Program Description
Associate in Science Degree
The Nurse Education Programs are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in nursing in a variety of health care settings. The program requires general education, liberal arts, science, and nursing courses. Clinical experiences are selected to enhance learning and achievement of the program outcomes.
Massasoit’s Nursing Program is designed to prepare associate degree nurses who:
- Consistently and independently integrate the nursing process in coordinating a holistic care plan to meet the needs of individuals across the life span
- Incorporate teaching-learning concepts into nursing practice
- Perform technical skills and competencies necessary for entry of professional practice in accordance with scientific principles, policies and procedures
- Demonstrate professional values through collegial practice, lifelong learning, service to the community, and the commitment to improvement of the profession and the health care system
- Synthesize knowledge from biological, behavioral, social, and nursing science into the delivery of individualized, holistic, and caring nurse practices
- Consistently communicate effectively and therapeutically with patients, families, and health team members in the coordination and delivery of patient care
- Provide nursing care to and with culturally diverse populations in a variety of environments, both independently and in collaboration with other health care team members
Students are awarded an associate in science degree upon completion of the program requirements. The nursing graduate is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses) upon verification that the student has met the legal requirements of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Graduates wishing to continue their education and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing may enter several four-year colleges or universities.
The Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., 3390 Peachtree Rd. N.E., Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, Telephone: 404-975-5000 Fax: 404-975-5020.
Full approval status has been granted to the Program by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing Telephone: 617-973-0900.
Students seeking admission to Massasoit’s Nursing Program are required to attend informational sessions. Brochures for the program’s specific four options are available in the Admissions Office and discussed during the scheduled informational sessions. Along with meeting the general admission requirements of the college, students wishing to enter the program are required to take the TEAS V Nursing Test.
Admission to the nursing program is highly competitive and selective. Qualified applicants may be placed on the waiting list until the first week of classes and then withdrawn by the Admissions Office. Students must apply each year to be considered for admission.
Completion of all or some of the required non-nursing courses prior to entering the nursing program is strongly suggested. This allows the student to focus more effectively on the nursing curriculum. Priority is given to applicants who have demonstrated a high level of academic success and complete the required courses with a grade of B or better.
Upon admission to the program, students are required to complete the Massasoit Nursing Health form. Students who do not submit the required health forms will have a hold on their records preventing admission into the nursing classes and clinical. All nursing students are required to have health insurance, undergo a physical examination, and complete the necessary immunizations. This includes, but is not limited to, three doses of Hepatitis B immunization series and proof of immunity against measles, mumps, rubella, and chicken pox. Annual proof of freedom from tuberculosis is also required. Other immunizations required by the clinical agencies may be necessary.
Drug screening may be required by the clinical agencies. All nursing students must undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and/or a Sex Offender registry Information (SORI) check in accordance with the Criminal Records Information Act: “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, or the elderly, the student may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and/or Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI). Students found to have certain criminal convictions or pending criminal actions will be presumed ineligible to participate in such activities. The College is authorized by the Commonwealth’s Criminal History Systems Board, pursuant to MGL, Chapter 6, Sections 167-178B, to access CORI records. The College shall refer to regulations issued by the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services. 101 Code of Massachusetts Regulations 15.00-15.16; this provides guidance when assessing student CORI records. Sex Offender checks shall be performed pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 6, Sections 178C-178P. (Criminal Offender Record Information and Sex Offender Registry Information Checks).
Students admitted to the program must submit verification of completing a CPR Certification Course. This verification must remain current for the duration of their nursing education. A minimum grade of 78% (C+) must be achieved in all nursing courses. Students are responsible for purchasing the required uniforms and professional textbooks. Students are required to provide their own transportation to clinical sites. Students may be assigned to day, evening, or weekend clinical experiences.
- Selective admissions program