American International College Nursing Program Review

American International College (AIC) began in 1885 as a school for international immigrants. The school became co-ed in 1892, making it one of the first colleges in the region to admit women.

This private, liberal arts school enrolls 3400 students each year in undergraduate and graduate programs. The main campus, a 52 acre, park-like area, is located in the center of Springfield, a metropolitan area of half a million people. There are also extended campus sites throughout the state, and a learning center in Cairo, Egypt.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The BSN program admits students in their freshman year to begin their studies in professional nursing. Students that graduate from this program will be allowed to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam. Students must complete 121 semester hours to graduate from this program.

Applicants to this program are recommended to have taken a college prep curriculum in high school, including English, Math, Laboratory Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, and electives. They must submit a high school transcript or GED and have a high school GPA of at least 2.5. They must also submit their ACT or SAT scores, have a recommendation letter, and submit a personal essay.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

RN to BSN Program

RNs who want to earn their BSN degree may be admitted to the BSN program with advanced standing. They must meet the same entrance requirements as the traditional BSN program, and must be graduates of an associate or diploma program, as well as have an RN license. They must also have a 2.5 GPA or better in their prior nursing coursework.

Students may receive credit for prior classes taken through articulation agreements or through challenge exams. To transfer prior nursing courses, students must have earned a C+ or higher in the class.

Students will work with the program director to determine what courses they need to take to complete their degree.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN program is designed to build upon the skills learned in undergraduate nursing studies. This program was started in 2005, and is a hybrid of classroom and online classes. Two thirds of the curriculum is online, making this a flexible program for working nurses. The MSN program at AIC is designed to be completed in 24 months. Students have two concentrations to choose from: Nursing Administration and Nursing Education.

Applicants to this program must submit official transcripts and a statement of personal and career goals, as well as their reasons for pursuing a graduate degree.

Nursing Administration

This program is designed to strengthen management skills and prepare students to accept a management position in a health care facility. Students learn advanced patient care, as well as how to guide and support other health care professionals. It requires 36 credits to complete this program, including 15 credits specific to Nursing Administration.

Nursing Educator

The Nursing Educator concentration teaches students how to prepare curricula for nursing courses, and enhances teaching skills in both the classroom and in clinical rotations. Graduates of this program will be able to become nursing faculty and be trained to help prepare students to become professional nurses. To complete this program, students will take 36 credits, 15 of which are for the Nursing Educator concentration.

Contact:
American International College
1000 State Street,
Springfield, MA 01109

Anna Maria College Nursing Program Review

Anna Maria College (AMC) was begun in 1946 by the Sisters of Saint Anne. This Catholic, private college is dedicated to helping women and men in fulfilling their dreams of higher education by providing quality, affordable programs.

The campus of Anna Maria College is located on 192 acres, and is less than an hour away from Boston, Providence, and Hartford. There are about 1000 students enrolled.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This program was begun in 2011 and is designed to prepare students to care for patients as professional nurses. Students enter this program as freshmen, and graduates will be eligible to sit for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam. To earn their BSN degree, students will need to complete 120 credits.

Applicants to this program will need to apply to the College, submit their high school transcript, write a personal essay, have a recommendation letter, and submit their SAT or ACT scores.

Once admitted, students must take their nursing courses in the sequence outlined by the program. They must earn a grade of C+ or better in all nursing courses to be able to progress.

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

Online RN to BSN Completion Program Online

This nursing program has been designed to meet the needs of working nurses and is offered entirely online. There are two eight-week online sessions offered each semester. Most classes run for eight weeks at a time, except six credit courses, which run for the full 16 weeks. Most students take about two and a half years to complete this program.

Students in this online RN to BSN program may receive up to 75 credits toward their BSN degree. That includes the 30 credits awarded to those who have an RN license, and up to 45 credits for prerequisites to the program that they may be able to transfer from their previous nursing program.

Applicants to the Anna Maria College online RN to BSN program must submit all transcripts and a copy of their RN license. They will also need a diploma from an Associate Degree in Nursing program, and a GPA of at least 2.0. In addition, they need to have taken the prerequisites for the program.

The prerequisites are Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Human Life Span and Development, and Critical Thinking and Writing I and II.

Health Skills Lab

The Nursing Department at Anna Maria College has a modern, state of the art health skills lab to assist students with learning the clinical skills necessary to become a nurse, while in a safe atmosphere. The lab features hospital beds, simulation areas, and a mock nursing station.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Health Science

Students interested in a broad range of health related subjects with an emphasis on biology and chemistry may earn a BA in Health Science. This program combines a core curriculum with upper level courses from other majors offered at the College, and prepares students for graduate level programs in many health-related fields. Students who intend to apply to graduate programs are encouraged to meet with an advisor, so they may choose their electives according to the requirements of that program.

Applicants to this program must submit an application to the College, submit their high school transcript, write a personal essay, have a recommendation letter, and submit their SAT or ACT scores.

Contact:
Anna Maria College
50 Sunset Lane,
Paxton, MA 01612

Assabet Valley Regional Technical School Nursing Program Review

Assabet Valley Regional Technical School (AVRTS) enrolls 900 high school students each year, and also provides classes to thousands through adult day and evening programs. AV opened in 1973, and has become a leader in career and technical education for the community along the Route 495 corridor.

Nursing Programs

Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)

This program has been training students to be LPNs for forty years. This program takes 40 weeks to complete, and is offered full-time during the day. Classes begin in late August, and students will finish in mid-June. Graduates of the program will receive a Practical Nursing certificate of proficiency, and be allowed to sit for the state LPN licensing exam.

To be able to apply for this program, students must pass the TEAS V admission exam with a 61% or higher in Reading, a 50% or higher in Math, and a 53.3% or higher in English. In addition, they must submit three professional references, be at least 17 ½ years old and provide a birth certificate, be a high school graduate or have a GED, and have an interview with a faculty member. They will also have to have health insurance coverage and maintain it throughout the program, be currently certified in Basic Life Support for Health Care providers, and have and maintain professional liability insurance coverage. Students will also have to meet the Good Moral Character Compliance and Guidelines put out by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing, have a Criminal Record Investigation (CORI) and a Sex Offenders Registry Board (SORI) background check, and meet the program health requirements.

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

Advanced Placement in LPN Program

Students may apply for advanced placement to enter the LPN program at hour 24. To qualify, students will need to have completed a Certified Nursing Assistant or Home Health Aide course within the last five years. They may have taken the course either at AVRT, or at Blackstone Valley Vocational Technical School or Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School.

Students will need to meet the entry requirements for the LPN program, as well as earn a satisfactory grade on the transitional course, including the written exam and clinical portion, prior to starting the LPN program.

Continuing Education

The Center for Continuing Education at AVRT offers courses in LPN Entrance Exam Prep (TEAS V).

There is also an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course. This is a 17 week course, and graduates will be eligible for the national and state EMT exams. To enroll, students must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be able to read, communicate, and understand English.

Health Technologies

The Health Technologies program allows students to train for a career in healthcare. This program begins with theory classes and training on campus in the nursing lab, and moves to clinical practice in long term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and acute care hospitals.

Students that complete this program will graduate with certifications in the following programs:

• American Red Cross Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide
• Alzheimer’s Caretaker Certification
• Department of Public Health paid feeder certification
• American Heart Association First Aid Certification
• American Heart Association CPR for the Healthcare Provider with AED

Students that complete Health Technologies at AVRT and the EMT-Basic course at Mass Bay Community College will be eligible to sit for the EMT-Basic exam, provided they are at least 18 years old.

Contact:
Assabet Valley Regional Technical School
215 Fitchburg Street,
Marlborough, MA 01752

Becker College Nursing Program Review

Becker College (BC) offers classes at two campuses. The Leicester Campus opened as an academy in 1794, and the Worcester Campus was founded in 1887 as a school opened by E.C.A. Becker. The two schools began working together in 1974 to increase their scholastic offerings, and formally merged in 1977 to form Becker College.

The College enrolls over 1700 students each year and offers 29 different degree programs. It is one of the top colleges in North America for video game design.

Nursing Programs

Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)

This program allows students to learn the skills necessary for beginning level nursing practice. Graduates of the program will be allowed to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) to become a Registered Nurse (RN). This program takes two years to complete, and students will take 71 credits.

Applicants to this program must have taken high school biology, two years of high school math, and three years of high school English, all with grades of at least C+. They must also have a minimum 2.5 GPA, submit their SAT or ACT scores, and need to take the TEAS admission exam.

To progress in the program, students must earn at least a C in all science courses and a C+ in all nursing classes.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Students in the BSN program will earn a bachelor’s degree and be able to take the RN licensing exam upon graduation. This program takes four years to complete, and students will complete 124 credits.

Students enter the BSN program as freshmen. Applicants will need to have taken high school biology, two years of high school math, and three years of high school English, all with grades of at least C+. They must also have a minimum 2.5 GPA, submit their SAT or ACT scores, and need to take the TEAS admission exam.

RN to BSN

Students with an associate degree and an RN license may apply to this program to continue their education and earn their BSN degree. This is a two year program, and is designed to accommodate the working nurse.

To apply to this program, students need to have finished an ASN program in the past seven years. Those that have graduated from a diploma in nursing program during this time may also apply, and will have a course of study designed based on their prior academic credits. Students will be able to transfer 71 credits from their ASN program, and will take 58 credits at Becker College.

Students will need to submit a copy of their RN license, complete the prerequisites, have the required health documentation, be certified in Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers, have a Criminal Record Investigation (CORI) and a Sex Offenders Registry Board (SORI). They must also have a GPA of at least 2.0 from their prior studies.

The prerequisites for this program are college-level Math or Algebra I, and Biology. Students must have earned at least a C in these classes.

Advanced Standing for License Practical Nurses (LPNs)

LPNs may apply for advanced standing in the ASN program as long as they have met the admission requirements listed above, have a letter of recommendation from their LPN program, have taken Anatomy and Physiology I, Health Assessment and Promotion, and English Composition, and provide a copy of their nursing license. They will need to schedule an interview with the Director of Nursing and an admissions counselor to discuss their academic and work history. Students that receive approval from the Director of Nursing will be allowed to test out of the Fundamentals of Nursing class.

Contact:
Becker College
61 Sever Street,
Worcester, MA 01609

Berkshire Community College Nursing Program Review

Berkshire Community College (BCC) was established in 1960, and was the first of the 15 community colleges in Massachusetts. It first offered classes in an old Junior High School in downtown Pittsfield, and moved to its current location in 1972. Over 8000 students enroll in the credit, noncredit, and workforce development courses each year. The College offers 35 associate degree programs and 12 certificate courses. Over half the students enrolled in the College are over the age of 23, and just over half the student body is female.

Nursing Programs

Practical Nursing Certificate

This program trains students in basic nursing skills. Graduates of this one year program will earn a Practical Nursing Certificate and be allowed to take the exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Applicants to this program must be high school graduates or have a GED. They must take Elementary Algebra if applicable, complete the program prerequisites with a grade of C or higher, and be up to date on their immunizations.

The prerequisites for the LPN program are Intro to the Human Body, Intro to Psychology, and Composition I.

Students that do not meet the admission requirements for the program may enroll in the College as Pre-LPN in the Liberal Arts program.

Associate of Science (AS) in Nursing

This program is for students who wish to begin a career in professional nursing. Graduates of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program earn an AS degree and are eligible to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam. This program general takes two years to complete.

Applicants must be high school graduates or have a GED from within the last two years, or they may have been in the upper third of their graduating class, or they may have completed 10 credits of ADN courses within the last seven years, including Anatomy and Physiology, with a grade of C or higher. They must also be up to date on their immunizations, be eligible to take English Composition, have completed a college-level Math course, and have taken college prep Chemistry in high school or Chemistry at the college level.

Once in the program, students must earn a C or higher in all science and general education courses to be able to graduate.

LPN to ADN

This program is for students with an LPN license who want to earn their AS degree and become RNs. Students will be allowed to take a standardized test to challenge the first two nursing classes, Physical and Mental Health I and II.

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the ADN program and have a current LPN license. They will also need to take the LPN to RN bridge course during the summer before entering the ADN program.

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing

This program is offered in partnership with the University of Massachusetts (UMass), and is for students who are already RNs. The BS degree will be awarded by UMass. This program is a combination of internet and web-based instruction with clinical practice. It is designed for the working RN, and may be completed in one or two years, depending on the course load.

Students must take 120 credits to complete this program. They will be awarded 30 credits for having an RN license, and may transfer credits from their ADN program to meet prerequisites and general education requirements. Any foundation courses that have not already been taken during previous nursing studies must be completed before entering this program.

The foundation courses for this program are Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, English Composition, Literature, History, Statistics, Introductory Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Growth and Development/Life Span, Introductory Sociology, an Arts or Humanities elective, a Social Sciences elective, a Physical Science elective, and 12 credits of other electives.

Contact:
Berkshire Community College
1350 West Street,
Pittsfield, MA 01201

Boston College Nursing Program Review

Boston College (BC) was founded in 1863 by the Society of Jesus. It enrolls nearly 15,000 students each year in undergraduate and graduate programs, and accepts only 28% of applicants. It was ranked one of the Top 10 Private Universities in the country by The New York Times last year. In addition to the main campus, Boston College also has the Newton Campus, Brighton Campus, Newton Outlying Properties, the Conners Family Retreat and Conference Center in Dover, and the Weston Observatory.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing

The BS program at the William F. Connell School of Nursing is designed to prepare students to care for individuals in a variety of settings. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.

To apply, students will need to apply to the College by submitting an application, essay, high school transcript and report, recommendations from a counselor and two teachers, and SAT or ACT scores.

