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Middlesex Community College Academic Catalog 2015-16 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Nursing (Day)
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 Return to: Programs of Study
Associate in Science
Approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration/Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN):
Lowell Campus - Day, Starts Fall or Spring Semester
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MCC’s Nursing program is offered as a Day option and an Evening/Weekend option, and is designed to prepare nurses at the Associate in Science degree level and provide eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses). The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN ): 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326; 404-975-5000 and approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
The curriculum provides a sound background in field-related science, technical skills and general education with learning experiences in the classroom, nursing laboratory and clinical settings.
Applicants to the Nursing program are advised that compliance with the “Good Moral Character” requirement of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing is evaluated for any applicant for initial licensure with a criminal conviction or disciplinary action against an LPN license.
In order for a student to be eligible to participate in an academic, community or clinical program that involves potential unsupervised contact with children, the disabled, the elderly, or other vulnerable populations, the student may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check.
Admission to Nursing - Day & Evening/Weekend Options
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Required Course Prerequisites
- Completion of high school Algebra II or MAT 080 (AlgebraII) math modules 9-12 in Preparation for College Math or a transferable college math with a grade of C or Better (73% or higher)
- Completion of high school or college level Biology or Anatomy & Physiology I with labs with a grade of C or better (73% or higher)
- Completion of high school or college Chemistry with a lab with a grade of C or better (73% or higher)
- Minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA
- Attendance at an Overview of the Nursing Program Session (Mandatory)
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Required Testing
- Completion of the TEAS V (Test of Essential Academic Skills version V) at Middlesex or another Massachusetts public college with an Adjusted Individual Total Score of 62% or higher within the last year.
- The College placement test is not required for admission to the program, but may be needed for course placement or to meet a non-nursing course requirement.
Required Documents
- Nursing Admission Requirement Certification Form
- Admission Application
- Supplemental Admission Application
- Three Letters of Recommendation: It is recommended that at least two recommendations be requested from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s performance in a work or classroom setting.
Deadline
Admission to Nursing is on a rolling basis. Applicants are admitted on a space-available basis as their applications, including all requirements, are completed. Although there is no deadline, students are encouraged to apply early, as space is limited.
Requirements after Admission to Nursing
Before beginning the Nursing program, admitted students must also:
- Earn and submit a current certification in CPR at the Health Care Provider-level (offered monthly at MCC) which is valid for the entire academic year and renewed annually.
- Students must submit the Student Health Record form, provided by Middlesex Community College, to the Center for Health & Wellness. Required documentation of health status includes a completed physical examination, a two-step Mantoux (TB/PPD) skin test or blood test (T-Spot or Quantiferon Gold) for tuberculosis, a color deficiency test, proof of immunization against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella, and one lifetime dose of TDAP (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Acellular Pertussis - after 2006).
- All nursing students are required to carry health insurance.
Admission Notes
Non-Massachusetts residents will be admitted on a space-available basis only.
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Advanced Placement for Licensed Practical Nurses:
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who meet the college’s Nursing program admission requirements may apply for advanced placement on a space-available basis. LPNs may request credit for prior learning and apply those credits to an Associate in Science degree in Nursing.
Requirements for LPNs seeking advanced placement:
- Option I - for all LPNs: Applicants for advanced placement must successfully complete the following courses prior to admission: college Anatomy & Physiology I with lab, Introduction to Psychology, and Cultural Anthropology. LPNs may challenge NUR 101, Fundamentals of Nursing, and NUR 102, Fundamentals of Nursing Practicum, by taking and scoring 75% or higher on the NLN Accelerated Challenge Exam. Upon completion of the challenge process and admission, students may be awarded credit for these courses and may enroll in NUR 151, Intergenerational Nursing. After admission, applicants must also successfully complete a 15-hour Nursing Transition Seminar (NUR 080), which is offered in August and January. Admission with advanced placement is on a space-available basis.
- Option II - for graduates of LPN programs that have an articulation agreement with Middlesex Community College: Middlesex Community College has articulation agreements with several post-secondary practical nursing programs. Recent graduates of these programs (within the last five years) who are admitted into MCC’s associate degree program may be eligible to receive credit for NUR 101, NUR 102, NUR 155 and NUR 156 by meeting the requirements of the articulation agreement between the LPN program and MCC. Prior to admission, advanced placement applicants must successfully complete the following courses: Pharmacology for Nurses, college Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs, Introduction to Psychology, Cultural Anthropology, and English Composition. After admission, applicants must also successfully complete a 15-hour Nursing Transition Seminar (NUR 080) which is offered in August and January. Admission through articulation is on a space-available basis. Further information is available at the Student Information Centers.
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Career and Transfer Outlook:
Graduates are prepared to assume entry-level staff nurse positions in a variety of health care settings. Through articulation agreements, graduates can obtain bachelor’s degrees in nursing and advanced degrees that will provide opportunities to pursue careers in nursing administration, nursing education and advanced practice as nurse practitioners.
Helpful Hints:
Students often find that taking non-nursing required courses prior to entry into the Nursing program allows them to focus more effectively on the nursing curriculum.
Program Specifics:
- All nursing classes and labs are held during the day at Middlesex Community College’s Lowell campus, in the Health, Science & Technology Center.
- Time Commitment: Nursing courses are essentially five days each week, with classes and simulation labs on three days, and practicums in client settings on the other two days. Practicum hours vary and may involve hours as early as 6:30 a.m. and as late as 9 p.m. Additionally, students are expected to complete skills practice and computerized nursing simulations in open lab hours. Homework averages two hours of study/reading for each class hour.
- Students are responsible for purchase of uniforms and professional textbooks.
- Transportation to off-campus clinical sites is not provided.
- Clinical experiences may be scheduled during evening hours.
Program Outcomes:
Graduates of the Nursing program are prepared to:
- Use critical thinking skills evidence-based practice, and caring theory in the application of the nursing process to provide culturally sensitive nursing care to individuals, families and groups within a variety of health care settings;
- Utilize teaching and therapeutic communication skills to assist clients in meeting health needs, maintaining wellness, and coping with and/or resolving health problems;
- Use leadership/management skills and interdisciplinary collaboration to provide patient-centered nursing care to clients and to delegate nursing care to health team members commensurate with their level of preparation;
- Practice within the legal and ethical framework of the profession;
- Accept responsibility for personal and professional growth by participating in continuing education, nursing research, and membership in professional organizations.
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Total Credits: 69
*History, Geography, Government or Economics
♦ Fulfills the Core Curriculum
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Special Conditions for Nursing: Students must receive a “C” or better in all courses within the area of specialization, as well as in Anatomy & Physiology I & II, and Microbiology to remain in the program. Additional coursework may be required based on college placement testing. Students are urged to meet with their academic advisor for proper course sequencing.
Students enrolled in the Nursing program must demonstrate a satisfactory level of performance in clinical settings in order to remain in the program.
Standard/Technical Skills Notice: To view a list of standard and/or technical skills required for performing duties in various health career fields, visit the Middlesex Community College Health Division website (www.middlesex.mass.edu) or the Student Information Centers. These skills are not conditions for admission to MCC programs, but do indicate abilities and characteristics necessary for successful completion of college Health programs, and to perform the duties of the career upon graduation.
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