Three Rivers Community College Nursing Program Review

Following a state legislature to merge community and technical colleges, Three Rivers Community College (TRCC) was formed. This was in 1992 when Mohegan Community College and Thames Valley State Technical College merged. The college picked the new name in reflection of its location around three rivers in Connecticut.

With a main campus on New London Turnpike, the college has other two satellite campuses in Ella and Groton in the effort to reach more communities and fulfill its mission as a community college. Three Rivers has almost 4000 enrolled students and over 2500 continuing education students in attendance every year.

Nursing Programs

The nursing program at Three Rivers Community College is offered under the Connecticut Community College Nursing Program (CT-CCNP). It is an innovative common program offered in six community colleges in the state. The admission requirements to get into the program are similar and the curriculum is also common. Students interested in the program must apply to their community college of choice and as such, take the nursing program from that particular college. The program also provides LPNs with a bridge program to make the transition into nursing. Accreditation for this common program is granted by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Associate of Science Degree in Nursing

Three Rivers community college is one of the six participating colleges that offer the CT-CCNP associate degree in nursing (ADN). The program is designed for both fresh-entry level students and also LPN to RN students.

This ADN program takes four semesters to complete after taking the prerequisite courses. Students must take 68 credits to graduate, with 38 of these as Nursing credits and 30 as General Education credits. The nursing program was individually approved by the Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Nursing.

The prerequisite courses for the Three Rivers nursing program are English with a grade of C or better, and Anatomy and Physiology with a grade of C+ or higher. Students must also have taken Math and Chemistry at the high school level or the college equivalent, must show computer proficiency, and have taken the TEAS test. Students must also have a 2.75 or better GPA in all prior college courses.

To apply, students submit an online application to CT-CCNP, stating Three Rivers Community College is their first choice of college to attend. The school will rank all applicants based on a combination of their TEAS score, GPA and grades in Anatomy and Physiology. Applicants will then be selected based on rank order for 75% of the open slots. The other 25% of the slots will be filled by random selection. Applicants that aren’t selected will be placed on a waitlist based on their rank, in case there is an opening.

Three Rivers offers required lab and clinical courses during the day, evenings, and weekends. Students will spend their clinical hours at various health care facilities in the area. Sites will be assigned by nursing faculty.

After graduation, students are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Graduation from the program does not guarantee an RN license.

*Note: Students interested in joining the program must apply to the community college they wish to study in. Admission into each college is independent though the selection criterion is similar. Students are also encouraged to indicate a 2nd choice college besides the primary First choice college. This second application is done in the same application form; therefore, students do not have to complete a second application form. This is meant to increase the chances of getting admission if other colleges do not get the required candidates from their selection basis.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Advanced Placement

The CT-CCNP follows the LPN Articulation Model of the Connecticut League of Nursing. LPNs that are currently licensed and meet all the CT-CCNP admission requirements may apply for articulation. In other words, For Connecticut based Licensed Practical nurses, advanced placement is allowed if they hold current Connecticut licenses. Eligible candidates are required to complete a Connecticut LPN Transition Bridge course which must be taken at Charter Oak State College. An additional CT-CCNP LPN Transition Course will also be required for students to receive advanced standing.

This LPN bridging provision is available to Connecticut LPN graduates while out of state transfer cases are only considered on a space availability basis. All evaluation for transfer eligibility is done by the college of first choice.

To enter the third semester of the associate degree program, LPNs must have completed the prerequisite General Education courses of Microbiology, Psychology, Life Span Development, and Sociology with a grade of C or higher, and must take two LPN Transition Bridge courses.

External Transfer Nursing Students

Students that have taken nursing courses at other schools may apply to transfer credit for them to CT-CCNP for advanced placement in the associate degree program.

Students must complete the CT-CCNP application for external transfer, as well as a request for credit evaluation. They must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or better to be considered for the program. External transfer students are considered as space is available. To graduate from a CT-CCNP school, students must earn at least 25% of their credits at that school.

Continuing Education – Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

This is a 120 hour program to teach individuals the skills required to give basic care to patients. Graduates of the course will be qualified as Home Health Aides and will have their names placed on the State Certified Nurse Aide Registry.

To apply, students must pass a Math and English comprehension test, or provide proof of college level courses. Students must also have a high school diploma and TB test within the last year.

Continuing Education – Patient Care Technician

This program is made up of one month of twice a week classes and one month of twice a week clinical practice. Students will learn to give direct care, monitor vital signs, and record patient information.

Students must be a certified CNA with at least 3 months of work experience in the field. They must also provide immunization records and have a TB test within the last year.

Health Career Pathways Certificate Program

This program provides students with a foundation to begin their healthcare career. Students will take courses in Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology, Chemistry, Algebra, and English. Credits earned in this program may be applied toward healthcare program requirements at any member of the Community College system of Connecticut. This program requires 28 credits to complete.

Educational Advancement for CT-CCNP Graduates

Graduates of Three Rivers Community College and all others of the CT-CCNP program have the choice of taking advantage of the articulation agreements that exist with 4-year BSN programs. Agreements have been made between Three Rivers Community College for graduates wishing to take the RN to BSN degrees at:

  • Southern Connecticut State University
  • Fairfield University
  • University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (Online Program)
  • Saint Joseph College
  • Sacred Heart University
  • University of Hartford
  • Western Connecticut State University
  • St Vincent’s College

Two more has articulation agreements for those seeking a direct RN to MSN are available at:

  • Yale University School of Nursing
  • Sacred Heart University

Contact:
Three Rivers Community College
574 New London Turnpike
Norwich, CT 06360

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