MCC’s Nursing Program Ranks No. 2 in Massachusetts

Middlesex Community College’s Nursing Program was named No. 2 for associate degree programs in Massachusetts on the 2020 list of Best Schools for Registered Nursing Programs by Nursingprocess.org.

Dr. Sandra Shapiro, MCC’s Director of Nurse Education, emphasizes the importance of a supportive, educated and student-motivated faculty for the success of the program.

“We have knowledgeable and committed faculty that are dedicated to student success,” Dr. Shapiro said. “They go above and beyond, day after day, to offer students opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to care for patients with complex healthcare needs.”

Dr. Shapiro asserts that students are faculty’s number one priority. Over several semesters, the nursing faculty worked together to devise a curriculum framework that best suits their students’ needs. They also developed a more intensive student evaluation process.

“The nursing faculty are highly educated and very experienced in the areas of their nursing specialty,” Dr. Shapiro said. “They continue to increase their knowledge in both nursing care and in educational practice. The faculty have an attitude that they can always be better, and their reflective practice is key to a successful Nursing Program.”

The resources Middlesex provides to students is another strength of the program. Faculty members carefully choose the most relevant textbooks and online videos to provide diverse learning experiences. Students take exams on a software program that is similar to the format of the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) for Registered Nursing. This helps students practice how to take the test so they are better prepared. The Nursing Skills Lab allows students to develop and apply expertise they can then use on real patients when fully prepared.

According to Dr. Shapiro, MCC has made strides in providing students and faculty with greater technology and resources across all nursing courses.

“The college leadership recently enabled the Nursing Program to enhance its simulation lab,” Dr. Shapiro said. “The lab is now equipped with state-of-the-art simulation mannequins – an adult, a child and a baby. With education and training to run the new equipment, faculty will soon be able to offer students amazing learning opportunities!”

Middlesex offers both full-time day and part-time evening/weekend options to prepare nurses to earn an Associate in Science, as well as eligibility to take the NCLEX. The program’s curriculum combines classroom learning of science, technology and general education courses with laboratory and clinical experiences.

Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/nursing/ for more information on MCC’s Nursing programs.

Registration for MCC’s Spring 2020 courses are now open. To register, go to www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration or call 1-800-818-3434.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, we educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners. MCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – on our campuses in Bedford and Lowell, and online. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!