Eastern Maine Community College Nursing Program Review

Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) began in 1966 as Eastern Maine Vocational Technical Institute. It moved from downtown Bangor to its current location in 1968. The name became Eastern Maine Technical College in 1989, and was changed again to Eastern Maine Community College in 2003, to better represent its mission.

EMCC enrolls 2250 students each semester, and has over 30 options of one and two year programs. The average class size is 17 students, and no class has over 32 students in it.

The main campus is located just off of Interstate 95, and is just down the road from downtown Bangor and the Eastern Maine Medical Center. The campus was recently renovated to include a walking track and campus green. It has five classroom buildings, two residence halls, and a gym. EMCC also has the Penquis Higher Education Center in Dover-Foxcroft, the Hancock County Higher Education Center in Ellsworth, and the Katahdin Region Higher Education Center in East Millinocket.

Nursing Programs

Associate in Science (AS) Degree

This program is for unlicensed students who wish to begin their career as professional nurses. This program takes two years to complete after finishing the prerequisite courses, and requires 67.5 credit hours to finish. Graduates of this program will earn an AS degree and be allowed to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX-RN).

The nursing program has selective admission. Because of this, students are encouraged to apply early, and not wait until the February 1 deadline for fall entry into the program.

Students that wish to apply to this program must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have taken the prerequisite classes of Algebra I, Chemistry and Lab, Biology and Lab, and Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab at the college level. They must also have completed the HESI-A2 pre-admission exam, submit their SAT scores, two letters of recommendation, and submit a completed Student Disclosure of Criminal Convictions, Pending Criminal Charges, and Certain Disqualifications Form.

In order to continue with the program and graduate, students must earn a grade of at least a C in all nursing theory classes, and must pass all clinical courses. Students are expected to provide their own transportation to clinical locations, and clinical hours may be scheduled for daytime, evenings, or weekends.

The AS program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), and is approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing.

Advanced Standing

Students who are Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may apply to the AS in Nursing program and enter during the second year. Graduates will earn an AS degree and be able to take the NCLEX-RN for licensure.

To apply, students must have graduated from an approved practical nursing program. They must also meet the same admission standards as for the AS degree, and will need to have taken courses comparable to the ones required during the first two semesters of the AS program. LPN students also have the option to challenge courses by exam. If they pass the challenge exam, they will enter the program in the beginning of the second year, with Nursing Across the Lifespan II. If they do not pass the challenge exam, they will begin the program at the beginning of the second semester, with Nursing Across the Lifespan I.

Contact:
Eastern Maine Community College
354 Hogan Road,
Bangor, ME 04401

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