Northampton Community College Nursing Program Review
Northampton Community College (NCC) of Pennsylvania puts students on the path to success by offering sound academic programs enhanced with career-building technical skills. The student body of NCC is encouraged to push themselves to reach ever-higher degrees of standards.
Nursing Program Review
Due to shortages and constant change in the healthcare system, the demand for nurses is at an all-time high. NCC trains students to fill this need by offering two programs anchored in liberal arts and sciences general education and enhanced by strong Nursing instruction. Students can choose to pursue entry-level employment or devote extra time to a more advanced education and skills. Either track brings with it encouragement and support from a dedicated staff passionate about the success of their students.
Nursing: LPN Program
Licensed Practical Nurses are present in nearly all medical settings. These nurses offer bedside care to patients dealing with basic medical concerns. LPNs work under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses, physicians and dentists to aid in the administration of treatment. This program is designed to be completed in one calendar year and begins in the fall.
Admission Requirements
Though admission to Northampton Community College is guaranteed to any adult who has graduated from high school or an approved secondary program, or who can demonstrate ability to benefit from the advanced learning of a college environment, admission into the Nursing Program is more selective. Applicants must demonstrate certain academic achievement and score satisfactorily on placement tests. Those students that have been admitted must submit proof of strong moral character through Child Abuse, Criminal, and Drug Clearance. Prior to the first day of classes students are expected to acquire current CPR certification and health insurance.
Course of Study
The Practical Nursing Program at NCC is structured in three semesters. Students take classes in general education as well as core Nursing concepts. The Practical Nursing Program is intended to create nurses that are not just proficient in the medical aspects of the nursing field, but in the interpersonal elements as well. Because of this students will be encouraged to focus on the human aspect of nursing. Students will learn the importance of including loved ones in the treatment of a patient in addition to emotionally and spiritually nurturing the patient himself. Successful graduates of this program can sit for national licensing exams.
Nursing: RN Program
More technically skilled and knowledgeable than Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses are prepared for supervisory roles and increased responsibility in the care and treatment capacities of a nursing career. This program, culminating in an Associate in Applied Sciences Degree, is designed to cover four semesters of full-time study, but can also be taken on a part-time, evening and weekends schedule as well. Successful completion of this program qualifies graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and earn licensure as Registered Nurses. Clinical experiences, much like the LPN Program, are offered at area medical settings and are hands-on application of concepts taught in classroom lectures.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for the Nursing: RN Program at Northampton Community College are the same as for the Licensed Practical Nursing Program with the addition of more aggressive academic requirements. Students with previous education or experiences, including a Practical Nursing license, may be eligible for advanced standing if they can demonstrate acceptable mastery of concepts and skills taught in the beginning levels of the challenged program.
Course of Study
The Registered Nurse Program is designed to cover four full-time semesters. These semesters are comprised of more complex material in both general education and Nursing topics. Students will undergo instruction in more difficult theory and techniques, culminating in a course focused on the ethics of nursing as well as the current issues and trends applicable to the field. This course prepares the student to face the realities of a nursing career in not only treatment but leadership roles.
Contact:
Northampton Community College
3835 Green Pond Road,
Bethlehem, PA 18020
Phone: (610) 861-5300
