Empire State University Announces New Certificate Program Through Northwell Health Partnership

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – November 15, 2023) Northwell Health hosted a ribbon cutting to announce the opening of its School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, which incorporates Empire State University as its academic partner. The ribbon cutting was held at Northwell’s Center of Learning and Innovation at 1979 Marcus Avenue in Lake Success, NY. 

The 20-month, full-time program prepares students with a bachelor’s degree to become entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers. Students will take courses online through SUNY Empire, with clinical placements in Northwell Health facilities.  

Students can choose to pursue one of two tracks — abdominal sonography extended and obstetrics and gynecology sonography or adult cardiac sonography and vascular sonography. Students can also benefit from employment opportunities from Northwell Health after graduation, with preference given to program graduates. 

Empire State University Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Nathan Gonyea, Ph.D. said, “Our partnership with Northwell Health underscores a shared commitment to lifelong learning, innovation, and meeting workforce demands in the communities we serve. We are honored to work with Northwell employees as they advance their education and their careers through our flexible online degree programs.” 

Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at Northwell Health Jason Naidich, MD, said, “The school of Diagnostic Medical Sonography will train a whole new generation of medical imaging specialists to meet the growing demand for these critical services in radiology, cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology. Our students will benefit from an extraordinary educational and clinical environment, in which they will learn from leading experts throughout Northwell Health across our extensive network of hospitals and outpatient facilities. We are grateful for the unique partnership with Empire State University which will allow our students to supplement their education with flexible, online courses to fit into their busy schedules.”

SUNY Empire’s Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing Andrea Hennessy said, “As SUNY’s leading online university and New York state’s only public online university, we stand alone in our ability to offer affordable, high-quality programs that meet students where they are. We welcome Northwell’s employees to the SUNY Empire community, and we look forward to helping them shape their academic and career journeys.” 

SUNY Empire’s Director of Partnerships Kelly Mollica said, "Collaborating with Northwell Heath is an exciting opportunity for our university to support professional development. When considering the workforce demands in health care, our programs can respond to a professional's academic needs. We are thrilled to support upskilling for these important jobs.” 

Learn more about the program: https://professionals.northwell.edu/continuing-professional-education/center-for-learning-innovation/programs-services/school-of-diagnostic-medical-sonography-at-northwell-health