Nursing, A.S.

Overview

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Introduction to Nursing

The Nursing program is for Registered Nurse (RN) training to prepare you to provide direct care to patients in acute care, long-term care and other structured healthcare settings. The program consists of science, general education and nursing courses. Nursing courses include classroom, simulation lab and clinical experiences. Learning experiences and clinical practicum may vary in time and in location and may include days, evenings and/or weekends.

Classroom and clinical components of the nursing courses must be completed concurrently and within four years from the date of entry into the first nursing course. Upon successful completion of the program, you are eligible to apply to the NH Board of Nursing (NHBON) for the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).  

Degree & Certificate Options

DEGREES

The Nursing degree program offers the following Associate of Science degree:

• Nursing (A.S.)

DEGREE PARTNER PATHWAYS – RN to BSN

In addition to the degree program, the MCC Nursing Department has several transfer partnerships with regional colleges, universities and hospitals to help you efficiently and cost-effectively earn a BSN after becoming an RN.

For more about these partnerships, and how it benefits you to choose one of these learning pathways, see the RN to BSN tab above.

Accreditation

The Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON). For full accreditation information see the Curriculum tab above.

Program Goals

The mission of the nursing program is to provide high-quality education and clinical evidence-based practice which enables you to achieve career and life goals through the application of knowledge, judgment and skills necessary to practice as a registered nurse.

Learn more about the benefits of MCC’s Nursing degree.

Admissions

Selection Criteria

Admission to the nursing program is competitive. Selection is determined by a cumulative point system that is based on applicable college courses and grades, and the ATI TEAS scores (see “Exam” tab). Special consideration points are given to you if you have completed Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II prior to the February 1st deadline with a grade of “C” or better within the past eight years from the time of acceptance, and if you have taken your co-requisite and pre-requisite courses at Manchester Community College.

If you qualify but are not accepted during the selection process, you may be assigned to a prioritized waiting list based on the above criteria. You may be subsequently admitted if an opening becomes available prior to the beginning of the fall semester. The waiting list will be discarded six weeks prior to classes beginning. If you still desire admission you must reapply for the following year.

Admission Requirements

In an effort to provide you with the most current and comprehensive information about our programs, prospective nursing students must attend a Nursing Information Session as part of application requirements. Applicants who attend receive specific nursing application materials and step-by-step submission instructions for priority processing. If you have attended an info session within the last two years, you are responsible for meeting current admission requirements. Dates and times for information sessions can be found on the Information Sessions page.

Your completed nursing program application must be submitted by February 1st to be considered for priority acceptance. Applications that are received between February 1st and March 15th will be reviewed for consideration if spots remain available in the incoming class. Submission of a completed application is your responsibility. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

You must complete the college admission requirements and provide documentation of the following criteria for admission consideration:

• Attend a mandatory Nursing Information Session.
• Complete an application for the program (see sidebar).
• Provide proof of satisfactory completion of high school Algebra with a grade of C or better. Anatomy and Physiology I requires high school Biology and high school Chemistry. If your transcript indicates a numerical grade point average with no grade equivalent, a minimum of 73.33 is required.
• Provide a personal statement.
• Complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) of Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) with a Total Score of 66% or better (see the “Exams” tab above). The TEAS Test evaluates the academic ability of prospective RN students. You are permitted to take this test three times in a calendar year but must wait at least  four weeks between attempts. Test scores are valid for a period of two years. See www.atitesting.com for information about preparing for the test.

NLN NACE I Foundation of Nursing Entrance Exam 

LPN to RN Option

Prospective students must attend an LPN to RN Nursing Information Session. If you have attended an Info Session within the last two years, you are responsible for meeting current admission requirements. A & P II, Human Growth and Development and Microbiology must be completed by May 15th.

You must be a currently licensed LPN and successfully complete the NLN Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) I: Foundations of Nursing (see the “Exams” tab above) with a required overall percent correct score of 70% or better.

