{"id":22581,"date":"2025-08-12T15:23:16","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T19:23:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/necc.edu\/newsroom2\/2025\/08\/12\/two-additional-programs-offered-in-innovative-cbe-model\/"},"modified":"2026-05-14T13:33:47","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T17:33:47","slug":"two-additional-programs-offered-in-innovative-cbe-model","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/necc.edu\/newsroom\/2025\/08\/12\/two-additional-programs-offered-in-innovative-cbe-model\/","title":{"rendered":"Two Additional Programs Offered in Innovative CBE Model"},"content":{"rendered":"

Haverhill and Lawrence, MA (August 12, 2025) \u2014 Northern Essex Community College continues to be a leader in academic innovation with the addition of two more programs offered entirely in the Competency-Based Education<\/a> model. CBE is an approach that focuses on a student\u2019s ability to demonstrate mastery of specific skills and knowledge. This allows students to progress through coursework as soon as they show mastery of the required competencies.<\/p>\n

This fall, students majoring in Business Management<\/a> and those seeking a Healthcare Technician Certification<\/a> will be able to complete their requirements using all CBE classes. NECC also offers an Early Childhood Education (ECE) associate degree<\/a>, an Early Childhood Director Certificate, and an Early Childhood Foundational Certificate program in the CBE model. When it was launched in 2022, NECC became the first public college in the country to offer an ECE CBE associate degree<\/a>. Many students in other degree and certificate programs can complete their general education requirements for the program in the CBE modality, with a full block of MA general education foundation<\/a> courses now offered in CBE.<\/p>\n

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Early Childhood Education students at Northern Essex<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cIt is immensely rewarding to see how far we\u2019ve come with our CBE offerings, and to know these additional programs will allow more students to complete their degrees and college certificates,\u201d says NECC Dean of Business and Professional Studies Jody Carson. \u201cThe CBE model can save students time, provide learners with maximum flexibility, and give them a unique sense of ownership in their career and educational journeys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe launch of our Competency-Based Education Healthcare Technology program with a focus on Phlebotomy\/EKG, reflects the College\u2019s commitment to innovative, student-centered learning,\u201d says Dean of Health Professions Kathy Hudson. \u201cThis flexible model allows students to demonstrate mastery of critical skills at their own pace while ensuring alignment with real-world healthcare standards. We\u2019re proud to offer a pathway that prepares job-ready professionals to meet urgent workforce needs in our local healthcare community.\u201d<\/p>\n

More About CBE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Competency-based education addresses the needs\u00a0of adults and other non-traditional learners, allowing them increased flexibility to start and complete courses online at their own pace.\u00a0Many might already be working in the fields they are studying. CBE allows those students to demonstrate what they already know and accelerate through their coursework, then take more time when they are less familiar with the content or life gets busy.<\/p>\n

All CBE courses are online, however, some may require in-person practicums. A range of supports for CBE courses is available on campus and online to help students succeed.<\/p>\n

A History of CBE at NECC<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the fall of 2016, Northern Essex offered eight CBE courses, primarily in technology and engineering. The faculty in the ECE program began developing courses in the CBE model in the spring of 2017, adding a new certificate and later developing the complete ECE Associate Degree program.\u00a0 This work is supported by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education and its Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF).<\/a><\/p>\n

Any student may take CBE general education courses regardless of major or area of study. To find CBE classes, use the course search tool.<\/a> More information about CBE at NECC can be found on the webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n