Manchester Community College Nursing Program Review

Manchester Community College (MCC) history can be traced back to 1945 when it opened doors to students as State Trade School of Manchester. The school was established with the aim of offering quick career entry options for soldiers returning from the Second World War. As such, the college initially offered technical career training programs only. Through a long history, the college has had numerous changes of names and relocations in three different sites before settling to the current location in Manchester City Center. It prides to be the 2nd largest Community College in the state and offers 2-year degrees, professional development, certificate and transfer programs.

Nursing at Manchester Community College

The college has one nursing program on offer that leads to the award of an associate degree in nursing. The curriculum of the program is designed in such a way that prior to finishing the entire program requirements, students can apply for licensure as Nursing Assistants or Practical Nurses. This kind of a ladder program is also exhibited in other community colleges in the state. The nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and is approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing.  Practical nurses may also seek advanced placement in the associate program as will be explained below.

Nursing

The nursing program at Manchester Community College leads to the award of an Associate of Science in nursing degree. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to become Registered Nurses (RNs) to provide direct patient care. Candidates for this program must have completed prerequisites course prior to making an application. Admission occurs every fall semester and candidates must have submitted their application by January 1st every year. If the class is not filled by the end of that date, applications may be extended to the 1st of July.

Prior to admission, students must complete the National League for Nursing (NLN) Pre-admission exams for Registered nurses. This exam together with the outcomes of the prerequisites courses are used on a cumulative point system for competitive selection of the successful candidates. Usually, the 70 credit curriculum is designed to be completed in 4 semesters of 2 academic years on a full time basis.  However, students may choose the part time option but nursing courses must be completed within 4 years after enrollment. Clinical experiences may include evenings and weekends on a dynamic schedule with regard to times and locations.

Successful completion of the program grants the student eligibility to write the NLCEX-RN to become a registered nurse. However, as a ladder kind-of program, matriculated students may apply for additional licensure within the courses of the program besides the final RN licensure. In this case, students must apply to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON) after completing the following:

Nursing I- Licensure as Licensed Nursing Assistant (NLA)

Nursing II- Licensure as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Advanced Placement or Transfer

Transfer and advanced placement for LPNs is based on space availability. Such students who wish to get into the associate program must have completed prerequisite courses prior to admission.  Transfer students must take the Excelsior college exams in order to challenge their transferable credits. Practical nurses must hold active LPN licensure in New Hampshire to be allowed to apply. Additionally, they must take Advanced Placement into Nur112 course from Excelsior to be secure advanced placement in the 2nd year of the associate of science in nursing program.

Transfer to 4-year Colleges/ Universities

Manchester Community College has articulation agreements with a number of 4-year colleges and universities to ensure their nursing program graduates transfer flawlessly to a Bachelor of Science in nursing program. These are:

  • Emmanuel College
  • New England College
  • St. Joseph’s College of Maine
  • Endicott College,
  • Rivier College
  • University of New Hampshire

A dual admission program for MCC nursing program and Franklin Pierce University for their Bachelor of Science in nursing program is also available.

Contact:
Manchester Community College
1066 Front St, Manchester,
NH 03102