Nursing

The Mission of the Department of Nursing at Nashua Community College (NCC) is to provide an inclusive program for students to earn an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing. The program will offer preparation to take the licensing exam (NCLEX-RN) to become Registered Nurses, for employment in entry-level positions in nursing, and for further education and professional development.

The faculty and staff of Nashua Community College and its Nursing Program are facilitating the education of the next generation of nurses. Our career-experienced faculty supports the student’s development through comprehensive classroom instruction, in-depth scenarios in a state-of-the-art simulation lab, and purposeful clinical placements that integrate theory and practice for optimal learning. In addition to reinforcing ethical, professional, caring, and compassionate behavior, the nursing program prepares students to provide patient care in various healthcare settings. All this is done in a small class size, which allows for personalized attention that larger programs cannot offer. Students who complete the nursing program can apply to the NH Board of Nursing (NHBON) for the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Completion of the nursing program does not guarantee passing the NCLEX Boards.

To provide you with the most current and comprehensive information about our program, prospective nursing students must attend a Nursing Information Session as part of the application requirements Applicants who attend receive specific nursing application materials and step-by-step submission instructions for applying to the nursing program. Applicants who have participated in an information session within the last two years are responsible for meeting current admission requirements.  Dates and times for information sessions can be found online at www.nashuacc.edu/ admissions/ information-sessions.

Applicants for the NCC nursing program applications must be completed and submitted by February 1^st to be considered for acceptance to the nursing program for the Fall 2025 nursing cohort. Application completed after the deadline will be reviewed for consideration on space availability.

Submission of a completed application is the responsibility of the nursing candidate. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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

• Attendance at a Nursing Information Session.
• Complete and submit an application for the program.
• Complete Anatomy & Physiology I and Introduction to Psychology with a C+ or higher. (Science credits must also be no more than five years old with a minimum grade of C+.
• Provide proof of high school and completion or equivalent.
• ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)* with a Total Score of 66% or higher.
  • The TEAS test evaluates the academic ability of prospective RN students.
  • Applicants are permitted to take this test three times in a calendar year, no sooner than four weeks between attempts.
  • Test scores are valid for two years.
  • Scores may not be combined or averaged from multiple attempts.
  • Must be taken within two years before starting the first nursing course.
  • See www.atitesting.com for more information about preparing for the test and registering for the   TEAS.
• Ability to meet the ASN program's Health, Character, and Technical Standards (please see below).

Applications will be reviewed, and admission decisions will be made by the Vice-President of Student and Community Affairs and the Director of the Department of Nursing. Selection is determined by a cumulative point system for special consideration for applicants who:

• Are New Hampshire residents.
•  ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)* with a Total Score of 66% or higher.
• Have Higher grades for A&P I and II relative to the applicant pool
• Enrolled in the Pre-nursing
• Completed a more significant number of nursing-related general education courses relative to the applicant pool.
• Have a history of academic success.
• Is a current or former Health Occupation student from a CTE high school program.
• Is an active LPN, LNA, MNA, CAN, MA, Paramedic, or EMT. (Submit a copy of your license/certificate with your name and expiration date.)
• Is a current or former military medic/corpsman (submit a copy of your DD Form 214 or Joint Services Transcript (IST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript that shows your awarded military occupation.)
• Has completed a Medical Doctorate program (e.g., DMD, DVM, DDS, etc.). Submit a copy of your transcripts: if outside of the US, submit a copy of your transcripts or diploma translated into English by a certified translation service if not originally in English.)

Qualified students not accepted in the initial selection process may be assigned to a prioritized waitlist according to the above criteria. They may be subsequently admitted if an opening becomes available. The waitlist will expire 4 weeks to classes beginning. Applicants still desiring admission must reapply for the next academic year.

   *The ATI TEAS measures applicants' entry-level academic readiness and predicts success in the first-trimester Nursing course. To receive information regarding the ATI TEAS or to register for a specific exam date, contact ATI at Https://atitesting.com

Clinical Requirements

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.

