Nursing

“Nursing is an art: and if it is to be made an art, it requires an exclusive devotion as hard a preparation, as any painter’s or sculptor’s work.” – Florence Nightingale 

At WMCC, we are proud to offer an ACEN-accredited, high-quality, and student-centered nursing education. Our two-year Registered Nurse program is designed to prepare you for a rewarding career through a comprehensive blend of classroom learning, hands-on practice in our state-of-the-art simulation lab (coming Fall 2025), and real-world clinical experiences. 

Guided by our dedicated and expert faculty, you will gain essential knowledge on campus and apply it in off-campus clinical rotations at hospitals, nursing homes, and social service agencies throughout northern New Hampshire. 

Program Purpose

The WMCC Nursing Program prepares students to provide safe, comprehensive nursing care to diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities across a variety of settings, including acute care, long-term care, ambulatory, mental health, and other structured environments. 

Our curriculum integrates nursing, science, and general education courses. Nursing courses include classroom instruction, hands-on practice in our state-of-the-art simulation lab (coming Fall 2025), and clinical experiences at local healthcare facilities. Learning experiences and clinical practicums may vary in time and location to provide students with a broad and adaptable skill set. 

The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to complete it on a full-time or part-time basis. However, the classroom and clinical components must be completed concurrently. All nursing courses must be completed within three years from the date of entry into the first nursing course. 

To ensure academic excellence and readiness for professional practice, students must take nursing courses in sequence and achieve a minimum grade of C+ (76.67) in all major theory and science courses, including Nursing, Anatomy & Physiology I/II, and Microbiology. A minimum grade of C (73.33) is required in all other general education courses, along with a “Pass” in clinical practicums to progress in the program. 

Start your journey with us and become a compassionate and competent nurse, ready to make a difference—one patient at a time. 

Admission Requirements

1. Meet college requirements for admission. Submit official high school and previous college transcripts to the WMCC Admissions Department.
2. Achieve a minimum total score of 60.0% or better on the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS). Applicants are allowed three (3) attempts and the test scores are valid for a period of three (3) years. Contact the WMCC admissions office for exam dates and cost. TEAS handout for testing at WMCC. 
3. Have completed science courses within five (5) years of their first Nursing course at WMCC to be eligible for transfer credit. Transfer credits are awarded for Anatomy & Physiology I and II and Microbiology only if the grade is a C+ or better.
4. Submit two professional references, work or education

Applications are not complete until all the above-mentioned documents have been received. To qualify for admission, applications must be completed by February 1.

Selection Criteria

Selection is determined by the Nursing Admission Rubric, which evaluates applicable college courses and grades, the ATI TEAS score, and references. Qualified students who are not accepted at first may be assigned to a prioritized waiting list based on the above criteria. They may be subsequently admitted if an opening becomes available prior to the beginning of the fall semester. Students desiring admission in the future must reapply.

Upon Acceptance

All students accepted into the Nursing program will:

1. Submit a current physical examination (within 1 year prior to beginning their first Nursing course), including all immunizations/titers.
2. Possess and maintain personal health insurance.
3. Acquire and maintain current Basic Life Support-Healthcare Provider certification.
4. Complete a criminal background check through the program’s approved vendor.
5. Complete a drug screening through the program’s approved vendor.

The clinical portion of the WMCC Nursing Program is conducted at area healthcare facilities (“clinical sites”). These sites set their own requirements for individuals entering their facilities for educational purposes, which may include vaccination requirements, such as the Flu and COVID-19 vaccine. 

Clinical sites have the authority to deny participation to any student who does not meet their criteria or comply with their policies. The WMCC Nursing Program cannot secure clinical placements for students who do not meet eligibility requirements. Adhering to clinical site policies is mandatory; failure to do so will result in ineligibility to complete the Nursing Program. 

Students may request exemptions through the appropriate college or clinical coordination representative (not guaranteed to be accepted), who will then forward the request to the clinical site for consideration. Until the clinical site grants an exemption or attendance approval, students will not be permitted to participate in clinicals. Inability to attend clinicals may impact attendance, program continuation, and financial aid eligibility. 

LPN to RN Completion Option

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) seeking to advance their education and earn an associate in science degree in Nursing at WMCC may be eligible to transfer into the second semester of the nursing program, pending seat availability and successful completion of the following requirements: 

1.Educational Background and Licensing: 

• Completion of a Practical Nursing program from an accredited school, and 
• Proof of a current, unencumbered LPN license. 

2.Academic and Course Requirements: 

• Fulfillment of all WMCC college admission requirements. 
• Successful completion of first-semester courses with the following minimum grades:
  • Human Growth and Development: Grade of C or better. 
  • Anatomy and Physiology I: Grade of C+ or better, completed within the last 5 years. 
• All science courses must be completed within 5 years of admission into the Nursing program. Transfer credits are awarded for grades of C+ or better in Anatomy and Physiology I and II and

3.Testing and Competency Requirements: 

• Achieve a 77% or better on a drug calculations test. 
• Score 68% or better on the ATI Practical Nurse Comprehensive Predictor.
• Demonstrate competency in key nursing skills, including:
  • Assessment of vital signs
  • Medication administration
  • Sterile technique

4.Advising and Preparation: 

• A meeting with the Nursing Program Department Chair is recommended to ensure preparedness for entry into the second semester of the first year. 

This pathway allows LPNs to advance their careers while building on their existing knowledge and experience. 

Transfer Policy

Transfer into the Nursing Program is contingent upon seat availability. Each transfer request is evaluated individually based on the student’s qualifications and available space. For more information, please contact the admissions department.

Readmission Policy

Students who have withdrawn from or did not meet the required minimum grades in the Associate Degree in Nursing program may be eligible for readmission. Readmission requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, must be submitted within one year of the student’s exit from the program, and are contingent upon seat availability. 

To be considered for readmission, students must meet the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of their readmission. 

Important Note: Students who have failed a Nursing course due to unsafe practice, are not eligible for readmission into the Nursing program. 

Employment/Transfer Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the associate in science degree in Nursing, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). 

Before completing all degree requirements, students may be eligible to apply to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing for additional licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) after successful completion of Nursing III.  The New Hampshire State Board of Nursing may restrict licensure for candidates with a history of civil or criminal legal actions. For questions regarding potential licensing restrictions, please contact: 

New Hampshire Board of Nursing 
Office of Professional Licensure and Certification 
Division of Health Professions 
7 Eagle Square 
Concord, NH 03301 

Email: [email protected] 
Phone (Nursing): (603) 271-2323 
Phone (Nursing Assistant): (603) 271-6382 
Fax: (603) 271-6605 

The Nursing Program also maintains articulation agreements with colleges and universities throughout New England. For further information, please contact the Nursing Program Department Chair, Stephanie Norton [email protected].