Nursing - NURS.AS

Accreditation, Licensing and Outcomes

Approval

Accreditation

The Associate Degree nursing program at Springfield Technical Community College at One Armory Square located in Springfield, Massachusetts is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation 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  

Licensing

Graduates of the nursing program receive an Associate of Science in Nursing degree, and are eligible to take the computer-based adaptive National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®). This test is offered through: NCLEX Testing with Pearson VUE; Pearson VUE delivers the NCLEX examination for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

The Board of Registration in Nursing (MA BORN) in Massachusetts is the state agency that issues nursing licenses.  The mission of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth through the fair and consistent application of the statutes and regulations governing nursing practice and nursing education.

For all Nursing program applicants, please read the information provided on the MA BORN web site regarding the requirement for all licensed nurse to meet the definition of  Good Moral Character, that you will need to attest to when applying for a license after graduation: 

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/hcq/dhpl/nursing/licensing/good-moral-character-requirements-for-licensure.html  

Student Achievement/ Program Outcomes

Students Completing the Program: 
(100%= [2 years/4semesters] and 150%= [3 years/5 semesters] completion rates by Year Entered Program).

Entered 2020: (100%):57% (150%): pending
Entered 2019: (100%):71% (150%): 81%
Entered 2018: (100%):70% (150%):76%
Entered 2017: (100%):72% (150%):88%
Entered 2016: (100%):60% (150%):77%

Applying to this Program

STCC ADMISSION 

Springfield Technical Community College maintains an open-door general admission policy. As long as an applicant has earned a high school diploma from an accredited high school or a high school equivalent (GED or HiSET) he/she will be admitted to the College.  Students applying to the Nursing program are selected from a pool of applicants who displayed the minimum academic requirements for admission.  Space is limited and not all applicants are accepted.  While the Nursing program can be completed in 4 semesters, most students, due to the rigors of the program and competitive admission pool, complete all or most of the non-Nursing courses prior to applying to the program. Please note that certain academically competitive programs including Nursing have additional admission requirements as well as specific application deadlines.  See below for more information:      

Step 1: Explore the Nursing Program

• Review Program Description: click here

• Review the  Nursing Curriculum: click here

Step 2: Attend a Nursing Information Session

• Nursing is a very competitive program.  We strongly recommend you attend one of our monthly Nursing Information Sessions in advance to help prepare for your application. 

• For a schedule of upcoming Nursing Information Sessions visit https://www.stcc.edu/apply/info-sessions.

Step 3: Make an appointment to meet with an academic advisor

• Contact an academic advisor at advisor@stcc.edu to help best guide you. 

• Another option is to utilize “Chat Now!” for assistance, you can find the icon on the bottom right hand side of this page.

Applicants are reviewed and evaluated based on the steps/information below:

Step 4: Complete Admission Prerequisites

1.  High School Transcript, HiSET or GED (submit official transcript or documentation to be submitted to the Admissions office)

• Completion of Algebra 2 (grade 80 or higher), or its equivalent, at a high school or accredited college (STCC MAT 063  or MAT 097  ) OR
• Placement at the College-math level on an STCC placement exam(Accuplacer MAT-101) or (ALEKS 100p)** (see Note 2 below) OR 
• College level (100 or higher) math course (grade of 77+)    

• Successful completion is meeting or exceeding grading benchmarks. 
• Benchmarks (minimum scores) for the program are as follows :
  • Math-69
  • Science-54
  • English-64
  • Reading-71
• This assessment test is offered at STCC. Registration link: http://www.atitesting.com/  
• Students are able to take the exam up to three (3) times per year to meet the benchmark scores. Scores are good for three (3) years prior to February 1 application deadline.
• If taken multiple times, submit all score reports. The highest score earned will be applied for admission evaluation if multiple attempts are made.
• Priority will be given to applicants who have met the minimum TEAS benchmark scores and are competitive first.  However, scores falling minimally below the minimum benchmark scores will be considered if the applicants are competitive within the applicant pool.  
• Preparation and Recommendations to Take TEAS
  • It is strongly recommended that the preparation book be utilized. The book is available in the STCC bookstore or on-line through ATI.   
  • It is recommended that individuals not attempt to retake the TEAS test prior to 30 days since the last sitting, allowing time for remediation. 
  • Do not wait for the last month to test. FEBRUARY 1ST of the application year is the deadline.

