Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program

Virtual Information Sessions

Are you ready to launch your nursing career? Take the first step by learning about this innovative three-year BSN program at NEC.

You will hear from NEC’s Dean of Nursing about this cooperative model with three immersive clinical semesters within a partner hospital.

All sessions start at 6:00 p.m. EST.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025
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Wednesday, February 19, 2025
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Wednesday, March 19, 2025
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Wednesday, April 16, 2025
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Wednesday, May 21, 2025
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program Overview

For students who want to move into their nursing careers faster with high-quality education, NEC offers cohort-based learning in a concept-based Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Students can complete 124 credits in less than three years on a 12-month academic calendar.

NEC’s carefully constructed academic-practice partnerships with New England healthcare organizations Catholic Medical Center, Cheshire Medical Center, Concord Hospital, Concord Hospital—Laconia and Franklin, Elliot Hospital, Frisbie Memorial Hospital, Parkland Medical Center, and Portsmouth Regional Hospital offer students the opportunity to complete 36 credits during three paid immersive clinical experiences as an employee of one of these partner organizations, meaning that nearly 30% of credits are earned in a hospital setting.

Why You?

• You want to make a positive difference in the lives and health of others.
• You’ve always wanted to be a nurse, and you believe that you’re a good leader.
• You want to earn a bachelor’s degree in less than three years.
• You can identify problems and enthusiastically seek out solutions.
• You’re committed to high achievement.
• You want to earn money while simultaneously earning college credit.

Resources

2024–2025 Nursing Student Handbook
BSN Course Sequence

Nursing BSN Program Highlights

Why Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree?

Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing gives you the skills and clinical experience to become a strong nurse leader and advocate for your patients. This three-year BSN program combines the holistic benefits of a liberal arts education with invaluable conceptual nursing education. We use the most current evidence for nursing education to ensure that you’ll graduate with the knowledge, clinical judgment, and problem-solving abilities to meet the complexities of 21st century healthcare.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Goals and Learning Outcomes

Program Goals
Through the delivery of an integrative curriculum, this program’s purpose is to assist the student-learner to:

1. Critically think, clinically reason, and apply scientific problem-solving methods to demonstrate clinical judgment in simple and complex healthcare situations.
2. Intervene therapeutically by combining knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions in a holistic, socially just, person-centered, ethical, and compassionate manner.
3. Provide safe, high-quality, cost-effective care; and translate and apply evidence at the point of care and throughout care systems.
4. Communicate effectively using verbal, non-verbal, written, informatics, and technology skills to foster healthy interprofessional partnerships throughout care systems.
5. Value diversity as a member of society, the profession, and care systems; and advocate and lobby for inclusive and equitable access to healthcare.
6. Comport themselves as professionals and leaders within an individual practice setting, system, society, and the nursing profession.

Program Learning Outcomes
The goals mentioned above relate to the identified program and student learning outcomes, based on the Essentials documents (AACN 2008 and AACN, 2021) and Nurse of the Future Competencies (Sroczynski, 2016) measured through classroom assessment methods and clinical performance. As a result of the completion of the nursing program, the New England College nursing graduate can:

PLO1. Synthesize knowledge from nursing, the arts, humanities, and the natural, physical, and social sciences into professional nursing practice across the lifespan and care continuum. (AACN Essentials 2008: (I) Liberal Education for Baccalaureate Generalist Nursing Practice, (IX) Baccalaureate Generalist Nursing Practice; AACN 2021 Essentials: (1) Knowledge of Nursing Practice; NOF: Patient-Centered Care)

PLO2: Provide holistic, individualized, just, respectful, compassionate, coordinated, evidence-based, and developmentally appropriate nursing care across the lifespan and care continuum. (AACN 2008 Essentials: (IX) Baccalaureate Generalist Nursing Practice, AACN 2021 Essentials: (2) Person-Centered Care; NOF: Patient-Centered Care and Communication)

