Russell Sage College

The Sage Colleges is a private, not for profit college in Troy, New York. It was established in 1916 as a School of Practical Arts. It was originally a women’s college. A separate men’s division was established during World War II. In 1949, the Albany campus was founded as a coeducational campus. The college is comprised of several colleges founded by Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage, including the Sage Junior College of Albany, the Sage Graduate School, and the Sage Evening College. In 1995, these colleges were re-chartered to become the Sage Colleges. The women’s college remains in Troy.

The Sages Colleges offers five CCNE-accredited nursing programs. The programs include traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, RN to SN, MSN, and Ph.D. All programs are accredited by the CCNE. The traditional BSN program requires students to complete 54 nursing credits and 27 credits of supported courses. These courses may take five to six semesters, allowing students to complete the program in four to five years, depending on their scheduling. With the MSN program, students can choose from five different program tracks, including Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Depending on the schedule and the specialty track, the MSN program may be completed in two to seven years.

Updated on: 09 Nov, 2025

Program Length & Format

16-month full-time, in-person program
Total nursing credits: 54-57
Four semesters including one summer semester
Coursework begins every fall and ends the following December
Clinical hours total 760

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required
Completion of all prerequisite and support courses before starting
Minimum Nursing major GPA to continue: 3.0 (grade C+ or higher in nursing courses)
Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in nursing courses to progress in the program

Prerequisites

Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)
Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)
Microbiology (4 credits)
Chemistry or Physics with lab (4 credits)
Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
Lifespan Development (3-4 credits)
Nutrition Science (3 credits)
Sociology course (3 credits)
Research Methods for Professions (3 credits) may be required if equivalent not transferred

Application

Official transcript showing bachelor’s degree completion with date required
Proof of prerequisite course completion prior to enrollment in nursing courses

Deadlines

Apply anytime for fall semester start

Selection Process

Admission based on completion of prerequisites, GPA, and other criteria
Probation and dismissal based on nursing GPA below 3.0 or grade below C+ in nursing courses
Retake allowed for one nursing course only; students can be on probation once

Cost & Financial Aid

Estimated total program investment: $43,188 (after minimum institutional aid)
Tuition and fees before aid approximately $70,938 including tuition, fees, books, supplies, clinical and testing fees
Summer term charged at a reduced rate; merit scholarships do not apply during summer
Additional federal and state financial aid may be available through FAFSA

Clinical & Simulation Lab

760 clinical hours across multiple settings
Clinicals begin first semester, including acute care, pediatric, maternal/child, psychiatric, geriatric, and community settings
State-of-the-art simulation lab with patient simulation manikins used prior to direct patient care
Final semester includes 240-hour expanded clinical rotation in area of interest