 ​4. Complete REQUIRED Nursing checklist (see step 8)

Step 5: Complete General Education Requirements (optional)

• Applicants often choose to complete some of the general education requirements prior to applying to the nursing program.  While this is not required, it helps reduce workload once in the nursing program.  The majority of students complete most of the non-nursing courses prior to applying to the program.  ALL courses both non-nursing and nursing courses, must achieve a C+ or higher.  Click here for the curriculum which includes both Nursing and Non-Nursing courses.

Step 6: Begin Your Nursing Application

• Applying to the Nursing Program -All materials for the application must be received by the Admissions Office no later than February 1 of the application year to receive acceptance into the fall class. The STCC Nursing program has a fall start only with day classes. 

• If you have questions or need guidance in applying to the Nursing Program, you can contact the Admissions Department at admissions@stcc.edu; or the School of Health & Patient Simulation at shps@stcc.edu.

• Click here to apply to the college APPLY TO STCC

STEP 7: Complete the Patient Care Employment Verification Form: 

• If you have experience in healthcare please complete this form in order to strengthen your application.  While it is not required, direct care experience including CNA or PCT is strongly recommended.  Click here   to download the form.This form needs to be uploaded to the Nursing Admission Checklist, or submitted to the Admissions Office by February 1st of the application year in order to receive credit during the application process. 
•  Complete a CNA or PCT course (optional).  It is strongly recommended that you complete a CNA or PCT course.  This is optional at this time but may be required for admission in the future. These certifications provide opportunities for students to find employment and begin to gain experience in the health field.  

STEP 8: Complete the REQUIRED Nursing Checklist

• Download the instructions first!  DO NOT complete the Nursing Admission Checklist until you have reviewed the printable/downloadable version of instructions as it will require you to upload documents. Click here for instructions.

• The checklist opens December 1st. All materials must be submitted for each new application year. This checklist is REQUIRED. Email questions to shps@stcc.edu.

• Click to complete the online checklist. 

STEP 9: Review Onboarding, Immunization and Health Requirements

The information provided below is required once you are accepted into the nursing program.  If any of these requirements are not met, students will not be able to start or continue in the nursing program.  Additional requirements may be added at a later date due to state/federal mandates, college/program policy, or contractual requirements with practice partners.  

• College and Nursing Program Mandatory Health Records:  The Nursing Program uses a compliance tracking system through CastleBranch. The College maintains a separate health file for state health requirements.  Therefore records and forms must be submitted to BOTH the STCC Health and Wellness Center in addition to the CastleBranch nursing program compliance tracker. Upon acceptance, students will receive directions to set up a CastleBranch account and will be provided with a checklist of health records that will need to be uploaded to Castlebranch. A list of the health records to submit to the Health and Wellness Center will also be provided. 

• To request this documentation, please follow this link Checklist Immunity Records-Nursing PreAdmission (stcc.edu) The Nursing program reserves the right to rescind the admission status of any student not meeting, as well as not submitting, all post-admission requirements in a timely manner.

• IMPORTANT: We encourage you to begin completing the health requirements now and save a copy of your record. Please review the onboarding requirements. Click here for the check list.  Titres and vaccines are required. This process could take up to 6 months or more to complete. You must meet ALL requirements or you will not be able to begin the program.

• CORI/SORI: Required state-wide and/or national criminal background checks, including but not limited to: Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Record Information (SORI) to ensure a safe and protective environment for all clients, particularly members of vulnerable populations. Click here for additional information. 

• Drug Testing: Students enrolling in Health Professions programs are required to undergo and pass a drug screening analysis in order to be eligible for placement in a clinical facility. For more information regarding mandatory drug testing Click Here 

• CPR Certification:  Students are required to maintain a current American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider certification throughout the program. Certification must be valid on or before August 1st of the admission year. Information can be found on the AHA site: https://cpr.heart.org/en/courses/basic-life-support-course-options or the STCC Workforce Development page.

• Programmatic Technical Standards: Technical Standards reflect performance abilities and essential skills that a student must demonstrate in order to successfully complete the requirements of a specified program.  These Standards must be satisfied by all students in all aspects of the program, with or without reasonable accommodations, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including in the classroom, laboratories, and externship. If you are an individual with a documented disability who seeks reasonable accommodations, please contact the Office of Disability Services at (413) 755-4785 or stop by Building 19, Room 141 as soon as practicable for information concerning the College’s accommodation process. Additional information can also be found on the Office of Disability Service’s website: https://www.stcc.edu/resources/academic-support/ods/.  Students will be directed to upload their electronically signed technical standards to their myCB To Do List.  

• Fingerprinting: Some clinical agencies require fingerprinting in addition to CORI/SORI. The cost of this is approximately $39.00 and is to be covered by the student.

