Recognizing society's increased demand for health professionals with advanced skills and knowledge of nursing science and individuals' unique educational and professional experiences, the faculty of the Department of Nursing offers accelerated programs for registered nurses and non-nurses seeking a college degree. The faculty of the Department of Nursing believes that liberal education and nursing education are essential preparation for the professional nurse practicing in a culturally, racially, and ethnically diverse community. The process as well as the content of a liberal education is fundamental to the development of the critical thinking, decision making, and communication skills essential to nursing practice. The liberal arts and sciences, in combination with the major in nursing, serve as a foundation for a variety of careers in professional nursing.
Academic excellence is achieved through a rigorous scholastic process.
Graduates of the program are prepared to meet the diverse health needs of clients in a variety of settings, as well as to coordinate health services, deliver humanistic nursing care, and engage in health assessment and health maintenance. Graduates may practice in community health agencies and programs, clinics, hospitals, and extended-care facilities. The Bachelor of Science degree is awarded and qualifies the graduate for admission to graduate schools offering advanced degrees in nursing. Graduates are eligible to write the licensure examination given by the Board of Registration in Nursing, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Satisfactory scores on this examination entitle the applicant to practice as a registered nurse.