Southern Maine Community College Nursing Program Review

Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) began as a day school located in Augusta for returning World War II veterans in 1946. It was called Maine Vocational Technical Institute. It was moved from Augusta to South Portland in 1952, and was renamed Southern Maine Vocational Institute. The name changed again in 1989 to Southern Maine Technical College, and to its existing name in 1999.

The main campus is in Portland, Maine’s largest city, and has a view of Casco Bay. SMCC also has the Midcoast Campus in Brunswick, the Bath Campus, multiple off-campus locations, and offers courses online. Almost 7500 students enroll at SMCC each semester, and the student to faculty ratio is 19 to 1. The College offers over 45 degree programs. Many programs have articulation agreements with area four-year institutions, making it easy for students to transfer after graduation.

Nursing Programs

Associate in Science (AS) Degree in Nursing

This program is for students who wish to begin their professional nursing career, and become licensed as Registered Nurses (RNs). This program is four semesters long after the completion of prerequisite classes. Graduates earn an associate degree and are then eligible to sit for the state licensing exam.

This program is highly competitive. Because of this, SMCC will only accept applications from Maine residents. Students wishing to apply to this program must take the Accuplacer tests for algebra, arithmetic, writing, and reading, or be exempt. They must have a high school diploma or equivalent, attend a mandatory information session, and have a GPA of at least 2.5 in all prerequisite classes. They must also take the Nursing Pre-Admission Exam.

The prerequisites of this program are Anatomy and Physiology I with lab, English Composition, and Dosage Calculations.

Students in the nursing program must earn a grade of C or higher in all nursing classes to be able to progress to the next class. They are allowed to repeat one course if necessary to meet that grade requirement.

The AS in Nursing program has been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, and approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing.

AS in Nursing, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Upgrade Option

This program is for LPNs who wish to continue their education and earn an AS degree. The LPN Upgrade option is open to out of state students.

Students in this program must meet the same entrance requirements as the AS degree program. When they do, they may get permission from the Nursing Department Chair to enroll in the Transition to the ADN Role course. Once they complete this course, they may enroll in Nursing II. Qualified LPN students are exempt from having to take Nursing I.

Continuing Studies

The Continuing Studies department at SMCC offers a variety of courses designed for healthcare workers at all levels of their careers. These courses have both a classroom and a clinical component, so students may gain the skills needed to provide high levels of patient care.

Some of the courses offered include Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Phlebotomy.

Students may register for these courses through the Continuing Studies office.

Contact:
Southern Maine Community College
2 Fort Road,
South Portland, ME 04106

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