PLO3: Serve in partnerships to advocate for improving the health status of a defined population through health promotion, illness prevention, and emergency preparedness measures. (AACN 2008 Essentials: (VII) Clinical Prevention and Population Health; AACN 2021 Essentials: (3) Population Health; NOF: Teamwork and Collaboration)

PLO4: Use clinical expertise and the individual’s preferences, experience, and values to identify, evaluate, and apply the best current evidence to clinical decision-making. (AACN 2008 Essentials: (III) Scholarship for Evidence-Based Practice; AACN 2021 Essentials: (4) Scholarship for the Nursing Discipline; NOF: Evidence-Based Practice)

PLO5: Apply quality improvement principles and contribute to a culture of patient, provider, and work environment safety. (AACN 2008 Essentials: (II) Basic Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Care and Patient Safety, (VI) Interprofessional Communication and Collaboration for Improving Patient Health Outcomes; AACN 2021 Essentials: (5) Quality and Safety; NOF: Quality Improvement and Safety)

PLO6: Engage in team-based, person-centered care partnerships across the care continuum to optimize care, enhance the healthcare experience, and strengthen outcomes. (AACN 2008 Essentials: (VI) Interprofessional Communication and Collaboration for Improving Patient Health Outcomes; AACN 2021 Essentials: (6) Interprofessional Partnerships; NOF: Teamwork and Collaboration)

PLO7: Effectively and proactively coordinates unit-based human and fiscal resources to provide safe, quality, and equitable care across the lifespan and care continuum. (AACN 2008 Essentials: (II) Basic Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Care and Patient Safety, (V) Health Care Policy, Finance, and Regulatory Environments; AACN 2021 Essentials: (7) Systems-Based Practice; NOF: Systems-Based Practice, Leadership)

PLO8: Use information and technology to analyze and synthesize information to manage and improve the provision of safe, high-quality, and efficient care across the lifespan and care continuum. (AACN 2008 Essentials: (IV) Information Management and Application of Patient Care Technologies; AACN 2021 Essentials: (8) Informatics and Healthcare Technologies; NOF: Informatics and Technology, Communication)

PLO9: Demonstrate accountability for providing standard-based nursing care across the lifespan and care continuum, consistent with ethical, moral, altruistic, legal, regulatory, and humanistic ideologies. (AACN 2008 Essentials: (VIII) Professionalism and Professional Values; AACN 2021 Essentials: (9) Professionalism; NOF: Professionalism)

PLO10: Model personal health behaviors, demonstrate professional curiosity, and advocate for individuals across the lifespan and care continuum. (AACN 2008 Essentials: (II) Basic Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Care and Patient Safety, (VIII) Professionalism and Professional Values; AACN 2021 Essentials: (10) Personal, Professional, and Leadership Development; NOF: Professionalism, Leadership)

What Can You Do with a Nursing BSN?

Accreditation and Licensing

Accreditation Disclosure Statement

The three-year cooperative BSN program at New England College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; 655 K Street NW, Suite 750; Washington, DC 20001; 202.887.6791.

Professional Licensing Disclosure Statement

New England College’s three-year cooperative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has been approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. Upon completing all program requirements, students can apply for professional licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in New Hampshire. Concurrently, students are authorized to sit for the National Council of the State Boards of Nursing National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Although the NCLEX-RN is a national examination, requirements for licensure are regulated by individual states, not nationally, and state nursing laws and regulations can fluctuate regularly. New England College has not yet determined whether its clinical, cooperative Nursing, BSN program meets educational requirements for initial licensure for states outside New Hampshire.

Students may also research professional nursing licensure requirements in the state where they intend to practice at the Board of Nursing Professional Licensure Requirements | NCSBN. Students are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Angela McPhee-Smith, DNP, RN, CNE at amcphee-smith@nec.edu with questions.

Why Choose NEC?

New England College (NEC) is a private, nonprofit college founded in 1946 to serve the needs of servicepeople attending college on the GI Bill after World War II and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Today, NEC is an innovative, military-friendly institution and one of the top five liberal arts colleges in New Hampshire.

