The faculty of the Nashua Community College Nursing Program, believe that nursing is a journey and we are excited that you have chosen to take your first step at NCC to facilitate your education of the next generation of nurses.
Why Study Nursing Here?
Our career experienced faculty will nurture and empower the student’s development through a comprehensive classroom instruction, in-depth scenarios in a state-of-the-art simulation lab and purposeful clinical placements that allow for theory and practice to be integrated for optimal learning. All this is done in a small class size of 32 students, which allows for personalized attention that larger program cannot provide.
Career Options
Our graduates, Registered Nurses work in various settings and have many career pathways they can follow. Our graduates are working in areas such as the emergency room, intensive care units, medical-surgical, cancer care, pediatrics, labor and delivery, home care, hospice, administration, school nursing, mental health, long-term care and as a travel nurse. Some of our graduates have become practitioners specializing in adult-geriatric, family or mental health. Or, return to NCC and become nurse educators.
Prior to meeting all program course requirements, the matriculated nursing student may be eligible to apply to the NHBON for additional licensure after successful completion of the following nursing course:
| NURS125N :Apply for additional licensure as a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) |
Related Programs
Pre-Nursing Program
Health Sciences
Health Science students that successfully complete the sequence of courses below, maintain at least a 2.8 CGPA, as well as acceptable TEAS scores (must be completed prior to the March application deadline) and references and all other nursing admission requirements, will be given priority for acceptance to the nursing program.
Minimum grades of C+ are required for science and Psychology courses.
# of Credits Minimum of 60 credits
Fall Semester
Anatomy & Physiology 1
College Composition
Introduction to Psychology
Winter session
Public Speaking
Spring Semester
Anatomy & Physiology II
Statistics
Human Growth & Development
Summer turbo term
Humanities elective
Summer Semester
Medical Microbiology
Requirements
Admission Requirements
In an effort to provide you with the most current information about our nursing program, you must first attend a Nursing Information Session. Then provide documentation of the following criteria for admission consideration;
- Complete and submit application for the nursing program
- Provide an official copy of prior college transcripts if seeking transfer credit.
- Complete Anatomy & Physiology I and Introduction to Psychology with a C+ or higher, no more than five years prior to starting the first nursing course.
- Two professional references on the official form provided by the college
- Pre-admission examination: Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI). The TEAS must be taken within two years prior to the start of the first nursing course.
- Ability to meet the Health, Character, and Technical Standards for the ASN program.
Transfer Students who have been enrolled in a nursing program within the past five years may have the opportunity to transfer into the ASN program at NCC on a space-available basis. Science and Nurisng credits must be no more than five years old prior to beginning the first NCC nursing course, with a minimum grade of C+. Applicants must submit a letter of reference from the director of the nursing program at the previous school. Transfer students must first meet with the Department Chair of the Nursing Program, Lisa Gray prior to signing up for the ATI Fundamentals Proctored Exam. Once a transfer student meets with the Department Chair of the Nursing program, the student should sign up to take the ATI Fundamentals Proctored Exam and an assessment of the student’s clinical skills will be assessed. These students must also meet all admission requirements above.
Advanced Placement for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) may have the opportunity to transfer into the ASN program with advance standing in the spring semester of the first year on a space available basis. A student must be a currently LPN and successfully completed the NLN Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) I: Foundation of Nursing with a required overall percent correct score of 74% or better within the past two years in order to be granted credit for NURS125N. These students must also meet all admission requirements above.
Acceptance is conditional based on the submission of satisfactory evidence in the following documents:
- Physical exam
- Two-step Mantour test*
- Titers for MMR, varicella, Hepatitis B
- Immunization for Tdap and the Flu vaccine
- Possess and maintain personal health insurance
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR at the healthcare provider level
- Criminal Background check*
- Drug test*
- COVID-19 vaccination: Although the Nursing program is not requiring proof of vaccination for acceptance, some of our partner agencies have policies that require students to have received the complete series of COVID-19 vaccinations. Some agencies will allow medical and religious exemptions, but others will not.
*Students will repeat the criminal background check, TB and drug testing every year.
Students admitted into the nursing program must take nursing course in sequence and must achieve a minimum grade of a C+ (77 ) in all nursing theory and science courses and a grade of “Pass” in clinical course in order to continue in the program. All nursing courses must be completed within five years from the date of entry into the first nursing course.
Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Our graduates first time pass rate on the NCLEX licensing exam exceeds the national average.
ACEN Accreditation
The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Nashua Community College meets the state education requirements for a Registered Nurse license in the states of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Nashua Community College has not determined if the associate degree nursing program at Nashua Community College meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia. Please contact the state regulatory agency for nursing in any other state for which this information is needed.
