Join the healthcare industry with a nursing degree. An Associate of Science in Nurse Education prepares you for a career as a registered nurse (RN). Learn the skills necessary to care for patients in a variety of settings such as hospitals, extended care facilities, and community health agencies.

Program Overview

A woman in scrubs holds a folder

What Will You Learn?

Associate of Science

The Nurse Education associate degree program prepares you to successfully enter the nursing workforce upon graduation. The program provides a robust curriculum in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings to ensure graduates attain the knowledge and skills needed for a rewarding career in nursing.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

5 Semesters

71 credits

I have met so many peers at different stages of their nursing journey who have inspired me. QCC offers ... programs that make it possible to continue your education with a schedule that still allows you to work and take care of family needs.

- Angela, Nursing Alumna

Learn Online

This program may be completed less than 50% online.

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.
  • Attendance at a Health Information Session or complete FYE 102 with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • Must show evidence of being compliant with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Additional immunization requirements will be required for clinical experiences.
  • Biology: Minimum grade of “B” in high school biology or “B” or higher in any college level biology course (BIO 101 recommended). Required grade must be earned within two attempts of taking and completing the course. Qualifying biology course must be taken within five years of application.
  • Required TEAS V or TEAS composite score of 65% or higher (cannot be a combination of multiple tests) must be achieved within five years of applying to the program.
    • Applicant must obtain a composite score of 65% or higher in no more than three attempts within a three-year period.
    • A TEAS composite score between 61% and 64% meets the admission criteria with appropriate biology and college GPA (see table below).
TEAS ScoreOverall QCC College Biology GPA (4 credit minimum)Overall QCC College GPA (15 credit minimum)
643.0 or higher3.0 or higher
633.1 or higher3.1 or higher
623.2 or higher3.2 or higher
613.3 or higher3.3 or higher

Locations

  • This program may be completed at QCC at the Healthcare and Workforce Development Center in downtown Worcester.
  • This program will require students to travel to clinical sites within the Worcester County area and surrounding counties.

Career Stats

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More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

Semester 1 (Summer I or II)

  • Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in five semesters.
  • Complete BIO 111 with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • Complete ENG 101.
Anatomy & Physiology IBIO 111F/S/SU4BIO 101 or BIO 107 or HS AP Biology or PNP 240 with a grade of “C” or higher, Coreq: ENG 101
Composition IENG 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
  Total7 

Semester 2

  • Complete BIO 112 with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • Complete NUR 106 and NUR 107 with grades of “C+” or higher.
Anatomy & Physiology IIBIO 112F/S/SU4BIO 111
Introduction to Nursing Concepts & Health CareNUR 106F/S1BIO 111 with a grade of “C” or higher, ENG 101, Coreq: BIO 112, NUR 107, PSY 101
Fundamentals of NursingNUR 107F/S8BIO 111 with a grade of “C” or higher, ENG 101, Coreq: BIO 112, NUR 106, PSY 101
Introduction to PsychologyPSY 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
  Total16 

Semester 3

  • If considering transfer, meet with a Transfer Services Advisor. See www.QCC.edu/transfer.
  • Complete BIO 232 with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • Complete NUR 108 with a grade of “C+” or higher.
Medical MicrobiologyBIO 232F/S/SU4BIO 112 or CHM 105 or CHM 123
Medical Surgical Nursing I/Maternal NewbornNUR 108F/S9BIO 112 with a grade of “C” or higher, NUR 101 or NUR 106 and NUR 107 with grades of “C+” or higher, Coreq: BIO 232, PSY 121
Survey of Life Span DevelopmentPSY 121F/S/SU3PSY 101
  Total16 

Semester 4

  • If considering transfer, meet with representatives of four-year schools to discuss/begin the transfer application process; or create an account on the QCC job board to search for internships, co-ops and jobs.
  • Complete NUR 204 with a grade of “C+” or higher.
Composition IIENG 102F/S/SU3ENG 101
Medical Surgical Nursing II/PediatricNUR 204F/S/SU9BIO 232 with a grade of “C” or higher, NUR 108 with a grade of “C+” or higher, PSY 121, Coreq: ENG 102, any HST, SOC 101 or SOC 111
Introductory Sociology (Principles) ORSOC 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Social Problems & Social ChangeSOC 111
History Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total18 

