New York State Office of The Professions - NursingNew York's unique system of professional regulation, recognized as a model for public protection, has grown to encompass nearly 1,000,000 practitioners and over 30,000 professional practice business entities in more than 50 professions. Guided by the Regents, a citizen body, the professions are within New York State's unified system of education - The University of the State of New York. This recognizes the key role education plays in both preparing licensed professionals and in ensuring their continuous development.