• Health Program Latex Policy:  Students must meet the requirements of the Health Program latex policy. Click here for Health Program Latex Policy. Read entire document for full policy information.

Other Information to Consider: 

• Spring mid-term grades of application year are not considered for admission.

• Highest grade is considered for repeat courses.

• Science courses over five years and three months old by the start of the program (fall of application year) must be repeated.  Each science course can be repeated only once within that time frame (If you have sciences greater than 5 years 3 months old you may be given consideration if you are competitive in other areas.)  NOTE: If the applicant first met the minimum grade requirement for the course, but the course grade is over 5 years/3 months old, the course will be be accepted if the applicant meets the science benchmark score of 54 on the TEAS test (submit official document with checklist)

• General Electives: The following courses are examples that will satisfy the General Elective requirements and are helpful for students considering an RN to BSN track, these are not the only courses that will be accepted as an elective. Any questions contact Academic Advising at 413 755-4769 or the School of Health & Patient Simulation email at shps@stcc.edu:

  • PHL-110  World Religions is transferable as a diversity or religion course

  • BIO-115  Nutrition

  • CHM-111  OR CHM-201  General or Organic Chemistry

  • MAT-115  Statistics

  • PSY-230  Abnormal Psychology

  • HIS-100 , HIS-110 , HIS-111 , HIS-115 , HIS-130  (A U.S. history course will be required for most advanced degree);

  • Foreign Language of your choice (many schools suggest Spanish).

How to strengthen your application:

• Complete Anatomy & Physiology 1&2 prior to applying.

• Complete at least all first semester non-nursing co-requisite courses prior to applying.

• Completing ALL non-nursing co-requisite courses prior to applying.

• Grade of C+ is required for all courses within the nursing curriculum- both non-nursing and nursing.  Higher grades in courses completed will strengthen application.  

• NOTE: You may still apply if you have not completed all non-nursing co-requisites. Most students complete most of the non-nursing courses prior to applying due to the competitive nature of the program and the rigors of the program which helps reduce workload once accepted into the nursing program.  

• Earning higher grades in all co-requisite courses.

• Students currently enrolled AND/OR who have completed 12 credits of liberal arts/general education and science courses at STCC.

• Prior experience with direct patient care (Examples: Presently working as a CNA, Medical Assistant, EMT, Paramedic, LPN).

• Prior experience with indirect patient care.(Examples: Acute care unit secretary or cardiac monitor observe)

• Earned previous degree(s).

• Earned previous degree(s) in healthcare.
• Completing an HSC or SMC course (HSC 110, HSC 150/150L, SMC 125/125L)

• Students may transfer non-nursing courses if they have completed equivalent courses required in the nursing curriculum.   Science courses must have been taken within the past 5 years.  Equivalent pharmacology courses are transferable and accepted if they have been taken within the past 5 years.  Minimum grade must be a C+ or higher and be from an accredited college or university.  Nursing courses are not transferable.  

• There are no course exemptions for required nursing courses.  A student may be exempted from a non-nursing co-requisite course in the nursing program if the student successfully completed a STCC College Level Examination Program (CLEP) with a C+ or higher.    A list of courses are available on the college website https://www.stcc.edu/clep/ 

• Are mailed/emailed out to students in early April. Although regular classes begin in September, accepted students must attend two mandatory sessions in the spring and early summer.
• A one day orientation is held in mid-May
• A three day Nursing 1- Student Orientation Work-shop is held in mid-June
• NOTE: If you are unable to attend, you may forfeit your admission to the program.

• A one day orientation is held in mid-May
• A three day Nursing 1- Student Orientation Work-shop is held in mid-June

IMPORTANT:  The School of Health and Patient Simulation and the Department of Nursing reserves the right to rescind the admission status of any student not meeting all pre- and post- admission requirements. 

Read Program and Admission policy and requirements: 

• Attendance  
• Graduation  
• Student Rights and Grievances  
• Withdrawal  

Applying for Re-Admission to this Program

If a student leaves a health program for any reason, and intends to re-enter the following academic year into the semester in which they left, the student must follow the readmission process as outlined in the School of Health & Patient Simulation Readmission Policy. 

Click here  to see full policy and procedures.

The student seeking readmission to a health program must submit a Letter of Intent to Return, to the Dean of Health & Patient Simulation Office (Building 20/Room 320) and to the Program Director, by November 16 for consideration for return in the spring semester, and by February 1 for consideration for return in the fall semester. These dates may change from year to year.

If a student intends to return to a health program after one full academic year has passed, the student must apply as a new applicant through the college admissions website https://www.stcc.edu/apply/.  

