Division of Nursing and Health Sciences

This division offers A.A.S. degree programs leading to licensure for entry into the workforce, an A.S. degree designed to prepare students for transfer to 4-year institutions, and a certificate program in practical nursing. Programs utilize state-of-the-art-on-campus laboratories to facilitate student learning. Faculty are licensed to practice in respective fields and hold diverse academic and professional backgrounds; most hold advanced practice credentials in their professional field.

Location: Health Sciences Building (Level I and Level II)

Divisional Contact Number: 973-877-1865

Chairperson: Lori York (lyork@essex.edu)

Administrative Assistant: Robbyn Graham (rgraham1@essex.edu)

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), https://www.capteonline.org.

The Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JCERT), https://www.jrcert.org.

The Vision Care Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA), https://coaccreditation.com.

The Nursing programs are accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing, https://njccn.org/nj-board-of-nursing/ and the R.N. degree program is also accredited by the Accreditation Commission in Nursing (ACEN), https://www.acenursing.org. 

Nursing programs are accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing, https://njccn.org/nj-board-of-nursing/  and the R.N. degree program is also accredited by the Accreditation Commission in Nursing (ACEN), https://www.acenursing.org. 

Why major in Nursing?

There is a growing demand for nurses nationwide. Nursing is a service-oriented profession involving caring for and working with people. A state-of-the-art, nursing simulation laboratory is available to facilitate learning, as is a multi-media computer laboratory. The Nursing program prepares students for entry-level positions in hospitals and other health care facilities. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to qualify for licensure as a registered nurse.

If I major in Nursing, can I transfer to an upper-division college or university?

Yes. Many colleges have “upper division” nursing programs that allow associate degree graduates to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.); we have articulation agreements with New Jersey City University, Kean University, and Montclair State University.

Are there any requirements I must satisfy before I start taking courses in my major?

It is recommended that you apply to the College as a General Science major (curriculum code: 0603) and indicate interest in Nursing. The following are minimum standards for program admission:

• Be at college level in English and Mathematics, which may require the completion of developmental courses (e.g., ENG 099 and/or MTH 092) based on placement testing.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Have an overall college GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Successfully complete all of the program prerequisites with a grade of “C” or better: ENG 101: College Composition I; BIO 121: Anatomy & Physiology I (within 5 years of admission); CHM 101 or CHM 103: College Chemistry I or General Chemistry I; and, PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology
• Completion of ONE time ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS-RN) upon approval to test granted by Nursing Department. A score of 60 and above qualifies you to be ranked for admission; tests taken outside of ECC will NOT be evaluated.

For other admissions requirements, contact the Nursing Department or see the RN Program Fact Sheet. Qualified applicants are admitted on a space-available basis. In addition to the Nursing program requirements, transfer students must complete a minimum of 9 credits at ECC to be eligible for admission to the Nursing program.

How long will it take for me to complete this degree?

The Nursing degree program is a full-time program that can be completed in a two-year period (after prerequisites are completed) if you register for an average of 13 credits each semester.

The Essex County College Nursing program is approved and accredited by the:

New Jersey Board of Nursing

124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor

Newark, NJ, 07102, (973) 504-6430

https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur/Pages/default.aspx

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Inc.

3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA, 30326

(404) 975-5000

www.acenursing.org

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Provide safe culturally sensitive care to patients across the lifespan;
• Practice using legal, ethical, and regulatory standards of the nursing profession;
• Collaborate with the patient and the multidisciplinary health care team to meet the needs of patients in a variety of settings;
• Manage care to promote quality positive outcomes for patients and their families;
• Demonstrate clinical judgment in assisting patient and families to promote optimal health by utilizing current evidence and available resources; and
• Utilize information technology to collect data, prevent errors, communicate effectively and maintain safe quality care.

Where should I direct specific questions about this program?

Call the Division at (973) 877-1868/1865 and see RN Fact Sheet.

Why major in the LPN Articulation Option?

The LPN Articulation Option of the Nursing program provides opportunities for Licensed Practical Nurses to gain credit for previous LPN education and licensure toward completion of the Nursing A.A.S. degree. The program prepares students for entry-level positions in hospitals and other health care facilities. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to qualify for licensure.

If I major in the LPN Articulation Option, can I transfer to an upper-division college or university?

Yes. Many colleges have “upper division” nursing programs that allow associate’s degree graduates to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.). We have articulation agreements with New Jersey City University, Kean University, and Montclair State University.

Are there any requirements I must satisfy before I start taking courses in my major?

