SUNY is investing money to get more aspiring nurses into the classroom.

SUNY says $3.2 million is being divided up between the 17 SUNY campuses, creating 1,500 nursing spots.

An additional $1.6 million is planned for programs to further expand enrollment in nursing degree programs.

"New York needs even more nursing heroes, and I am proud that SUNY campuses are making Governor Hochul’s vision a reality," said SUNY Interim Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley. "I extend my congratulations to our first campus awardees for developing innovative proposals to increase their enrollment capacity. I also thank the Governor and legislators for investing in SUNY and making opportunities like this possible."

This is all an effort to keep up with increased demand for health care jobs as they are projected to grow by 16% through 2020.

"I am delighted that SUNY is leading the way in meeting the growing need to expand our healthcare workforce. This funding will open up desperately needed capacity in SUNY’s nursing programs, allowing our campuses to train more talented nurses. I applaud Governor Hochul and SUNY for keeping public higher education at the forefront as we train the next generation of our healthcare professionals," Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick said. 

Gov. Kathy Hochul says her goal is to grow the state’s health care workforce by 20% in the next five years.