All students must follow the readmission policy and guidelines of their specific department/program.

Additional Requirements for Accepted Students

• CORI/SORI:  College programs involving potentially unsupervised contact with children, the disabled, or the elderly, including fieldwork (a clinical affiliation, internship, externship, or field placement) with a private or public healthcare provider or daycare provider, will be required to undergo state-wide and/or national criminal background checks, including but not limited to: Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Record Information (SORI), Seven (7) year residential Search, and FBI Fingerprinting checks. The purpose of the background check is to ensure a safe and protective environment for all clients, particularly members of vulnerable populations.

  Students choosing not to consent to the required background checks will be ineligible to participate in fieldwork involving vulnerable populations. Ineligibility to participate in fieldwork will affect a student’s ability to successfully complete the program and be removed from the program.

  Based upon the results of the background checks, a student may be deemed ineligible to participate in academic or clinical activities, which may impact a student’s ability to successfully complete program requirements. Background checks are reviewed by the College’s CORI Board. The CORI Board determines eligibility to participate in academic and/or clinical activities. 

  Furthermore, please be advised that eligibility to participate in College academic and/or clinical activities following a background check does not guarantee eligibility to sit for a professional credentialing examination(s) or for employment upon program completion. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the certification or licensure board for a particular healthcare or other service profession to determine the standards that must be met for credentialing, licensing and/or employment in that field.

  All accepted nursing students must undergo CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and SORI (Sexual Offender Record Information) or other relevant check(s). Dependent on the findings, participation in the Nursing program or clinical affiliation related thereto may be denied. For further information, please contact the Office of the Dean.  Note:  Additional CORI/SORI checks may be required by affiliating agencies prior to clinical placement. Individuals with previous court convictions must also meet the eligibility requirements of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing for licensure. Prospective students should review the Good Moral Character CMR set by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. For further information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/dph/boards/rn

• Fingerprint: Some clinical agencies require fingerprinting in addition to CORI/SORI. The cost of this is approximately $39.00 and is to be covered by the student.
• Mandatory Health Records:  The Nursing Program has implemented a NEW compliance tracking system through CastleBranch. Records and forms will need to be submitted to BOTH the STCC Health and Wellness Center in addition to the CastleBranch nursing program compliance tracker. Upon acceptance students will receive directions to set up a CastleBranch account and will be provided with a checklist of health records that will need to be uploaded to Castlebranch. A list of the health records to submit to the Health and Wellness Center will also be provided. This documentation is linked here directly and located under the Health Forms for Each Program section on the Health and Wellness Center website for your reference. Please direct questions to: compliance@stcc.edu.  The Nursing Program reserves the right to rescind the admission status of any student not meeting, as well as not submitting, all post-admission requirements in a timely manner. 
• IMPORTANT: We encourage you to begin completing the health requirements now and save a copy of your record. Please review the onboarding requirements.  Titres and vaccines are required. This process could take up to 6 months or more to complete. You must meet ALL requirements or you will not be able to begin the program.

• Drug Screening:The School of Health & Patient Simulation is committed to providing high quality education and excellent clinical experiences to students in the health professions. Students are expected to perform at their highest functional level during all educational and clinical experiences in order to maximize the learning environment and ensure patient safety. Thus a student’s performance at all times must be free of any impairment caused by prescription or non-prescribed drugs including alcohol, marijuana, and cannabis-derived products. Students enrolling in Health Professions programs are required to undergo and pass a drug screening analysis in order to be eligible for placement in a clinical facility. STCC student program fees cover the cost of this screening. Additional scheduled and random drug and/or alcohol screenings may be required depending upon clinical facility and/or program guidelines. 

  Students who are notified of a negative-dilute result will submit to an observed urine drug test within 24 hours of the previous test (or soonest appointment made available to STCC Health Compliance by the testing agency) in order to confirm the negative or positive finding status of the drug screening. If a student continues to receive a negative-dilute or inconclusive drug screening result, the subsequent drug test will be of the hair collection method until a conclusive negative or positive result is confirmed.

  Students with a positive drug screening may challenge the results by filing a written appeal to the College’s Director of Health Compliance within five (5) business days of notification of the test results. An appeal by a student who claims that the positive test was due to a prescription drug and was unable to clarify this matter with the medical review officer (MRO) from the drug testing lab shall include evidence from a health care provider of the type of prescription, dates of permissible use and dosage amounts. Students may be responsible to pay for additional drug screening conducted as part of an appeal. Students excluded from a program due to a positive screening, failure to submit appeal, denied appeal, or refusal to submit to a screening may re-apply for re-entry into a program after one year. Requests for re-admission will be considered on a case by case basis and in accordance with the program criteria.