Test scores are valid for a period of 12 months prior to application deadline. Applications and required documents must be completed by January 15th to be considered for acceptance in the Hybrid course. An interview will then be arranged with the Director of Nursing and nursing faculty.

RN to BSN Options

An RN to BSN pathway option is available through the MCC Nursing program. For information, please refer to the RN to BSN tab above.

Upon Acceptance

It is understood that acceptance is conditional upon submission of satisfactory evidence in the form of the following documents no later than four weeks prior to the beginning of the semester:

• Submit a report of a current (within 1 year prior to beginning first Nursing course) physical examination, including required health screening and all immunizations/titers (as indicated on the physical examination form).
• Possess and maintain personal health insurance. When enrolled in the nursing program, you must notify the Director of any changes with healthcare coverage.
• Possess and maintain professional liability insurance. This professional liability insurance coverage is an annual fee through MCC.
• Acquire and maintain certification in BLS for Healthcare Providers.
• Complete a criminal background check (through college’s approved vendor) with satisfactory results (cost to be incurred by student). MCC’s background check is due within 21 days after attending the mandatory nursing program orientation. All students will repeat the NH State Police criminal background check prior to their senior year.
• Complete drug testing through college’s approved vendor. You may also be required to provide an additional criminal background check and drug testing throughout the course of the program based on clinical facility requirements.

Readmission Policy

If you matriculate in the Nursing program but withdraw or do not achieve the required minimum grade in the Nursing or science courses and are not able to continue in the program you may be eligible for readmission consideration. You may be readmitted to the Nursing program one time only. Readmissions are contingent upon space availability. When you are applying for readmission you will be required to meet the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of readmission. In order to be reconsidered for admission, you must meet with the Director of the Department of Nursing and follow these steps:

• Readmission for NURS111M:
  • Request opportunity to reapply
• Readmission for NURS112M, 211M and 212M:
  • Outline the reason(s) you were unable to continue in the program and your plan for successful completion of the program.
  • Submit a written dated letter requesting readmission to the Director of the Department of Nursing and identify which Nursing course you are requesting readmission for.

If you have failed a Nursing course because of unsafe practice involving actions or non-actions, you may or may not be eligible for readmission to the Nursing program.

Curriculum

Accreditation

The Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON). Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to apply to the NHBON for the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). MCC’s NCLEX pass rates can be viewed at www.oplc.nh.gov. The NHBON’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 NH Board of Nursing
  121 South Fruit Street
  Concord, NH 03301
  603-271-2323

Questions about the status of accreditation for the Nursing program should be addressed to:

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
  3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
  Atlanta, Georgia 30326
  Phone: (404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate nursing program is continuing accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm

Admission Requirements

This program has a number of admission requirements. Please see the Admissions tab (above) for details.

Technical Standards

• Sufficient hearing to assess patient needs and to understand instructions, emergency signals and telephone conversations.
• Sufficient visual acuity to observe patients, manipulate equipment, and interpret data; visual acuity sufficient to ensure a safe environment; identify color changes, read fine print/writing and calibrations.
• Sufficient speech and language ability to express, comprehend and exchange information and ideas verbally and non-verbally and to interact clearly and logically with patients, family members, physicians, peers and other medical personnel.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions, respond appropriately in emergencies or unexpected situations and to cope with variations in workload and stress levels.
• Sufficient strength and motor coordination to perform the following physical activities: manual dexterity to operate and handle equipment, moving and transfer of patients; and performing CPR.

More about MCC’s simulation lab training here:

Incoming Transfer Policy

In addition to specific nursing course transfer policies noted above, and other MCC transfer credit policies, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II and Microbiology must be taken no more than 8 years prior to the semester of entry into the Nursing program.

TRANSFER INTO NURS112M

Transfer into NURS112M is an option only if there is space available in the program. Returning MCC nursing students and LPN-RN candidates have priority. Space availability is usually determined early December. To be considered for transfer from another nursing program, you must:

• Have permission of the Director of Nursing.
• Have successfully completed (as defined by the home institution for progression in the nursing program) a Nursing Fundamentals course within the past 2 years.
• Successfully complete the ATI Fundamentals exam with a Level 2 or better.