The Associate Degree Nursing Program is approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON). Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to apply to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON) and Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Services for the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).The New Hampshire Board of Nursing’s licensing regulations may restrict candidates who have been involved in civil or criminal legal proceedings. Questions about licensing restrictions should be addressed to the: New Hampshire Board of Nursing via email at [email protected].nh.gov, or calling (603) 271-2151 NHBON Office of Professional Licensure & Certification, 7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301.
The associate degree nursing program at Nashua Community College located in Nashua, NH is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN);
3390 Peachtree Road NE
Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
- 404.975.5000
- 404.975.5020
Website: www.acenursing.org
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate degree nursing program is Continuing Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at:
http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
Licensure
Statistic/Highlight |
| Program Outcomes | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
| Number of Graduates | 19 | 11 | 20 | 20 |
| Program Completion | 78% | 73% | 80% | 80% |
| RN Licensure | 100% | 82% | 100% | 90% |
| Employment at 6 months | 95% | 100% | 95% | 95% |
Goals/Outcomes
End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes |
1. Provide safe individualized nursing care to diverse patients, families, and groups by integrating the nursing process, evidence-based practices, and principles of education across the levels of prevention. 2. Practice collaboratively on the multi-disciplinary health care team using principles of teamwork, leadership, and conflict management to achieve shared goals. 3. Select appropriate evidence from professional data bases to make informed clinical decisions that promote safe and effective patient care. 4. Use health care system resources and technology to evaluate and improve the quality of nursing care to patients, families, and communities. 5. Communicate effectively with patients and the health care team using written, verbal, nonverbal, and electronic modalities. 6. Demonstrate accountability for professional nursing practice that reflects legal, ethical, and regulatory guidelines. Approved by Faculty May 12, 2021 |
Highlight
Terri, Nursing, Class of 2017
In a few short years, Terri-Lynn Krol BSN, RN, went from being an LPN to a student in a Masters in the Science of Nursing program working toward her Family Nurse Practitioners license.
“The foundation for education that NCC gave me, along with the study habits and commitment to my education, has assisted me in achieving all of these amazing accomplishments,” said Terri.
As an LPN, Terri moved to New Hampshire from New York and began to look for a way to continue her nursing education. While at work, she met a team of students from NCC.
“I thought the students had incredible knowledge and they all seemed very pleased with their choice in education from NCC.”
She had toured other nursing programs in the area, and hadn’t found the right fit yet. “I stopped in at NCC without an appointment on my way home from work one day. There was this amazing individual that actually took the time to show me around the campus, to include the science building and nursing wing. The impact that kindness had on me was profound, so I went to NCC and began the process of enrollment.”
Aside from the supportive enrollment process, the affordability was another plus. “I began taking all my prerequisites and realized I was receiving an amazing education for far less money that some of my peers were getting at other programs. I am still completely satisfied with the decision I made to attend NCC to further my education in the profession of nursing.”
Nursing at NCC
“The nursing program is not an easy program; you have to truly commit to endless hours of studying while juggling your class schedule and clinical time,” said Terri. “The program at NCC has incredible structure, support, and the knowledge of the professors was outstanding.”
The curriculum is rigorous and demanding, but faculty and peers are there to help. “The amount of curriculum you have to learn – not memorize – and completely understand is overwhelming. The way this material was presented was truly a saving grace,” she said.
The Nursing program holds students to a professional level in class and while performing their clinical hours at healthcare facilities in the area. However, faculty always made time for a student that struggled in a topic, needed time in the lab, required time to go over a test, or just needed someone to listen and support them, she said, “You really felt like part of a special family that cared for their own and supported you any way that they could. As an older student, there was no difference in the treatment or opportunities.”
Students must also balance their home life, work, and nursing school. “Putting school before every other aspect in my life took some time to have the courage to do, but the reward of receiving that diploma and passing the boards was well worth all the sacrifices I had to make.”
However, she said the NCLEX presented the biggest hurdle. “The most challenging part of nursing school is surviving the exam in which every answer is correct, but there is only one best answer.”
After NCC
After graduating NCC in 2017, Terri worked in an acute hospital specializing in the rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury, traumatic spinal cord injury, strokes, amputations, and any other area of rehabilitation at an acute level. She is now a Clinical Leader/Supervisor of the unit, having served in the same network since graduation.
“I have gone onto attain my Bachelor’s Degree in the Science of Nursing from Capella University and was honored to be accepted at Simmons University to complete my Masters in the Science of Nursing and obtain my Family Nurse Practitioners license.”
Terri’s Advice for Future Nursing Students
Education must be your top priority. “Nursing is a tough profession that requires dedication, commitment, passion, understanding, flexibility, and pure love. Take the commitment to excellence, learn as much as you can learn, pay attention to the art of nursing while doing your clinical hours, and never give up on your dreams.”
