Lawrence and Boston, MA, August 29, 2022 – Graduates of Northern Essex Community College’s Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) program will now be able to make a seamless transition into Emmanuel College’s online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (RN-to-BSN) through a new joint admissions agreement between the institutions.

NECC President Dr. Lane Glenn and Emmanuel VP of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Josef Kurtz

NECC students who intend to complete the ASN degree will be conditionally accepted into Emmanuel College’s online RN-to-BSN and will be eligible for the joint admission program upon graduation from the ASN program. The first NECC and Emmanuel joint admissions cohort will begin in the fall of 2022.

“We want to better serve nursing students throughout the Commonwealth in establishing a clear pathway from the ASN to the BSN and support workforce development and address skilled worker shortages,” said Michelle Sunday, director of transfer, articulation, and academic center advising at Northern Essex. “This agreement shows that Emmanuel College honors our students’ time, dedication and commitment, not only in their education but also through providing additional career guidance.”

The partnership was developed after both institutions recognized a local need for a pathway for bachelor’s degree completion that is affordable, flexible, and approachable. This partnership can benefit a wide student population, from older students returning to the classroom to take advantage of tuition remission offered by their employer to rising high school seniors looking to pursue a bachelor’s degree. NECC graduates can capitalize on the total resources of Emmanuel College, benefiting from a world-class education.

“These kinds of agreements are vital for economic and quality of life improvements for cities like Lawrence,” said Northern Essex President Lane Glenn, as he noted that many students want to work in the communities where they live. “We are pleased to facilitate valuable learning relationships and partnerships with local colleges and universities to help our students realize their educational and professional futures.”

Emmanuel College offers students six different entry points to start the program throughout the year at a cost of less than $12,000 to complete the online Bachelor of Science in Nursing course requirements in 16 months.

NECC and Emmanuel College, as separate institutions, have developed curricula and programs working to fill the growing need for skilled and liberally educated health care professionals to support workforce development in Massachusetts.

“Our partnership with Northern Essex Community College facilitates a seamless academic progression for associate degree nurses pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree,” said Diane Shea, Ph.D., RN, Associate Dean for Nursing/Professor of Nursing in the Maureen Murphy Wilken School of Nursing & Clinical Sciences at Emmanuel College. “We offer students an opportunity to pursue their intellectual curiosity, building on academic excellence.  The BSN degree opens numerous career and advancement opportunities.  We are excited about our partnership with Northern Essex Community College and our role in assisting nursing students to achieve their educational goals.”

Northern Essex Community College, the first Federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution in New England, is an education leader for the Merrimack Valley. Through a supportive learning environment and cultural inclusion, NECC embraces all identities and inspires initiative and excellence through top-notch affordable certificate and associate degree programs online and at campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence. NECC offers many bachelor’s degree transfer options, workforce development, and community education classes, and is host to the NECC Police Academy, MassHire Merrimack Valley, and Gallaudet University’s Regional Center for the deaf and hard of hearing. Visit Northern Essex online at www.necc.mass.edu.