• • All costs associated with pre-entry requirements are the responsibility of the student. Accepted students will be given specific information regarding pre-entry requirements during the nursing orientation.
  • Submit a current (within 1 year to beginning first nursing course) physical examination on the NCC Health Form including all required health screening:
    • Two-step TB Skin test (blood test acceptable)
    • MMR (2 doses or positive titer
    • Varicella (2 doses or positive titer.)
    • Hepatitis B (3-doses or positive titer)
    • Tdap (required within 10 years)
    • Influenza vaccine is required yearly or a signed waiver by October.
• Students are responsible for submitting updates to immunizations yearly, i.e., flu and Tdap if needed.
• *Submit documentation of COVID-19 vaccinations or documented medical or religious exemption.
• Possess and maintain personal health insurance. Students are responsible for providing yearly insurance coverage documentation. If insurance information changes during the academic year, students must notify the Nursing Department immediately. For more information, contact the Nursing Department.
• Possess and maintain professional liability insurance is included in the first-semester tuition bill.
• Acquire and maintain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the healthcare provider level (basic life support for healthcare providers from the American Heart Association AHA or Red Cross) that will be valid for the entire two years of the program through graduation.
• Complete a criminal background check (through the college's approved vendor) with satisfactory results. An NH and federal criminal background record is required. Any fees are at the student's expense. A history of felonies or selective misdemeanors may deny entrance into the nursing program. Based on clinical facility requirements, students may be required to perform more than one criminal background check throughout the program. Based on criminal background results, participation in clinical experiences may be restricted or denied. It, therefore, would affect the ability of the student to meet course objectives and complete the program.
• Complete a drug test (through the college's approved vendor), which must be done within two weeks before the first clinical day. The cost is to be incurred by the student. Based on clinical facility requirements, students may be required to perform multiple drug tests throughout the program. Participation in clinical experiences may be restricted or denied based on drug testing results. It, therefore, would affect the ability of the student to meet course objectives and complete the program.
• Individuals with a court record or a criminal conviction may wish to contact the Board(s) of Registration in Nursing in any state where they plan to work for guidelines; a previous record may affect eligibility for RN licensure. The NH Board of Nursing can be reached at 603-271-2323. This will allow the individual to make an informed decision about choosing to pursue nursing education at this time.
• Students will repeat the criminal background check, TB, and drug testing before their senior year.

  * A note on COVID-19 vaccination: Although the nursing program does not require proof of vaccination for acceptance, many of Nashua Community College's partner healthcare agencies have policies that require students to have received the complete services of COVID-19 with a booster. Some agencies will allow medical and religious exemptions, but others will not. If a student cannot meet clinical requirements due to choosing not to vaccinate, they may not be able to meet clinical and course learning outcomes.

In addition, fees may include but are not limited to:

• Clinical Fees
• Assessment Technologies Institute® (ATI) testing package.
• Uniforms, stethoscope, penlight, watch with a second hand, textbooks, skills lab kit and supplies for lab practice, nursing pins, NCLEX preparation, and licensure.

Please Note:

Degree requirements must be completed within five years of the first nursing course. Completing the program does not guarantee success on the NCLEX-RN; the licensing exam.

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

NURS125N: apply for licensure as a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)

Time Allotment for Program Completion

All nursing courses must be completed within (5) five years of the date of entry into the first nursing course. Students must follow the program of study requirements as published in the College Catalog in the academic year of their acceptance into the ASN Program. In the event of a curriculum change prior to completion and phasing out of previous courses, the student may be required to repeat one or more courses for placement in the new curriculum.         

Nursing Readmission Policy

Students who enroll in the associate of science degree in Nursing who withdraw or do not achieve the required minimum grade may be eligible for readmission. Readmission requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are contingent upon space availability. A student may be readmitted to the Nursing program only once. Students who have failed a nursing course because of evidence of unsafe practice involving actions or non-actions are not eligible for readmission to the Nursing Program. Readmissions are contingent upon space availability.

