Nashua Community College Nursing Program Review
Nashua Community College (NCC) founded in 1970 forms part of the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH). The college received its current name in 2008 together with the other six community colleges in the state from the common New Hampshire Community Technical Colleges. As a community college, the main emphasis is on two-year degree programs meant for career-entry or for transfer purposes. It also offers certificate courses, workforce development, non-credit courses and lifelong learning opportunities to the residents of Nashua and beyond.
The Nursing Program at Nashua Community College
Like all other community colleges under CCSNH, Nashua Community College department of nursing offers one nursing program that leads to the award of an Associate of Science in nursing degree. The program is fully approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Licensed Practical Nurses from the state are also welcome to seek advanced placement into the associate nursing program to become registered nurses. More details about this program are given below:
Nursing
The curriculum of the Associate of Science in Nursing is designed to prepare students to become registered nurses. The curriculum leads to educational eligibility of students to apply and write the NLCLEX-RN exam for licensure as registered nurses.
Candidates for this program are expected to take the TEAS V test from the Assessment Technology Institute before applying to the program. Potential students are also expected to have completed pre-requites courses before making their applications. During the competitive selection, the TEAS V test scores and those of earlier pre-requisites courses are considered. It is also worth noting that preference is given to New Hampshire residents. This means that out-of-state candidates are considered on a space-availability basis.
Upon admission, students can choose between the 2-year or 3-year curriculum plans to complete the 71 nursing and supporting courses. Unlike the 2-year study plan, the 3-year plan has a lighter course-load per semester and also has a summer session. All courses must be completed within five years after taking the first nursing course. Completion of the coursework grants students eligibility to apply for NLCEX-RN exam.
Advanced Placement and Transfer
Transfer students wishing to get admitted into the nursing program must submit their transcripts for credit transferability evaluation. Such credits must not be more than five years old and must carry a grade not lower than B- (Minus). On the other hand, Licensed Practical Nurses in the state are welcome to challenge up-to 7 nursing credits through standardized exams. All other general courses may also be evaluated for transferability. Un-licensed practical nursing graduates who meet all the associate of science in nursing admission requirements may also be considered for admission.
Continuing Education for Nursing Graduates
Nashua Community College encourages graduates of the nursing program to take advantage of the articulation agreements between the college and other 4-year colleges. Such agreements that ensure smooth transition into baccalaureate nursing programs have been maintained with:
- Rivier College
- Franklin Pierce University
- University of New Hampshire
- St. Joseph College of Maine
Contact:
Nashua Community College
505 Amherst Street, Nashua,
NH 03063