Great Bay Community College Nursing Program Review

Great Bay Community College (GBCC) has a long and complex history. From its founding year in 1945 as a State Trade School in Portsmouth, the college has undergone tremendous changes and numerous changes of names. The college has advanced from a trade school to a technical and vocational college and finally to the status of a community college it holds to date. The college had campuses in Manchester and Stratham but in 2008, when the college made its last name changes, all programs were concentrated at the pioneer campus leading to closure of the other two campuses.

The Nursing program at Great Bay Community College

Great bay community offers one nursing program that leads to the award of an associated degree in nursing.  The program is offered as a ladder program whereby, at pre-determined stages within the program, students can apply for licensure as Practical or assistant nurses. The program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and is approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing.  There is also an advanced placement option for Licensed practical nurses who wish to complete the associate degree program to become registered nurses. Details are given below:

Nursing-Associate in Science

The associate degree in nursing at Great Bay community college provides a curriculum designed to prepare students to become registered nursing. Candidates for this program are expected to have completed their general education courses before applying. Eligible candidates must also complete a National League for Nursing (NLN) pre-admission RN exam no later than 2 weeks before application.

After admission into the program, students take 69 credits of nursing and supporting courses. Courses are designed to be completed in 4 semesters in 2 academic years. There are also full time and part time options of completing the program. However, part time students must complete the nursing courses within four years from the time of entry. Courses with clinical components may require evening or weekend sessions to complete clinical experience.

Matriculated students of this associate program receive a curriculum designed in such a way that students can apply for additional licensure. This is done prior to meeting all program requirements for the following arrangements:

  • Nursing I- Additional Licensure as Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)
  • Nursing II-Additional Licensure as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Students must apply for such licensure from the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON). Otherwise, completion of the entire program grants students educational eligibility to apply and write the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Advanced Placement and Transfer Options

Students seeking transfer into the Associate degree in nursing at the college must have meet all prerequisite courses by challenging their prior courses. Transfer students need to take Excelsior College Exams in order to challenge transferable credits.

For Licensed Practical Nurses seeking advanced placement into the program, they should take 3 advanced placement exams from the same body. After advanced placement, students join the associate nursing program at the second year/ Nursing III level.  Completion of the advanced placement track leads to award of the Associate degree in nursing and eligibility for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Contact:
Great Bay Community College
320 Corporate, Portsmouth,
NH 03801