The School of Nursing formerly the Nursing Department was one of the first four departments of the Excelsior Community College when it began it's official sojourn in September 1974 . The idea was to offer an associate degree programme with a bias towards school nursing, this however was met with resistance from certain quarters. What eventually materialized was a programme offering a diploma in Nursing with a focus on school health. Incorporated in the curriculum was liberal arts and science and provisions for extensive training in community health. Excelsior Community College School of Nursing (ECCSON) was the first of its kind in Jamaica, preparing prospective nurses in a community college setting. Enrollees had full students status unlike the traditional Nursing Schools that were operating under the apprenticeship system. The funding of EXED School of Nursing was managed under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education, while the others were prodigies of the Ministry of Health, except for Andrews School of Nursing which was a private entrepreneurial activity.

Excelsior Community College, a Methodist Institution, will be recognized as the premier institution of education excellence providing accessible, affordable life-long learning opportunities in a supportive learning environment.

Excelsior Community College is a public learner-centred, post-secondary institution dedicated to providing quality, accessible, and innovative undergraduate, workforce development, continuing education, and community development services consistent with the changing needs, interests, and abilities of our customers. Through its use of instructional and emerging technologies and a commitment to excellence in teaching and learning in a supportive environment, the College will facilitate the lifelong development needs of its customers in a globally-competitive environment.