North Shore Community College Nursing Program Review
North Shore Community College (NSCC) is one of the oldest community colleges in Massachusetts State. It has its history dating back to 1965 when it was founded at its main campus in Danvers. Later it opened two other campuses at Lynn and Beverly. It has succeeded in offering post-secondary education to the community around its campuses. Over the years, the community college has developed many credit and non-credit academic programs for the benefit of the community.
From a small college that it was, North Shore Community College currently admits over 15000 students in both credit and non-credit programs.
Nurse Education Department
The nurse education department at North Shore Community College is an integral part of the division of health professionals. The nurse education department is responsible in regulating the associate of nursing degree while the larger division of health professionals has other nursing programs which award certificates of completion. One is also a non-credit practical program.
Associate of Science in Nursing
The curriculum of this program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. The program is offered exclusively as a day program from the Danvers campus. It is also worth noting that the first classes start only in fall and move on for four semesters. The total number of courses required is 15 and completion makes students to be eligible for the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a registered nurse.
Following graduation with this two-year nursing degree, chances are open for students who wish to continue with nursing education. On this note, North Shore Community College has formed articulation agreements to enable students have easy transfer of credits for a BSN in either of the following colleges and universities:
- Salem State University
- Emmanuel College
- Framingham State University
- Endicott College and
- Regis College.
Mental Health Department
This is not entirely in the nursing department but offers courses that help students become mental patients caregivers. 10 courses are geared towards helping in psychiatric hospitals as aides for senior health professional or to work in home care psychiatric settings. Completion of the program leads to award of a mental health certificate.
Gerontology Certificate
This one-year program is open to entry level students who want to get nursing skills in the field of geriatrics and gerontology. The outcome of this certificate program is the ability of the student to offer basic bedside help to the aging population. However, the school does not provide information of whether this certificate program is accredited by any authority.
Practical Nursing Certificate
For ten months, entry level nursing students are trained on practical nursing skills via 12 practical nursing courses. The program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in nursing and nurses are able to sit the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure to work in Massachusetts State.
Nurse Assistant/ Home Health Aide Certificate
As part of community education in the health field, North Shore community college offers this program under the community education policy. It is a non- credit program which offers 100 hours of training to both adults and other interested persons. Classroom hours are conducted at North Shore while RNs at local hospitals help in the practical sessions. The Massachusetts Department of Public health approves the certificate program.
Contact:
North Shore Community College
1 Ferncroft Road,
Danvers, MA 01923