Nursing: Associate Degree

The Associate in Science Degree in Nursing is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

1. Massachusetts Board of Nursing Approval

Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Department of Public Health
Bureau of Health Professions Licensure
Board of Registration in Nursing
250 Washington St., Boston, MA 02114

- [Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing](https://www.mass.gov/service-details/about-board-approved-prelicensure-nursing-programs)

Full Approval Status Maintained as of March 10, 2022

2. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326
404-975-5000

- [ACEN Accredited Programs](https://www.acenursing.com)

Year of Initial Accreditation: June 1991

  Continuing Accreditation: Evaluation Visit in October 2020, Accredited in March 2021, Next Evaluation in Fall 2028

The ADN program prepares students for careers as Registered Nurses (RNs). Graduates receive an Associate in Science Degree and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The program begins each Fall semester and is designed to be completed in two years (four semesters), with a curriculum that includes classroom lectures, laboratory work, and clinical practicums at various healthcare facilities in MetroWest areas.

Mission: Prepare graduates from diverse backgrounds to practice safe and quality nursing care within an evolving healthcare system.

1. Integrated Reasoning: Apply critical thinking, creativity, and innovation to formulate nursing judgments.

2. Concept Integration: Use nursing concepts and scientific knowledge for evidence-based, holistic patient care.

3. Professionalism and Leadership: Uphold high ethical standards and pursue professional growth.

4. Patient-Centered Care: Provide care based on patient/family values and preferences.

5. Quality and Safety: Improve safety and quality of care through monitoring.

6. Communication and Teamwork: Collaborate within the healthcare team with mutual respect.

7. Systems-Based Practice: Utilize various systems for managing nursing care, including technology.

1. Human Flourishing: Advocate for self-determination and growth of patients and families.

2. Nursing Judgment: Make evidence-based judgments to provide safe, quality care.

3. Professional Identity: Reflect integrity, responsibility, and ethical practices in nursing.

4. Spirit of Inquiry: Examine evidence to improve the quality of care.

1. Staff Nurse: Work in hospitals, long-term care, and outpatient clinics.

2. Specialized Nursing: Focus on areas like pediatrics or oncology with additional certifications.

3. Community Health Nurse: Work in public health, focusing on health education and disease prevention.

4. Home Health Nurse: Provide care to patients in their homes.

5. Occupational Health Nurse: Work in corporate settings focusing on employee health and safety.

6. Case Management Nurse: Coordinate patient care across various providers.

7. Nursing Informatics Specialist: Combine nursing with IT to improve healthcare data management.

8. Nurse Educator: Teach and train future nurses.

9. Travel Nurse: Take temporary assignments in different locations.

10. Nurse Administrator**: Manage nursing staff and operations.

11. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN): Further education to become a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist.

For details on program outcomes, NCLEX pass rates, and program completion rates, please refer to the attachment below.

MassBay Community College Associate Degree Nursing Program Outcomes →

1. Information Session: Mandatory attendance
2. Educational Background:
   1. High school diploma/equivalent or higher degree
   2. College GPA: 2.5+
3. ATI TEAS Exam:
   1. Minimum composite score: 63%
   2. Reading: 69+, Math: 67+, Science: 50+, English: 60+
   3. Two attempts allowed in 12 months; results valid for 3 years
4. Coursework:
   1. Completion of EN 101 with a grade of C or higher.
   2. MassBay placement into MA 102 or MA 104 or completion of MA 98 with a grade of C or completion of any college-level math.
   3. Completion of BI 215 Anatomy and Physiology I and BI 217 Anatomy and Physiology II within a five (5) year time frame with a grade of C+ or higher at the time student records are reviewed for matriculation into the nursing program (Note: students may repeat each science course only once to achieve a C+ within the required 5-year period). Challenge examinations are available for BI 215 Anatomy and Physiology I and BI 217 Anatomy and Physiology II if the applicant has completed the coursework, including the associated labs, over the five-year limit. (Note: students may repeat each science course only once to achieve a C+ within the required 5-year period).
   4. Completion of Chemistry I with a grade of C+ or higher (High School Chemistry or CH 101 within 10 years of acceptance into the nursing program).
5. Successful completion of Reading Assessment Test with a score of 246 or better.
6. Documentation from a healthcare provider stating that you have a positive Hepatitis B titer, or have completed the Hepatitis B vaccine series and are a “non-responder” to the vaccine. You must allow a minimum of 6 months to complete this process.

Post-Acceptance Requirements:

1. Orientation: Mandatory
2. Pre-Entry Documentation:
   • Health documentation submission by deadline
   • Medical clearance and immunizations
   • CPR certification from approved organizations

CORI/SORI background check

1. Grades: All nursing courses require a minimum grade of C (75%)
2. Math Competency: Completion of a 100-level math course or placement into a 200-level course
3. Critical Thinking: Demonstrated by completing NU 275 (Nursing Capstone) with a grade C+
4. Humanities Electives: Approved courses in arts, communications, languages, etc.
5. MassTransfer: Eligible for transfer to select public institutions in Massachusetts
6. * BI 223 Fundamentals of Microbiology w lab (4 Credits) must be successfully completed within a five (5) year time frame with a grade of C+ or higher before a student begins the 3rd semester in the Associate Degree Nursing program.
7. *** PS101 Must be completed only by students who are licensed LPNs or Paramedics who are applying to the Advanced ADN program. Completion of PS101 prior to starting ADN program is not required for those admitted to the regular ADN program.

For more details or questions, contact the Admissions Office at 508-279-4059 or admissions@massbay.edu. Visit the MassBay Health Sciences Info Session Schedule for upcoming sessions.

The Advanced Placement Curriculum enables Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Paramedics to apply to the Associate Degree in Nursing Program by meeting all the admission requirements. Those qualified applicants may be accepted into the first year, second semester. The theoretical and clinical components of nursing courses must be taken concurrently and sequentially as outlined in the applicable curriculum sheet. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).