BOCES Opens New Nursing School Program in Johnson City

Several dozen students are now learning at the newly-opened home of the Broome-Tioga BOCES School of Practical Nursing.

The school, which was established more than 50 years ago, has moved into what had been the gymnasium of the old Johnson City High School.

The old Johnson City High School gymnasium building that is the new home of the Broome-Tioga BOCES Practical Nursing School. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The structure behind the main school building at 435 Main Street was transformed over the last several months as part of a $4 million project to provide a modern learning environment.

Wendy Antalek, BOCES supervisor of health careers, said classes for nearly 60 students began at the new facility two weeks ago.

One of the classrooms inside the new BOCES Practical Nursing School facility in Johnson City. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The BOCES school serves as a feeder program for licensed practical nurses in the Binghamton area.

Antalek said there's a big demand for LPNs in this region and across the country.

Students and instructors took a brief break at the BOCES Practical Nursing School on September 21, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

In recent years, BOCES had been searching for an appropriate location to provide a dedicated space for the nursing school program.

Antalek said things have been going well since students arrived at the new site on September 9.

She said "this is the first stand-alone certificate program for practical nursing in our region."

While the BOCES facility is operational, construction continues inside the neighboring main high school building, which is being converted into 55 market-rate apartments.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: Wendy Antalek discussed the new Practical Nursing School facility in Johnson City. #theheartofhealthcareeducation

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.

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