Critical Care Nursing Degree

The critical care nursing program at Northern Essex Community College is a branch of nursing focused on the care of unstable or critically ill patients following surgery, life threatening disease, or extensive injuries. Critical care nursing involves caring for critically ill patients by way of mechanical ventilation and intravenous medication. Get more details below including other Massachusetts colleges that offer critical care nursing degrees.

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Northern Essex Community College (NECC)

360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA

Northern Essex Community College, located in Haverhill, Massachusetts, began operations in 1961 on the former site of Greenleaf Elementary school. Starting with a class of 186 students, the school became popular from the start, quickly expanding its enrollment and facilities to match the demands of residents and students within the school's service area. The college proved to be too popular, requiring the addition of several campuses throughout the years to expand the school's service area and meet the needs of the community. The school has added facilities and programs to meet and anticipate community needs, utilizing funding to ensure that programs are modern and relevant and that buildings are upgraded with equipment and technology that is necessary for the modern student.

Academics

Northern Essex Community College offers a large variety of programs that allow students to pursue academic transfer or career training opportunities. Such programs typically take two years to complete and result in an associate degree, through some programs may instead confer a certificate and take significantly less time to earn. Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education at Northern Essex Community College, followed by applying for transfer to a four year institution to pursue the final two years of a bachelor's degree through participation in upper division courses typically offered at colleges and universities.

Career training programs provide students with the opportunity to receive training and skill development in a high demand field. Students will take traditional classroom courses alongside more practical training oriented courses that provide work like environments and allow student to apply skills and techniques learned. Such programs typically take between one and two years to complete and allow the graduate to enter the workforce as a professional. Entry level positions are normally available to recent graduates with opportunities for growth based on the field of entry and the area of study.

Program offered include:

• Accounting
• Graphic Design
• Criminal Justice
• Early Childhood Education
• Nursing

Admissions and Financial Aid

As an open enrollment institution, Northern Essex Community College admits any students that meet the minimum requirements for enrollment. Students interested in full or part time program enrollment should complete the application for admission, provide all pertinent information regarding previous education, participate in student orientation and meet with a counselor to discuss program choice and develop a curriculum best suited to one's schedule and needs. Registration takes place shortly before the start of each semester and some students may be required to take a placement exam in order to be eligible for registration.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. Individuals requiring financial assistance must complete all necessary forms, the most important of which is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is used to determine the student's financial needs, eligibility for aid programs, and the monetary awards he or she may receive. Aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year, as one's financial situation may change and thus needs regarding aid.

Career Options for Graduates

Registered Nurses

Description

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

Nurse Practitioners

Description

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).