Concord Hospital Health System Expands Partnership with New England College Nursing Students

Students will receive immersive clinical training as part of an accelerated degree

Concord Hospital health system recently hosted special luncheons at its Concord and Laconia campuses to welcome an additional 19 nursing students from New England College (NEC) pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Of the 19 students, five will complete their clinical training at the Laconia campus, while the rest will train in Concord.

This accelerated BSN program integrates classroom instruction with nine months of clinical training. Students will gain hands-on experience as licensed nursing assistants (LNAs) while learning under the guidance of a preceptor in various clinical settings across Concord Hospital health system.

“We are thrilled to welcome our first cohort of NEC students to Concord Hospital - Laconia,” said Erin Collins, RN, VP of Nursing Professional Practice and Development. “This program allows students to earn while they learn, gaining invaluable on-the-job experience that contributes to their studies and introduces them to the nursing profession. We are excited to bring our Laconia campus into the program and expand our partnership with NEC.”

Over the summer, students will embark on a 14-week rotation, working alongside a licensed registered nurse preceptor. This unique program, alternating between classroom learning and hospital work, allows students to apply their knowledge, enhance their skills, and complete their degree in three years. As Concord Hospital employees, they will become familiar with hospital policies, experience different departments, and gain a comprehensive understanding of nursing across the health system.

This partnership benefits both Concord Hospital health system and NEC. The hospital gains a year-round part-time LNA workforce, helping to fill staffing gaps, while students acquire vital clinical experience and become eligible for full-time employment upon completing their BSN.

Concord Hospital is a nationally accredited, not-for-profit health system providing comprehensive acute-care services, primary and specialty care, and health and wellness programs. As one of three Level II Trauma Centers in New Hampshire, Concord Hospital is a regional health resource, offering comprehensive diagnostics, sophisticated treatment, and care for more than 50 medical specialties supported by the latest medical and information technology. Specialty services include the Cardiovascular Institute, Orthopaedic Institute, Payson Center for Cancer Care, Urologic Institute, and Women’s Health Services.