• CPR Certification:  Students are required to maintain CPR certification (American Heart Association Professional Rescuer) throughout the entire nursing program. Certification must be valid on or before August 15 of the admission year and annually thereafter unless the certification covers a multi-year window. CPR Certification is available through STCC. Information can be found at: Health Care Training: https://www.stcc.edu/wdc/descriptions/wcpr-001-cpr-basic-life-support-for-healthcare/

• Programmatic Technical Standards: Technical Standards reflect performance abilities and essential skills that a student must demonstrate in order to successfully complete the requirements of a specified program.  These Standards must be satisfied by all students in all aspects of the program, with or without reasonable accommodations, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including in the classroom, laboratories, and externship. If you are an individual with a documented disability who seeks reasonable accommodations, please contact the Office of Disability Services at (413) 755-4785 or stop by Building 19, Room 141 as soon as practicable for information concerning the College’s accommodation process. Additional information can also be found on the Office of Disability Service’s website: https://www.stcc.edu/resources/academic-support/ods/. Please note that Program Technical Standard forms found in your admission acceptance packet must be submitted to the Health and Wellness Center by July 1. The Health and Wellness Center is located in Building 19, Room 177 and can be reached at (413) 755-4230.  

• Students must meet the requirements of the Health Program latex policy.  Click on the link below for full policy information.

• The School of Health and Patient Simulation and the Department of Nursing reserves the right to rescind the admission status of any student not meeting all pre- and post- admission requirements. 

Nursing Drug Screening 

Health Program Latex Policy 

(NURS.AS) Curriculum

The Nursing Program bases its curriculum on:

• The Nurse of the Future Nursing Core Competencies©, as set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts http://www.mass.edu/nahi/documents/nofrncompetencies_updated_march2016.pdf.

Our Nursing graduates will meet the program outcomes and can be viewed here: Nursing Program Outcomes .

NOTE:

• Segments of the Nursing courses are planned in conjunction with the clinical agencies, and may deviate from the College hours.

Academic Progression and Advanced Placement

Academic Progression/Matriculation 

In order for a student to matriculate in the Nursing Department at STCC, the student must maintain a minimum grade of 77% (C+) in each required course. If the final course grade does not meet the minimum of 77%, (C+), the student’s transcript will be stamped “Not eligible for Matriculation in Nursing: Date___”. 

• In NUR-101, 121, 201 and 221 the student must pass the clinical portion of each Nursing course in order to qualify to take the final exam for the course. No student may sit for the final exam until their clinical evaluation is completed and successful.  Grading for the clinical portion is Pass/Fail. In the event of clinical failure, the transcript grade for the nursing course will be recorded as F. 

• In NUR-101, 121, and 201 the student must complete and pass the clinical lab portion of each Nursing course in order to matriculate.  All labs must be successfully completed before the final exam.  Grading for the clinical lab is Pass/Fail.  

All co-requisite courses in the nursing program must be completed with a minimum passing grade of 77% prior to matriculation to the next semester specified in the nursing course of study. In the event a student fails or has not completed a co-requisite course in the nursing program of study, the student will not be able to progress in the program until the co-requisite course is completed successfully with a grade of C+ or better.  This may require petitioning for readmission if eligible.    

Advanced Placement 

LPN Applicants Seeking Advanced Placement: A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with a current unencumbered license must first apply and be admitted as a student into the STCC Nursing Program.  Once admitted, the student has the opportunity to challenge the Nursing 1 Course.  This will allow the LPN the opportunity to validate knowledge of concepts usually presented in the Fundamentals of Nursing which is the foundation for subsequent nursing courses.   Exams will be scheduled and administered at a date determined by the Nursing Department following the Nursing orientation.  Requirements to challenge the NUR 101 course have been successfully met including the following:

• Hold a current LPN nursing license restrictions or violations.  (submit copy of license information)
• Have at least one year current work experience. (submit letter from employer)
• Admitted to the STCC nursing program. 
• Notified the nursing department of desire to challenge Nursing 1 course. 
• Attend both the Nursing Orientation and the Nursing 1 Orientation Success Workshop
• Successfully complete the Math exam
• Successfully complete the Kaplan exam.  

NOTE: Both the Kaplan fundamentals exam and the NUR 101 math exam must be successfully passed.  All LPNs who successfully complete the challenge examination will be granted credit for Nursing 1 (8credits) however are required to pay for the granted credits. This information will then be reflected in your final transcript. The accepted LPN with advanced placement must take NUR 124 (1Credit) during the fall semester.  This course must be completed before entering the spring semester. 

