Why Choose NCC’s Nursing Programs?
Play a vital role in the healthcare system as an advocate for patients, liaison between doctors and specialists, and source of support for patients, families and colleagues alike. Northampton Community College’s (NCC) nursing programs, including the associate degree in advance of registered nurse (RN) licensure or the practical nursing certificate for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) licensure, equip you with firsthand clinical experience, licensing examination-ready knowledge and a network of fellow nursing professionals to help you build your career.
Choose day or evening nursing courses on our Bethlehem or Pocono campus in Pennsylvania as you prepare to become a caring, empathetic and life-altering nurse.
These are selective programs; please carefully review all provided information and admission requirements.
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A Career-Oriented Program
Our four nursing program paths are tailored to your career goals and day-to-day needs as a student, family member or working professional. Our LPN and RN programs prepare you for the NCSBN examination and clinical licensure, and the CNA program gets you ready for NNAAP registration and a spot on Pennsylvania’s Nurse Aide Registry. NCC’s Continuing Education opportunities also help you prepare for the NCLEX examination, fulfill your mandatory contact hours or reactivate a lapsed nursing license. In other words, we have whatever you need to launch, advance or restart your nursing career!
Real-World Training
Practical clinical experience is threaded throughout our nursing programs, with several classes that involve weekly clinical hours and certifications that demand a high level of hands-on practice. The real-world training contributes to our graduates’ success in the nursing field, with high employment rates after program completion.
Flexible Evening and Weekend Classes
Balance your daytime commitments—whether you’re working or caring for your family—with your professional growth through our weekend and evening nursing program opportunities. These courses on our Bethlehem campus offer the same rigorous curriculum as daytime and weekday courses—we’ve just made the schedule as accessible as we can.
What You’ll Learn in the Nursing Program
Northampton Community College’s RN and LPN programs provide you with exceptional clinical opportunities, giving you firsthand experience with the everyday challenges of nursing. In courses like Nursing Care of Patients with Medical Surgical Problems and Maternal Child Health Nursing, you will complete 10 clinical hours each week and earn 72 clinical hours from your nursing practicum. These extensive hands-on practices provide you with the necessary skills to perform the distinctive roles of an LPN or RN.
In addition, our nursing programs ensure you develop a theoretical background in preparation for the NCLEX-RN® or NCLEX-PN examinations.
Program Details
Semesters: 4
Credits: 71
College Catalog: View Curriculum
Program Map: Download PDF
Locations: Bethlehem | PoconoProgram Overview:
Prepare for entry-level positions as a registered nurse who provides safe, competent nursing care in the various settings of our dynamic, evolving healthcare environment. You may find opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care, home care, clinics, physicians’ offices, community care centers and many other agencies.
Successful completion of the program qualifies graduates to apply for licensure as a registered nurse and to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®). This examination is used by the State Board of Nursing to assess the entry-level nursing competence of candidates for licensure as registered nurses. When the candidate successfully completes the NCLEX-RN® exam, a license is issued. Learn more about the NCLEX-RN® exam.
Semesters: 3
Credits: 44
College Catalog: View Curriculum
Program Map: Download PDF
Locations: Bethlehem | PoconoProgram Overview:
Choose LPN training to enter care settings as a practical nurse. Practical nurses work under the direction of a licensed registered nurse, licensed physician or dentist. Over one calendar year, advance your career through 27 credits of nursing courses and 17 general education credits.
Semesters: 1
Credits: Not Applicable
College Catalog: View Curriculum
Program Map: Download PDF
Locations: FowlerProgram Overview:
This intensive 120-hour course prepares you to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program Competency Examination (NNAAP) for placement on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry and begin a successful career as a Nurse Aide in a long-term care facility, hospital or other healthcare setting.
Semesters: 1
Credits: Not Applicable
College Catalog: View Curriculum
Program Map: Download PDF
Locations: FowlerProgram Overview:
CBI Healthcare Education helps you:
- Prepare for the NCLEX
- Fulfill mandatory contact hours
- Reactivate a lapsed nursing license
BIOS202 Microbiology for Allied Health
NURS205 Geriatric Nursing for the Practical Nurse
NURS206 Maternal Nursing for the Practical Nurse
NURS207 Mental Health Nursing for the Practical Nurse
NURS223 Maternal Child Health Nursing
NURS224 Care of Mental Health Patients
PSYC258 Developmental Psychology
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
NCC’s nursing programs are highly competitive. On your application, we’ll look for a strong academic record, including courses in biology, chemistry and algebra. We’ll also ask you to complete a thorough background check and health assessment and demonstrate the recent completion of an approved CPR course.
For fall start programs (LPN and RN), applications open on October 1. Apply by February 1.
For spring start programs (RN), applications open on May 1. Apply by September 15.
RN and LPN program admission requirements
Program FAQs
LPNs and RNs may seem like the same profession in many ways, but they are two distinct jobs requiring different responsibilities and training procedures. In Pennsylvania, both positions require the successful completion of a National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) exam.
Our LPN program, which you can complete in one calendar year (three semesters), leads to a Practical Nursing Certificate. Once you pass the NCLEX-PN® exam, you can provide basic care to patients, such as checking blood pressure, determining heart rates, bathing and dressing injuries. You are also frequently responsible for completing paperwork and other administrative tasks. LPNs often serve as the primary point of contact with patients and their family members.
In NCC’s RN program, you work toward an associate’s in applied science degree over two years of study, followed by the NCLEX-RN® examination. RNs have a slightly expanded role compared to LPNs. You may administer medication, perform complex diagnostic tests, and provide treatment and aftercare advice as part of the discharge process.
You can become an RN in about two years: once you complete your associate degree in nursing, you can sit the NCLEX-RN® licensing exam and earn your professional licensure.
If you live outside of Pennsylvania or intend to complete an internship or clinical placement outside of the state, you should review the requirements on the state board website to make sure that NCC’s RN program qualifies. Licensure requirements vary from state to state, so you may require additional authorization from the professional licensing agency in your state. Participating in a program from outside of Pennsylvania, if not properly authorized by that state’s professional licensing board, could result in a loss of licensing eligibility. If you need help or have questions, please contact admissons.
Northampton Community College is one of the most affordable nursing schools in PA! Our low tuition and fees translate into low or no debt post-graduation, and if you’re gearing up for a BSN, NCC can help you save up to $40,000 on the first two years of your bachelor’s degree program.