Semester 5

  • Continue with/complete the transfer application process; or if seeking employment, meet with Career Services for career readiness preparation and to learn more about QCC’s job board.
  • Complete NUR 205 and NUR 206 with grades of “C+” or higher.
  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing III/Mental HealthNUR 205F/S9ENG 102, any HST, NUR 204 with a grade of “C+” or higher, SOC 101 or SOC 111, Coreq: NUR 206, Humanities Elective
Advanced Nursing Concepts & Transition to PracticeNUR 206F/S2NUR 204 with a grade of “C+” or higher, Coreq: NUR 205
Humanities Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total14 
Total Credits Required:  71 

The Quinsigamond Community College Nurse Education program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (MABORN), and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN). MABORN can be contacted at: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing | 250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108 | 800.414.0168 | www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-in-nursing. ACEN can be contacted at: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. | 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326 | 404.975.5000 | www.acenursing.org. The Nurse Education program was granted continuing accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, and the next evaluation visit has been scheduled for Spring 2029.

Program Outcomes:
Program outcomes are defined as performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the purposes of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented. Program outcomes are measurable, consumer-oriented indexes designed to evaluate the degree to which the program is achieving its mission and goals. Examples include, but are not limited to, program completion rates, licensure/certification examination pass rates, and job placement rates.

Program Statistics:
Aggregate Program Completion:

  • Expected Level of Achievement developed by QCC AD Faculty (and reported to ACEN accrediting body) are that 70% of students will complete the program within 150% of stated program length, beginning with enrollment in first NUR course.
    • 2020-2021: 66%
    • 2021-2022: 76%
    • 2022-2023: 75%
  • Revised Expected Level of Achievement developed by QCC AD Faculty (and reported to ACEN accrediting body) are that 50% of students will complete the program within 100% of stated program length, beginning with enrollment in first NUR course.
    • 2020-2021: 65%
    • 2021-2022: 52%
    • 2022-2023: 64%

Aggregate NCLEX Licensure Pass Rates:

  • Expected Level of Achievement developed by QCC AD Faculty (and reported to ACEN accrediting body) are that 80% of first-time test takers will successfully complete the NCLEX-RN licensure exam as reported to NCSBN annually during the same 12 month period.
    • 2021: National Results = 82% | QCC Results = 81%
    • 2022: National Results = 78% | QCC Results = 74%
    • 2023: National Results = 89% | QCC Results = 85%

Number of Graduates by Class:

  • 2020-2021
    • December 2020: 34 | May 2021: 32
  • 2021-2022
    • December 2021: 55 | May 2022: 45
  • 2022-2023
    • December 2022: 41 | May 2023: 41

Aggregate Graduate Satisfaction (as answered on Graduate Survey 2023):

  • Question asked - “The attainment of end of program student learning outcomes prepared me to enter the workforce as an entry-level RN.”
    • 90% of the graduates agreed/strongly agreed with the above statement

Program Goals:

The Nurse Education program prepares students for a career as a registered nurse (RN). Graduates of the program assume responsibilities related to direct patient care in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, hospitals, clinics, extended care facilities, home and community health agencies. Upon successful completion of the Nurse Education associate degree program, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The program will also prepare students for further study at four-year colleges and universities.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Use the nursing process and other theoretical concepts in the comprehensive planning and delivering of nursing care to patients* throughout the life cycle.
  • Collaborate to effectively communicate with patients and inter-professional teams verbally, in writing, and electronically to achieve quality patient care outcomes.
  • Assume the role of the nurse in ways that reflect integrity, responsibility, ethical practice, and an evolving identity as a professional nurse committed to evidence-based practice, caring, patient advocacy, and safe quality care for diverse patients in various settings.
  • Make judgments in nursing practice, based on evidence, that integrate nursing science in the provision of safe, quality care and promote the health of patients.
  • Employ relationship-centered interventions that are caring, compassionate, nurturing, protective, therapeutic, and respectful of human differences.
  • Manage patient care through planning, organizing, directing, and delegating with an emphasis on system effectiveness to provide quality healthcare and a safe environment for patients and workers.
  • Advocate for patients and oneself to retain or develop new pathways which encompass one’s uniqueness, dignity, diversity, and freedom toward a holistic well-being.
  • Participate in a spirit of inquiry to help promote and maintain health and reduce risks for patients by challenging the status quo, questioning underlying assumptions, and offering new insights to improve quality of care.

