Curriculum

The Associate of Science nursing curriculum provides a broad academic background and strong clinical skills. Each nursing course consists of concurrent theory and clinical experience. The variety of clinical sites, including major teaching hospitals and medical centers in Boston, suburban hospitals and community sites, provides diverse client care experiences.

Students care for clients in medical-surgical, maternity, pediatric, rehabilitation, mental health and community nursing settings. The study of pharmacology, drug therapy, nutrition and pathophysiology is integrated in all nursing courses. The curriculum also includes general education courses in the biological and social sciences and the humanities. The sequence of courses is carefully planned to enhance the study of nursing as the student progresses through the curriculum toward the achievement of the Associate of Science nursing credential.

Flexibility Offered through Day or Evening/Weekend Options
Several schedule options are available to meet the diverse needs of the student population. Most students are enrolled in general education courses for one or two semesters before starting nursing courses. Flexible scheduling options available in either the Day Division or the Evening/Weekend Division provides nursing education opportunity to individuals whose employment, family or other responsibilities preclude full-time attendance. Students who wish to transfer between Day and Evening/Weekend Divisions may do so on a space available basis prior to the start of the semester. Students are admitted to both Day and Evening/Weekend Divisions twice a year, in late August and in January.

The Day Division curriculum allows concurrent enrollment in nursing and general education courses and may be completed in two to three academic years. Classes and clinical experiences are offered during the day Monday through Friday.

The Evening/Weekend curriculum may be completed in two and a half to three years of study. Evening/Weekend Division classes are scheduled on weeknight evenings; clinical experiences are provided every other weekend in the last two years. Weekend clinical experiences involve Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday daytimes and Monday evenings.

All courses are offered on a semester basis over an academic year. Each academic year consists of two 15-week semesters. Although summer sessions are available for certain general education courses, summer courses are not required as part of the curriculum plan.