Successfully challenging out of NUR 101 will require the following:

• Contacting the testing center at testing-assessment-center@stcc.edu.  Pay the fee of $7.50 with a check or money order only.  They will give you a letter/receipt saying you passed.  You will then bring that letter/receipt to the cashier’s office (student accounts- sfs@stcc.edu ) and pay $10 per credit.  The course is then added to your transcript as passed. 

• Additional Requirements:

  • Make an appointment to meet with the Director of Nursing or designee to discuss an educational plan to assist with transitioning into the program as an LPN.  
  • Complete required Kaplan testing during the fall semester as directed.  (Must purchase Kaplan)
  • Strongly encourage completing the Kaplan focused review assignments to assist with completion of the Integrated Kaplan exams.  While this is not required it will help familiarize student with Kaplan program and assist with the adequate preparedness for the start of Nursing 
  • Attend the Nursing Process Workshop
  • Coordinate with the nursing 1 team leader other days throughout the semester that you may want to attend - with approval only.
  • May not participate in clinical or lab
  • May participate with permission in agreed upon classes.
  • May participate in clinical simulation if space is available.  
  • Register and successfully complete the Issue and Trends class this fall.
  • Complete all the health and onboarding requirements as outlined in orientation.
  • Attendance and punctuality is required.  (You must arrive on time for assigned classes/exams and you must complete all other program requirements within the allotted time.  Failure to meet deadlines could jeopardize your ability to continue in the nursing program). 
  • Regularly accessing and reviewing your STCC email is required for good communication.  
  • Completion of this Educational plan is required as part of the conditions for challenging NUR 101 course as an LPN.
  • Contact Team leaders or Director of Nursing as needed with questions or concerns. 

Additional General Information

• New graduate nurses often work in a variety of settings with opportunities in acute care, long term care and chronic care settings, and community settings to name a few.  

• Students with previous or current health care experience may have an easier transition in the program. Applicants with direct patient care-experience will be given extra consideration during our selection process. 

• Some students need to continue to work during the program.  We strongly recommended that students work part-time only (less than 20 hours per week) to be able to dedicate the necessary study and preparation time for this rigorous program.  If you need to work while studying in the program; we strongly recommend direct patient care jobs. Also, for students without prior hands-on patient care you should consider part-time work directly with patients (e.g. work as a Certified Nurse’s Aide or other similar position). 

• Work schedules need to remain flexible to accommodate the students’ nursing program needs. We cannot accommodate students’ work and other scheduling requests.

• STCC Graduates are eligible to become licensed in any or all of the United States and its properties.

• There are additional costs associated with enrollment in the Nursing Program.  These are approximate costs through the STCC bookstore (and may be covered by Financial Aid) and include, but are not limited to:

  • Books and Software Resources - $1600

  • STCC Health Program fee (per semester):  $840.00

  • Skyscape Software package-$260.00

  • 1st semester costs include: uniform, lab coat, student Nurse ID, stethoscope, BP cuff and lab kit

  • Uniform:  $71.00 to $91.00 per set

  • Lab coat:  $35-$45.00

  • Student Nurse ID- $14.00

  • Stethoscope:  $85.00-$110.00

  • Blood Pressure Cuff:  $50.00

  • Lab Kit:  $ 350.00

  • STCC Nursing Graduation Pins:  $45.00-$250.00 (4th semester)

  • NCLEX and state RN License Application fees: $550.00 (4th semester)

  • Drug Testing: $70 each time tested.

  • Fingerprinting: $39

  • Kaplan Testing and I-HUMAN $260 (combined cost)

  • Technology Requirements: 

    • Required: All admitted students are required to have a personal laptop computer. The minimum operational requirements are as follows: Nursing Program Laptop Specifications

    • NOTE: Google Chromebooks are not compatible with required exam software.

    • Required: Each student will also need to have a handheld electronic device. Acceptable devices are: iTouch, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or any other handheld device with the ability to download applications and textbooks.

    • Additional information will be made available to all admitted students and fully explained at the nursing orientation for new students.