Transfer students accepted into NURS112M must attend Nursing Process Seminar prior to the start of NURS112M and must have completed all prerequisite coursework by examination or transfer credit.

Program Continuation Standards

Students admitted into the Nursing program must take nursing courses in sequence and must achieve a minimum grade of “C” (73.33) in all major theory and science courses (Nursing, Anatomy and Physiology I and II and Microbiology) and a grade of “Pass” in clinical courses in order to continue in the program.

Curriculum: Required Courses

NOTE: Students who wish to continue their education toward the Bachelor or Master of Science in Nursing degrees are encouraged to complete MATH202M as the mathematics requirement.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, you are eligible to apply to the NH Board of Nursing (NHBON) for the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Acquired Skills

Graduates of the Nursing degree program will be able to:

• Identify, integrate and evaluate current evidence, with consideration of patient preferences, and apply clinical reasoning to practice nursing safely and competently.
• Provide respectful, culturally appropriate patient-centered care to diverse populations by partnering with patient and family members to empower participation in shared decision-making.
• Demonstrate open communication, shared responsibility and mutual respect as a member of the nursing and interprofessional team, to promote quality patient care.
• Implement interventions based on legal and ethical obligations to mitigate the risk of harm related to individuals, organizations and the community.
• Utilize clinical reasoning and critical thinking within the discipline’s legal and ethical framework to create a culture of safety that prevents the risk of harm.
• Demonstrate proficiency in technology and application of nursing informatics to enhance, deliver, communicate, integrate and coordinate patient care.

Employment Opportunities

After earning your degree, passing your exams and becoming an RN or BSN you may find employment as an:

• Acute Care Nurse
• Critical Care Nurse
• Licensed Practical Nurse
• Geriatric Nurse
• Informatics Nurse
• Occupational Health Nurse
• Oncology Nurse
• Public Health Nurse
• Surgical Assistant
• Travel Nurse

Potential Salary*

There is a wide range of jobs in the nursing industry. See below for the average annual salary range in central NH for an Registered Nurse (RN).

*Career Coach 2024; Go to mccnh.lightcastcc.com for more.

RN to BSN Pathways

MCC’s Nursing program maintains articulation agreements (pre-existing degree pathways) with several other New Hampshire colleges and universities for Nursing graduates. After receiving your ASN (Associate of Science in Nursing) and becoming a licensed RN, you may choose one of these efficient and affordable pathways to earn your BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing).

The following RN to BSN pathway agreements include tuition discounts and the acceptance of up to 90 transfer credits!

• Colby-Sawyer College RN to BSN
• Franklin Pierce University RN to BSN
• UNH College of Professional Studies RN to BSN
• Rivier University RN to BSN
• Southern New Hampshire University RN to BSN

Refer to the “RN to BSN” tab to learn more about this cost-effective option.

Licensure Options

Prior to meeting all program course requirements, matriculated nursing students may be eligible to apply to the NHBON for additional licensure after successful completion (defined as achieving a minimum course grade of “C”) of the following nursing courses:

• Nursing I – Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)
• Nursing III – Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Outgoing Transfer Opportunities

The MCC Nursing program holds formal articulation (transfer) agreements with these colleges and universities:

• Chamberlain University
• Colby Sawyer College
• Emmanuel College
• Endicott College
• Franklin Pierce University
• Purdue University
• Rivier University
• Salve Regina University
• Southern New Hampshire University
• UNH College of Professional Studies
• Walden University

RN to BSN

BSN Nursing Partnerships 

Over the years MCC has developed partnerships with other NH colleges and universities to offer our ASN (Associate of Science in Nursing) RN graduates the opportunity to continue their education in timely manner. These partnership pathways provides a convenient and cost-saving way to earn your BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree.