While in this program, students have the option of studying abroad for one semester during their junior year. Students also have the option of starting master’s level courses before graduation.

Master of Science (MS) in Nursing

The MS program has many options available to accommodate students entering straight from their undergraduate studies, those that have been out of school and practicing, and those that are just beginning their nursing studies.

MS Traditional Entry

This program is for graduates of a BS program in nursing. Students must take a core program of 27 credits, plus additional courses for their chosen specialty. Most specialties require another 18 credits to complete. Students may enter the program in the fall, spring, or summer semesters, and many courses are offered in the evening or on a single day of the week to accommodate working students.

Applicants to this program must have a BS in Nursing degree, a GPA of B or higher, a current RN license, and have taken a statistics course. They will need to submit their official transcripts, three recommendation letters, and a statement of goals.

The specialties available for the MS program are:

• Adult Gerontological Health – this program allows graduates to apply for certification as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and as a Clinical Specialist (CNS).
• Community Health – graduates of this program who have also completed 500 hours of clinical practice may become certified by the American Nurses Center of Credentialing (ANCC).
• Family Health – this program prepares students to be Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs), and qualifies students for the certification exam.
• Forensic Nursing – this program prepares nurses to work with victims of violence, provide consultation, and testify in court cases. Students will have the opportunity to work with pioneers in the field of forensic nursing.
• Nurse Anesthesia – applicants to this specialty must have at least one year of experience in critical care, ACLS and PALS certification, GRE scores, and a resume. This program is full time and students must take 62 total credits over 27 months to complete it.
• Palliative Care – this program allows students to declare a population focus of adult, gerontological, pediatric, or community health advanced practice nursing as an NP or CNS. This program requires an additional 21 credits beyond the core classes to complete.
• Pediatric Health – graduates will be able to take the exam for Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP).
• Pediatric Palliative Care – students learn to care for children and adolescents with serious illnesses. This program requires at least 750 clinical hours to complete.
• Psych/Mental Health – this program provides students with the education required to take the national certification exam.
• Women’s Health – graduates will be eligible to take the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner exam.

Master’s Entry Pathway

This program is for students that have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. It can be completed in as little as 21 months if taken full time. After completing the first year of studies, students are eligible to take the RN licensing exam. At that point, they may switch to a part-time program of study. This program does not award a BS degree in nursing.

To apply, students need to have a GPA of B or higher in their undergraduate degree program, and need to complete the program prerequisites. They also need to submit their official transcripts, a statement of goals, and their GRE scores. The prerequisites for this program are a Statistics class, two Social Sciences classes, Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2 plus Lab, Microbiology plus Lab, and Life Science Chemistry or Organic Chemistry plus Lab.

RN to MS Pathway

This program is for RNs who have completed an associate or diploma in nursing program. Before students may begin their MS courses, they will be required to complete any nursing courses for the BS program that they have not already taken. The baccalaureate portion of the program will vary in length, depending on the number of classes the student needs. The master’s program will take about one and a half years if taken full-time. Students that enroll in this program must complete it within seven years.

Students applying to this program must meet the same requirements as for the Traditional MS program, except that they need to have a diploma or associate degree in nursing.

Additional Specialty Certificate

This Post-Master’s program is open to students who already hold an MS in Nursing, and wish to study a different specialty area. Students will be able to develop a personalized plan of study based on their prior coursework. Most specialty programs will require at least 500 additional clinical hours of practice.

The admission requirements for this program are the same as for the Traditional MS program.

MS/Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

This dual degree program allows students with a BS in nursing to obtain both an MS and a PhD. This streamlined program allows 12 credits of the PhD program to apply to the MS program. The program takes four years if taken full time. Students will meet the MS program requirements at the end of the second year.

Applicants must meet the same requirements as the Traditional MS program. In addition, they will need to submit their curriculum vitae, an example of scholarly writing, and their GRE scores.

MS/Master of Business Administration (MBA)

This program is offered in partnership with the Wallace E. Carroll Graduate School of Management. Students will earn the two master’s degrees simultaneously over three to four years.

Students must be admitted to both programs. In addition to meeting the Traditional MS requirements for the School of Nursing, students will need to submit the following to the Graduate School of Management: their current resume, two recommendation letters, transcripts, and GMAT or GRE scores.

MS/Master of Arts (MA) in Pastoral Ministry

Offered in partnership with the School of Theology and Ministry, this program allows students to complete both degrees concurrently in two years with summer sessions, or three years without summers. Students may also take the program part time and extend their studies.

Students must be admitted to both programs. In addition to meeting the Traditional MS requirements for the School of Nursing, students will need to submit the following to the School of Theology and Ministry: their current resume or curriculum vitae, a personal statement, three recommendation letters, transcripts, and GMAT or GRE scores.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program

Students in this program will study research methods, nursing content, and knowledge development in nursing, and apply these core areas to a selected concentration in research.

Applicants must have an MS degree in nursing, an RN license, and must have taken a statistics course. They will also need to submit their official transcripts, three recommendation letters, GRE scores, a sample of their scholarly writing, curriculum vitae, and a statement of goals.

Continuing Education

The Continuing Education program is designed to strengthen the knowledge of RNs and improve healthcare. Some of the programs currently available to nurses seeking to enhance their skills are:

• IV Certificate
• Clinical Research Certificate
• Medical Spanish Certificate
• Forensics in Health Certificate
• Forensic Science Courses
• Clinical Skills for Nurse Practitioners

In addition, Continuing Education offers an RN Refresher Certificate program for RNs that want to return to clinical practice. This is a personalized program that allows RNs to take courses to fit their needs. They may either take the whole program in 10 to 12 weeks, or spread it out over several semesters. Once in the program, it must be completed within two years.

The RN Refresher Certificate is designed for inactive RNs, Advanced Practice nurses wishing to renter the workforce, RNs changing specialties, foreign graduates who want to prepare for the licensing exam, or administrators wishing to refresh their skills.

Contact:
Boston College
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

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

Bunker Hill Community College Nursing Program Review

Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) boasts to be the largest community college in Massachusetts State. Dating back to 1973, BHCC has developed from a one campus college to a multi-campus school with four satellite campuses around Boston in addition to the main campus in Charlestown.

Bunker Hill College has a student body of about thirteen thousand keeping an all time high enrolment for female students. The numbers are high and represent more than half of the student population. BHCC also embraces cultural diversity with quite a good number of students being from colored origins as international students (approximately 63%). As a community college, BHCC has many Associate degrees and Certificate education programs, one of the most established being the nursing program.

Nursing in Bunker Hill Community College

There is only one nursing program offered at Bunker Hill Community College; Associate Degree in Nursing which takes two modes of study:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Day/Evening Option

Accredited by both the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, this BHCC nursing program prepares students to take exams from NLEX for licensure as RNs. Semesters for this program begins at fall and springs with students choosing between day or evening classes for both theory and practical classes. Normally, the program lasts for a period of two academic years consisting of four semesters.

As a requirement in advancement to the next academic year of study, nursing students at BHCC must attain a pass mark of 75 failure to which, the said student must re-sit the academic year. This option is only available once and a second failure leads to a dismissal.

Requirements for Enrollment

Prior to admission, all prospective students must take physical tests on the state of their health and wellness. In this note, students must be immunized against measles, Hepatitis B, mumps, rubella and TB. A clean criminal record is also needed for admission eligibility. It is worth noting applicants wishing to enroll for the ADN Fall session must submit their applications between October and January while those who opt to start in spring must do so between June and August.

Academically, prospective nurses must have a GED certificate in addition to attending a mandatory advisement session in Charlestown Campus. Grades of C or above are required in Algebra, Anatomy & Physiology, Drug Calculation and high school chemistry for acceptance.

Students must also take and pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills at BHCC during the process of application. The test is only applicable to students who have, the previously mentioned Anatomy & Physiology grades of C and higher. Students who take and fail the test thrice can no longer become eligible for the Associate Degree in nursing at Bunker Hill Community College in future.

Once the TEAS test is done, selection of successful candidates is competitive and largely depends on the TEAS test results. The final selection of candidates is done by the Nurse Education Admission Committee.

BHCC ADN-Hybrid/ Weekend Program

This program has all the requirements similar to those of the day/ evening program. This includes all requirements for admission and eligibly. The only difference is that nurse students are able to have studies during the weekends as opposed to the former programs. The hybrid between the day and the weekend classes results to a shorter period of study.

Contact:
Bunker Hill Community College
250 New Rutherford Avenue,
Boston, MA 02129-2925
(617) 2282000

Cape Cod Community College Nursing Program Review

Cape Cod Community College, whose main campus is located at West Barnstable, is a dedicated community institution which serves to bring higher education opportunities to the people of West Barnstable. With the help and steering of Senator Edward Carleton, Cape Cod Community college came to be in 1961. It was the second among the current 15 community colleges operating in Massachusetts to open and remain operational up-to date.

The Associate of Science in Nursing Program at CCCC

At Cape Cod Community College, Students from various and diverse backgrounds are offered the opportunity to undertake the Associate in Science degree in nursing program.  The specific courses offered at Cape Cod college are designed to enable student nurses be awarded the ADN; with furnished documentation from the Massachusetts Board of Registration nursing via the schools nursing program chairperson.

LPN to RN Transition Nursing

At Cape Cod College, licensed practice nurses are given that golden opportunity to transition from their LPN licenses to become RNs. In this nursing program, LPNs are given dedicated courses that prepare and enable them to sit for the NLEX-RN exams.  Successful completion of this exam enables the LPNs become RNs at a far lesser time.

In both nursing programs at CCCC, there are nursing program options from which the students are expected to choose. For dynamism and taking into consideration working students, CCCC offers three distinct study options; Day and evening classes are open to student staking the ADN while the LPNs are only able to take fulltime on-campus classes.

The evening classes are the best fit for busy students who still wish to keep their day jobs during learning while on the other hand; it is excellent for career shifters who wish not to lose their current jobs until they achieve another degree. It is worth noting that new students are only enrolled at fall and therefore must have applied for consideration by early January each year. This can be clarified by the school’s Academic calendar.

Advanced Placement for Nurse Graduates

Cape Cod Community College does not wish its nursing graduates to stop at the Associates degree level. Graduates of the nursing programs at CCCC have a better advantage of enrolling for graduate and Bachelor degree courses nursing from affiliate universities. On this note, Cape Cod Community College has formed articulation agreements with quite a number of universities in Massachusetts to facilitate furthering education. It is therefore very easy for prospective Baccalaureate of nursing students who hold an ADN from CCCC to be enrolled in either:

• University of Massachusetts in Boston, Dartmouth and Amherst
• University of Wisconsin at Greenbay
• Framingham State College

With these five affiliate universities, it becomes very easy for CCCC nursing graduates to take the RN to BSN programs; hence reducing their screening in the entry applications in other nursing schools. However, this is not imposed and is only intended for students who wish to have an easy time in pursing continued education via the aforementioned universities.

Accrediting of the Cape Cod Community Nursing Programs

After the two-years of nursing study at CCCC, the student can rest assured they have earned a recognized degree. The nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Contact:
Cape Cod Community College
2240 Lyannough Road, West Barnstable,
MA 022668

Curry College Nursing Program Review

The nursing major at Curry College is meant to fill the ever rising gap of nursing professionals and personnel in the health care sector. As a matter of fact, Curry College does not promise a smooth ride into the nursing career with their programs. They clearly want prospective students who are ready to get involved in a challenging faculty, requiring bright, dedicated, hard-working and creative nurse students. Students who are ready to take 120 credit courses in a span of four years to earn a Baccalaureate in Nursing.

Located in the Metropolitan area of Boston Massachusetts, Curry College gives its students an excellent opportunity to study and get the best hands- on experience from the most renowned and award winning health care facilities at the heart of Boston; from military institutions, private sector to community health organizations.

Nursing Majors at Curry College

All nursing programs at Curry College are accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education and include the following:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The most commonly preferred undergraduate nursing program at Curry College is the BSN with students taking nursing credits right from the first semester. It takes the shape of the traditional four-year degree program. This nursing major accepts students from Associates of nursing program, LPNs, direct entry and transfer students in both its Milton and Plymouth campuses in Massachusetts.

RN to BS Nursing Program

At Curry College, they are sensitive about time. In regard to this, they offer the well structured RN to BS program that enables students to be awarded the same degree as the direct entry BSN. What’s more, the RN to BS nursing program at Curry can be completed within three semesters for fulltime students or 2 years for part-timers. The advantage of registered nurses option for the RN- to BS program is that they are exempted from taking 34 credits for their RN licensure.

Accelerated Nursing Program at Curry College

Well, if you are a career shifter, then Curry College knows exactly what you need.  Curry enables career changers to jump-start into the exciting career of nursing with much ease than imaginable.  All that will be required for students wishing to enroll to the accelerated nursing program at Curry is a recognized degree from a recognized university.

This special 2^nd bachelors degree in nursing program is offered at Curry’s’ Milton campus and enrollment is open regardless of the first degree you hold.  The program is well designed and equips students with clinical and theoretical nursing skills in a period of 16 months. At the ends of it, students are able to comfortably sit for the NCLEX-RN exams and therefore gaining licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Curry’s’ College Graduate Nursing School

The Buck does not stop at being a RN at Curry; the Master of Science in Nursing- Clinical Nurse Leader is a well established nursing program here. The MSN in Clinical Nurse leadership enables highly ambitious BSN graduates to step into the future of nursing with professional competency. This only MSN dedicated program is meant to equip the prospective nurse leader with leadership abilities in the overall healthcare sector. In rue of this, the MSN graduates are able to improve the quality of health care, reduce operation costs, increase the levels of satisfaction for all nursing field participants and improve the standards of nursing practice.

