Nursing
- New York State Education Department (NYSED)
- NYS Office of the Professions (Nursing Board)
Students receive hands-on instruction in advanced nursing skills, therapeutic diets aligned to patient healthcare needs, and the impact of cultural and religious factors on care. Coursework emphasizes safe, compassionate, and patient-centered practice. Students complete more than 1,500 hours of rigorous clinical and classroom training, preparing them for New York State certification as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).
Congratulations to the class of 2025 90% pass rate on the Prometric Certification Exam!
All students in the Nursing SLC are expected to work toward earning an Advanced Regents Diploma. Throughout their four years at Curtis High School, Nursing SLC students are supported in preparing for college by:
- Enrolling in rigorous coursework, including AP, IB, College Now, Physics, Chemistry, Algebra II, and Trigonometry
- Participating in free PSAT administration and SAT preparation courses
- Registering on CollegeBoard.com and Naviance.com
- Attending college information sessions led by the school’s College Advisor
Admission to the Nursing Small Learning Community (SLC) does not guarantee acceptance into the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program in the junior year. Students must meet all admission requirements and rank in the top 20% of their sophomore class to be considered. Admission to the Nursing Assistant (NA) Program is also competitive and is based on meeting program requirements, academic performance, and demonstrated character.
Nursing Course Sequence
In addition to meeting all New York State graduation requirements, students in the Nursing Small Learning Community (SLC) must complete the following coursework and meet program expectations.
| Year / Program | Courses & Requirements | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman Year | Career and Financial Management Spanish for Nursing 90% or better attendance |
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| Sophomore Year | Health Occupations Education Pass TEAS Entrance Exam Successful essay and interview 90% or better attendance |
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| Junior Year – PN | Fundamentals of Nursing Life Cycle Nutrition Anatomy and Physiology Clinical Experience 90% or better attendance |
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| Junior Year – Nursing Assistant | Skills of Nursing Assistant Level 1 Skills of Nursing Assistant Level 2 Clinical Experience 90% or better attendance |
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| Senior Year – PN | Medical/Surgical Nursing Pharmacology Maternity Pediatrics Clinical Experience 90% or better attendance |
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| Senior Year – Nursing Assistant | Skills of Nursing Assistant Level 3 Skills of Nursing Assistant Level 4 Clinical Experience 90% or better attendance |
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If you are over 18 and are interested in becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse learn more about our Adult program HERE!
Nursing Faculty
Assistant Principal: Angela Holzer MSEd- St. John’s University
Coordinator: Patricia Fasano, RN, MSN, CRNP, WHNP -Curtis High School Practical Nursing Program Alumni, College of Staten Island BSN, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey MSN
Anila Ago RN, BSN, MSEd -Wagner College
Barbara DiStefano RN, MS CNS -Curtis High School Practical Nursing Program Alumni, College of Staten Island AAS, BS, MS in Nursing
Kerri McKeever RN, BSN, MSEd- Wagner College
Lauren Rybarczyk, RN, BSN, MSN
Jalissa Vargas, RN, BSN Curtis High School Practical Nursing Program Alumni, Excelsior University BS