Educational Mobility Options (RN to BSN)

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recognizes that nurses are vital to the successful transformation of our health care system, and that nurses prepared with Associate Degrees in Nursing (ADN) are essential to the delivery of health care. An additional recommendation is that the ADN degree be a first step in career-long academic progression.  Nurses should achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progression. STCC and other Nursing education programs in Massachusetts are working collaboratively toward meeting that goal to make it easier for ADN Registered Nurses to obtain advanced degrees.                                                    

Students accepted into STCC’s associate degree program have various options for academic progression.  The RN to BSN (bachelor’s degree in nursing) program are the most common.  However, students holding other degrees may be able to progress to other advanced nursing degrees.   Learn more about the nursing articulation agreements with various colleges and universities:  Click on the links below to view future educational opportunities:

• BayPath University https://www.stcc.edu/media/departments/transfer/Nursing-Bay-Path-University.pdf
• Colby-Sawyer College https://www.stcc.edu/media/departments/transfer/RN-to-BSN-Colby-Sawyer-College.pdf
• Elms College: www.elms.edu/academics/academic-divisions/nursing/
• Fitchburg State University: https://www.stcc.edu/media/departments/transfer/Nursing-Fitchburg-State-University.pdf
• Salve Regina: Salve Regina RN to BSN   
• Southern New Hampshire University https://www.stcc.edu/media/departments/transfer-documents-and-pdfs/SNHU-BS-Nursing-articulation.pdf
• UMass-Boston https://www.stcc.edu/media/departments/transfer/RN-to-BSN-UMass-Boston.pdf
• Westfield State University School of Nursing: https://www.stcc.edu/media/departments/transfer-documents-and-pdfs/Nursing-Westfield-State-University-exp-8-20-web.pdf

Strategic Partnership: STCC has a strategic partnership with the National League for Nursing (NLN) through their ACES EXPRESS program for Nursing faculty and students.  http://www.acesxpress.org/

Frequently Asked Questions

Q&A for Nursing program

General questions/questions prior to application:

• Q: I am interested in the nursing program. How do I get more information about the program?
  A: There are monthly information sessions offered by the Admissions Office and it is strongly encouraged that you attend an information session. Refer to the STCC website for further information regarding the program course of study etc. Due to COVID, there will now be virtual information sessions offered. 
   
• Q: Is there a nursing advisor that I can talk to in order to answer my questions regarding application to the program?
  A: Please review the website. If questions persist, STCC has a dedicated academic Counselor for the Nursing Department, Ms. Elisabeth Cantor, and you may call and make an appointment with her at 413-755-4769. The office is in Building 19 Room 235. If she is not available, any of the Academic Advisers may assist you.

Admission questions:

• Q: If I have not met the Admission pre-requisite requirement for Math by the application deadline, will my application still be considered?
  A: You must have met the requirement in one of the ways identified.  If it is over 5 years/3 months from the start of the program.  You can still satisfy the requirements if you meet one of the following:
  • Met the math benchmark score of 69 on the TEAS test (submit official document with checklist)
• Q: If I have not taken the TEAS test prior to the application deadline, will my application still be considered?
  A: Unfortunately, no. You must have taken, and received results, from the TEAS prior to the application deadline to be considered for admission with the current admission pool.
   
• Q: What are the requirements for the TEAS test?
  A: You must have successfully completed the TEAS VI (Test of Essential Academic skills, Version 6).
  There are preparation books available directly from ATI or in the STCC college bookstore. These are encouraged.
  Benchmarks for the TEAS VI (minimum score) for the program are below:
  • Math: 69
  • Science: 54
  • English: 64
  • Reading: 71
• Q: What should I do if I didn’t meet the benchmark for the TEAS test? Can I still apply to the nursing program?
  A: You may still apply.  Students meeting the benchmark will be reviewed first.  Students that are competitive and minimally below the benchmarks may be considered.  If you haven’t met the minimum benchmarks in each section, you may take the TEAS up to 3 times in 1 year and the highest score for each section will be reviewed from all submitted testing transcripts.
• Q: Are there different entry points, for example starting in the spring semester, for the nursing program?
  A: No, There is a single entry point of the fall for all levels of the program. The only caveat is if a LPN successfully passes the 101 challenge exam and begins the program in the second semester in the spring.
   
• Q: I currently work as a LPN, is there a bridge program offered at STCC or am I required to complete all of the semesters as outlined in the program?
  A:  A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with a current unencumbered license must first apply and be admitted as a student into the STCC Nursing Program. Once admitted, the student has the opportunity to challenge the Nursing 1 Course. This will allow the LPN the opportunity to validate knowledge of concepts usually presented in the Fundamentals of Nursing which is the foundation for subsequent nursing courses. Exams will be scheduled and administered at a date determined by the Nursing Department following the scheduled orientation dates. Please see the website for complete details of the process.

• Q: Do I need to have all of the co-requisite courses, such as microbiology and human growth and development, completed prior to applying to the program?
  A:  No, you do not need to have all the co-requisite courses completed prior to applying. However, it does strengthen your application and it is encouraged to complete all co-requisites prior to the start of the semester to reduce your workload due to the rigor of the program.