For the next generation of clinical nurse leaders, Curry college boasts to be in the forefront to deliver this. CNLs who are abreast with medical technology, keen in minimizing nursing errors and with advanced clinical judgment.

Contact:
Curry College
1071 Blue Hill Avenue,
Milton, MA 02186

Elms College Nursing Program Review

An institution rooted in the Catholic faith, Elms College is a Co-educational, liberal arts college that prides with providence of higher education as a career as well as a way of life.  Dating back to1908, Elms College has evolved from a small Dioceses academy to the big College it is today. But it remained a diploma awarding college until 1928 when the school started offering its first bachelor degree in the education specialization. 

From then on, it offers educational advantages of a small college as well as the excellent opportunities of a diversified university. Its full name is the College of Our Lady of the Elms.

Division of Nursing -Elms College

The Division of nursing at Elms College offers four nursing programs which are accredited and recognized by the Massachusetts Board of Nursing as well as the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education. Of the four, three are undergraduate programs while one is a graduate degree. The division of nursing forms one of the three most popular undergraduate majors along with Business and Social work divisions. All nursing programs are offered on-campus at Chicopee, Massachusetts.

RN to BS Nursing Program

At Elms College, registered nurses are given the chance to build on their nursing skills by enrolling for the RN to BS program. Elms College adopts a Cohort learning model where student are largely encouraged to work in team.  The program is handled by an interdisciplinary faculty involving courses from nursing, humanities and general sciences.

The program builds on past RN education to come-up with professional nurses who are able to practice in the rapidly changing nursing field. Upon completion, Students are awarded a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree

The nursing curriculum at Elms Colleges is delivered in well designed contemporary teaching methods that include extensive clinical practice, interactive classroom learning and simulation techniques that resemble the real nursing profession. The BSN integrates both sciences and liberal arts in their curriculum with a specialization in nursing to come-up with professional nurses.  The BSN takes the usual four years to complete typical of many Bachelor degrees. Students in this program also have great chances of getting exchange study programs from nursing colleges in Spain, China, Greece, Ireland and London.

Accelerated Second Degree in Nursing

For students who already have an associate or bachelors degree from another field, they are welcome to join the division of nursing at Elms for a second degree. Students entering this program must have completed prerequisite courses and must show their academic conduct from the previous university. This highly paced nursing degree takes students two academic years and one semester to complete which totals to roughly twenty months of study.

Elms Nursing Graduate School

For Students aspiring to undertake graduate nursing studies at Elms College, there are two Masters of Science in nursing programs available. Accredited by CCNE, the two Programs are:

• Master of Science in Nursing-Nursing and Health Services Management
• Master of Science in Nursing-Nurse Educator

The nursing education option prepares nurses to become faculty members in collegiate and practice nursing environments. On the other hand, the management option equips the nurse with skills of managerial and leadership capacity. At the end of the day, graduates are able to work in highly demanding legislative, consulting, health services improvement and nursing care fields.

Contact:
Elms College
291 Springfield Street,
Chicopee, MA 01013

Emmanuel College Nursing Program Review

Emmanuel College is not a word as it seems from the Bible; Emmanuel College (EC) is deeply connected and embraces catholic faith and spirituality. Sitting on a 17 acres land in The Fenway, at Longwood Medical and Academic area, Emmanuel College is a multicultural centre of higher learning with students from over 20 countries and 32 states of US. Nursing programs form a major section of the academic programs at Emmanuel College.

Nursing Programs-Emmanuel College

Nursing programs at Emmanuel College are offered at their two campuses; Woburn Campus at 444 Washington Street Massachusetts and the main Campus at Longwood medical centre at The Fenway. However, it is worth noting that the Woburn campus only offers the RN to BSN nursing program. For practical sessions and health assessment classes, Emmanuel College has collaboration with the very close Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Professions. This allows students to take some of their clinical classes within the environs of the school

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

This nursing program is offered at both Woburn and the main campus at Boston.  The RN to BSN is specifically designed for already registered nurses and work to build on the already gained skills of the RNs. It is targeted for associate of science in nursing graduates who wish to advance their nursing skills and get a Baccalaureate in nursing.  As mentioned earlier, this BSN from Emmanuel is only open to registered nurses only and not accessible to direct entry nursing students hence requires one to hold an RN license to be eligible for admission.

Master of Science in Nursing

The graduate program aims at molding the next generation of nurses to serve the ever changing nursing needs. With two tracks of the Master of Science in nursing programs, Emmanuel College promises its graduate students of the best preparation to work in advanced positions in the nursing field. The two MSN programs are aimed at developing nurse educators, researchers, leaders and managers.  In addition to fulltime classes for the MSN, students can also enroll for the part-time MSN classes which takes the similar; four semesters to complete.

• Master of Science in nursing- Nurse Educator

With the nurse educator program, Emmanuel College will help you become qualified for advanced faculty roles in clinical education. The program also shapes the nurse educator to become effective in staff development as well as passing on the nursing rod to new and existing nurse students by becoming a faculty member.

• Master of Science in Nursing-Nurse Manager/Administrator

In this direction, nurse students are trained to assume high administrative and managerial positions in the health care field.  Whatever you like, the degree will allow you to become a case manager, director, coordinator in the health profession.

Accreditation for Emmanuel College Nursing Programs

Students enrolling at Emmanuel College are safe from frustration and unrecognized category of degrees. This is because both the BSN and the MSN degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. For Nurses who choose to take the MSN-Nurse Manager/Administrator option, national certification will only be allowed if the students meet the outlined consultation/ work attachment as required by American Nurses Credentialing Centre.

Contact:
Emmanuel College
400 The Fenway, Boston,
MA 02115

Endicott College Nursing Program Review

Endicott College (EC) can be classified as a family idea where, back in 1939 near the end of the great depression, Dr Eleanor Tupper and her husband Dr. George Olav Bierkoe started off this institution of higher learning. Initially, the college was targeted at offering education to female students but later, inclusion of both sexes was considered. Endicott College received its college operation charter the same year from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

It later was granted authority to offer Associate of Arts and Science degrees by the same body in 1944. A further milestone for the school came eight years on when; the New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredited Endicott College.

School Of Nursing at Endicott College

The school of nursing at Endicott prides itself in providence of quality education with the aim of preparing nurses for NCLEX-RN exams. With accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and Massachusetts Board of Registration on Nursing, prospective students can enroll for the following nursing programs at Endicott College:

RN to BS nursing Program

This nursing program is specifically designed for already licensed registered nurses who have current and unrestricted RN licenses.  It aims on building on the prior nursing experience with a future outcome of awarding students the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.  The program can exempt up-to 84 credits from their ADN programs hence, allowing students to take 42 credits out of the required 126 for the direct entry BSN.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This is a direct entry program that takes both RNs and fresh nursing students.  RNs who wish to take this route at Endicott must enroll for four academic years; otherwise, they can opt for the shorter RN to BS option. Direct entry students must have satisfactory GED scores before admission and must be ready to take 126 credits of both nursing theory and practicum sessions.

Master of Science in Nursing Program

This graduate nursing program is offered at the Van Loan Schools of Graduate and Professional Studies. It takes two academic years to complete this 33-credits program at Endicott.  The masters program at Van Loan School offers two areas of concentrations i.e. Nurse Educator and Nurse Administrator tracks.  It is also worth noting that all the s are offered as a hybrid with students taking both online and classroom lessons.  All classroom sessions are taught at Beverly Campus only on weekends and evenings.

Endicott’s Fifth Year MSN

There is a big advantage for students who would wish to continue with their nursing graduate studies at Endicott. Recently, Endicott has introduced this highly time-slashed approach of finishing a Master of Science in Nursing. With this relatively new concept, undergraduates of Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Endicott are able to fulfill quite a number of requirements for the MSN- Nurse Educator and Nurse Administrator programs.  These courses are meant to be covered in the fourth year of the BSN and as such, students will only require one additional academic year to complete a master’s program.

The fifth year Master of Science in nursing is meant to encourage Endicott nursing students to advance from BS to Masters Level. However, students wishing to take this option must apply during their junior BSN years and must have exceptional grades through to the third year. This program is recognized and accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Contact:
Endicott College
376 Hale Street,
Beverly, MA 01915

Fitchburg State University Nursing School Review

Fitchburg State University was founded in 1894 as a public centre of higher learning.  It combines strong liberal arts and science programs to come up with most of the needs of high school graduates and postgraduate students. It sits on a 60 acre land located right in the heart of Massachusetts at Fitchburg. In addition to the main campus at Fitchburg, the university has one satellite campuses at McKay Teacher Education center just near the main campus.

Nursing-Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University (FSU) prides itself in being the first public University in Fitchburg and Massachusetts at large to offer a nursing program. All the nursing programs from this university are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the States Board of Registration in nursing.  The nursing department currently offers two undergraduate nursing degrees and a one Master of Science in nursing program with a concentration in Forensic Science. It also has a post-graduate certificate in forensic nursing.

RN to BS nursing degree (Online)

At Fitchburg University, already licensed Registered Nurses who hold an associate degree or a diploma in nursing are eligible to enroll for this program. Future students of this nursing program must have a RN license from the state of Massachusetts which must be encumbered.  Fitchburg University embraces technology and ICT and on this note, the RN to BS nursing program is offered both online and on-campus.

This is an excellent idea for Massachusetts RNs who wish to have a BSN without giving-up their jobs. Students must take 121 credits most of which are transferred from the Diploma or Associate degree transcripts. Upon exemption,  the RN to BS program can be reduced to a total of 59 credits off which, 15 must be of liberal arts.  In addition, a student can only transfer 31 nursing credits from their former transcripts and the rest must come from the liberal arts, Science and Math prerequisites.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This is a traditional four-year degree program that enrolls direct entry nurses offered in an on-campus study mode.  Students are expected to take a total of 121 credits as part of their theory and practical requirements to be awarded the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

Master of Science in nursing- Forensic Nursing

This program offers advanced practice nursing skills for RNs only and does not take direct entry masters students. Just like the RN to BSN program at Fitchburg, this graduate nursing program is offered entirely online. Students also take concentrations in forensic nursing with a requirement of 36 credits. In addition, students must arrange for their 420 hours of clinical component package required for their graduation.

Forensic Nursing Graduate Certificate

This is also a complete online nursing program meant for MSN students to acquire a specialization in forensic nursing. It is a relatively short course and requires a total of 21 credits to complete. The course however has a large and dedicated clinical approach whereby, students are expected to complete 360 hours of clinical practice before being awarded the Post-Graduate certificate.

Contact:
Fitchburg State University
160 Pearl Street,
Fitchburg, MA 01420

Framingham State University Nursing School Review

Just 20 miles on the West of Boston, Framingham State University (FSU) offers higher education on a world class city of Framingham- Massachusetts. Its metropolitan location brings a blend of excellent career opportunities, cultural cohesion and integration. In addition to being located in an excellent site at New England, it is one of the public universities in the State offering affordable yet high quality education. At Framingham State University, you will experience the ultimate freedom from racial, religion, gender, marital, age, creed discrimination- it has a strong nondiscrimination policy.

Framingham State University-Department of Nursing

The Department on nursing is one of the 20 academic departments at Framingham State University. The department offers four-well structured and accredited nursing programs one being in the undergraduate category while the other three are graduate programs. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the States board for Registration of Nursing accredits the four nursing programs at Framingham State University. Here is a closer look of the four programs;

RN to BS (N)

The baccalaureate nursing degree from the university is specifically designed for registered nurses who already hold a nursing diploma or an associate degree in nursing.  The main concept of the BSN program is organized around preventive measures in nursing. On this note, courses are aimed at primary prevention of illness by mitigation of risk factors in illness and diseases. The second concept takes the form of secondary prevention where courses revolve around arresting of diseases development via early and accurate diagnosis. On the third concept, tertiary prevention is given emphasis on minimization of disability and illness via wellness campaigns.  The outcome of this program is the award of a Bachelors degree in nursing.

Master of Science in Nursing

At Framingham State University, students can enroll for any of the two Masters of Science in nursing tracks; Nursing Education or Nursing Leadership.  The two master concentrations aim at producing top-notch healthcare leaders and faculty members.  Students must be ready to take the learning mode for these two masters programs i.e. a hybrid format of study.

At enrollment, students will be guided on selected courses that must be offered online and those which they need to be on-campus. The most common presentation is the taking of theory classes online while the practicum sessions and some theory classes must be taken on-campus at their New England Campus.

Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

This hybrid- format post-graduate certificate in nursing education is taken both from campus and online. However, Framingham State University only offers this three-course program during the fall semester of all odd Years. As a prerequisite, students must produce current and clean RN license valid in Massachusetts.  In addition, prospective students must have a minimum of Bachelor of Science in nursing degree and associate degree in nursing RNs are not eligible to enroll.

It is also worth noting that Bachelor of Science in nursing Students who take the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education program are eligible for credit transfer if they wish to take the MSN- Nursing Educator program from the same university. However, this transfer is only applicable to students who scored a minimum grade of B in each of the certificate courses.

Contact:
Framingham State University
100 State Street,
Framingham, MA 01701-9101

Greenfield Community College Nursing Program Review

Being the smallest of the 15 community colleges in Massachusetts State does not deter Greenfield Community College (GCC) from offering quality education. This small college is located in Pioneer Valley of Greenfield just at the foot of Berkshire Mountains. Even with its relatively small student body, it is accredited by the New England Association of Schools. It offers Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree programs in addition to certificate programs and liberal arts concentration.