Students must possess a current LPN/LVN license prior to applying to program, a high school diploma or GED, and have official transcript of state-approved or NLN-accredited Practical Nursing Program sent to ECC. Applicants should enter ECC as General Science (curriculum code: 0603) students and indicate interest in Nursing. Minimum standards for admission are:

• Be at college level in English and Mathematics, which may require completion of developmental courses (e.g., ENG 099 and/or MTH 092) based on placement testing.
• Have an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Complete program prerequisite courses with grades of “C” or better: CHM 101 College Chemistry I (or CHM 103 General Chemistry I), BIO 121 Anatomy & Physiology I, BIO 122 Anatomy & Physiology II, ENG 101 College Composition I, ENG 102 College Composition II, and PSY 101 General Psychology I.
• Possess a current LPN/LVN license.
• Completion of ONE time ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS-RN) upon approval to test granted by Nursing Department. A score of 60+ qualifies ranking for admission to the program. Tests taken outside ECC will NOT be evaluated.

For other admissions requirements, contact the Nursing Department or see the LPN-RN Fact Sheet. Qualified applicants are admitted on a space-available basis.  Admission to the nursing program is based on a statistically-weighted candidate ranking system.

How long will it take for me to complete this degree?

The Nursing: LPN Articulation Option can be completed in three semesters (after program prerequisites are completed) if you register for an average of 12 or more credits each semester.

How does this option benefit the LPN?

Upon successful completion of two courses, NRS 106 LPN Mobility I and NRS 111 LPN Mobility II, students can complete the Nursing Program by successfully completing NRS 206 Nursing III, NRS 216 Nursing IV, and NRS 217 Nursing Leadership (Nursing V) in the generic track. Graduates are awarded the Associate in Applied Science degree with a major in Nursing and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Upon successful completion of NRS 106 and NRS 111, the LPN is awarded 6 credits toward the Nursing degree as credit for their LPN education (NRS 999).

The Essex County College Nursing program is approved and accredited by the:

New Jersey Board of Nursing

124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor

Newark, NJ, 07102, (973) 504-6430

https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur/Pages/default.aspx

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Inc.

3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA, 30326

(404) 975-5000

www.acenursing.org

Where should I direct specific questions about this program?

Call the Division at (973) 877-1868/1865.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), https://www.capteonline.org.

Why major in Physical Therapist Assistant?

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs)have a rewarding opportunity to make a positive difference in the quality of people’s lives. Their work involves extensive contact with both patients and other health care professionals. PTAs work under the supervision of physical therapists in implementing treatment programs specific to the plan of care. PTAs work in hospitals, private physical therapy offices, community health centers, corporate or industrial health centers, sport facilities, research institutions, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, schools, pediatric centers, colleges, and universities. The PTA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE); rules and regulations regarding accreditation can be found on their website:  http://www.capteonline.org/AccreditationHandbook.

If I major in Physical Therapist Assistant, can I transfer to an upper-division college or university?

The PTA curriculum differs from that of physical therapists. Under most circumstances, courses completed and credits acquired toward this associate’s degree are not transferable. Our program, however, has an articulation agreement with Mercy College (Dobbs Ferry, NY). This agreement allows graduates, who apply and are accepted into Mercy’s Physical Therapy program, to transfer many credits completed at ECC. Other accredited programs designed to allow experienced PTAs to continue working while attending a doctoral degree program on weekends exist, but our articulation agreement only applies to Mercy College.

Are there any requirements I must satisfy before I start taking courses in my major?

All students – even transfer students – should apply to the College as a General Science (curriculum code: 0603) student first before applying for admission to the PTA Program. Completion of prerequisites and submission of an application does not automatically guarantee admission. Transcripts from other institutions must be evaluated and accepted by ECC Enrollment Services prior to review by the PTA program. Strict application deadline is March 15 for enrollment the following Fall. Admission to the PTA program is competitive and merit-based and includes minimal basic standards that must be met for applicants to be considered for admission. These standards are as follows:

• Completion of all remedial and/or ESL courses as indicated by placement testing.
• Completion of all prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or higher. Only two of the three prerequisites may be repeated to achieve these grades; each may only be repeated once. Prerequisites courses are: BIO 121 Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits), ENG 101 College Composition I (3 credits), and PSY 101 General Psychology I (3 credits).
• A college GPA of 2.5 or higher in courses required by the PTA program. Grades in general education courses completed prior to admission are also applied to establish applicants’ GPA.
• Submission of a program application to the Division of Nursing and Allied Health (applications are accepted from January 1st to March 15th each calendar year).
• Completion and documentation of 50 required volunteer or work hours in a physical therapy department or facility by the March 15th application deadline.
• Completion of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a minimum score of 50. The TEAS may only be taken once per application and a passing score does not guarantee admission to the program. Students should not register to take the TEAS until all other application requirements listed above have been met.

