Nursing Programs at Holyoke Community College
Explore the HCC Nursing Program Educational Pathways
Holyoke Community College Practical Nurse and Associates in Science in Nursing Programs are approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
The nursing programs prepare professionals to care for people across-the-life span in all aspects of health. Students learn the Art and Science of Nursing practice through direct patient care experiences in our local healthcare facilities and simulation-based education. Our concept-based curriculum is built from an evidence-based framework that is used to contextualize nursing clinical judgment and decision-making to think and care like a nurse.
Holyoke Community Colleges Center for Health Education and Simulation is equipped with state-of-the-art classrooms and labs, high-quality patient simulators and task trainers providing students with simulated hands-on experience throughout their education. Simulation labs provide students the opportunity to learn skills; develop clinical reasoning abilities; and to become competent in caring for patients and families in a safe learning environment.
Holyoke Community Colleges faculty and staff are skilled practitioners, teachers and mentors dedicated to the success of all students.
HCC's Practical Nurse Certificate program is ranked #2 2024 - Best LPN Programs in Massachusetts
HCC's Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program ranks #5 2023 Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
HCC's offers a three-semester Practical Nurse (PN) certificate program. The PN program prepares students to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). A licensed practical nurse participates in direct and indirect nursing care in the implementation of priority-based patient centered nursing care that respects the patient’s individual preferences.
HCC offers a two-year Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) program that prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse (RN). A registered nurse is a collaborative member of the interprofessional healthcare team that develops and implements priority-based quality nursing care to individuals, groups and the family with respects to ones preferences, values and needs.
HCC PN graduates are eligible to apply for consideration for educational mobility to the third semester of the HCC ASN Program. Applicants must have graduated from the HCC PN program, acquire an LPN license meeting Good Moral Character compliance, and be employed as an LPN for approximately six months prior to the start date of the third semester of the ASN program. Please refer to the Advanced Placement Education Mobility 1+1 Policy.
The LPN2RN Program is for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) who has earned the credential from another nursing program that is employed as an LPN for approximately six months prior to the start date of the third semester of the ASN program or have graduated from the HCC PN program in two or more applications cycles, and wants to apply for advanced placement consideration for entry into the HCC ASN program. Please refer to the Advanced Placement LPN2RN Policy.
Pathways to a Bachelor's (BSN) or advanced degree in Nursing
Concurrent Enrollment
HCC ASN & WSU BSN Program
HCC and Westfield State University (WSU) are offering a concurrent ASN & BSN enrollment option. Students accepted into HCC and WSU nursing programs will work concurrently to obtain their ASN & BSN degrees. For program consideration applicants must select this option in the application process and meet all of the admissions and progression policies for both HCC and WSU. Interested candidates may enroll as an HCC Foundation of Health major to complete all of the general education course requirements.
Are you interested in advancing your Nursing Education?
HCC offers additional educational opportunities for students interested in an PN to RN, RN to BSN or advanced degree (MSN, NP, or PhD) in Nursing. HCC bridges the gap and connects you to our many educational partners with four-year accredited colleges and universities. For further information or to discuss your specific nursing education pathway goals, please contact by email: advisingcenter@hcc.edu.