Nursing at Greenfield Community College

Nursing at Greenfield Community College dates back to 1963; and GCC boasts to be the first community college to start offering an associate degree in nursing in Massachusetts State.  However, this has been the most advanced level of nursing programs offered by the college with the rest being certificate and continuing nursing education certificate programs.  Precisely, this is what the department of nursing at Greenfield Community College has to offer:

Associate Degree Nursing

With the power vetted to them by the Massachusetts Board of Registration on Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, GCC started offering the ADN program back in 1963.  The program has a reputation of good grades due to excellent preparation of the NCLEX-RN exams. This two-year degree program covers 70 credits of classroom and practical components. All courses are taken at the college’s 270 main street Downtown Centre. There are no online options for this program but evening and weekend Classes can be offered if a good number of students express their need for flexibility.

Advanced Placement for ADN graduates

Greenfield Community College embraces furthering education and for this reason, it has formed articulation agreements with both public and private universities and colleges to enable student who want to take BSN to do so. On this note, ADN nurse graduates from Greenfield Community can apply for credit transfer to the following affiliated universities:

• Vermont College –School of nursing
• Framingham State College
• Elms College
• American International College
• University of Massachusetts

Successful transfer and acceptance of transfer will allow students to be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree from either of the above universities/Colleges.

Practical Nursing Certificate-GCC (PNC)

This is a ten-month certificate program unique to Greenfield Community college. It prepares one with skills of offering bedside care to patients within the community, physicians’ offices or in long-term care homes. Typically, the certificate program takes about 40 weeks and the approach includes both liberal arts and clinical nursing classes with a total of 42 credits being taught.  With this certificate, students can apply for the NCLEX-LPN exam but the College does not provide guarantee of passing the exam; it is up-to the student to make the decision for the NCLEX-LPN exam.

However, on a better note, students can apply for a direct articulation for GCC’s ADN program which is also restricted on a space-availability basis using the PNC certificate.

Licensed Practical Nurses Program

In addition to the non-guaranteed NCLEX-LPN passing with the PNC, Greenfield Community offers a specially designed LPN program. This program specifically prepares students to take the NCLEX-LPN exam. Just like the PNC certificate, the college offers direct articulation into the ADN if the applicant applies within five years of LPN completion.

Other Nursing Continuing Education programs

In addition to the above programs, Greenfield offers the following CE courses:

• Paramedic and EMT refresher courses
• Paramedic assistant Course
• A guide to Bedside Medication

Contact:
Greenfield Community College
1 College Drive,
Greenfield, MA 01301

Holyoke Community College Nursing Program Review

Form the mid 1940’s Holyoke Community College (HCC) has been on the forefront of kick starting higher education for many students in Holyoke- Massachusetts and beyond. With is convenient location at the crossroads of interstate 91 highway and the Massachusetts Turnpike, there is no better convenience of reaching the main campus college from a number of directions.  What’s more, Holyoke community college has three satellite off-campus centers which make education accessible to the whole stretch of Pioneer Valley- Massachusetts.

Nursing-Health and Natural Sciences Division

The health and natural sciences academic division at Holyoke community college has designed two nursing programs. These two programs are accredited by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and the NLNAC. 

Practical Nursing Certificate

Entrants to this program must take and complete 44 credits inclusive of clinical practical classes. During this time, students are expected to cater for their own transportation to the selected locations where practical sessions are offered.  Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-LPN exam. Passing this exam, off course enables the student to have a licensure as a licensed practice nurse in the state of Massachusetts.

It is important to note that Holyoke community college does not offer a LPN to RN bridging program. Hence, students willing to take this route must reconsider enrolling for the Associate or looking for other universities altogether that has such provisions.

Associate of Science Nursing Program

This program accepts nursing students every start of September.  For completion of this nursing degree, students at Holyoke community college must take a minimum of 30 general education and liberal arts credits and a further 42 credits on the nursing concentration. On a further note, students must achieve a grade of or above C+ so as to maintain admission to the program.  This applies to grades to all nursing core courses and laboratory science concentration.  Consecutive failure leads to dismissal from the program.

This program takes a minimum of two academic years to complete and is offered at the main campus at Holyoke. Just like the Practical nursing Certificate program, students are not catered for during practical rounds. Such clinical transportation arrangements to any collaborating health agencies throughout Pioneer Valley must be made and covered by the individual students.

Placement for BSN in Other Universities

Holyoke has made it easier for students who wish to take a BSN to do so via their transfer coordinator offices. This particular office helps associate degree registered nurses to have credit transfers from the ADN to their prospective universities. This articulation is usually with Elms College and American International College at Springfield although other universities may be contacted upon request.

Nursing Success Program

This is a non-classroom program meant for nursing students of Holyoke University.  The program helps to support and assistance for nursing students who experience difficulty in the lab and in math courses. It also offers free summer assistance and tutoring support for nurses who suffered failures in the previous semesters. It is meant for both PNC and ADN students.

Contact:
Holyoke community College
303 Homestead Avenue,
Holyoke, MA 01040

Laboure College Nursing Program Review

As part of the larger Steward Health Care system, Labouré College offers degree programs mainstreamed in the healthcare sector only. With the association of the second largest hospital system in New England, Laboure College (LC) promises its nursing and other health related programs excellent clinical experience in the most respected state-of-the-art hospitals of Boston and the wider Massachusetts state.

On a further note, the college is has strong affiliation and is deeply rooted in the catholic faith but accepts students from all denominations.  With a century and counting, the college has trained nursing professionals during the years of Catherine Laboure School of nursing. However, degree programs were introduced in the year 1971.

Labouré College – Nursing

At Laboure college, there are two distinct nursing degrees namely, Bachelor of Science in nursing (RN to BSN) and the Associate of Science in nursing degree.  For students planning to enroll in Laboure College, they must be aware that the college is a day-college; meaning the students must commute to campus daily as there are no halls of residence. Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing together with the NLNAC offers accreditation and approval of the programs

Associate in Nursing in Science (ASN)

This program constitutes five nursing majors with additional humanity and sciences courses.  The program is offered on a fulltime campus basis with day and evening classes being the learning preferences.  There is an additional part-time option whose semester begins in January each year. The fulltime classes on the other hand start off on fall and winter semesters only.

Upon completion, students are able to take the NCLEX-RN exams for practicing license. Students are further offered a formal BS mobility choice in the same college and other selected universities and colleges in Boston.

LPN to RN Transition Program

This program is designed for licensed practice nurses in the State of Massachusetts who wish to pursue an associate degree to become Registered nurses.  It has the advantage of having 9 credits exemptions hence, finishing the coursework in an accelerated manner.  The only requirement before acceptance into this program is that the LPN must be holder of a current employment position before application.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

Laboure College BSN is a completely part-time program; offering evening classes only.  For eligibility, future students must be already registered nurses who hold current and unrestricted RN licenses in Massachusetts.  The reasons for this is because, the program only build on prior RN classes from nursing diplomas or associate degrees.

Typically, students take ten core nursing courses with an additional 7 general education and science courses. On a normal basis, it takes two years to complete the Laboure College Bachelor of Science in nursing (For RNs).

Credit transfer and exemption challenge exams are available for non- Laboure associate of science in nursing students who wish to get into the program. For practical lessons in the nursing programs, students will be assigned to hospitals like the Norwood Hospital, Carney Hospital, Good Samaritan Medical Centre, St Anne’s Hospital among others of the Steward Health care System

Contact:
Labouré College
2120 Dorchester Avenue,
Dorchester, MA 02124

Massachusetts Bay Community College Nursing Program Review

After having temporal locations in Watertown and Boston, Massachusetts Bay community college; commonly known as MassBay College moved to Wellesley Hills in 1971, 12 years down its year of founding.  To date, the former Elizabeth Seton high School became the main campus for MassBay Community college.  By the year 2001, the college had additional two satellite campuses in Ashland and Framingham.

Nursing Program Overview at MassBay Community College

At MassBay community college (MBCC), there are four nursing programs namely Associate of Science in nursing (LPN to RN), Associate of Science in nursing (Direct entry), Phlebotomy nurse training and Practical Nurse Certificate. All nursing programs start at fall and they have flexible schedules with both day and evening/part-time learning modes. Some selected nursing courses are also offered in an online mode but students have choices to take or not to take those online selected courses.

Associate Degree Science in Nursing (ADN)

This nursing program is designed to accommodate two groups of students:

• ADN-Direct Entry Students

It is for candidates who wish to become registered nurses but have no prior experience in nursing. With this program, the students are trained on all nursing courses including the nursing foundations. It prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure. It is available in two options where the day program takes about two academic years to complete while the evening/ part time option takes three academic years; 8 semesters and 2 summers. For the two programs, 77 credits must be covered within the stipulated time.

• ADN- LPN to RN Students

This transition program is designed for LPNs who wish to become RNs via the associate in science degree route. The credits needed are the same as the ones the ADN-direct entry but having prove of licensure enables exemption of a total of 14 nursing credits after a bridging course.  It is worth noting that this program is only offered on part-time learning modes where classes and practical sessions are conducted. To complete this program, it normally takes 5 semesters with one summer session.

Practical Nursing Certificate

For candidates wishing to have nursing career-entry as licensed health care workers, the PNC option at MassBay community college is an excellent option. The program is accredited by Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. It is presented as a 40-week training program whereby, students receive rigorous clinical theory classes and lab sessions.  Students begin at fall and move on through June.

A total of 48 credits must be covered and successful completion of the same gives the students eligibility to take the NCLEX-LPN exam. A certificate in practical nursing is the final outcome of the training program.

Phlebotomy Certificate

This is a very short; one semester certificate program that trains nurses on techniques of drawing blood for laboratory testing and diagnosis.  Students must have CPR certificate prior to enrollment from the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. Only seven credits are required to be eligible for the phlebotomy certificate from MassBay community college.

Contact:
Massachusetts Bay Community College,
50 Oakland Street,
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Nursing Program Review

The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS, or MCPHSU, MCPHS University) was founded in 1823 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts specifically at the Longwood Medical and Academic Area.  It has a rich history of providing excellent health-care training and medical careers. 

It is second after the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia; formerly the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, oldest pharmacy college in US.  The main campus is located at Boston while other two satellite campuses have recently been opened at Manchester and Worcester.

School of Nursing- MCPHS

This is one of the well established nursing schools in the State of Massachusetts. It offers close to ten nursing programs; most of which are offered online. The school of nursing at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is also home to the clinical centre utilized by other nurse-programs offering college like the Emmanuel college among others. It is due to the long established and infrastructure development that makes nursing and other health careers at MCPHS worthwhile, challenging and fun too. Below are the nursing programs under the nursing school:

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This is a fulltime on-campus program that enables students become RNs. It takes an accelerated study mode of 32 months to complete the eight semesters of the normal BSN degree.  The curriculum is designed to cater for both fresh nursing students as well as transfer students. Academic sessions start at the fall semester of each year for this program and are conducted at the Boston main campus. Upon completion, students are awarded a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

Graduate Nursing Programs

These programs take Bachelor of Science graduates from both nursing and non-nursing degrees. Apparently, all the masters programs are offered exclusively online and include the following concentrations:

• MSN- Family Nurse Practitioner

This program is designed to meet advanced education needs of nurses who wish to become family nurse practitioners. The ultimate goal is to enable the advanced practice nurse to take and pass the Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certification exam. It also meets the criterion set for FNPs by AACN

• ADN to MSN- Generalist Track Bridging program

This unique program is meant for associate of science in nursing graduates who are considering to get a masters level education without doing the Bachelor of Science in nursing.  It is a bridge program that prepares students for any concentration among the many MSN nurse specialist options.  This program is offered as a part-time online version and with students choosing their convenient 45- hour’s practicum sessions location.

Ultimately, this bridging program allows students to get 20 credit hours which can then be used for transfer into the MSN program during matriculation, allowing associate degree students to get into the MSN without doing the BSN.

• ADN to MSN- Family Nurse Practitioner Bridging Program

Just like the generalist program, the ADN to MSN (FNP) bridging courses allows a student to be awarded a MSN-FNP without having to undergo the BSN. The only difference is that students take courses geared towards FNP during the bridging program.

Post Baccalaureate BSN

Designed for non- nursing bachelor degree holders, this program takes 16 months to complete. It allows career shifters to come into the field of nursing on condition that they hold accredited degrees from other recognized institutions.  Semesters for this program start at fall and spring and are all conducted on-campus at Manchester and Worcester campuses.

Contact:
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
179 Longwood Avenue,
Boston, MA 02115

Massasoit Community College Nursing Program Review

Massasoit is a symbol of union and integration between cultures; the school was named after the Great chief who welcomed Pilgrims at Plymouth. It dates back to 1966 when the State Board of Education deliberated on the establishment of low tuition- state support centers of higher learning and is among the 15 community colleges in Massachusetts. The college is located at Brockton and has auxiliary campuses at Canton and Middleborough.

Nurse/ Allied Health Academic division

At Massasoit Community college (MCC), the Nurse/ Allied Health academic division houses the department on nurse education. The department so far has only two nursing programs which are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. They are also approved by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.  The programs have the following specifications:

Nurse Education at Massasoit

This is a two-year program whereby students are awarded the Associate of Science in nursing upon completion.  The program combines courses in general education, liberal arts and nursing theory. Clinical practice is arranged by the college and transport to health agencies is also catered for. The mode of study takes the form of exclusive day classes for nursing theory classes and either evening or day clinical sessions.  Clinical sessions are largely conducted in Brockton VA medical centre, just around the main campus.