*Patients (clients) are defined as the individual, family, or group, including significant others and population.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.
  • Attendance at a Health Information Session or complete FYE 102 with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • Must show evidence of being compliant with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Additional immunization requirements will be required for clinical experiences.
  • Biology: Minimum grade of “B” in high school biology or “B” or higher in any college level biology course (BIO 101 recommended). Required grade must be earned within two attempts of taking and completing the course. Qualifying biology course must be taken within five years of application.
  • Required TEAS V or TEAS composite score of 65% or higher (cannot be a combination of multiple tests) must be achieved within five years of applying to the program.
    • Applicant must obtain a composite score of 65% or higher in no more than three attempts within a three-year period.
    • A TEAS composite score between 61% and 64% meets the admission criteria with appropriate biology and college GPA (see table below).
TEAS ScoreOverall QCC College Biology GPA (4 credit minimum)Overall QCC College GPA (15 credit minimum)
643.0 or higher3.0 or higher
633.1 or higher3.1 or higher
623.2 or higher3.2 or higher
613.3 or higher3.3 or higher

Program Retention / Progression Requirements:
To be eligible to continue in the program, students must:

  • Achieve a grade of “C+” or higher in all program courses designated by NUR.
  • Achieve a grade of “C” or higher in BIO 111, BIO 112, and BIO 232; students who have received a grade below a “C” in BIO 111, BIO 112, or BIO 232 are required to repeat the course and obtain a grade of “C” or higher by the end of the semester in which they are required.
  • Demonstrate satisfactory performance in the nursing laboratory and in the clinical settings.

Program Readmission Requirements:
There is a one-time readmission policy for the program.

  • Readmission is not guaranteed and is always based upon space availability; review the readmission policy outlined in the QCC Nursing Student Handbook and the “Readmission for Health Programs” policy in the College Procedures section of the QCC Student Handbook.
  • Students who have been dismissed or administratively withdrawn from a program within the School of Healthcare at Quinsigamond Community College for reasons of “clinically unsafe practice/behavior” or who violate the College’s Student Code of Conduct or Policy on Affirmative Action are not eligible for admission/readmission to any Healthcare program.

Program Graduation Requirements:
Students must satisfy all course and program requirements, including regulations related to attendance and conduct, in order to be eligible for graduation.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI), Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI), and National Background checks are required in the program, either annually or every semester. Fingerprinting and drug testing may be required. Fingerprinting and drug testing results must meet clinical requirements. An issue with CORI/SORI, National Background, fingerprinting and/or drug testing could prevent a student from participating in a clinical/field rotation, which could result in dismissal from the program.

  • Applicants should understand that the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (MABORN) reserves the right to refuse an applicant the privilege of sitting for the NCLEX examination based on a Good Moral Character Licensure requirement.
  • The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (MABORN) requires all candidates for licensure to disclose any incidents with Child Protective Services. These may affect a candidate’s ability to sit for the NCLEX examination and obtain licensure.
  • More information is available from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (MABORN).

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

  • Students should anticipate additional expenses for professional uniforms, standardized testing, CPR-BLS certification, health immunizations, and physical exams. Also, there may be additional costs associated with the purchase of textbooks, clinical site parking, licensing examinations applications, mandatory clinical make-up, and any required skills for remediation.
  • Computer (not chromebook) with mouse, web cam, microphone, and Internet access and additional lab supplies.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 51.3801.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.

