HERKIMER — Adults considering a nursing career have two opportunities to explore Herkimer BOCES nursing before admissions testing begins in January: free entrance-test preparation starting Nov. 6 and an open house on Nov. 9.
The Adult Practical Nursing Program’s Oct. 16 announcement also reports a 95% first-attempt licensing-exam pass rate among its 2026 graduates. BOCES says graduates who pass the exam have a 100% job-placement rate. Those are program-reported outcomes, not a guarantee of admission, licensing or employment for a future student.
Dates and location
The free Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test review sessions are scheduled for Nov. 6, 13 and 20, and Dec. 4, 11 and 18, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. They meet at the Herkimer BOCES Gateway Center, 420 E. German St., Herkimer.
Space is limited. BOCES directs people to mbaker@herkimer-boces.org to register. The sessions are optional and open to people still deciding whether to pursue the program.
The open house runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, at the same location. Visitors can speak with staff, explore teaching spaces and ask about financial aid.
A choice of schedules
The Daily Post’s Oct. 19 report describes three study options: a 12-month full-time program and 20-month part-time programs meeting during the day or evening.
The next full-time class begins in July 2027, with graduation planned for June 2028. The part-time classes begin in September 2027, with graduation planned for June 2029. These are the next enrollment cycles described in the announcement, not classes beginning immediately after November’s open house.
The report says ACCES-VR, On Point and Working Solutions representatives are expected at the open house. Visitors can see a class in session and explore the simulation, practice and computer labs. Admissions testing is scheduled to begin in January 2027.
Graduation and licensing are separate milestones
BOCES recognized 41 adults at its June 24 commencement at Herkimer College. Its June 25 account makes the sequence clear: completing the educational program gives graduates the opportunity to take the licensing examination. A diploma and a license are not the same step.
The ceremony brought together students from the full-time, part-time day and part-time evening programs. It included academic and clinical awards and a candle-lighting ceremony.
What prospective students should ask
An open house is a chance to compare the program with the realities of work and family life. Before committing, ask for the current attendance schedule, clinical-placement requirements, total costs, available aid and admissions criteria in writing.
Anyone comparing outcomes should also ask how the reported placement rate is calculated: which graduates are counted, over what period, and what kinds of positions they obtained. The announcement does not provide a detailed methodology or guarantee a particular salary, employer or work schedule.
Review classes may help applicants understand the entrance-test subjects, but they should not be treated as advance access to the exam or a promise of acceptance. The program describes them as preparation for the admissions process.
For an initial inquiry, use the BOCES interest form or call 315-867-2206 or 315-867-2209. Ask about review-class availability before making travel arrangements.