However there is a completely evening option for the associate degree but students in this program are not eligible for state funding; hence must be self sponsored.  The exclusive evening program takes three academic years unlike the hybrid day-evening program. For both degrees, completion enables students to be eligible to sit the NCLEX-RN exams for licensure as a registered nurse. A total of 65 credits must be completed to be eligible for graduation

 LPN to Associate Degree Advanced Placement Nurse Education

At Massasoit, LPNs who have current licensure for practical nursing in Massachusetts State are eligible to enroll for the LPN to ADN degree. The program offers bridging courses to LPNs and therefore, they are matriculated into the nurse education program for their ADNs.  The bridging course takes three semesters to complete.  Study options include both day and evening classes; theory in day classes and clinical rounds in both day and evening.

It is worth noting that LPN graduates of Bristol Plymouth Technical, Blue hills technical and Southeastern Regional college are eligible for credit transfers from their LPNS as the Massasoit college has articulation agreements with the said colleges. Their program therefore takes a far less period.

Transfer Students in Nursing School

Massasoit accepts only LPN transfer students from a number of the above named technical colleges. On the other hand, the college has articulation agreements with other larger universities and colleges in Massachusetts. This allows the associate of nursing students to be able to transfer their ADN credits to a four-year Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.  With this arrangement, registered nurse graduates of Massasoit Community College are able to finish the BSN in two years.

Contact:
Massasoit Community College
One Massasoit Blvd.,
Brockton, MA 02302

MGH Institute of Health Professionals Nursing Program Review

MGH Institute of Health Professional is the successor of the old Massachusetts General Hospital nursing Diploma school dating a century ago. MGH Institute of Health Professionals (MGHIHP) is dedicated to the noble profession of training competent nurses since its inception in1977 after taking over from the general hospital.  From the start, MGH institute of health professionals has been offering graduate level nursing programs.

MGH Institute of Health Professionals-School of nursing

To become a nurse from MGH institute, there are two tracks that are usually followed;

• Becoming a nurse at graduate level with no prior nursing experience or
• Becoming an advanced practice nurse by building from your nursing experience

Programs are approved and accredited by the CCNE and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

Direct entry Nursing Programs

i)        Accelerated BSN

 At MGH institute of health professionals, bachelor graduates with a non nursing degree are welcomed to enroll to the “become nurse programs”. These programs are meant to cater for career changers and also responding the increasing need of nurses in the US. The program takes in bachelor degree holders from accredited universities to enroll for a 14- month accelerated BSN program. Completion of this program awards the student a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

ii)      Master of Science in Nursing

This 3-yaer degree program is also designed for non- nurses who wish to pursue a Masters level degree in the nursing field.  The program offers training to non-nurses who later are awarded the MSN-Nurse Practitioner degree.  And even more, it is one of the few nursing programs in Massachusetts that awards two degrees at simultaneously ie the BSN and the MSN upon completion. The following are nurse specialties offered here:

• Gerontology
• Women’s health
• Acute care
• Family health
• Mental health
• Adult health
• Pediatrics

Post –Professional Nursing Degrees (For RNs)

The programs meet the educational needs of registered nurses who are in the pursuit of graduate studies.  There are quite a number of nursing programs in this category namely:

i)        Master of Science in Nursing

This program from MGH institute of health professionals is geared towards building on prior nursing experience. The programs are meant to take a period of two academic years with options of full-time and part time study modes. It is only open to students who already hold a RN licensure. The track leads to the award of a MSN- Nurse Practitioner degree.

ii)      Doctor of Nursing Practice

In this category of terminal nursing studies, there are three tracks at MGH institute:

iii)    RN to DNP program

This is an excellent opportunity for RNs who do not hold a MSN degree to get to the highest level of education without following the MSN route.  The study takes the form of hybrid learning modes with a combination of online and classroom instruction. Students can also choose between the part time or full time study options. During the time of application, RNs must choose from any one of the advanced practice nurse specialties of MSN levels and eventually taking the Doctor of nursing courses. The program takes 4 years to complete.

iv)   Post- Master Doctor of Nursing Practice

Unlike the RN to DNP, the Post-master DNP is specifically designed for RNs who are already advanced practice nurses ie only those with a MSN degree.  This program takes three years to complete with classroom and clinical practice being offered in part time and fulltime options. The program is also a hybrid where some selected courses are offered exclusively online and others in the classroom setting. Nurses are able to take concentrations in:

• Global health
• Nursing Administration
• Advanced Clinical practice
• Informatics and
• Education

The same concentrations are applicable to the RN to DNP.

v)     DNP for Nurse Executives

This is a 3-year special program for nurses who can show prove of being in nurse leadership and administrative posts. It takes nurse leaders and builds on their leadership skills in the nursing field. Unlike the other two DNP programs at MHG institute of nursing professionals, the program is offered almost exclusively online with students only coming for classrooms sessions for only two weekend afternoons per month.  During these visits, students meet at Charlestown Navy Yard Campus.

Nursing Certificate Programs

MGH also offers three post graduate nursing certificates ie:

• HIV/AIDS certificate
• Post- NP/ MSN certificate
• Mind Body Spirit Certificates (for holistic nurses)

Contact:
MGH Institute of Health Professionals
36 First Avenue,
Boston, MA 02129-4557

Middlesex Community College Nursing Program Review

Middlesex Community College (MCC) was founded in 1970 and has two well established campuses: the main campus at Bedford and a satellite campus at Lowell. It offers both credit and noncredit programs for the adult community in Bedford. Since its inception, the college has developed to offer more than 75 degree and certificate programs.  One of the most successful departments of Middlesex Community college is the nursing department.

Nursing at Middlesex Community College

Middlesex Community College offers two associate degree nursing programs and two certificate programs in nursing.  All the nursing programs are offered at the Lowell campus located at Kearny Square and are offered in both day and evening classes. The nursing department is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing while the four programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.  The college has formed articulation agreement with 15 universities and colleges in Massachusetts to enable students have an easy transfer of credits from the 2-year to the 4-year BSN. Precisely, this is what the college has to offer its nursing students:

Associate of Science in Nursing

The program prepares students sit for the NLCEX-RN exam. The program starts at spring and fall of each year and takes a total of four semesters. All the classes and instruction sessions are held at the Health, Science and Technology Centre in Lowell Campus. Classes are during the day and evening but clinical experience is scheduled for the evening hours only. There is also an evening-weekend option if the number of students is sufficient although this program takes one extra year to complete.  Classes are held at the same venue and include two week-day evenings and one weekend day

Advanced Placement for Licensed Practical Nurses

LPNs who meet Middlesex Community college admission requirements may be eligible for the advanced placement for LPNs. Generally, prospective students must produce current licensure for LPNs for the state of Massachusetts. Usually, the program takes the form of bridging courses to enable entry into the associate of science in nursing program.

LPNs seeking advanced placement must follow either of the following two options:

i)        Apply and take a number of bridging courses at Middlesex Community college. Completion of this courses leads to a nursing transition seminar into the ADN program.

ii)      The second option is for students coming from colleges that have articulation agreements with Middlesex community college. These students do not take longer periods for the bridging as some credits are transferred from their LPN program.

Nursing Assistant Certificate

The nurse aide program at Middlesex community college prepares students to take the certification exam of certified nurse assistants. It is fully accredited by the Massachusetts Department of Public health. Classes are scheduled for evenings only (Tue & Thur) and on Saturday while practical experience is only held on three sessions for the last three Saturdays of the training.  A total of 18 nursing and general courses must be completed.

Phlebotomy Certificate

This is an entry level program for the nursing field where students are trained on blood drawing techniques. Just like the CNA certificate, the program is only offered in the evening and weekends. 19 credits are required to complete the program with an additional 100- hours of externship off campus. Students are expected to cover the costs culminating from the externship hours.

Contact:
Middlesex Community College
591 Springs Road,
Bedford, MA 01730

Mount Wachussett Community College Nursing Program Review

Mount Wachussett Community College (MWCC) is a public college offering two-year associate degrees as the highest level of education. It sits on a large 269-acre land on its main campus at Gardener, Massachusetts. It has additional three auxiliary campuses in Devens, Leominster and Fitchburg. It has integrated full time, part time and online study approaches to enable students reach their career goals.

Nursing at Mount Wachussett Community College

Five distinct nursing programs are offered at Mount Wachussett Community College two of which are associate degrees and the three are certificate programs. The college has been approved to offer the nursing degrees and certificates by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. On a further note, the programs have been accredited by NLNAC and Massachusetts Department of Public health. Below are the nursing programs explained:

Nursing Degree- ADN

This is an entry level degree for those wishing to become registered nurses.  Day and evening classes are available and must be competed at the Gardener campus. By the end of the program, students must have completed the required 72 credits and are then, eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Mount Wachussett College has formed articulation agreements with Drexel university for students who wish to get transfer into Drexel’s University online BSN. However, the college does not dictate transfer to only this university and plans can be made for transfer to university of Phoenix, Fitchburg and Framingham State Universities, UMass at Lowell and Oak State University.

LPN Bridge Option

Licensed Practical Nurses who hold a current LPN license and having at least one year work experience are the ideal candidates for this program. The bridge program allows students to complete prerequisites for the ADN program. Upon successful completion of the bridge program, students can be matriculated into the ADN starting off at the second semester. This program is conducted at Devens campus and transfer options are similar to those of the ADN program. Just like the ADN, a total of 72 nursing and general education courses are required for NCLEX-RN exam eligibility.

Phlebotomy Certificate of Completion

This is an exclusive evening nursing program conducted at the main campus at Gardener. It trains entry level candidates in blood drawing techniques after completion of credits in phlebotomy clinical practice.  For students of Mount Wachussett community college who hold a certificate of completion in phlebotomy, three credits can be used towards the completion of a Medical Assisting Degree.

Practical Nurse Certificate

The program prepares student to sit the NCLEX-LPN exam for licensure in Massachusetts. The program is only offered as a day program at the main campus. Clinical practicum can be scheduled at any of the three campuses of the college.  The practical nurse certificate requires 45 nursing and non-nursing credits to complete. Mount Wachussett offers interested LPN certificate holders’ additional courses that usually lead to their matriculation into the Associate of Science in nursing program.

Certified Nursing Assistant

This is a relatively new nursing program at Mount Wachussett Community College. The curriculum is being developed and it will be on offer within the shortest time possible. Students interested in this program must keep checking with the school for the official launch of this program.

Contact:
Mount Wachussett Community College
444 Green St, Gardener,
MA 01440

Northeastern University Nursing School Review

Northeastern University (NEU) stands right at the heart of metro-Boston.  It was founded in 1898 with the aim of enabling research in the areas around and beyond Massachusetts. It has a total of nine distinct and independent colleges and schools, each offering a number of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. This successful private university prides itself if offering interdisciplinary research, urban engagement and experiential approach to learning

Northeastern University- School of Nursing

It is quite an experience to study nursing at the Northeastern University. The School of nursing has well structured, greatly challenging nursing programs. From the undergraduate BSN to the highest terminal nursing degrees, Northeastern University has all you need for your nursing education needs. Precisely, the school has one undergraduate, seven masters and three Doctorate nursing degrees. All nursing school programs are offered at the Bouve College of health sciences; an affiliate college of Northeastern university.  A breakdown of this large nursing school would be:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This is a very dynamically designed undergraduate program that allows students to become RNs. The most special aspect of this program is that students are allowed to choose from any of the two 4-year plans or the any of the two five-year plans. With these plans, students have greater freedom in choosing which program suits them best. The five-year plan offers the students an extended co-operation experience during study in addition to vacations.  The four-year plans are designed for those who wish to have fewer cooperation externships during the period of study.

As part of the experiential learning, BSN students at Northeastern University have alternate study between academic study and paid employment starting from their second year of study. This is one aspect that makes the nursing program to be very attractive.

Direct Entry Nursing (MS)

The program allows bachelor degree holders from non-nursing program to use their credentials to enroll directly for a master of science in nursing degree. During the first year, students receive undergraduate-level nursing classes to get acquainted to the nursing program. Completion of the program allows the students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.  Following licensure, they get into a co-op experience for six months after which, they continue with the second and third year of MSN. The second and third year takes the form of usual nursing specialty programs.  Co-op experience is with over 10 medical facilities in Massachusetts.

BSN/MS Nursing Program

With the choice of two years for full time and five years part time basis, this degree program is meant for RNs who only have an associate or diploma in nursing. This is a joint degree program that allows student to combine the Baccalaureate and Masters programs into one track of learning. With this program, students can choose from seven nurse specialties including family nurse practitioner, nurse administrator, mental health, acute care among others. At the end of the curriculum, students graduate from Northeastern university with two degrees; the BSN/MS degree.

Masters of Science in Nursing

This includes a collection of four master’s level nursing programs. It takes in BSN students who wish to take nurse specialties in:

• MSN-Nurse Practitioner
• MSN-Nurse Anesthesia
• MSN-Mental Health and
• MSN-Nurse Administrator
• MSN/MBA nursing program

A specially designed Northeastern nursing degree that allow nurse to take two masters degree at the same time, a Master of Business Admin and a Master of Science in Nursing. The two programs are offered concurrently on a part time basis. It takes a minimum of four academic years to complete at both the graduate school of business and Bouve College.

Doctorate Programs

There are two doctorate level nursing programs at Northeastern University namely Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Doctor of Philosophy in nursing (PhD). The programs take four semesters for fulltime students and four years for part timers. An additional Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study is also available beyond the master degree holders.