NEC offers 60 associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as more than 20 master’s degrees and one doctoral degree program, all delivered by dedicated faculty focused on giving students opportunities to live what they learn. With access to many clubs, outdoor activities, natural areas, internships, and professor-led trips, NEC students have many ways to meet new people and try new things.

At NEC, the world is your classroom.

Recognition and Rankings

Concord Hospital: Embracing a Nursing Education Model

When Jennie Small heard that New England College was partnering with Concord Hospital to offer a three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, the 44-year-old mother of three knew it was the right time to make a change.

Read the full story.

New Hampshire Bulletin: Together, New England College and Hospitals Aim to Tackle Nursing Vacancies

The state’s health care industry had to get creative after the pandemic exacerbated pre-existing workforce shortages, doubling the vacancy rate for nurses and LNAs between 2019 and 2022, according to the New Hampshire Hospital Association.

New England College’s response was to create a new nursing program that benefits students and the state’s hospitals well before students graduate.

Read the full story.

NEC Ranked Top College in New Hampshire

New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in the state, as acknowledged by Intelligent.com, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

NEC Ranked Leading College in New Hampshire

New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in NH, as acknowledged by EduRank, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

NEC Ranked Top College in New Hampshire

New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as one of the best colleges in New Hampshire, as acknowledged by Academic Influence, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

Application Requirements

NEC Nursing completes a holistic admission review for every applicant. In addition to NEC’s general application requirements, nursing applicants must complete the following admission requirements:

First-Year Applicants:

• Overall high school GPA (average 3.12 for admitted students)
• Grades in college prep math, science, and English courses
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal essay
• LNA Licensure is a plus
• TEAS, SAT, or ACT optional
• Interview optional or upon request

Transfer applicants:

• Overall college GPA (average 3.0 for admitted transfer students)
• Grades in science, math, and writing courses
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal essay
• LNA Licensure is a plus
• Interview optional or upon request
• TEAS optional (within one year of application)

In addition to NEC’s general application and nursing admission requirements and to progress throughout the program, applicants must at their own expense:

• Hold or obtain a New Hampshire LNA license before the first cooperative experience
• Be and remain eligible for employment as an LNA at a partner institution
• Complete a criminal background check before first cooperative experience

Tuition

The average tuition for a bachelor’s degree after scholarships and aid is $12,500 per year.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Requirements

Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Health Assessment for Nursing I and II

This course is suited for anyone interested in a career in clinical healthcare to connect the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and the scientific process to physical assessment through laboratory investigation of the structure and function of the human body. Course II is designed to connect knowledge of anatomy and physiology to nursing science through laboratory investigation of the structure and function of the human body and its application to physical assessment. 4 credits each.

Cooperative Experience I: Health and Illness Across the Lifespan and Care Continuum

In the first Cooperative Learning Experience, students learn to integrate and apply core knowledge from the liberal arts and sciences with the foundational nursing knowledge, hands-on skills, and professional behaviors as the basis for providing safe, quality, and patient-centered care for the young adult, adult, and older adult populations across the care continuum. Students will be introduced to the concept exemplars, including oxygenation; acid-base imbalance; perfusion; fluid and electrolyte imbalance; nutrition; digestion; elimination; sensory perception; and tissue integrity, as well as the related pathophysiology and pharmacology. Learning experiences include the classroom, the simulated learning environment, and patient care settings. 12 credits.

Cooperative Experience II: Health and Illness Across the Lifespan and Care Continuum

In the second Cooperative Learning Experience, students learn to integrate and apply core knowledge from the liberal arts and sciences with the foundational nursing knowledge, hands-on skills, and professional behaviors as the basis for providing safe, quality, and patient-centered care for the young adult, adult, and older adult populations across the care continuum. Students will be introduced to concept exemplars, including metabolism; intracranial regulation; infection; inflammation; immunity; tissue integrity; and sensory perception, as well as the related pathophysiology and pharmacology. Learning experiences include the classroom, the simulated learning environment, and patient care settings. 12 credits.

