Program and ensures students are proficient enough to successfully complete the challenges of the Associate Degree program. The computerized test measures the student’s essential academic skills and may be retaken at six month intervals if the student would like to improve their score.
In addition to academic testing, students must also submit proof that they are healthy and capable of providing nursing care to others. This proof consists of a physical examination and laboratory tests which certify the candidate’s fitness for the nursing program. In addition, certain physical abilities are required in order to be able to successfully enter and complete the program. Demonstration of these physical abilities may be required on a case by case basis.
The Cochran School of Nursing prides itself on technological innovation and providing its students with cutting edge training that allows them to be competitive in a challenging field. Its graduates are among the foremost nursing professionals and are sought by many prestigious employers.