How long will it take for me to complete this degree?

If you do not need developmental courses and have completed prerequisites and you register for an average of 15 credits each semester, you can complete the program in two years.

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Work under the supervision of a physical therapist in an ethical, lawful, safe, and effective manner;
• Implement a comprehensive treatment plan developed by a physical therapist;
• Communicate regularly with the supervising physical therapist about the patient's progress and the need for adjustments to be made by the physical therapist in treatment procedures in accordance with changes in patient status;
• Perform appropriate measurement and assessment techniques within the knowledge and limits of practice to assist the supervising physical therapists in monitoring and modifying the plan of care;
• Interact with patients and families in a manner that provides the desired psychosocial support including the recognition of cultural and socioeconomic differences;
• Participate in the teaching of other health care providers, patients and families;
• Document relevant aspects of patient treatment;
• Participate in discharge planning and follow up care;
• Demonstrate effective written, oral, and nonverbal communication with patients and their families, colleagues, health care providers, and the public;
• Identify levels of authority and responsibility; planning, time management, supervisory process, performance evaluations, policies and procedures; fiscal considerations for physical therapy providers and consumers; and, continuous quality improvement;
• Read and interpret professional literature;
• Accept responsibility for professional development; and
• Modify an intervention only in accordance with changes in patient/client status and within the scope of the plan of care that has been established by the physical therapist.

Where should I direct specific questions about this program?

To contact the program directly, please call (973) 877-3375 or email ptapro@essex.edu.

The Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JCERT), https://www.jrcert.org.

Why major in Radiography?

Radiography involves assisting in the diagnosis and management of human illness by producing diagnostic images (also called radiographs or x-rays) of structures in the body. Students receive hands-on training in radiographic procedures and imaging modalities and in operating room and fluoroscopic procedures. Graduates are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Board examination for National Registration in addition to New Jersey State licensure. Upon licensure, graduates will qualify to work with physicians in offices, clinics, and hospitals. Radiographers can specialize in mammography, computed tomography (CT), digital vascular imaging (angiography), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Related jobs can be found in manufacturing firms and medical supply companies. The Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60606 and by the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners.

If I major in Radiography, can I transfer to an upper-division college or university?

The Radiography degree program is job-oriented and not designed for transfer to a bachelor’s program. However, colleges and universities, including Thomas Edison State University and Rutgers University School of Health Related Professions, may apply most or all credits earned in this program towards a bachelor’s degree.

Are there any requirements I must satisfy before I start taking courses in my major?

All students – even transfer students – must first apply to the College (a General Science major-curriculum code: 0603 is recommended) before applying for admission to the Radiography Program. Admission is competitive. Completion of prerequisites and application submission does not automatically guarantee admission. Transcripts from other institutions must be evaluated by ECC Enrollment Services prior to review by the Radiography Department. Strict application deadline is April 30 for enrollment in the following Fall. The following are minimum standards for admission into the Radiography program:

• Be at college level in English and Mathematics, which may require completion of developmental courses (e.g., ENG 099 and/or MTH 092) based on placement testing.
• Successfully complete program prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better: BIO 121 Anatomy & Physiology I, ENG 101 College Composition I, MTH 100 Introduction to College Mathematics or any other college-level math, and HSC 109 Medical Terminology.
• Have a college GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Perform satisfactorily – score at least 50 – on the ‘TEAS for AH’ (Test of Essential Academic Skills for Allied Health), which is scheduled annually in the Spring.

How long will it take for me to complete this degree?

If you do not need developmental courses and have completed prerequisites for admission, you can complete the program in 22 months by following the recommended sequence of courses and by earning a grade of “C” or better in all RTC courses.

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Students will be able to demonstrate appropriate equipment manipulation;
• Students will be able to demonstrate clinical competency on progressively more difficult patients;
• Students will be able to identify the dangers of ionizing radiation to the patient and appreciate ALARA principles;
• Students will be able to interpret and respond to patient’s non-verbal and verbal needs;
• Students will be able to demonstrate team interaction skills;
• Students will be able to perform successful image evaluation;
• Students will be able to perform appropriately in role play scenarios designed to demonstrate effective patient care skills and patient interactions;
• Students will be able to learn and apply appropriate patient care;
• Students will be able to demonstrate professional behavior; and
• Student will be able to demonstrate ethical behavior becoming of an entry level radiography technologist.

Where should I direct specific questions about this program?

Call the Division at (973) 877-3293.