Contact:
Northeastern University
360 Huntington Avenue,
Boston, MA 02115

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

Northern Essex Community College Nursing Program Review

Formerly the Greenleaf Elementary school, Northern Essex community college (NECC) opened its doors for higher learning in 1961. Sitting on a 10 acre land in Haverhill, the college is one of the fifteen state-supported community colleges in Massachusetts.  The mission of the college is to serve the community around Merrimack Valley and beyond.  It offers community education programs for adults, post-secondary education in addition to being a two-year public institution of higher learning. It provides high quality education at an extremely affordable cost.

Health Division-Northern Essex Community College

The health division at Northern Essex Community college offers three fully accredited nursing programs. They are approved by the commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and are also accredited by NLNAC. Two of the programs are certificate programs while the third is a two-year associate of science in nursing degree.

Nursing Associate Degree

At Northern Essex community college, the ADN degree builds on a strong foundation of sciences, liberal arts and nursing theory.  It is an entry level degree that eventually equips the students with the skills of as a registered nurse serving in different capacities in health care. The program incorporates a holistic approach to training hence enabling nurses to become counselors in addition to being nurses. Students must complete 70 credit hours as a requirement for graduation excluding practical sessions.  All sessions start in fall semesters are only available as day programs. The outcome of the study is to enable students sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Advanced Placement for LPNs

Additionally, the program accepts advanced placement for LPNs.  Admission into the LPN advanced placement program is criterion based and reapplication is allowed only once. The placement leads to the same degree award as the associate degree.

Practical Nursing Certificate

With this program, students are trained on patient care as an entry option into nursing. By the end of the program, students are able to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam for certification in Massachusetts. A minimum of 47 credits must be taken as a requirement for graduation. It is also possible for the Northern Essex LPN graduates to be offered the chance to take the associate of nursing degree in an advanced placement plan whereby, bridging courses must be taken for successful acceptance into the ADN.

Phlebotomy Certificate

The program trains entry level and RN students on blood drawing techniques.  About 18 credits hours are covered alongside extensive laboratory experience and an externship program at the end.  Completion of the program puts the students in a position to take two different types of exams ie certified phlebotomy technician exam from the National Healthcare Association and the Phlebotomy Technician Exam facilitated by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

Transfer information

Northern Essex Community college does not have any direct articulation agreements with other universities or colleges to enable credit transfer for its students. However, it provides to its students the requirements for credit transfer to other colleges in Massachusetts. In short, it only offers transfer advice and contact information to the colleges in which its students wish to complete a four-year nursing program.

Contact:
Northern Essex Community College
100 Eliot Street,
Haverhill, MA 01830

Quincy College Nursing Program Review

In 1958, following a feasibility study to establish community colleges in Massachusetts, Quincy college came into being.  Five years later, the College moved a notch higher by getting the go-ahead to offer two-year associate degree programs. It started off as a single campus college in Quincy but later expanded and founded a satellite campus at Plymouth, south of Quincy.  Quincy college (QC) offers flexible semesters all the year round, so you do not have to wait for too long to get started off as a student there.

Nursing at Quincy College

The nursing programs at Quincy programs are designed to meet the needs of prospective registered nurses. In total, there are four nursing programs; two certificates and two leading to associate degrees.

Associate Degree in Nursing

The program is an entry level nursing degree which is approved and accredited by Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and NLNAC. Students can choose between the two study schedules available ie the two-year fulltime program or the part-time program which takes a minimum of two and a half academic years. 

During the first semester, students take only the liberal arts credits and start on nursing classes on the second semester. The outcome of the program is to equip the nurse with the capacity to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam after a total of 67 credit hours and clinical sessions are covered.

Advanced Placement –ADN Program

As part of its career mobility commitment, Quincy College offer advanced placement for licensed practical nurses. For eligibility, successful candidates must be holders of current unrestricted LPN licenses for Massachusetts State. The program has two options to choose from; a part time program at both Quincy and Plymouth campuses or a full time option at Quincy campus only.

After the bridging, students are able to complete all the requirements of the program: both theory and practical, in 12 months for the part time and 9 months for the full time. During the bridging program, courses taken can be used to exempt up-to 30 nursing credits from the required 67. At the end of the track, the NCLEX-RN is taken for licensure as a RN.

Practical Nursing Certificate

This program leads to eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure as a practical nurse in Massachusetts. The program can be taken as either a ten-month fulltime day program or an evening part time program which takes approximate two years. Precisely, the program will cover 30 and 20 hours of class and clinical work for the fulltime and part time options respectively culminating to 44 credit hours.

Phlebotomy Certificate

With a total of 15 credit hours, entry level students are trained on blood drawing techniques. However, Quincy College does not provide guarantee for completion of the program in two semesters, since limited lab space can force students to continue for a third semester to take the clinical sessions.

Articulation agreements at Quincy College

Credits can be transferred from Quincy college for a four year nursing degree program at the following colleges:

• Framingham State University
• Massachusetts college of Pharmacy and health sciences
• Emmanuel College

Contact:
Quincy College
24 Saville Avenue,
Quincy, MA 02169

Quinsigamond Community College Nursing Program Review

Since 1963, Quinsigamond community college (QCC) has offered higher education to the community around and beyond Central Massachusetts.  The college tries to reach the community from it its three campuses in Worcester, Upton and Southbridge. It is known to be one of the community colleges with the most affordable college fees in Massachusetts. The programs offered range from two-year associate degrees to shorter certificate programs and non-credit continuing education programs.

Nursing Education- Quinsigamond Community College

In the capacity bestowed to it by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Quinsigamond college offers accredited and approved nursing programs.  There are three associate of nursing degree routes and one certificate of practical nursing.

Nurse Education- Entry Level ADN

This is a two-year nursing program at Quinsigamond which equips future nurse with nursing skills. Students take a combination of liberal arts, general education and nursing courses.  After completion of the program, students are able to sit for the NCLEX-RN. The college has also formed articulation agreements with a number of universities and colleges to allow students have transfer of credits into a four-year BSN. The program is also available in evening and day options.

Career Mobility in Nursing

By embracing career mobility, Quinsigamond community college has two programs in advanced standing placement that leads to the award of the associate of nursing degree.

Advanced Placement LPN to ADN

If a LPN satisfies the admission to the ADN program, then they can be allowed to get the shortened route of becoming a registered nurse. The graduate must be from an accredited LPN program and must have current and unrestricted license for the State of Massachusetts.  The bridging courses given enable the student to benefit from credit exemption from the total required 72 credits.

Classes are offered in evening classes only and just like the entry level ADN, students are able to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. The same accrediting body of the ADN accredits this evening program.

Advanced Placement Paramedic to RN

This is one of the few paramedics to RN programs in Massachusetts. It is offered as an evening option with students covering a total of 73 credit units. Completion of co-requisites is required for entrance eligibility and they are basically known as a paramedic to RN bridge courses. In addition, students must provide prove of a current certification of Paramedics in Massachusetts.  Just like the other two nurse education programs, graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Articulation agreements are available between Quinsigamond Community College and specific colleges and universities in Massachusetts for the three ADN routes.

Practical Nursing Program

The program prepares students for entry level nursing careers as licensed practical nurses.  Course covered fall in the biological, social and nursing sciences totaling to 46 credit hours. There is also extensive practical experience. On a full time basis, the program takes 40 weeks to complete after which, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. Students are then allowed to work in healthcare facilities as practical nurses providing direct care to patients.

Contact:
Quinsigamond Community College
670 West Boylston St, Worcester,
MA 01606

Regis College Nursing Program Review

Regis College (RC) was initially a women’s college until the year 2007 when it was transformed into a co-ed college and started admitting male students. Its history dates back to 1927 when a congregation of catholic faith sisters in Boston founded this institution of higher learning.

Over time, Regis College has advanced from undergraduate college to offering graduate programs and even doctorate programs. However, the catholic roots of Regis College do not deter students from to other faiths to apply for admission, since there is no discrimination against creed at Regis College.

Regis College-Department of Nursing

The department of nursing at Regis is well established and has been offering nursing degrees from 1983. It has a record fifteen nursing programs in total presenting a mixture of undergraduate, master and doctoral programs. It also offers an associate of science in nursing degree. Below is a breakdown of the nursing programs:

Associate of Science in Nursing

This two-year degree program is offered as a collaborative effort between Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Regis.  The collaborative ASN degree allows student to take nursing NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses. There is also a dual admission opportunity whereby, students are able to have immediate admission into the Regis College RN to BSN or MSN career mobility track.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This four-year Bachelor of Science with a concentration in nursing is available as both a fulltime and weekend program.  The weekend program had been initially designed for military RNs but later was made open to non-military students. Graduates of the dual ASN at Regis have a direct transfer into the program without undergoing new application screening. Classes are held at Weston campus and Medford at Lawrence Memorial. As a faith-based college, Regis incorporates holistic nursing as part of the BSN and other nursing curriculum.

Variation in the BSN program is also available at Regis as a part time BS in nursing. It is meant for non-nurse students who want to get their BSN degree in three academic years. At the moment, it is only available for Massachusetts residents.

Graduate Degrees in Nursing

At Regis, graduate nursing degrees take the better part of the nursing department. There are about ten nursing programs under this category:

i)        Accelerated BS/MS – Nurse Practitioner

It is designed for non nurses who want to acquire a nursing education at both the undergraduate and masters’ level concurrently. The program allows students to take the NCLEX-RN exam after 16 months of study and later, move on to taking the masters specialty as a nurse practitioner. Within three years, the student is able to go home with two degrees precisely known as BS/MS- Nurse practitioner degree.

ii)      RN to BS to MS Upward Mobility Program

It is designed for RNS who either hold an ASN or Diploma in nursing. At the end, the student takes home two degrees; the BSN and a MSN in one of the four nurse specialties offered. Students are also free to exit the program at the BSN level.

iii)    Master of Science in Nursing

There are five masters nursing programs at Regis are designed for BSN holders. The nurse specialties offered are:

• MSN-Nurse practitioner
• MSN-Nurse leadership (Health informatics)
• MSN-Nurse leadership (Health administration)
• MSN-Nurse leadership (Regulatory and Clinical Research Management)
• MSN-Acute and critical care clinical nurse specialist.

iv)   Doctor of Nursing Practice

This is was the first doctorate program at Regis College. It is open to MSN holders and is offered as an online, weekend and evening program or a combination of the three.  It takes a minimum of three and a maximum of seven years to complete depending on which mode of study a student chooses.

v)     Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing

At Regis, nurses can enroll for career enrichment via the following three certificate programs:

• Post-Master Certificate – Nursing education
• Post-masters Certificate-Nurse Practitioner
• Certificate in Nursing Leadership

Contact:
Regis College
253 Wellesley Street, Weston
MA 02493

Roxbury Community College Nursing Program Review

Serving the greater area of Roxbury and Boston, Roxbury community college (RCC) is committed to be the college of choice for students seeking open enrollment, those seeking continuing education opportunities and those in pursuit of two-year programs. It is a co-educational institution of higher learning approved to offer associate degrees and certificate programs.

Nursing at Roxbury Community College

Nursing at Roxbury has two accredited and approved programs. The department is approved to offer the nursing programs by the commonwealth of Massachusetts and programs and programs are accredited by the NLNAC. A closer look at the nursing program is given below:

Nursing (AS)

The nursing (AS) degree at Roxbury community college prepares student s to become registered nurses by equipping them with a clinical and nursing theory component. This makes the students to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Generally, the program takes a period of four semesters to complete.

Until the second semester, students are not able to take nursing courses. It is during the first semester that students take general education and math courses. They call this a prep semester and it takes up-to ten of the required credits for graduation. On the subsequent four semesters, students take nursing classes coupled with clinical experience classes. A minimum of 70 credit hours must be fulfilled for as a requirement for graduation, three of which are offered online.

Students can also apply for joint admission program at Framingham State University. This offers the students a direct entry into the RN to BSN program instantly after completion of the associate degree. It is one of the advantages of taking the associate degree program at Roxbury, since a joint program has a smoother transition into a BSN than articulation credit transfer. 

Transfer options are also available for Roxbury students into to the following college and universities:

• Northeastern University
• University of Massachusetts-Boston (For both traditional and online BSN program)
• University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
• Framingham State University
• Simmons College (for a Master of Science in nursing) and
• Emmanuel College
  

Practical Nursing Certificate

For future practical nurses at Roxbury community, the practical nursing certificate program is an ideal idea. The program prepares entry level nursing students to offer basic patient and bedside care. Students take three semesters with a first semester being referred to as a prep semester covering at least 6 credit hours for non- nursing courses. In total, 48 credit hours must be completed before graduation and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. The outcome is the award of the practical nursing certificate that allows for licensure for practice in Massachusetts.

Due to high application numbers of application received, taking and passing of pre-requisite  course does not guarantee one a place at Roxbury community college. Admission is based on space availability only. It is also important to note that the college does not offer articulation agreements for this particular nursing program with other colleges.  Students having this plan in mind must reconsider admission to other colleges having that plan.

Contact:
Roxbury Community College
1234 Columbus Avenue,
Roxbury Crossing
MA 02120

Salem State University Nursing School Review

Salem State University (SSU) was incepted in 1856 and has a century and a half history of bringing higher education to the people of North Shore and the whole of Massachusetts regions. It was started off an exclusive women’s college offering teaching programs. By then, the college was known as Salem normal school but later changed the name to Salem state college after extra non-teaching programs were introduced in the catalog.

Currently, Salem State College is known as Salem State University and is a co-ed public institution of higher learning, offering a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs among them nursing.

