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Four Nursing Advanced Placement students, wearing uniforms, looking very happy and proud.
If you are already a licensed practical nurse who has worked in Massachusetts in the last year, NECC can help you earn your associate degree in just two semesters – saving you time and advancing your career.

Why Choose NECC?

NECC’s program, accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing, enables licensed practicing nurses to receive credit for a full year of the associate degree after successful completion of a one credit Nursing Transition Course in summer session prior to the start of classes in September for students accepted into the third semester of the ADN option. With this program you will:

  • Reduce the time required to earn an associate degree
  • Benefit from supervised laboratory and clinical experiences
  • Be eligible to sit for the National Council of Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)

Because of NECC

You will save thousands on the cost of earning an associate degree while gaining the skills and knowledge to pursue positions that will enable you to earn thousands more over the course of your career. Upon graduation you can:

  • Take the NCLEX-RN exam, to qualify as a registered nurse
  • Work in a broad array of healthcare settings including hospitals, doctors’ offices, outpatient treatment facilities, home health care agencies, and more
  • Transfer earned credits to a bachelor’s degree in a nursing or related program at a public or private four-year school, saving thousands of dollars on your degree

 

Quote:

At Northern Essex, I received the attention and support necessary to excel academically, and that in turn led me to a very rewarding and fulfilling career in nursing.

Patrice Peddle, Nursing


 

Courses and Requirements

 

Career Paths & Job Market

Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities

As working professionals, nurses may specialize in a particular disease, ailment or condition.

They practice in a variety of settings and specialize in a particular disease, ailment or condition or they may provide basic health care to patients. Most nurses work as staff nurses, providing critical health care services along with physicians, surgeons, and other health care practitioners.

Nurses may practice in a variety of settings:

  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Physicians’ offices
  • Schools
  • Outpatient treatment facilities
  • Home health care agencies
  • Correctional facilities
  • Travel Corps
  • Summer Camps
  • Military
Career Paths

Career Paths

See the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for median expected salaries and job trends in nursing.

Transferring to a 4 year College or University

Transferring to a 4 year College or University

Students who complete an Associate Degree in Nursing may choose to directly enter the workforce or they may transfer into four-year programs for their Bachelor’s in Nursing. RN graduates interested in continuing their education to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing may consider exploring our bachelor degree completion partnership with Regis College at NECC.

Associate Degree graduates may benefit from specific Articulation Agreements available among participating public and private higher education programs in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the surrounding New England region.

Please contact the Academic Advising Department for further information, Students may also refer to the Transfer Programs and Events page.

Students may also benefit from taking additional Non-Nursing courses to meet the requirements of the Mass Transfer Block if they are transferring to a Massachusetts State University or University of Massachusetts day program. For additional information go to the Transfer Programs page.

Contact

Assistant Dean of Nursing and Health Professions

Assistant Dean of Nursing and Health Professions

Kelly Fisher, PhD, RN

Phone: 978-655-5931
Please call to schedule an appointment
Email: kfisher@necc.mass.edu

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Contact Information

Jaime McLennan

Email: jmclennan@necc.mass.edu

Additional Information

Accreditation

Accreditation

The nursing program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Nursing, Boston, MA.

The Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400; Atlanta, Georgia 30326; (404) 975-5000; https://www.acenursing.org

The Associate Degree nursing program at NECC located in Lawrence, MA 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 decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate degree nursing program is continuing accreditation.

The Practical Certificate nursing program at NECC located in Lawrence, MA 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 decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Practical Certificate nursing program is continuing accreditation.

Program Effectiveness Data

Program Effectiveness Data

Student Achievement Outcome Data

1. Graduates’ success on the licensure/certification examination

*Class of 2022 – June 1st to May 31st

*Class of 2021 – June 1st to May 31st

ADN 95%
PN 86%

*From the Massachusetts Board of Registration Website

2. Students’ completion of the nursing program.

All students completed the program within 150% of the time stated program length.

Class of 2021

ADN 91%

PN 100%

3. Graduates employed within one year

June 1-May 31 for Associate Degree; September 1-August 31 for Practical nursing certificate.

Class of 2021

ADN Day and Advanced Placement option: 100% of graduates report employment within one year.

Practical Nursing Certificate: 100% of graduates report employment within one year.

NCLEX pass rates
Class of 2022

June 1st to May 21st
AD 88% 2022 graduates
PN 74% 2022 graduates

Additional Program Costs

Additional Program Costs

View the Additional Program Costs for Nursing Programs

Required Documents

Criteria Packets
Technical Standards
CORI/CHRI/SORI

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