  • Students interested in transferring to QCC can find more information on the Admissions webpage at www.QCC.edu/admissions.
  • Students interested in transferring from QCC can find more information on the Transfer Services webpage at www.QCC.edu/transfer. See the Educational Mobility Policy.
  • Transfer Policy for the QCC Nurse Education programs:
    • A student may seek a transfer of credit from another approved institution, provided that a passing grade has been earned in all previous nursing courses and the coursework is comparable to the course offered at QCC. Transfer credit will be considered for NUR 106 and NUR 107 only if the student has not been away from the program for more than one year. See the QCC Catalog for additional information. Transfer is not guaranteed.
    • Students who wish to request transfer from one QCC nursing program to another QCC nursing program must meet with the Program Coordinator of the most recently enrolled program to review the process. The student must meet the admission requirements of the prospective program. Transfer is not guaranteed.

Additional Information:

  • This program prepares students for further study at four-year colleges and universities, as well as providing a broad background for employment in healthcare facilities.
  • Courses in both Nurse Education and Liberal Arts are required in the program curriculum. Nursing courses include clinical experiences in area hospitals, rehabilitation, long-term care and community agencies, as well as classroom study and laboratory practice on campus.
  • All students accepted in the NUR program must obtain/maintain a current American Heart Association or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Documentation of required immunity, satisfactory health status, and clinical standard compliance is required prior to beginning of clinical experiences.
  • Students who do not have completed health files (including titres and immunizations) submitted to and cleared by program orientation date will be removed from their nursing courses and will have to file for readmission to the next available semester.
  • NUR 206 (previously known as NUR 203) is currently being offered in a hybrid format.
  • A Social Security Number is mandatory for NCLEX Application (Licensure).
  • All clinical experiences are under the supervision of QCC Nurse Education faculty, and entrance into most clinical agencies will require the wearing of a standardized school uniform.
  • Students may be required to wear masks, goggles, faceshields, gloves, and/or gowns during lab/clinical.
  • Additional requirements for students participating in clinical placement:
    • Complete the Health Screening form and submit it to Castle Branch by identified due date.
    • May be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in compliance with the most stringent requirement of clinical agencies.
    • Receive annual influenza vaccine.
    • Complete tuberculosis screening.
    • Submit a titer following the completion of the Hepatitis B series of immunizations to document immunity.
    • Create an account and complete the student orientation on Massachusetts Centralized Clinical Placement website (www.mass.edu/mcncps/orientation/welcome.asp). Assign a clinical site and print a ticket to clinical for each clinical term.
Program Page

The purpose of Quinsigamond Community College, Nurse Education unit, is congruent with the Mission Statement of the College. The Nurse Education Unit provides a high quality education that is accessible and affordable to a diverse student population. The program in nursing serves the learner, the community and the nursing profession. At the completion of each program, the graduate is prepared to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, (NCLEX-RN) [NUL, NUP, NUR] and the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) [LP, LPE] and to assume an entry level nursing position.

Philosophy

We believe that:

Nursing is a caring, theory-based discipline focused on assisting the patient and significant support person(s) to achieve an optimal level of self-care, while protecting and promoting patient dignity. The science of nursing is a distinct, constantly evolving body of knowledge that encompasses rational and scientific principles upon which nursing interventions are based. Plan of care is flexible, patient centered, cost effective, attentive to patient diversity, and occurs within the context of the patient’s family and environment. Nurses utilize the nursing process, open, civil and therapeutic communication, critical thinking, and evidence-based information while working collaboratively with members of the health-care team. Nurses function within the standards of practice, demonstrating safe, competent, and legal-ethical practice.

The individual (Healthcare Consumer) is a valued, complex and unique being that has a dynamic capacity for self-care. The individual is understood as an integrated and whole being who functions biologically, psychologically, socially, spiritually and developmentally. The individual has the potential to make choices that will meet his/her own needs for self-care and lead to ongoing growth as human beings.

Environment – Individuals are best understood in the context of their environment. The environment consists of evolving, dynamic, culturally diverse conditions, which are influenced by family, specific living conditions, political, social, demographic, and economic factors.