Vision Care Technology

Curriculum Code: 2122

Will Earn Upon Program Completion: Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree

The Vision Care Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA), https://coaccreditation.com.

Why major in Vision Care Technology?

The Vision Care Technology degree program introduces students to opticianry. Students receive training in laboratory techniques of measuring and grinding eyeglasses to prescription and in fitting and final adaptation of eyewear. Curriculum prepares students for business administration functions of the profession and to pass the state licensing examination for Ophthalmic Technician and Ophthalmic Dispenser. To be successful in the field, you must combine scientific and clinical skills with ability to work well with patients. Job opportunities include owning or working in a retail optical dispensary or sales and marketing of ophthalmic materials. Employment prospects are increasing caused by rising number of elderly and trends toward high fashion eyewear. The VCT program is accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA), PO Box 592, Canton, NY, 13617 (Phone: 703-468-0566).

If I major in Vision Care Technology, can I transfer to an upper-division college or university?

The program is career-oriented, although students may choose to transfer credits to four-year institutions to pursue a bachelor’s degree in optometry, opticianry, or related fields.

Are there any requirements I must satisfy before I start taking courses in my major?

Based on placement, you may be required to take developmental courses in English and/or Mathematics before taking courses in your major. In addition, prior completion of trigonometry, biology, and physics at the high school level is strongly recommended.

How long will it take for me to complete this degree?

If you do not need developmental courses and you register for an average of 18 credits each semester, program can be completed in two years; less by taking summer courses.

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Develop lensometry skills necessary for laying out lenses for edging, inspecting jobs according to standards, and neutralizing a pair of glasses;
• Discuss prescription eyewear both verbally and written with patient / customer and eyecare professionals;
• Analyzing and interpreting prescriptions;
• Identify human eye structure including its function and pathology;
• Assist patient / customer in selection of proper frames and lenses;
• Determine patient / customer physiognomic measurements (facial and eye);
• Reading / neutralizing prescriptions of existing eyeglasses both single vision and multifocal;
• Verifying eyeglasses to the prescription as to being either dispensable or not dispensable according to New Jersey standards;
• Adapt and fit prescription eyeglasses to patient / customer;
• Demonstrate proficiency in eyeglass lens edging equipment and applying rules and regulations for safety;
• Ability to interpret contact lens prescriptions and the differences from spectacles prescriptions and how they relate to the anatomy of the eye;
• Understanding of how eyeglass prescriptions relate to the anatomy and physiology of the patient / customer’s eye(s);
• Understanding frame and lens materials / designs and how they relate to patient / customer’s needs considering the pros and cons of their decisions;
• Understanding theory of light and optics as it relates to lens designs and materials and focusing power;
• Understanding the standards and regulations both nationally and New Jersey and how they need to be applied;
• Learning the role / responsibility / professional ethics of an Optician; and
• Discuss the use of the phoropter to determine prescriptions subjectively.

After fulfilling requirements of the VCT program, students can take the New Jersey State boards to obtain their New Jersey license. They may also choose to obtain American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Certification. Since the inception of this program, 100% of our students have passed the American Board of Opticianry and the National Contact Lens exams, and 75% have passed the NJ State Licensing Board exam. Job opportunities are excellent for licensed New Jersey Opticians with nearly 100% placement immediately after licensure.

Where should I direct specific questions about this program?

Call the Division at (973) 877-3367.

Academic Certificate

Licensed Practical Nurse

Curriculum Code: 3312

Will Earn Upon Program Completion: Academic Certificate (AC)

Nursing programs are accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing, https://njccn.org/nj-board-of-nursing/  and the R.N. degree program is also accredited by the Accreditation Commission in Nursing (ACEN), https://www.acenursing.org. 

 

Why major in Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?

There is growing demand for LPNs to care for individuals in various settings. LPNs work closely with RNs and other health care team members in long-term care facilities, assisted living sites, and some hospitals. A state-of-the-art, well-equipped nursing simulation laboratory is available, as is a multi-media computer laboratory. Upon program completion, a student is eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam to qualify for LPN licensure.

Is there educational mobility after completing the LPN program?

The Division of Nursing and Health Sciences subscribes to the state articulation model for education mobility of nurses. LPN students can enter the RN program upon meeting admission requirements of the Nursing: LPN Articulation Option A.A.S. Degree Program.

Are there any requirements I must satisfy before I start taking courses in the LPN program?

Apply to the College as an LPN student (curriculum code: 3312). The following are minimum requirements for admission into the program:

• Be at college level in English and Mathematics, which may require completion of developmental courses (e.g., ENG 099 and/or MTH 092) based on placement testing.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Achieve a satisfactory score on the LPN program admission exam.

