SUNY Upstate Medical University 

Explore Education Options that Lead Straight to a Career: SUNY Upstate Medical University 

SUNY Upstate Medical University 

About SUNY Upstate Medical University 

Upstate Medical University is a 4-year, public, university located in Syracuse, NY. Students at Upstate Medical University can enroll in bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate degree programs that lead straight to a career in the medical field.

Within the State University of New York, Upstate’s mission is to improve the health of the community through education, biomedical research, and health care. Upstate Medical University’s educational mission is anchored by its four colleges:

  1. The Alan and Marlene Norton College of Medicine
  2. College of Nursing
  3. College of Health Professions
  4. College of Graduate Studies (biomedical sciences)

The school is located in Syracuse, NY, which means the cost of living is still affordable and those living outside of Syracuse, NY can easily commute. 

Syracuse, NY, is located about 87 miles east of Rochester, 88 miles from Fort Drum, 131 miles east of Buffalo, and 150 miles west of the state capital Albany. It is also the halfway point between New York City and Toronto and a five-hour drive from Boston.

The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is between $1,260 and $1,430. Making it an affordable place to live for those receiving GI Bill BAH benefits.

Top 3 Programs for military-connected students at SUNY Upstate

  1. BS Nursing online
    • Opportunity for currently licensed Registered Nurses with Associate Degrees or diplomas in nursing. Upstate’s fully online RN-to-BS degree program offers flexibility for working nurses, offering both full-time and part-time tracks.
  2. Medical Imaging Science/Radiography (X-ray)
    • Takes two years (five or six semesters) and starts in the fall. Applications are accepted all year and begin in September. The program accepts up to 20 students each year.
  3. Laboratory Sciences 
    • Medical technologists perform laboratory tests to diagnose and monitor patients’ conditions. 99% of students complete the program, and 100% of graduates find employment within six months of graduation. The program accepts 20 students a year. What they focus on trade & vocational programs/certificate programs

Programs at SUNY Upstate

  • Behavior Analysis Studies: MS
  • Clinical Perfusion: MS
  • Medical Biotechnology: BS
  • Medical Imaging Sciences (Medical Radiography): BS
  • Medical Imaging Science/CT and MRI: BPS
  • Medical Technology: BS, MS
  • MedPrep MS in Medical Technology
  • Physician Assistant: MS
  • Physical Therapy: DPT
  • Radiation Therapy: BS, BPS
  • Respiratory Therapy: BS
  • Ultrasound: BS, BPS

SUNY Upstate offers online and on-campus education options. Online and on-campus courses can be completed in as little as two years.

Career Information for top 3 programs at SUNY Upstate

SUNY Upstate Medical University has a 100% job placement rate for graduates within a year of their graduation.

Career options with a BA in Nursing 

Job Title | Estimated Salary Range

Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) | $83k – $126k

Registered Nurse (RN) Supervisor | $63k – $104k

Nursing Manager  | $68k – $130k 

Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $154k – $261k 

Executive Director | $47k – $165k 

Registered Nurse (RN) | $48k – $90k 

Quality Assurance (QA) Director | $47k – $114k 

Most Common Employment Benefits for Nursing

  • Social Security
  • 401K
  • Time off
  • Pension
  • Disability
  • Healthcare

Salary and job information from PayScale. 

Career options for Medical Imaging Science/Radiography (X-ray)

Job Title | Estimated Average Salary

Medical Imaging Specialist | $61,620 

Medical Imaging Technologist | $55,804 

Medical Imaging Scientist |$113,812 

Medical Imaging Manager | $115,738 

Medical Imaging Tech | $42,156 

Medical Imaging Assistant | $35,431 

Most Common Employment Benefits for Medical Imaging Science/Radiography (X-ray)

  • Social Security
  • 401K
  • Time off
  • Pension
  • Disability
  • Healthcare

Salary and job information from Salary.com.

Career options for Laboratory Sciences 

Job Title | Estimated Average Salary

Field Applications Scientist | $101,705

Scientist | $97,343

Research And Development Scientist | $90,278

Formulation Scientist | $90,067

Research Scientist | $89,998

Application Scientist | $89,939

Technical Consultant | $89,289

Most Common Employment Benefits for Laboratory Sciences 

  • Social Security
  • 401K
  • Time off
  • Pension
  • Disability
  • Healthcare

Salary and job information from Zippia.

Why should I go to a trade or vocational school?

If you decide to go to a trade or vocational school, they often have programs that can be completed within 2 years and will help their students land jobs in their area of study. This allows you to get the education you need and get job placement assistant to start your career off strong. Most trade and vocational schools have partnerships with companies in the local area and around the country to ensure their graduates move on to fulfilling careers after graduation. 

Active-Duty Military Members

If you are an active-duty military member transitioning, this route allows you time to use your Tuition Assistance benefits to ensure you have career options after leaving the military community. You can begin the education process 2 years before your projected transition date. Right before your transition or soon after you will be able to get career placement assistance from the trade or vocational school you attended to help land your next career.

Veterans

Using your benefits earned through service is a big decision. Be strategic in where and how you use those benefits. Trade and vocational schools allow you to find a career that is focused and sustainable. Trade and vocational schools are more affordable allowing you to limit or have zero out-of-pocket costs. Not to mention direct connections into the industry of your choice. 

Military Spouses

If you are a military spouse looking to find a career that can ensure job security at each assignment, consider exploring education programs at a trade or vocational school. Often education programs at these schools can lead to career paths that can be found on or near military installations around the world. 

Ways to Save on Your Education at SUNY Upstate

  • Approved For the GI Bill
  • Approved For Tuition Assistance
  • Offers College Credit for Military Experience
  • Awards Credit for CLEP Exam
  • Some Programs Can Be $0 Tuition Cost for Veterans
  • Scholarships & Grants
  • Medical Alumni Scholarship 
  • Jonathan Bernard Henry, MD, Student Endowed Scholarship 
  • Upstate University Medical Associates at Syracuse Scholarship 
  • New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) 
  • Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) 
  • Student Emergency Fund 

Learn more about SUNY Upstate Medical University, see what programs are offered online, and contact the school directly.