School of Nursing at Salem State University

The nursing school at Salem State University caters for the nursing education needs for high school graduates, career advancers and even career shifters. With eight distinct and well structured nursing programs under its mandate, the school strives to offer what most nursing students would require for a better career. Starting from the lowest point, the nursing programs available at Salem state university are:

LPN to BSN

This program enables students to receive six advanced sitting credits for the LPN license. Prerequisites are that the student must have a current Massachusetts LPN license. The credits must however come from a college level experience otherwise, they will not be accepted. Initially, students start off as part time students while taking the general education courses and transfer to the day program only occurs when nursing courses start.  The program awards the student a BSN with the eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

RN to BSN

For RNs wishing to get a BSN, the RN to BSN program is the ideal program at Salem. It is an exclusive part time evening program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. For this particular program, classes are offered at both Salem state and Northern Essex Community college. Selected courses are offered online. Cohorts start at November and March and proceeding for two academic years.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The program takes the traditional four-year baccalaureate format and is designed for entry level students and non nursing degree holders who wish to have a nursing degree. At the end of the program, students sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

MSN

The program takes students from accredited bachelor degree colleges and non nursing degree holders. For the non- nurses, they must pass the National League for Nursing Baccalaureate Achievement Exam.  The program covers 39 credits with two nursing specialties; nurse education and nurse administration.

MSN/MBA

This is a combined degree program that enables registered nurses with experience in management to take two concurrent degrees; the Master of Business Admin and the MS in nursing. The nursing specialty taken is nursing administration

RN to MSN

This is an integrated program designed for RNs who do not hold a BSN but have an RN education from a nationally accredited diploma or associate.  It is important to note that the program does not award two degrees ie BSN and MSN; therefore, students who want to get the two degrees must take additional courses out of this track to be awarded the two degrees concurrently.

Direct Entry MSN

This is a highly tight program that allows non nurses to get a second career in nursing.  After 15 months of full time day, evening and weekend classes, students are expected to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. They must also practice for another six months as RNs before re-instating to continue with the MSN track in either Education, Administrator of Nurse practitioner options.

Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

Advanced practice nurse i.e. those with a minimum of a master level degree are welcome to enroll for this program.

Contact:
Salem State University
352 Lafayette Street,
Salem, MA 01970

Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital Nursing Program Review

Signature Healthcare/Brockton Hospital is a community- based not for profit teaching hospital. Founded in 1896; Signature Healthcare is the largest and one of the oldest inpatient hospital in the greater area of Brockton. It has strong affiliations with Tufts Medical Centre in the providence of both medical services and teaching programs.  It also prides itself to being the only hospital-college in the state of Massachusetts.  The hospital teaching wing was established in 1897, a year after the founding of the hospital.

Brockton Hospital School of Nursing

The Brockton hospital school of nursing is an integral part of the larger Signature Healthcare. The school is a co-ed centre of nurses training offering a bunch of nursing programs in addition to other healthcare programs. Students in the schools of nursing enjoy unlimited access to clinical experience from three hospitals; Signature healthcare, Brockton hospital and Tufts medical centre.

The school has also formed a collegiate affiliation with Fisher College which largely facilitates the teaching of the nursing programs at Brockton.  The relationship is co-operative meaning; student nurses are able to receive lectures from both institutions. The school offers two nursing awards; a diploma in nursing and later advancement to an associate degree in nursing. The program is offered in the following two arrangements.

Day Division in Nursing

The day division nursing program allows students to study for two years in both Fisher College and Brockton hospital nursing school. However, students should note that, about 85% of all the courses in the two years of study are offered at Fisher College with the remaining being taken at Brockton. A total of two years full time study, ie 16 weeks of fall and spring and 8 weeks of summer per year must be taken.

 Completion of the study leads to two concurrent awards; a Diploma in nursing from Brockton Hospital and  an Associate of Nursing degree from Fisher College. Students are then eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination to become licensed registered nurses.

Weekend/Evening Division

This option is designed for learners who wish not to take off time from work. The program also leads to the award of a diploma and associate degree from both Brockton hospital and Fisher College respectively. Unlike the day class that takes two years for completion, evening program students must be ready to devote at least four academic years of study. The curriculum for the evening class is similar to the day only that the classes are done during weekends and evenings.

All evening and day students take their clinical sessions at either Tuft Medical centre or at Brockton Hospital. Precisely, real clinical experience is done with patients at the medical centers while clinical simulation classes are held at Fishers College simulation lab.

It is also important to note that, accreditation for the nursing degrees from Brockton school of nursing are those in use at Fisher College for the Associate and the ones for Brockton for the Diploma in nursing.

Contact:
Signature Healthcare/Brockton Hospital, Inc
680 Centre Street, Brockton,
MA 02302

Simmons College Nursing Program Review

Simmons College (SC) is a private college founded in the late 1890’s. It has a rich history of being the first private college to offer women education in those years when discrimination against women’s education was prevalent. The college is known to have developed a non-discrimination policy against African- American female students in the early 1900’s.

Department of Nursing at Simmons College

Simmons College department of nursing offers comprehensive degrees in the nursing division starting with undergraduate programs to the highest-terminal nursing degrees. The nursing programs under this department have been approved and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.  The programs are presented as:

Pre-licensure Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This program is designed for women students who fall under the ages of 18 and 23 years. It is a full time study plan that takes four-years to complete and as usual, students are then eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Dix Scholar Program

This is designed for previous BA or BS holders from other non-nursing fields.  Normally the program takes two academic years to complete but there is a part time option which takes 3 years. It takes the form of accelerated study hence; lots of commitment must be accorded by the students.

RN to BSN program

This program takes in nurses who have prior experience in the nursing field either diploma or associate degree holders. The program is offered in part time and full time basis and follows the same curriculum as the one for the BSN and admission is via the Dix Scholars Program. Candidates must have an active RN license to be allowed into the program and Completion leads to the NCLEX-RN exam. It is also possible to get credit transfers into the program via the advanced LPN placement route.

Graduate School of Nursing

A number of master’s and doctorate degrees are available at Simmons:

Master of Science: RN to MS

The RN to MS program is a curriculum designed to cater for the needs of Diploma and Associate degree holders who want to become advanced practice nurses. The degree surpasses the need of taking a BSN to a Master in Science with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner. It normally takes 3 to 4 years to complete for fulltime and pastime students respectively.

Dual Degree program:  MS in Society, Human Development and Health

This is a collaborative degree between the Harvard school of public health and Simmons College. The dual degree program is a fulltime nursing program for BSN graduates that award students a MSN-primary health care from Simmons and a MS in Society, Human development and Health from Harvard.

Direct Entry MSN

The advanced nursing practice is meant for students who wish to get into the nursing career and are holders of other non- nursing bachelor’s degrees. At the end of the first portion, usually three semesters, students are able to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become RNs. Graduate studies must them continue immediately for the MSN with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner.  In total, students need to devote three years on a full time basis.

Five year BS-MSN in Nursing

This is a form of an accelerated nursing program that helps nurses become RNs at the BSN level with an immediate continuation for a MSN with a nurse practitioner track. It cuts down the six years usually needed for both programs by taking extra summer classes. However, students must attain a RN license before proceeding to the MSN component.

BSN to MS

It is designed for RNs who already have a BSN. It takes two years to complete for students taking a fulltime option and 3 to 4 years for part time student

Doctor of nursing practice

The doctoral program is offered in a blended format; online and short on-campus residency. The online portion takes the better part of the program with up-to 98 % of the degree being done online.  It is strictly allowed to advanced practice nurses who have had over 5000hrs of practice in the fields of NPs, Certified Nurse Midwife, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Anesthetist. The award is a Doctor of Nursing-Professional Practice Leadership.

Post-Master Certificate-Oncology Nurse Practitioner

The program takes a holistic approach of training nurse practitioners on oncology courses. The NPs are then awarded a certificate of completion in Advanced Graduate Oncology.

Contact:
Simmons College
300 The Fenway, Boston,
MA 022115 

Springfield Technical Community College Nursing Program Review

Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) is devoted to offering and delivering what community colleges are meant for; affordable yet high quality higher education. Since 1967, it has lived to that call as one of the 15 community colleges of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  The community collage located at Armory National Historic Site of Springfield prides itself in being the only technical community college in Massachusetts. It offers comprehensive program from technology to nursing to telecoms.

School of Nursing

The community centered approach to nursing at STCC is that of an interdisciplinary manner whereby, students learn by simulation techniques, and a combination of both nursing and liberal arts courses. The school is approved and accredited to offer programs under its wing by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and the NCNAC. Three nursing programs are offered by the school and are:

Seamless Curriculum ADN to RN to BS in Nursing Program

This is a complex program at STCC that combines three distinct tracks which leads to the award of an associate degree and later to a BSN degree through the UMASS online study. The tracks can be explained as followed:

Track 1

Here, students take the normal entry level/ traditional route into earning the Associate degree. It usually takes two years to complete the program which is available on a full time basis only

Track 2

This is designed for high school graduates who have the intent of taking the RN to BSN track at a later point. Usually students start with some introductory nursing courses during their senior year in high school. Later on, they enroll to Springfield Tech Community College where they take a full curriculum to earn an Associate degree hence becoming RNs after sitting for NCLEX-RN exams. If the NCLEX-RN exam is passed, the student writes a letter of commitment to complete the UMASS-Amherst BSN online program. The latter is completed in one year hence earning the student a BSN degree. It takes the form of a 1+2+1 four-year program of study.

Track 3

This is a part time only associate in nursing degree and due to the part time nature, it takes up-to five years of study.

For STCC students who have taken the track 1 and 2, articulation agreements between STCC and other universities and colleges exist hence, allowing them to transfer their credits to a four-year degree program. The baccalaureate articulations are between STCC and:

• Russell Sage College- New York
• University of Massachusetts-All campuses
• American International College
• Elms College
• Framingham State College

Certified Nurse Aide and CPR Certificate Program

The certificate level training program gives intensive training to entry level nursing students. The program is approved by the Massachusetts Division of Health Care Quality leads to certification  to become a CNA in Massachusetts State in addition to certification in CPR.

Phlebotomy Certificate

This is a relatively short program that is approved by the National Health-career Association. Upon completion, students are issued with a Phlebotomy Technician Certificate and become fully authorized to carry out blood drawing for diagnosis in health care settings.

Contact:
Springfield Technical Community College
One Armory Square, Springfield,
MA 01102

University of Massachusetts Boston Nursing School Review

The University of Massachusetts Boston is one of the five University of Massachusetts campuses. It dates back from the Massachusetts Agricultural College in 1863 when it was changed to the University of Massachusetts in 1947.  The University of Massachusetts Boston was born out of a deliberative vote by the States Legislature to establish a new campus in the area around Boston.

It started offering academic programs in 1974 and is commonly known as UMASS Boston. The college of nursing and Health sciences is one of the eight colleges in UMASS Boston located in a scenic waterfront site near the famous John Kennedy Library.

College of Nursing and Health Sciences-UMASS Boston

The college has remarkably diverse students enrolled via its undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. As a college of a public university, it offers very comprehensive yet affordable nursing programs for students to choose from. It is has collaboration with key players in the healthcare field in Boston to ensure students get the best training and experience through co-operation before they leave campus. Below is a closer look of the programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education at UMASS Boston:

Undergraduate Programs

A total of three accredited and approved undergraduate nursing programs are given at the college of nursing ie

i)        Bachelor of Science in Nursing- Accelerated

This program is designed for non- nursing BS or BA holders with admission being accepted every summer. It requires a lot of commitment as it is offered in a blended mode of learning; online and classroom sessions. It takes a total of fifteen months to complete upon which, a Bachelor of Science degree is awarded and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

ii)      Bachelor of Science in Nursing- Traditional

There is no major difference in the curriculum requirements of the traditional and accelerated BSN. The only difference is that the traditional route to get the BSN take four years to complete and encourages entry level nursing students. The outcome is the same; the award of a BSN degree and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a RN.

iii)    RN to BS- Online

This is an exclusive online nursing program from UMASS Boston College of nursing and health sciences. The Program as the name suggests is designed for registered nurses who may have an associate or diploma in nursing. It builds upon prior nursing experience and reduces the commuting time to campus almost by a 100%.

Graduate programs

At UMASS Boston, three graduate nursing programs are offered under the college of nursing and health sciences. Two of these are master-level programs while one is a doctoral program.

i)        Master of Science in Nursing

Three tracks of the MSN fall under this level and students are required to complete 48 credits for any track chosen. The program is dynamic and courses are taken from both online and classroom sessions. In addition, students are able to choose between full time study which takes two years and part time which takes 3 to four years to complete. Students choose from the following advanced practice nurse tracks:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Acute/Critical Car Clinical nurse Specialist
• Adult/gerontology Nurse Practitioner 

ii)      Nursing MS to DNP-Online

It is also an exclusive online nursing program designed for advanced practice nurses who some substantial experience in advanced practice. It is also available in a part time-online format for which, students takes up-to three years to graduate. Students only visit campus for a number of appearances.

iii)    Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

The PhD in nursing focuses on either Population Health or Health Policy. There are also three post-master certificate programs in nursing offered in the college ie:

• Nurse practitioner Post-Masters certificate
• Clinical nurse Specialist Post- Masters Certificate
• Nurse Educator Graduate certificate

University of Massachusetts Amherst Nursing School Review

University of Massachusetts Amherst was born as one of the five University of Massachusetts education systems emanating from the Massachusetts College of Agriculture. It has its history from 1947 when a campus of the larger UMASS (University of Massachusetts) system was open in Amherst.  It has since grown be a nationally reputed public university with nine schools and colleges offering a diverse array of degrees to the state and beyond.