The student applying for readmission will be required to meet the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of readmission. To be reconsidered for admission, the student must:

• The student must be able to complete the program of study within five years of beginning the first nursing course.
• Submit a typed, dated email to the Vice President of Student and Community Affairs and Director of the Nursing Department of his/her desire to re-enter at least February 1st for Fall semester readmission consideration and October 1st for Spring semester readmission consideration.
  • In the letter, identify the nursing course for which readmission is requested, outline the reason(s) for not being able to continue in the program, and plan for success would readmission be granted.
• Students who have requested readmission consideration will be ranked according to their nursing program course average.
• As space availability is determined, students will be readmitted on their ranking order and notified in writing by the nursing department.
• If reapplication is approved, the following criteria must be done to assess current competency:
  • Complete application for admission. 
  • Submit any expired required checklist items for the admission process.
  • Student choice of taking either the ATI Fundamental Proctored Exam (Bench Level 2) OR final exam from last prior nursing course (benchmark score at least > 77%)
  • Perform satisfactory skills in the simulation lab as determined by nursing department faculty.
  • >90% on a med math exam
• Failure to complete requirements within the specified timeframe will prevent the student from being readmitted.

Advanced Placement or Transfer

Admission via advanced placement or transfer is extremely limited and, on a space available basis. In addition to the admission requirements listed above (excluding the ATI TEAS), students seeking Advanced placement or Transfers must have completed all prerequisite coursework by examination, challenge, or transfer credit.

Advanced Placement for Licensed Practical Nurses

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) may have the opportunity to transfer into the ASN program with advanced standing in the spring semester of the first year on a space-available basis. Applicants must have an active LPN license and complete the National League for Nursing (NLN) Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) I: Foundation of Nursing with a required overall percent score of 74% or better within the past two years to be granted credit. Applicants who complete the NLN NACE exam and are accepted into the program will be awarded 8 credits instead of NURS125N: Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing Practice. Applicants must also show documentation of completion of Human Growth and Development and A&P II with a C+ or better and complete a skills assessment within the simulation lab and a math quiz before entering the program in the spring semester. The deadline for LPN advanced placement applications is:

• Deadline for Spring - 2025, November 1st

Transfer Students

Transfer students 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. Nursing credits must be no more than five years old before beginning the first NCC nursing course. Previous coursework must have a minimum grade of C+ to be accepted for transfer. Science credits must also be no more than five years old and have a minimum grade of C+.

Applicants must also submit a letter of reference from the nursing program director at the previous school. Transfer students must also complete the ATI Proctored Assessment: RN Fundamental Exam with an ATI Proficiency Level II or greater, a skills assessment within the simulation lab, and a math quiz. Transcripts of previous college credits may be submitted and will be evaluated for transferability.

• Deadline for Spring 2025 – November 1st

Criteria for Progression in the Program

The curriculum includes a general education component that supports courses in nursing. Students must earn a minimum grade of C+ in Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and Microbiology (within five years of the start of the nursing program). A minimum grade of C+ in Introduction to Psychology, Human Growth and Development Students admitted into the Nursing program must take nursing (NURS) courses in sequence and must achieve a minimum grade of C+ (77%) and a grade of "Pass" in clinical courses to continue in the program. Students who do not meet the criteria for progression may seek reentry at the point of last success with approval from the Director of the Nursing department and on a space-available basis. Re-entry is not guaranteed. A student may be granted one opportunity to reenter the program.

Health Character and Technical Standards for the Associate in Science in Nursing Program

Technical standards have been established to inform the student of minimum standards to satisfactorily function in the program and ultimately in the profession. The College must ensure that patient(s) of clinical affiliates are not

placed in jeopardy by students during learning experiences. Therefore, students in service learning and clinical

experiences must demonstrate sufficient emotional stability to withstand the stress, uncertainties, and rapidly changing circumstances that characterize the responsibilities of patient(s). Furthermore, the student is expected to have the emotional stability required to exercise sound judgment, accept direction and guidance from a supervisor or faculty member, and establish rapport and maintain sensitive interpersonal relationships with patients, their families, agency staff, faculty, and peers. Applicants must be in good physical and mental health to meet program objectives.