Cooperative Experience III: Health and Illness Across the Lifespan and Care Continuum

In the final Cooperative Learning Experience, students learn to integrate and apply core knowledge from the liberal arts and sciences with the foundational nursing knowledge, hands-on skills, and professional behaviors as the basis for providing safe, quality, and patient-centered care for the pediatric (including newborn care) and women’s health (including antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care) populations across the care continuum. Students will be introduced to concept exemplars, including growth and development; health promotion and illness prevention; reproduction oxygenation; perfusion; clotting; metabolism; immunity; infection; abuse/neglect; mobility; nutrition; digestion; and elimination, as well as the related pathophysiology and pharmacology. Learning experiences include the classroom, the simulated learning environment, and patient care settings. 12 credits.

Professional Nursing I

This course is the first of two foundational nursing courses introducing students to professional nursing knowledge and concepts. This course introduces the student to the scope and standards of practice for professional nursing; healthcare delivery systems; health promotion; wellness and disease prevention; health policy; communication; ethical and legal considerations; professionalism and leadership; collaboration and teamwork; evidence-based practice; informatics; patient-centered care; quality improvement and safety; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and self-concept. 2 credits.

Professional Nursing II

This course is the second of two foundational nursing courses building on the knowledge and concepts introduced in Professional Nursing I. It introduces the student to the clinical judgment process; priority-setting frameworks; management of care; documentation; medication administration; mobility; client education; vital signs; human growth and development; grief; stress and coping; comfort, rest, and sleep; end-of-life care; infection control and isolation; elimination; fluid, electrolytes, and acid-base balance; gas exchange and oxygenation; perfusion; nutrition; pain; sensory perception; tissue integrity; and the surgery client. 4 credits.

Professional Nursing III

This course builds on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) acquired in Professional Nursing I & II and Cooperative Experience I. To strengthen holistic relationships with patients and communities, students learn to apply foundational KSAs to psychiatric-mental health nursing by exploring addiction, neurocognition, mood and affect, trauma, eating disorders, anger/violence, abuse/assault, and legal aspects through a public health lens. 4 credits.

Evidence and Informatics

This hybrid course integrates evidence-based practice and informatics. It examines the essential elements of the research process and models for applying evidence in clinical practice to support nursing care, quality standards, and analytical thinking that reduces risk. Designed to spark the student’s spirit of inquiry, the course allows students to have an opportunity to begin transforming research into practice by developing a clinical question, collecting data, appraising, and disseminating new evidence. 4 credits.

Systems-Based Practice

This seven-week hybrid course reinforces and expands on the principles of systems-based practice, interprofessional competencies, and evidence-based practice as the basis for understanding the complex legal, ethical, regulatory, economic, and political dynamics that influence organizational behavior, leadership/followership, and management within the healthcare environment. Students will explore leadership, management, organizational communication, ethical and legal issues, delegation, and prioritization. 4 credits.

Transitions to Professional Nursing Practice

This seven-week hybrid seminar provides opportunities to explore current issues in healthcare and professional nursing practice to support the students’ transition into the professional workplace. Students will also create a professional resume, prepare for job interviews, and be guided through preparation for professional licensure and registration for the NCLEX-RN. 4 credits.

Capstone Seminar and Clinical Immersion

This 14-week hybrid course is the summative evaluation of the theory and clinical program learning outcomes through ongoing adaptive assessments and synthesis of program concepts and a 180-hour clinical immersion. 8 credits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete the Nursing, BSN program?

The Nursing, BSN program is designed to be completed in three years.

How is the Nursing, BSN program structured?

The Nursing, BSN program is structured around three trimesters a year—fall, spring, and summer, each totaling 16 credits.

What are the benefits of a Nursing, BSN program?

Our Nursing, BSN program will prepare you to become an ethical, compassionate, and effective nurse in a variety of patient-focused roles.

How do I enroll in the Nursing, BSN program?

To enroll in the Nursing, BSN program, you must gain admission to the program after submitting an application and meeting the various admission requirements. Once admitted, you can declare your major and begin scheduling your classes for the upcoming semester.