UMASS Amherst-School of Nursing

The school of nursing at UMASS Amherst is proud to have been given approval and accreditation by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education to offer the following nursing programs:

Undergraduate Programs

i)        Traditional Track BSN

This is a program meant to build a strong foundation for entry level nurses. It is designed to be taken in four years whereby, in the first two years, students take pre-clinical courses only. For the next two years, students fully concentrate on nursing theory and clinical nursing classes. The final year is deeply focused to nursing to enable students prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam. Completion awards the student a BSN degree.

ii)      Second Bachelor BSN Track

For individuals with non- nursing BS or BA degrees, the Second bachelor is their choice in getting into professional nursing. It is a full time-highly accelerated format of the traditional BSN track whose goal is to cover the usual BSN in a condensed and rigorous mode. Just like the BSN, the outcome is eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and the award of a BSN degree.

iii)    RN to BS track

The school of nursing at UMASS Amherst offers the exclusive online RN to BS track for RNs who already have 2-year degree or a diploma in nursing. All courses are completed online and students can arrange for clinical experience at a health care facility of their choice. Campus attendance is done occasionally for evaluation, conferences and orientation.

Graduate Programs

The following three graduate nursing programs are available at UMASS Amherst School of nursing:

i)        Master of Science-Clinical Nurse Leader

The Program; a full time commitment, is designed for BSN graduates. It is has a focus on clinical nurse leader and takes a period of two academic years covering 37 credits.  It is meant to prepare advance practice nurse graduates who are eligible to sit for the CNL from the American Nurse Credentialing Centre.

ii)      Doctor of Nursing Practice

This terminal degree from UMASS Amherst is offered as a distance and online degree. Students are able to take all their courses requirements online and attend their clinical facility of choice for internship and clinical experience. Students are only able to choose from two tracks of concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner or the Public Health Nurse Leader.

iii)    PhD in Nursing

This track prepares nurse scientists, scholars and nursing capable of handling professional practice. It comes in a two offers where, in the first offer, it takes BSN graduates who take 81 credits to graduate and in the second offer, it takes MSN students who require only 57 credits to graduate.

Contact:
University of Massachusetts Amherst
300 Massachusetts Avenue,
Amherst, MA 01003

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Nursing School Review

The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth has a long and complex history dating back into the late 1890’s. The first institution where the current university stands today was a textile school in New Bedford. Numerous development of that school, with change of names, numerous merges with other colleges eventually led to the now UMASS Dartmouth in 1991.

It started offering additional undergraduate degrees to those that had been offered by the former mother colleges and an induction to offer the first PhD in 1994. It forms part of the larger family of the University of Massachusetts (UMass).

College of Nursing-UMASS Dartmouth

The college of nursing is one of eight approved colleges and schools under the umbrella of UMASS Dartmouth.  The school with accreditation from the National League for Accrediting commission offers six programs in the nursing field; three in the undergraduate category and three as graduate level.

Undergraduate Nursing programs- UMASS Dartmouth

i)        Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

Planning to move from a student to a registered nurse, UMASS College of nursing at Dartmouth offers you this option through their BS program. It takes form of a traditional nursing program with students taking classes for four years. A total of 122 credits constitute the curriculum for this program whereby, upon completion, students are able to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and earn a BSN degree. During the first year at Dartmouth, students will take general science and introductory nursing courses. During the second and third years, a clinical experience component will be incorporated into the curriculum. At the final year, each student nurse will be assigned to a RN who will evaluate and guide students through an internship program.

ii)      RN-BS (online)

For RNs who are already in practice, this online baccalaureate program is designed for you.  The curriculum is delivered in an online format and builds on prior nursing experience, hence the strict need for RNs only. It is one of the few degrees in Massachusetts where the teaching dynamics are individualized to meet the needs of program progression for each semester for each student. On a normal basis, the program is designed to go for up-to four semesters.

iii)    RN Refresher Course

This is an independent course designed for RNs who wish to re-enter nursing after long breaks or those who want to be trending nursing profession. The course only focuses on acute and critical care nursing.

Graduate Nursing at UMASS Dartmouth

i)        Master of Science in Nursing

The degree options for this degree are for students to choose from two clinical areas in either of the functional areas are outline bellow:

• Community Health Nurse Educator
• Community health nurse manager
• Adult health nurse educator
• Adult health nurse manager

ii)      Doctor of Nursing Practice

The doctor of nursing practice at UMASS Dartmouth has one of the following tracks from which students can choose from:

• Adult nurse practitioner
• Community health clinical specialist and
• Adult clinical specialist

It is possible for BSN students to take some graduate courses right after graduation with a BSN. The nine courses help the BSN student to become enrolled into the program without having to take the MSN; otherwise, it is designed for advanced practice nurses.

iii)    PhD in Nursing

At UMASS-Dartmouth College of nursing, the terminal degree in nursing; doctor of philosophy in nursing is available. It takes a research focus and experiential learning in the following tracks:

• Scholarship on chronic illness
• Scholarship on leadership in nursing education
• Conduct of research

The curriculum is designed to be taught a period of 4 years on a full time basis. Entrants must have a minimum of a MSN degree to be eligible for admission.

Contact:
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
285 Old Westport Road,
North Dartmouth,
MA 02747

University of Massachusetts Lowell Nursing School Review

University of Massachusetts-Lowell forms part of the larger family of the University of Massachusetts education system. It is a public university committed to offering students high quality education yet at an affordable rate. UMASS Lowell is an outcome of the merging of two colleges to form the University of Lowell. The latter then became part of UMASS (University of Massachusetts) and changed name to UMASS – Lowell in 1991 to offer comprehensive higher education via six colleges.

Department of Nursing at UMASS Lowell

The department of nursing is part of the school of health and environment.  The department is proud to have the oldest Family Nurse Practitioner and Gerontology Master of Science programs in New England.  The school offers thirteen nursing programs; from undergraduate to graduate level programs.

Undergraduate Programs

i)        Nursing for Non-RNs

This is a nursing program in the nursing department that strives to give foundation and strong nurse training to entry level nurse students. It is takes the form of a full time program that constitute 123 credit hours.  Upon graduation, the students are able to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

ii)      Nursing: RN to BS

This is a unique program that enables RNs to take advantage of credit transfer from their RN licenses. A total of 30 credits are received during admission leaving the student with only 45 credits to take at this level. The program is blended to deliver the curriculum in both online and classroom sessions. The program is accredited by the current accrediting body for UMASS Lowell nursing programs; the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Graduate Programs

i)        Master of Science

The masters of Science in nursing program at UMASS Lowell prepares registered nurses to become advanced practice nurses in the following nurse specialties:

• Family health nursing nurse practitioner
• Adult/gerontology nursing-nurse practitioner
• Mental health nursing- nurse practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist

The program is offered in both full time and part time basis with each track requiring 42 credits for completion. On the other hand, students must have a BSN from an accredited nursing program.

ii)      Fast Track Combined BS-MS for RNs

In this program, students who are already RNs and taking the BSN are requested to apply for the combined BSN/MSN degree. Application for this program is done during the junior year or at the start of the final year.  However, the program only admits BSN students who have had some experience working in a real healthcare setting.

iii)    Fast Track Combined BS-MS for Pre-licensure Students

The program is a mirror of the above mentioned fast tracks for RNs. However, this is meant for fresh nursing students who have no prior experience in nursing. The programs differ in that; the latter receive more emphasis on nursing foundation courses.

iv)   PhD in Nursing

The program takes in students who are RNs in Massachusetts State only and holders of MSN degree. The focus is on development of nurse scholars who will take a concentration in Health Promotion option.

v)     Doctor of Nursing Practice

The objectives of this program are to prepare advanced practice nurses who are able to assume high position leadership roles in healthcare. The program comes in a blended online and face to face mode with courses being offered in the evenings and weekends.

Graduate Certificates

There are six post-masters certificates under the UMASS Lowell nursing department namely:

• Graduate certificate in gerontological nursing
• Adult psychiatric & mental health certificate
• Graduate certificate in palliative & end of life nursing care
• Graduate certificate in geropsychiatric nursing
• Sleep & sleep disorders in Health Post master certificate
• Graduate certificate in nursing education

Contact:
University of Massachusetts – Lowell,
3 Solomont Way, Lowell,
MA 01854

University of Massachusetts Worcester Nursing School Review

The University of Massachusetts-Worcester is a public and exclusive graduate medical centre. It is part of the larger family UMASS (University of Massachusetts) campuses. It is a medical training centre dedicated to delivering medical education in the State of Massachusetts and beyond. It is commonly known as the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS, UMass Medical School)

From 1962, it has been doing the same noble job; providing affordable yet high quality medical training to nurses, physicians, and all health care professionals. The University of Massachusetts -Worcester has a great mission of promoting the increase in the number of medical personnel who ultimately work in underserved areas of Massachusetts.

Graduate School of Nursing-UMass-Worcester

The graduate school of nursing opened in 1986, offering graduate degrees in the nursing field. Since the university of Massachusetts-Worcester is an exclusive graduate medical school, undergraduate nursing programs are not offered. Programs range from master, doctoral and graduate certificates. Programs offered by the graduate school of nursing are:

Master Programs Options

i)        Graduate Entry Pathway (GEP)

The GEP is specifically designed to meet the educational needs of non nursing students who hold baccalaureates in fields other than nursing. It is a three year program whose curriculum first leads to RN licensure followed by taking a nursing specialty at the Masters level. During the second year, students take the normal BSN to MSN curriculum only after passing the NCLEX-RN exam of the first year.

ii)      Pre-Master Pathway

This is meant for RNs who hold of a two-year degree or diploma in nursing. Although the program does not offer the student a Bachelors degree after completion, it is a pathway that is followed by students who want to use the credit transfer advantage into pursing a master’s degree. Students who continue with the program to the end will be awarded a MSN degree.

iii)    Traditional MSN Pathway

This route is meant for holders of a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree who want to become advanced practice nurses. It is offered on both part time and full time basis and has the following nursing specialties to choose from:

• MSN-Nurse Educator
• MSN-Adult Acute Care Nurse practitioner
• MSN-Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• MSN-Dual track with gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Post-Masters Certificates

The post masters certificates are meant for advanced graduate nurses who have master degrees in nursing. All the advanced nursing specialties above are available in the certificate program.

Doctoral Programs

Under University of Massachusetts-Worcester graduate nursing school, three distinct terminal level programs are available namely:

i)        BSN to PhD Pathway

The program is designed for BSN students from other universities and UMass-Worcester GEP students. It takes a total of six years to complete and students are made to understand that no masters’ degree is offered in the program, only the PhD.

ii)      Doctor of Nursing Practice

It targets advanced practice nurses who wish to take the terminal nursing degree with concentration on either nurse practitioner or nurse administrator. For the nurse practitioner track, the program allows only MSN-Nurse practitioner students while the Administrator option takes student with any MSN specialty or related degree.

iii)    PhD in Nursing

The PhD in nursing from UMass-Worcester is challenging program and calls for MSN students who are interested to take careers in research, teaching and nursing faculty. Both the DNP and the PhD in nursing are offered on full time basis and students are always encouraged to give-up their jobs as the curriculum is highly demanding.

Contact:
University of Massachusetts Worcester
55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester,
MA 01605

Worcester State University Nursing School Review

Worcester State University  (formerly called Worcester State College) as transitioned through a long journey into its current status. It came from being Worcester’s normal school to Worcester State Teachers College to the current name. The history of the first predecessor school dates back to 1874 but the current Worcester State University (WSU) came into being in 1963. The college was formed after the State Teacher College started offering sciences and liberal arts programs among them nursing.

Nursing at Worcester State College

At Worcester State University, nursing programs are offered from the undergraduate level to the master’s level and are approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.  The nursing programs were started in 1974 and the college prides itself to offer the first BSN program to be accredited by the National League of Nurses and the first in New England. Below is a detailed breakdown of the nursing programs here at Worcester State College:

Undergraduate Programs

At WSU, the undergraduate programs lead to the award of a Bachelor of Science in nursing and they are offered in two distinct but merging tracks namely:

i)        Bachelors of Science in Nursing-Fresh Entrants

This program as the name suggests is designed for entry-level nursing students. It is meant to take the form of the traditional four-year full-time degree.  The BSN takes a holistic approach and is leads to the awards of a BSN degree and eligibility to take the NCLEX_RN exam for licensure as a registered nurse.

ii)      RN to BSN-Transfer Students

This program is designed exclusively for RNs who hold current licensure in the State of Massachusetts. The programs take up to 23 transfer credits from the many colleges it has articulation agreements with. The program takes three semesters to complete. There is also special consideration for the RN to BS student who would wish to get enrolled for an MSN degree at the same college. On this note, students are allowed to take level 500 nursing courses that count towards the MS degree.

The level 500 courses must be completed during the last semester of the RN to BS track. Additionally, interested students must apply for the consideration during the first semester of the RN to BS track.

Master of Science in Nursing

The program takes students who are holders of a BSN or bridging/direct entry students.  The traditional entry that takes two years to complete is the first lot BSN students while the bridging option is followed by those with a non-nursing degree. There is also a third aforementioned program under the master’s level. This allows registered nurses with either a diploma or associate degree to enroll for a master’s program. It is called the fast track RN to MS and awards the Master’s degree only and not both the BSM and MSN.

All master level students at Worcester state college are able to choose from the following two nursing specialties:

• Master of Science in nursing-Nurse Educator
• Master of Science in nursing-Community and Public Health Nursing

The program is dynamic and flexible as it blends both face to face classroom instruction and online learning.

Contact:
Worcester State University
486 Chandler St  Worcester,
MA 01602

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