1. Sufficient hearing to assess patient needs, physiological signs, understand instructions, identify emergency signals, assess body functions, and engage in telephone conversation.
2. Sufficient visual acuity to observe patients, manipulate equipment, interpret data, ensure a safe environment, identify color changes, read fine print/writing, and do fine calibrations.
3. Sufficient speech and language ability to express, comprehend, and exchange information and ideas in English verbally, nonverbally, and in writing, and to interact clearly and logically with patients, family members, physicians, nurses, faculty, peers, and other ancillary medical personnel.
4. Sufficient tactile ability to assess pressure, temperature, position, vibration, and movement.
5. Ability to work with frequent interruptions, to respond appropriately in emergencies or unexpected situations, and to cope with extreme variations in workload and stress levels.
6. Sufficient emotional intelligence to exhibit empathy and compassion, to maintain productive relationships in classroom and clinical settings, and to integrate direction, instruction, and criticism into behavioral changes.
7. Sufficient strength, endurance, and motor coordination to perform the following physical activities: participation in lengthy classroom activities; fine and gross motor skills to carry out procedures; ability to safely and frequently handle, lift, and/ or carry equipment and patients up to thirty pounds; stamina to complete an eight-to-twelve-hour work shift; and ability to perform CPR.
8. Sufficient information technology access and skills to complete assignments according to program standards.
9. Applicants with latex allergies are advised to seek professional medical consultation.

Continuing Education College Affiliations

Graduates of the program are encouraged to earn a Bachelor's and/or Master of Science in Nursing. Articulation agreements are maintained with:

•  Franklin Pierce University
• Colby College
• UNH College of Professional Studies (Granite State College)
• Rivier University
• Southern New Hampshire University

Students may also identify other programs that meet their specific needs. Students planning to continue their education toward a Bachelor or Master of Science in Nursing should plan their program of study with an academic advisor from the Department of Nursing. Further information can be obtained from the respective programs or the Director of the Department of Nursing.

ACEN Accreditation

The Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN) at Nashua Community College meets 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 program meets the education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia. Please contact the specific regulatory agency for nursing to determine the prelicensure nursing education required for NCLEX-RN eligibility in other jurisdictions.

The Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN) is approved by the   New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON). Upon completing the program, the graduate can 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 involved in civil or criminal legal proceedings. Questions about licensing restrictions should be addressed to the NH Board of Nursing via email at board.questions@oplc.nh.gov or by calling (603) 271-2323 or by mail at:

NHBON Office of Professional Licensure & Certification
7 Eagle Square
            Concord, NH 03301

The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Nashua Community College is accredited by:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE
Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
P. 404.975.5000
F. 404.975.5020
www.acenursing.org

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing is Continuing Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the degree in Nursing, graduates will be able to:

1. Design 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. Plan collaboratively on the multi-disciplinary health care team using principles of teamwork, leadership, and conflict management to achieve shared goals.
3. Integrate assessment data and evidence-based databases to make informed clinical decisions that promote safe and effective patient care
4. Select health care system resources and technology to evaluate and improve the quality of nursing care to patients, families, and communities.
5. Identify effective communication with patients and the health care team using written, verbal, nonverbal, and electronic modalities.
6. Model for professional nursing practice that reflects legal, ethical,  regulatory guidelines, and life-long learning.

In addition, the graduate will be able to demonstrate competency in the general education outcomes.

Program Outcomes

	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Number of Graduates	11	12	20	19	16
NCLEX Pass Rate (First Time)	82%	100%	90%	89%	100%
Program Completion	71%	80%	76%	71%	63%
Employment at 6 Months	100%	95%	95%	95%	100%

NURSING:

 Anatomy and Physiology I* and Intro to Psychology, must be submitted by the nursing application deadline.
*Proof of successful completion with a C+ or higher taken within five years of the first nursing course.