RN to BSN – Franklin Pierce University

The partnership pathway between MCC and Franklin Pierce University (FPU) will allow you to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) from FPU one year after earning your Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN) from MCC.

Elliot Health System in Manchester is a key partner in this pathway. Students in the Pathway for NH’s Future Nurses will do a clinical preceptorship at Elliot Hospital while in their third year at MCC. Accepted students will take courses that meet the requirements of both colleges during their program at MCC, and during their final year in the MCC Nursing program they will take online nursing courses at FPU. After earning their ASN, students are then eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Upon completion of the FPU nursing curriculum students will graduate with a BSN.

Tuition for NH nursing students is $250 per credit. If a student is an employee of a partner organization, they will receive an additional 20% discount on tuition ($200 per credit). Contact the FPU Enrollment Office for participating partner organizations.

HOW IT WORKS

• Complete an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing at Manchester Community College. (Don’t know where to start? Take a look at the Admission Requirements.)
• Complete the FPU Application (no application fee).
• Follow the FPU – MCC Curriculum Guide.pdf taking FPU online nursing courses in final year at MCC.
• Complete ASN degree.
• Pass the NCLEX-RN.
• Complete FPU program requirements and graduate with a BSN.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Students can transfer up to 90 credits to Franklin Pierce University. Taking the 30 nursing curriculum credits will bring the total credits to 120 which is the minimum required for a bachelor’s degree.

• Contact the FPU Enrollment Office for a free consultation and evaluation of your transfer credits.
• Go to FPU Nursing Programs to learn more about FPU Nursing.

RN to BSN Pathway at SNHU

The partnership between Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and Manchester Community College creates a transfer friendly, affordable pathway for nursing graduates to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree along with a tuition savings specifically for the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH). Students may apply for dual enrollment to SNHU while also enrolled at Manchester Community College.

HOW IT WORKS

• Begin your Associate of Science Degree in Nursing at Manchester Community College. (Don’t know where to start? View the Admissions Requirements below.)
• Fill out the Dual Enrollment Application (PDF). Note: Dual enrollment applies to non-nursing (NUR) courses.
• Complete the online SNHU degree program Online Application. (must click YES on licensure requirement although not yet received). Receive course approval and preliminary transfer credit evaluation.
• Begin course work with SNHU while enrolled at Manchester Community College (optional)
• Pass the Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN).
• Hold an active, unrestricted RN license and be in good standing with the Board of Nursing.
• For more information, contact:
  SNHU Office of Admissions or
  Cindie Sylvester, [email protected] or (603) 665-7307

BENEFITS & OUTCOMES

Students will earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern New Hampshire University that is affordable, and transferring is seamless! See the SNHU Online Nursing Degree for specific details.

SNHU accepts up to 90 credits, which will give you the opportunity to finish your BSN in a timely manner. Learn more information about the SNHU partnership at MCC Transfer Partnerships with SNHU.

When applying to SNHU, please let the admission advisor know you are a NH Community College Student or Alumni

RN to BSN – UNH College of Professional Studies

The partnership between UNH College of Professional Studies and the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) creates a streamlined, affordable pathway for nursing graduates to earn their Bachelor of Science Nursing degree at the same cost per credit as community college tuition: $215 per credit.

HOW IT WORKS

• Complete an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing at Manchester Community College. (Don’t know where to start? View the Admissions Requirements below.)
• Complete the Opt-in Form (PPF) (FAQ available on the CCSNH website) and the online Granite State College application.
• Pass the Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN).
• Hold an active, unrestricted RN license and be in good standing with the Board of Nursing.
• For more information, contact the Office of Admissions.

WHAT’S THE OUTCOME?

Students will earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UNH College of Professional Studies on a community college budget. By taking this RN to BSN Public Nursing Pathway you’ll start by earning an Associate in Nursing at Manchester Community College and end by receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Over three years at MCC, students will complete a total of 90 credits to complete this RN to BSN option.

3RD YEAR – RN to BSN CURRICULUM / UNH-CFPS