• Q: How can I strengthen my application?
  A: In order to strengthen your application within the current applicant pool: (examples, list is not exhaustive)
  • Completing A&P 1&2 prior to applying
  • Completing at least all first semester co-requisites prior to applying.
  • Completing ALL program co-requisites prior to applying.
  • Earning higher grades in all co-requisite courses.
  • Students currently enrolled AND/OR who have completed 12 credits of liberal arts/general education and science courses at STCC.
  • Prior experience with direct patient care STRONGLY ENCOURAGED (such as presently working as a CNA, have successfully completed the CNA course, Medical assistant, Paramedic, EMT, or LPN) 
  • Earned previous degree(s)
  • Previous degree in healthcare 
  • Take HSC (110 & 150 only) or SMC course
  • Prior experience with indirect patient care (acute care unit secretary or cardiac monitor observer)
• Q: What should I do if my science courses are older than 5 years?
  A: There are multiple answers to this question depending on your situation. First let me tell you that the age of a course is looked at from the start of the program back and nursing has a fall start date. Here are a couple common situations:
  • If you completed your science course in the spring of a particular year (example: 2015) and your program starts September 2020 - Technically your sciences would be 5 years and three months old. This is OK! You are good to apply for the program.
  • If your Sciences are older than 5 years and 3 months, you can still satisfy the requirement If you met the minimum grade initially and meet one of the following:
    • Met the math benchmark score of 54 on the TEAS test (submit official document with checklist)
• Q: Does being waived from taking the STCC Math Placement exam due to high school GPA meet the math prerequisite requirements for the Nursing program?
• A: No, you must meet one the identified requirements. 

Transcript questions

• Q: I earned a C in a co-requisite course, such as microbiology, but currently work in a health care setting. Do I still need to retake the course?
  A: Yes! The Department of Nursing requires a C+ in co-requisite courses with a minimum grade of a 77.
   
• Q: Can you make substitutions for courses if I have another degree or have taken classes elsewhere?
  A: Yes, but again the courses must have a grade of C+ or higher to be considered for transfer or substitution with a higher number course. Each substitution request is reviewed  by admissions & the Director of Nursing and occasionally the specific department to determine appropriate equivalency.

• Q: Do other nursing courses transfer to STCC from other programs?
  A:  No, with the exception of pharmacology if it has met the 3 credit requirements with associated rigor of coursework. The requesting student will be required to submit the course description and syllabus and any other information needed for the faculty/Director of Nursing to determine if it meets the requirements of the current required course.  

• Q: Can I transfer other courses, such as English, from another college?
  A: As long as you have a grade of a C+ or higher from an accredited institution of Higher Education, you can transfer one or all of the co-requisite course.

Tuition & Fees

• Q: What should I expect, once I am accepted to the nursing program, for tuition and fees each semester?
  A: The current approximate tuition and fees for the program are listed on the STCC website under the nursing program additional general information. Note: Health programs have additional fees due to the required clinical components.   The first semester of nursing is the most expensive due to additional costs such as but not limited to uniforms, stethoscopes, BP cuffs, lab bag with equipment, name tags, etc. 

• Q: Other than financial aid, are there other avenues that are available to help pay for the program?
  A: In addition to financial aid, there are scholarships available through the STCC Foundation, located in Garvey Hall/Building 16 Room 267.

Program questions

• Q: Is there a part-time option for the program?
  A: This is a full-time program that requires your commitment to the rigor and expectations of the program. It is suggested that you work less than 20 hours a week in order to have the time to meet the program requirements.
   
• Q: Are there classes/clinical/labs offered at non-traditional course hours?
  A: There are some course experiences that are offered at non-traditional class hours. For example, many of the clinical experiences are 12 hour shifts and there are some evening opportunities offered during the first year. There is no guarantee for requested hours. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements to attend all class/clinical/lab and simulation experiences as assigned in order to be successful in the program. 
   
• Q: Can I continue to work my full-time job while enrolled in the program?
  A: Nursing coursework is complex and requires a personal commitment. Part-time employment may be appropriate, but will need to be flexible in order to accommodate school requirements. Students are encouraged to balance their employment and school responsibilities.
   
• Q: Are there online courses offered within the nursing program?
  A: Currently the nursing program offers in-class options for the majority of the nursing core courses with the exception of NUR-204 which is offered in both face to face format and a hybrid format. Due to COVID, the methodology in which courses are taught is fluid. ALL methods are fully supported and help the student meet course competencies and end of program learning outcomes.

Program Personnel