Health is a state of physical, social, and spiritual well-being and not merely the absence of illness. Health status exists on a continuum and varies because of interactions between the patient and the environment.

Teaching/Learning is an active, dynamic, continuous and creative process of attaining and sharing knowledge, involving the patient, significant support person(s) and the health care team. As educators, nurses assist the patient/families by supporting self-care activities, while facilitating informed decision and achievement of positive outcomes.

Nursing education/scholarship occurs within a system of higher education and is a planned approach to the acquisition of knowledge. Nursing education progresses from the simple to the complex, facilitates the development of cognitive, psychomotor and affective knowledge and provides for multiple points of entry into the profession. The outcome of nursing education, at all levels, is to prepare a graduate who accepts professional responsibility and accountability. Nursing education supports participation in professional organizations. Cultural diversity within the classroom is valued and promotes appreciation and respect for differences within the college and beyond. The role of the faculty is to guide, support, facilitate learning, and model professional practice, while instilling commitment to lifelong learning. Faculty also strive to instill a sense of professional empowerment including commitment to social justice and community service. The role of the student is to translate classroom learning into nursing practice through the spirit of inquiry, evidence-based and reflective nursing practice.

The Licensed Practical Nurse provides quality patient-centered, evidenced-based care to vulnerable multicultural/diverse groups across the health care continuum, particularly among older adults and other population clusters that need long-term, community-based chronic care. The Practical Nurse cooperates and collaborates with health team members, patients and families and delegates the nursing care provided by unlicensed personnel. The Licensed Practical Nurse uses scientific knowledge and technical skills to continually assess the physical, emotional, and social status of their clients and they work with patients and their families to devise care plans for each situation in accordance with best nursing practice. 

The Associate Degree Nurse advances the nursing process to implement nursing actions in varied complex settings, and assist patients in meeting or maintaining self-care needs. The associate degree nurse cooperates and collaborates with other members of the health care team to give direct care to patients, families, and community groups. The associate degree nurse is also responsible for the delegation of nursing action.

Program Outcomes

Program outcomes are defined as performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the purposes of the nursing education unit are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented. Program outcomes are measurable, consumer-oriented indexes designed to evaluate the degree to which the program is achieving its mission and goals. Example include, but are not limited to, NCLEX examination pass rate, program completion rate, and job placement rates. 

Graduates from either the QCC Associate Degree or Practical Nursing Program are qualified to work in the state of Massachusetts upon the successful attainment of the appropriate licensure. Not all states accept a Massachusetts license. If you intend to practice outside of Massachusetts and obtain a license in another state, you are encouraged to review the NCSBN website for eligibility. As an applicant to the QCC Nursing Programs, you are encouraged to discuss your eligibility for licensure and work in another state other than Massachusetts with the Program Chair of the Associate Degree or Program Chair of the Practical Nursing program.

QCC Health Requirements

  • Physical Exam - Performed and signed by PCP/NP/ PA within 12 months of the start of the program
  • Tetanus -(Tdap) documentation of receiving Tetanus injection within the last 10 years
  • Flu vaccination - Documentation of receiving flu vaccination for the current Influenza season.
  • Tuberculosis Screening - documentation of two negative Tuberculin Skin Tests (2 step) and annual testing thereafter. If result is positive, students must provide documentation of a Chest x-ray showing no active disease within 12 months of program start date. A serum TB test may be used instead of a 2- step Tuberculin Skin Test
  • Varicella - Varicella titer demonstrating immunity to Varicella
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella - immunity titers for each disease demonstrating immunity to each disease
  • Hepatitis B Antibody titer - Positive Hepatitis B Surface Antibody titer which demonstrated immunity to the Hepatitis B Virus. If titer result is negative, students must provide documentation of having a complete Hepatitis B vaccination series, receive Hepatitis B boosters, and recheck Hepatitis B antibody titers as ordered by their PCP
  • Copy of current health insurance card on file
  • Healthcare Provider Level CPR Certification

Please contact our Healthcare Compliance Officer at healthcompliance@qcc.mass.edu