Bristol Community College Nursing Program Review

Bristol Community College (BCC) began in 1968 in a single building in Fall River. The school now operates out of three campuses in Fall River, New Bedford and Attleboro, as well as at various locations in Bristol County. The school offers over 120 degrees and certificates, and enrolls over 12,000 students in credit programs and over 17,000 students in noncredit courses each year. Many graduates of BCC choose to transfer to four-year institutions and pursue baccalaureate degrees.

Nursing Programs

Associate of Science (AS) in Nursing

This program trains students to become entry-level professional nurses who practice in a variety of healthcare settings. Students who complete this two year program will graduate with an AS degree and be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) for Registered Nurses (RNs).

Applicants that meet the minimum requirements and turn in their completed applications prior to February 1 will receive priority consideration. To apply, students need to submit an application to BCC, and submit official transcripts from high school or GED and all colleges attended. They will also need to take the TEAS exam and have a high school GPA of at least 3.0.

Students will also need to have taken the prerequisites of high school Algebra and Chemistry, and college level Composition I College Writing, General Psychology, and Human Anatomy and Physiology I. These courses must be taken with a grade of B- or better.

Once in the nursing program, students must earn a grade of C or higher in all nursing courses to be able to continue. Students will have clinical assignments at various healthcare facilities in the area, and must provide their own transportation.

This program has been approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing, and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to RN Bridge Program

Students who have graduated from an LPN program at Diman Regional, Upper Cape Cod Regional, Bristol-Plymouth, or Southeastern Regional may apply to this program. Students must have completed their studies within the past five years and have a current LPN license.

Students that graduated from a program other than those listed, or who graduated more than five years ago, may challenge the Fundamentals of Nursing course by exam. They will also need to have a current LPN license.

MassTransfer Program

This program guarantees admission, transfer of at least 60 hours of credit, and tuition reduction to BCC students at most state colleges and the University of Massachusetts. Students should meet with their advisor to discuss the transfer process, and attend an information session.

eHealthCareers Program

This program is offered at the New Bedford campus, and combines traditional classroom learning with online sessions to train students for careers in healthcare. The program currently offers courses in Home Health Aide Training, Nursing Assistant Training for Certified Nurse Aide, and Personal Care Attendant, among others. In addition, eHealthCareers has future plans to offer hybrid programs for LPN Transition to Nursing degree and the Associate of Science in Nursing degree.

Students may apply to this program online or through the admissions office.

Nurse Aide/Home Health Aide Training

This program is offered through the Center for Workforce and Community Education. Students may take this program at Fall Creek or Attleboro. This program is 121 hours and 25 sessions long. Students that complete it are able to take the state certification exam for Certified Nurse Aide.

Applicants must be high school graduates or have a GED. They must also submit a form documenting their immunizations and a physical exam, submit to a CORI check, have a TB test, a drug test, sign the program standards form, and provide contact information.

Contact:
Bristol Community College
777 Elsbree Street
Fall River, MA 02720