LPN Bridge to Nursing Degree (NU) (selective, day, and evening)

MWCC offers currently licensed LPNs a Bridge Program to complete requirements for the associate’s degree in Nursing. Credit is given for the first semester (NUR111) of the associate degree program allowing applicants to enter second semester nursing courses. Second semester nursing courses (NUR113/114) are available in the spring (day/evening if space allows) and in the summer (day only). Interested candidates must meet minimum requirements for consideration and apply by the deadline. The program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission: NLNAC; 61 Broadway – 33rd Floor; New York, NY 10006; (800) 669-1656, ext. 153; www.nlnac.org. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply with at least one year of employment experience as an LPN.

Campus/format: This program is selective and can be completed during the day or evening at the Gardner Campus.

Application deadline: The application deadline is for May enrollment is March 1. This selective enrollment program requires additional application components. The selection process is competitive and space is limited.

Requirements for consideration: Applicants must meet certain academic standards. See pages 15-17 of the college catalog for specific details or refer to the program application available on our website or through the admissions office.

Helpful hints: Because of an extensive classroom/clinical commitment, students are encouraged to complete some of the general education requirements prior to beginning nursing courses.

Transfer options: Joint Admissions agreements exist with Framingham State and Worcester State College. An online transfer agreement exists with Drexel University. Articulation agreements exist with Charter Oak State College, Fitchburg and Framingham State, UMASS Lowell, the University of Phoenix, and New England College (Nursing and Healthcare Administration online program). This program qualifies for the Franklin University Community College Alliance program. Other popular transfer choices include Anna Maria, Emmanuel, and UMASS Amherst (online program only). Students should obtain information on the program they wish to transfer into to determine if MWCC courses will be accepted as transfer credit.
Visit MWCC’s transfer services website: http://transfer.mwcc.edu.

Special requirements: Applicants must meet all requirements for consideration before entering the program. Students must meet technical standards and additional requirements including immunizations, CPR certification, liability insurance, and a Criminal/Sexual Offender Records Information (CORI/SORI) check (see pages 15-17). Some clinical facilities may require drug testing. Additional tuition applies for the evening Nursing program (see page 23). PLEASE NOTE: All BIO, MAT (prerequisite) and NUR courses require a grade of C+ to be eligible for promotion to the next level. Also, BIO203, 204, 205 credits should not be more than five years old. Applicants currently working in a health care field can petition to lengthen the time to ten years.

Career options: RNs in hospitals, sub acute units, extended care facilities, medical offices, rehabilitation centers, and home care.

Earning potential: $56,578 to $67,599 per year.

*Note: Recommended completion prior to program application
**Note: Must be taken prior to or concurrently with NUR113 & 114
†Note: Must be taken prior to or concurrently with NUR220 & 230
††Note: Must be taken prior to or concurrently with NUR204 & 222; PER130 is recommended for transfer

Elective courses by abbreviation

Information about Selective Admissions programs

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Technical Standards*

*general information about technical standards and accommodation.

Students entering these programs must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

1. Comprehend textbook material at the 11th grade level.
2. Communicate and assimilate information either in spoken, printed, signed, or computer voice format.
3. Gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.
4. Stand for a minimum of two hours.
5. Walk for a minimum of six hours, not necessarily consecutively.
6. Stoop, bend, and twist for a minimum of 30 minutes at a time and be able to repeat this activity at frequent intervals.
7. Lift a 40-pound person or assist with a larger person and transfer the person from one location to another.
8. Determine by touch: hotness/coldness, wetness/dryness, and hardness/softness.
9. Use the small muscle dexterity necessary to do such tasks as gloving, gowning, and operating controls on machinery.
10. Respond to spoken words, monitor signals, call bells, and vital sign assessment equipment.
11. Identify behaviors that would endanger a person’s life or safety and intervene quickly in a crisis situation with an appropriate solution.
12. Remain calm, rational, decisive, and in control at all times, especially during emergency situations.
13. Exhibit social skills appropriate to professional interactions.
14. Maintain cleanliness and personal grooming consistent with close personal contact.
15. Function without causing harm to self or others if under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Program Competencies

Upon graduation from this program students shall have demonstrated the ability to:

1. Provide nursing care through independent and collaborative application of the nursing process.
2. Use caring interventions when providing nursing care to a diverse population across the lifespan.
3. Manage the delivery of nursing care to groups of clients.
4. Communicate accurately and effectively by oral, written, and/or electronic means.
5. Use therapeutic skill in all aspects of nursing practice.
6. Implement a teaching plan based on the learning needs of the client and/or significant others.
7. Advocate for the rights of clients.
8. Assume responsibility for lifelong learning.
9. Function within the ethical and legal framework of Associate Degree Nursing.

Information about Selective Admissions programs