Nursing Programs in MA | Mount Wachusett Community College

Diverse Medical Students Collaborate on Healthcare Project

Nursing Programs In MA — Become A Registered Nurse

Every day, nurses make decisions and take action to improve patient health while adhering to safety practices. If you are looking to begin a challenging and highly rewarding career in nursing, MWCC is here to help you start your community college nursing program. With a Nursing degree from MWCC, you will be trained to think critically and solve problems while refining your healthcare skills to better the lives of your patients.

With our Nursing degree, you will be trained to think critically and solve problems while refining your healthcare skills. Each of these skills will equip you to help better the lives of your patients. At MWCC, students can choose one of three community college nursing programs in Massachusetts.

Apply Now

Types Of Nursing Degrees And Programs At MWCC

The first is MWCC’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). MWCC’s associate degree in nursing in Massachusetts is perfect for students who have not previously studied nursing. This two-year nursing program prepares students for the national exam to become Registered Nurses (RNs).

The second is our Practical Nursing (PN) program. This one-year certificate program prepares students for the national exam to become licensed PNs (LPNs). Prior healthcare experience is not required, but many certified nursing assistants (CNAs) choose this program to help advance their careers.

Finally, our Advance Standing bridge program is what it sounds like — a bridge between the PN program and the ADN program. It provides LPNs with a curriculum to earn their ADN and become RNs.

No matter which program you choose, you will learn in a motivating environment that encourages enthusiasm and pride in the nursing profession. Your nursing education will include classroom, lab and clinical components — on-campus and off-campus — at partnering healthcare organizations.

Get in-depth information on our community college nursing programs in Massachusetts so you can choose the most appropriate one.

Please note that the Nursing degree is a selective program and requires additional application components. Many students begin at MWCC in the Allied Health major before applying to a selective nursing program.

Advance Standing Bridge Option

MWCC also offers LPN to RN bridge programs in MA. Our Advanced Standing Bridge Option (NUP) is for LPNs with at least six months of experience who are already working in the nursing field.

Simply put, it is the bridge between our PN and ADN programs. LPNs can use our ADN program’s curriculum — from Anatomy and Physiology to Medical-Surgical Nursing — to become official RNs. MWCC students will also have NUR 116 — LPN to RN Transitions — which also counts toward the 76 to 77 college credits.

You can jump on the fast track to earn your associate degree to become an RN. Your experience may permit you to begin your education with more advanced coursework and earn credits for introductory courses without taking them.

The professor at the medical school is teaching related knowledge to the medical students.

Associate Degree In Nursing

MWCC has one of the best ADN programs in Massachusetts. During this two-year program, you will learn the fundamental topics each RN needs to succeed in their career.

Our Nursing Degree includes general courses in psychology, sociology and writing. Students will also have to complete a prerequisite semester to take courses like Statistics and Concepts in Biology, helping prepare them for a rich learning experience. A few of the core classes for this degree include:

Anatomy and Physiology
Microbiology
Foundations of Nursing
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Psychiatric Nursing

Courses for the Nursing Degree will total around 76 credits.

The ADN program is particularly beneficial for students who want to enter the workplace quickly. Students can also use the ADN program to further their nursing studies at a college or university — completing a relevant four-year bachelor’s degree.

Practical Nursing

Our PN — or LPN — program is a one-year certificate program that helps prepare students to become LPNs. It is the perfect choice for CNAs, those looking for a new career or those who want to advance their healthcare careers.

In the span of a year, you will learn key topics such as:

Fundamentals of Practical Nursing
Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology
Maternal Child Nursing
Human Growth And Development
Contemporary Nursing for the Practical Nurse

The degree comprises around 46 credits. Moreover, with a good understanding of PN fundamentals, you will be well-prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN) to earn your PN license.

Prospective students must pass the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS) examination before applying for this program.

Doctor and administrative worker reviewing a report on a clipboard at the hospital counter

Earn Your Registration With The NCLEX

By the end of your program, you will be well prepared to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Once passed, you will be officially registered as an RN. MWCC nursing graduates have historically achieved a high passing rate on the NCLEX-RN and have been successful in finding jobs.

Gain Hands-On Experience In Nursing Care

In the NUR 220 — Medical-Surgical Nursing, Part I — and NUR 222 — Medical-Surgical Nursing Part II — courses, you will get to work hands-on in a clinical setting. You will provide nursing care to groups of patients so you can refine and improve your hands-on skills while putting your theoretical knowledge into practice.