Beyond memorizing the material to pass the exam, put the material to use. “The education you get while attending NCC is a product of what you put into it. Give your education 100 percent effort and you will reap some amazing benefits from the hard work and dedication you put in.”
While passing the boards is important, the most critical goal is becoming the nurse you would want to take care of your loved ones.
“Be that nurse that gives everything they have to provide the best care possible to the patient, facility, family, and coworkers.”
Team up with your classmates. “They are also going through what you are. Form a study group with others and be sure the group works for your needs as well as theirs.”
Get involved. “Get involved in activities at NCC, like the student senate, no matter your age. I had the most memorable and meaningful experiences with the senate that I am so very thankful for.”
Trust in your professors. “They want you to succeed as much as you want yourself to succeed. Do not be afraid to ask for help.”
Jared Caron, RN, AMB-BC. NCC Nursing Class of 2013
Nurse Educator, Chair – Quality Clinical Team, Foundation Medical Partners
Jared had his sights set on a career in nursing since high school, and is now a nurse educator training clinical staff across the southern area of New Hampshire. However, it was a long road with a lot of hard work.
After researching affordable, high-performing nursing programs, he applied to all the community college programs in New Hampshire. Jared enrolled in general education courses at Nashua Community College to prepare, and was accepted by NCC first.
At this point, he already had experience behind him. “I had taken classes to be a nurse’s assistant and had been working in that role for about a year and a half by the time I was accepted to the nursing program,” he said.
Life in the NCC Nursing Program
Known for its rigor, Jared said the hardest part of the program was keeping up with the workload. “The nursing courses are nothing like other college courses,” Jared said. “Once you start the nursing courses and clinical rotations, the pace is fast, and the workload is intense. The secret was really engaging with the faculty and fellow students, learning as a community, and most importantly unhooking from the grades. Pass the class with the required average, and keep going, the learning will take care of itself as long as you stay engaged.”
Jared described the capstone project, which presented a major challenge in developing leadership and collaboration skills. The project required 30 students to organize and deliver a community health-education service, and Jared was one of 3 elected to organize it. The group worked tirelessly, but had to navigate a major last-minute complication.
“The night before the event, I got a call at 2am from one of the other students, who told me our main speaker had just cancelled, which was about 2 hours of our 3 hour program,” Jared said. Jared then sprang into action and threw together a last-minute presentation, recruiting a faculty member to join the program as a speaker.
“I was really proud of everyone involved because it was a test of our resilience and abilities individually and as a group,” Jared said. “
I did not fully appreciate how relevant that assignment would become in my career, but I have applied those skills in every role I’ve been in since then. Nursing is not just taking care of patients. It’s also leadership both at the bedside and in board rooms.”
After NCC
Jared found a job as a float nurse for Foundation Medical Partners and loved it. Foundation Medical Partners is an outpatient service affiliated with Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. The organization covers a broad service area in Southern New Hampshire from Pelham to Milford and up to Merrimack, as well as Pepperell, Massachusetts. Jared then grew into a leadership role with Foundation Medical Partners and serves as a nurse educator, training and educating clinical staff.
“We deal with new hires, continuing education, and skills training in a lot of different formats,” Jared said, noting he also supports quality assurance for the team. He also became board certified in ambulatory care nursing.
In February 2021, Jared shared an update; “I am in a new role in Quality & Safety. The role is really about promoting excellent clinical outcomes and preventing safety issues in patient care. We analyze unexpected events, develop new and improved processes, and measure results to advocate for improved care. It’s a good example of the diversity of roles that a nursing education can help prepare you for.”
Advice for Prospective Students
“While you take your prerequisite courses, work hard to learn how you learn, and understand yourself,” Jared said. “Don’t expect the textbooks and lectures to teach you what you need to know. You will have to manipulate, synthesize, and make connections with the information, so find ways to do that and take ownership of your learning.”
Lastly, Jared encouraged students to trust the faculty. “By the end they will feel like family, so reach out early and often.”
Options
The NCC Nursing program maintains articulation agreements with colleges so students can continue their education to ear a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Nursing. Our articulation agreements include but are not limited to:
Colby-Sawyer College
Franklin Pierce University
Granite State college
Rivier University
Southern New Hampshire University
of Study
Course Sequencing
Entry to Program
First Year – Fall Semester
First Year – Spring Semester
Second Year – Fall Semester
Second Year – Spring Semester
Health Sciences and ServicesContact us
Lisa Gray
Department Director/Chair
Health Sciences and Services (Nursing)
Contact Admissions:
(603) 578.8908
[email protected]
