Eastern Suffolk BOCES – School of Practical Nursing

727 Grant Avenue, Lake Katrine, NY

The Eastern Suffolk BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) is one of many vocational training and career centers enabled by state legislation allowing local school boards to pool their resources to form a joint vocational training center. 

The school offers a diploma program in Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) at two facilities -- the Brookhaven Technical Center in Bellport New York and the New York Institute of Technology, Kennedy Hall in Central Islip.   There are nursing duties requiring a Registered Nurse (RN) but an LPN can administer mediation and treatment as well as work in restorative care and a variety of health-related teaching and counseling activities.   Job opportunities range from hospitals and outpatient centers, to long-term care facilities and home care.

Upon completion of the program students earn a diploma from the Eastern Suffolk BOCES and are eligible to take the state licensing exam.  The program offers flexibility in attendance, with an 11 month full time program; a 17 month part-time evening program; and a part-time day program for high school seniors.

To enroll candidates must pass a nurse entrance exam and the center offers a prep course for the exam.  Financial aid is available through traditional Pell Grants and direct loans as well as through Title IV financial aid programs (grants, loans, and work study).  Full time tuition for the 2012/2013 academic year was $13,375.  For the 2011/2012 academic year, 96% of enrollees went on to earn their LPN state certification and 65% are currently employed.  Of the total graduates, 65% are pursuing continuing education.