Program Mission
In accordance with the mission of the college, the mission of the Nursing program is to provide high-quality, comprehensive, student-centered nursing education. The fundamental focus exemplifies current clinical and educational evidence-based practice which enables students to provide safe, comprehensive nursing care to diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities. The nursing education program in collaboration with its community partners, provides an avenue for students to achieve career and life goals through the application of knowledge, critical thinking, clinical judgment, and people skills necessary to practice as a registered nurse.
Program Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this degree, graduates have demonstrated the ability to:
- Demonstrate well-planned, safe and effective, culturally appropriate, patient-centered care using the nursing process.
- Utilize the principles of communication, engagement, caring, presence, accountability, and service within a legal and ethical framework.
- Practice collaboratively within nursing and with multi-professional healthcare providers.
- Incorporate best current, evidence-based practice in planning and implementing care for optimal health and wellness.
- Utilize healthcare systems resources to plan, organize and deliver care.
- Interact effectively with patients, families, and colleagues using therapeutic communication.
- Demonstrate accountability and professionalism in the nursing role using legal, ethical, regulatory, and humanistic principles.
- Participate in leadership and spirit of inquiry that contribute to lifelong learning, professional growth, and the body of nursing knowledge.
Program Purpose Statement
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: Applicants must:
- Meet college requirements for admission. Submit official high school and previous college transcripts to the WMCC Admissions Department.
- Achieve a minimum total score of 60.0% or better on the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS). Applicants are allowed three attempts. Test scores are valid for three years. Contact the WMCC Admissions Office for exam dates and cost.
- Have completed science courses within five years of their first Nursing course at WMCC for the courses to be eligible for transfer credit. Transfer credits are awarded for Anatomy and Physiology I and II and Microbiology only if the grade is a C+ or better.
- Submit two professional references, work or education related.
Applications are not complete until all the above-mentioned documents have been received. To qualify for admission, applications must be completed by February 1st.
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 must:
- Submit a current physical examination (within one year prior to beginning their first Nursing course), including all immunizations/titers.
- Possess and maintain personal health insurance.
- Acquire and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider certification.
- Complete a criminal background check through the program’s approved vendor.
- 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:
- Educational Background and Licensing:
- Completion of a Practical Nursing program from an accredited school, and
- Proof of a current, unencumbered LPN license.
- 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 Microbiology.
- 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
- Advising and Preparation:
- A meeting with the Nursing Program CoordinatorDepartment 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.
Program Accreditation:
The associate in science degree in Nursing at WMCC meets the state education requirements for a Registered Nurse (RN) license in New Hampshire. However, WMCC has not determined if its Nursing degree program meets the state education requirements for any other state, U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia. Students seeking licensure in other states should contact the respective state regulatory agency for nursing requirements.
The associate in science degree in Nursing is approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON). Upon satisfactory completion of the degree, graduates are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) through the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON) and Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Services.
Please note that the New Hampshire Board of Nursing’s licensing regulations may restrict candidates who have been involved in civil or criminal legal proceedings. For further information regarding licensing restrictions, contact:
Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
Division of Health Professions
Board of Nursing
7 Eagle Square
Concord, NH 03301
Email: board.questions@oplc.nh.gov
Website: www.oplc.nh.gov/new-hampshire-board-nursing
The Nursing Program at WMCC, located in Berlin, NH, is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Rd. NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: (404) 975-5000
Website: www.acenursing.org
The most recent accreditation decision (10/11/2024) made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Nursing program at WMCC is - successful full accreditation. Information regarding this accreditation is available in ACEN’s public disclosure.
Employment and Advanced Educational 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: board.questions@oplc.nh.gov
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 Department Chair.
Technical Standards
All students in the WMCC Nursing program must be able to perform diverse, complex, and specific functions and skills. These technical and professional standards are essential to ensure that students can participate in and succeed in the Nursing program while maintaining patient safety during their learning experiences.
Students are expected to demonstrate:
- Emotional stability
- Sound judgment
- Ability to accept direction and guidance from supervisors or faculty
- Effective interpersonal relationships with peers, staff, patients, and families
The following technical standards outline the skills and abilities necessary for students to function successfully in the program and in the nursing profession. Applicants who feel they may not meet one or more of the technical standards must contact the Nursing Program Coordinator to discuss individual cases.
1. Physical Abilities:
- Adequate strength and motor coordination to perform physical activities such as operating equipment, moving and transferring patients, and performing CPR.
2. Auditory Abilities:
- Adequate hearing to assess patient needs, understand instructions, respond to emergency signals, and engage in telephone conversations.
3. Visual Abilities:
- Adequate visual acuity to observe patients, manipulate equipment, interpret data, ensure a safe environment, identify color changes, and read fine print, writing, and calibrations.
4. Communication Skills:
- Adequate speech and language ability to express, comprehend, and exchange information verbally and non-verbally. This includes clear and logical interactions with patients, family members, physicians, peers, and other healthcare personnel.
5. Stress and Workload Management:
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions, respond appropriately in emergencies or unexpected situations, and manage variations in workload and stress levels.
6. Emotional and Interpersonal Skills:
- Ability to maintain mature, effective relationships with patients, students, faculty, staff, and other professionals under all circumstances.