Note: Strict program application deadline is June 30 for enrollment the following Spring. Admission is competitive. Qualified applicants are admitted on space-available basis based on minimum score of 50% in Reading and overall composite score of at least 50% in English, Science, Math, and Reading on the pre-admissions (TEAS) test.

How long will it take for me to complete the LPN program?

This 48-week program can be completed in one 12-month cycle (January-December).

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate cognitive knowledge (including basic nursing care theory and practice, patient assessment techniques, and comprehensive treatment plan/intervention elements) required of entry-level LPNs;
• Demonstrate psychomotor skills (including medication administration, physical assessments, and assisting with teaching/instruction in care of older adults) required of entry-level LPNs; and
• Demonstrate communication skills and ethical/professional behaviors (including progress reports and written documentation of client care) expected of entry-level LPNs.

Where should I direct specific questions about this program?

Call (973) 877-1868/1865.

Certificate of Achievement

Vision Care Technology

Curriculum Code: 3310

Will Earn Upon Program Completion: Certificate of Achievement (COA)

Why major in Vision Care Technology?

The Vision Care Technology certificate program introduces students to the field of opticianry. Students receive training in laboratory techniques of measuring and grinding eyeglasses to prescription and in fitting and final adaptation of eyewear. Curriculum also prepares students for business administration functions of the profession and to pass the state licensing examination for Ophthalmic Technician and Ophthalmic Dispenser. To be successful in the field, you must combine scientific and clinical skills with ability to work well with patients. Job opportunities include owning or working in a retail optical dispensary or sales and marketing of ophthalmic materials. Employment prospects are increasing caused by growth in the elderly population and trends toward high fashion eyewear. All course work required by the Certificate of Achievement can be applied towards earning an A.A.S. degree in Vision Care Technology.  The program is accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA), P.O. Box 592, Canton, NY, 13617 (Phone: 703-468-0566).

If I major in Vision Care Technology, can I transfer to an upper-division college or University?

The certificate program is career oriented, although students may choose to transfer their credits to four-year institutions in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in optometry, opticianry, or related fields.

Are there any requirements I must satisfy before I start taking courses in my major?

Based on your placement, you may be required to take developmental courses in English and/or Mathematics before taking courses in your major. In addition, prior completion of trigonometry, biology, and physics at high school level is strongly recommended.

How long will it take for me to complete this degree?

If you do not need developmental coursework and you register for an average of 6 credits each semester, you can complete the program in three years in conjunction with New Jersey’s Apprentice Dispensing Permit.

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Develop lensometry skills necessary for laying out lenses for edging, inspecting jobs according to standards, and neutralizing a pair of glasses;
• Discuss prescription eyewear both verbally and written with patient / customer and eyecare professionals;
• Analyzing and interpreting prescriptions;
• Identify human eye structure including its function and pathology;
• Assist patient / customer in selection of proper frames and lenses;
• Determine patient / customer physiognomic measurements (facial and eye);
• Reading / neutralizing prescriptions of existing eyeglasses both single vision and multifocal;
• Verifying eyeglasses to the prescription as to being either dispensable or not dispensable according to New Jersey standards;
• Adapt and fit prescription eyeglasses to patient / customer;
• Demonstrate proficiency in eyeglass lens edging equipment and applying rules and regulations for safety;
• Ability to interpret contact lens prescriptions and the differences from spectacles prescriptions and how they relate to the anatomy of the eye;
• Understanding of how eyeglass prescriptions relate to the anatomy and physiology of the patient / customer’s eye(s);
• Understanding frame and lens materials / designs and how they relate to patient / customer’s needs considering the pros and cons of their decisions;
• Understanding theory of light and optics as it relates to lens designs and materials and focusing power;
• Understanding the standards and regulations both nationally and New Jersey and how they need to be applied;
• Learning the role / responsibility / professional ethics of an Optician; and
• Discuss the use of the phoropter to determine prescriptions subjectively.

Where should I direct specific questions about this program?

Call the Division at (973) 877-3367.

PLEASE NOTE:

All applicants to Nursing and Health Sciences programs must meet special admission requirements. While waiting for admission, students are urged to begin taking core curriculum requirements, contact the divisional chair or faculty advisors for details. Admission to programs in the division is competitive; also contact counselors, faculty advisors, and/or Enrollment Service for additional details.

An individual who has charges pending or has ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and/or found guilty of professional misconduct or negligence may or may not be eligible to be licensed as an allied health professional. These matters should be cleared with the respective licensing boards before applying for admission to allied health programs.