Advanced Standing Bridge Degree Option

Catalog Overview

Courses

Learning Outcomes

Practical Nursing Certificate

For students enrolling in a health science major or course

Health Profession Compliance Overview

Watch this video if you are considering enrolling in a health science major or course.

Elizabeth’s Story

Be In Demand As A Registered Nurse

After you graduate, you can expect to find a job fast as an RN. The nursing field is projected to grow about 6% from 2023 to 2033 — which is much faster than the national average! The aging population and growing rates of chronic conditions will demand more healthcare services, which means thousands of nursing jobs will open up all over the country. You may even make over $86,000 annually as an RN.

Earn A Nursing Degree At Mount Wachusett Community College

MWCC is one of the best community colleges with nursing programs in Massachusetts. Our quality education, affordable tuition and student support services make studying at MWCC a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Moreover, our ADN program is beneficial in two ways. You can either use it as a quick entry into nursing practice or as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year college or university to further your nursing studies.

Nursing Faculty / Student Handbook

Nursing Faculty / Student Handbook for MWCC Nursing program.

2025-2026 NU Faculty Student Handbook

Apply online today for one of our nursing programs, or send a request for further information!

The ADN and PN Nursing programs are approved by the Massachusetts Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The ACEN can be contacted at 404-975-5000, or at their web address, or at 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Median Salary: $95,000

Nurse Practitioner

Median Salary: $118,000

Registered Nurse

Median Salary: $85,000

Emmanuel College

Bachelor’s Program: Nursing Program/Agreement: Independent

Fitchburg

Bachelor’s Program: RN to BS Nursing Program/Agreement: MassTransfer

Rivier University

Bachelor’s Program: Nursing Program/Agreement: Independent

Southern New Hampshire University

Bachelor’s Program: Nursing Program/Agreement: Independent

Worcester State University

Bachelor’s Program: Nursing Program/Agreement: MassTransfer

Testimonials

Your Journey Starts Here

“I feel comfortable and well prepared with what I learned at the Mount, and I’m proud to say that I graduated from this program.”

Entela Roba

Physical Therapy Assistant, Class Of 2010

MWCC_Graduation_2017_Nathan_Fiske-1-e1505230703475

“I’ve always been caring so I thought majoring in nursing would be a great idea. I just love taking care of people and the medical field as well – anything illnesses or medicine has always been interesting.”

Elizabeth Brown

Nursing, Class Of 2017

“Being a part of a community college is a whole body and mind experience – you can’t just come and take classes. I’ve made so many friends that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”

Kaitlyn Fales

Business Administration, Class Of 2018

“My favorite part is that you are able to have many resources at your fingertips, you can just send an email, or walk to any of the offices and everyone is willing to help.”

Mercy Aryee

Computer Science, Class Of 2024

“Mount Wachusett Community College pushed me out of my comfort zone or, should I say, gently nudged me with their guidance and assistance in completing my first degree at the age of 61. I am not your typical undergraduate. I am not the typical age, not the typical student, and I certainly did not take the typical amount of time to complete this degree.”

Paula Morgan

Liberal Arts & Sciences, Class Of 2024

Elzbieta-Solimeno-Dental-Assisting-Student

“The Dental Assisting program at MWCC offers a hands-on training by faculty in the dental field. The professors are very helpful and knowledgeable, and the clinic is beautiful. If you enjoy helping people, wanting to make a difference in patients’ oral health and working in a professional environment then I really recommend Dental Assisting program at MWCC.”

Elzbieta Solimeno

Dental, Class Of 2019

“MassReconnect has helped me to pay for the college education that I never thought I’d earn, and show my four boys that its never too late.”

William Boudreau

Engineering Physics

“For those who are battling a disability, MWCC encouraged me and gave me a solid foundation to achieve my educational and career goals. There were times that I felt like giving up, but I kept moving forward and soon I will start a PhD program. It is all up to you.”

Ricardo Scarello

Computer Information Systems, Class Of 2007

“I am currently working towards my bachelor’s degree at Berklee College of Music Online and would not have been able to do it without the knowledge and skills I learned at MWCC.”

Mackenzie Christensen

Media Arts & Technology, Class Of 2017

“I think it goes without saying that the Mount is a supportive place. There is not a person on staff that I didn’t feel comfortable with.”

Austin Seppala

Business Administration, Class Of 2010

Ready To Take The Next Step?

Your journey starts with a single step. We have all the information you need to move forward with confidence. Reach out today to learn more about life at The Mount and how to get started.

Request More Info Apply Today