Unique Clinical Placements for Aspiring Health Professionals

In August 2022, Russell Sage College and Albany Med Health System announced a creative solution to the staffing challenges healthcare has battled over the past few years. 

The partnership helps Albany Medical Center – the only academic and Level 1 Trauma Center in the greater Capital Region – recruit new employees and provides growth opportunities for existing employees through continuing education and advanced degrees.  

And the partnership allows Russell Sage College, an institution skilled at developing compassionate, highly trained nurses for more than a century, to offer aspiring health professionals unique clinical placements that prepare them for potential employment within the Albany Med Health System.

“The reason I came to Albany Med was because Sage brought me here. Originally, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do, but after completing my clinical assignment at Albany Med, I was hooked. I loved the nurses I worked with, and the whole unit was very welcoming to students.”

Kristina Marie Villajuan, RN

Explore the Multifaceted Partnership

  • Clinical Placements for Nursing Students
    Russell Sage College nursing students complete their clinical assignments at Albany Med Health System campuses. Following their direct clinical experience, students are encouraged to explore job opportunities within the system. 
  • Albany Med Professionals in the Classroom
    The partnership has provided four Albany Med Health System nurses to serve as faculty in our undergraduate nursing program, bringing their clinical expertise to the students. These professionals also oversee clinicals in all of our nursing courses.

Tuition Discounts for Albany Medical Center Employees

Workforce Development Partnership

In addition, Albany Medical Center employees can participate in our Workforce Development Partnership, which offers a 10% tuition discount and delayed tuition payment in many of our graduate programs, from healthcare to business.

So whether you’re interested in physical or occupational therapy, nutrition, mental health counseling, health services administration, or something else, Russell Sage has a program that will advance your skills, with many offered in convenient formats, including online.

Workforce Partnership

Employment Opportunities While Students Are Still in School

Russell Sage students have the opportunity to jump right into the healthcare field as Patient Care Associates (PCAs) at Albany Medical Center, earning money for their education and getting to know the hospital and staff better while they explore the various units and specialties.

PCAs work under the direction of a Registered Nurse and collect patient data, complete personal care of the patient, perform point-of-care testing, turn and position and/or mobilize patients, and assist with caring for the needs of assigned patients with a focus on progress toward discharge, including during transitions within the acute care stay. 

They are trained to perform technical procedures, such as blood draw and electrocardiography, and they collaborate with Materials Coordinators for the use, stocking, and storage of supplies.

Hourly wages range from $19 to $23 an hour.

Explore Employment
Nursing Students

Creating a Diverse Nursing Pipeline to Improve Quality of Care

Russell Sage College is the educational home of the I Can Achieve a Nursing Degree (ICAN) program, and Albany Med Health System is a proud partner.

  • A collaborative community mentorship model for underserved youth to achieve a bachelor’s degree in nursing and employment as a professional Registered Nurse (RN). 
  • Students in grades 10 through 12 are paired with a diverse group of nursing mentors, who inspire and encourage students throughout the program.
  • Offering learning opportunities in both academic and clinical settings, these efforts will prompt more students to pursue professional nursing degrees and build a more diverse community of healthcare professionals – improving the quality of care across the spectrum.
Explore ICAN

“I was very comfortable at Sage undergrad, and I had a lot of support from my professors, who I built close relationships with. It helped with the confidence I had as I was entering the nursing profession, and it gave me a sense of comfort and familiarity.”

Rachel Treers, RN

Completed her senior capstone on the medical/surgical intensive care unit at Albany Medical Center and was offered a job before graduation. She is currently enrolled in the M.S. in Nursing program at Russell Sage.

Are you an employee of Albany Medical Center who is interested in enrolling in a graduate nursing program at Russell Sage?

Reach out to [email protected] to learn more about the benefits of our special partnership.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact:

Kate Proctor
[email protected]
518-244-2229