Nurses must be caring and compassionate, capable of upholding the high ethical standards of the profession, and demonstrate excellent critical thinking skills. They must have good communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds and ages who may be vulnerable due to pain and uncertainty.
The Associate Degree in Nursing provides a fast route to entry into nursing. The pre-licensure program is not as comprehensive as the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, but it is rigorous and challenging. Students will acquire a foundational preparation in nursing theory and develop technical skills, clinical judgment, and critical thinking to provide safe and quality care and improve patient outcomes. The core requirements can be completed in just two years – students will need to complete the 8 to 12 semester credits of prerequisite courses beforehand. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates may apply for the Nursing Council Licensure Exam to become a Registered Nurse. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has the final say on candidates who are eligible to sit for the exam.
City Colleges of Chicago
The A.A.S. degree in Nursing program at the City Colleges of Chicago is designed to prepare students to take the licensure exam for Registered Nurses. The emphasis will be on nursing theory and patient care techniques developed in the classroom and medical facilities in Chicago and environs. Students will learn communication, cultural sensitivity, informatics, safe practice, teamwork, complex health assessment, and teamwork. The clinical experiences are designed to support the application of the theoretical concepts covered in the classroom and are consistent with the standards of the Nurse Practice Act of Illinois. Graduates will be prepared for success on the licensure exam and employment in nursing homes, clinics, hospitals, physicians’ offices, schools, the military, and public health. Acceptance into the program is competitive – candidates must first obtain entry to CCC through a separate admissions process.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 69
Duration: 24 months
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – English 101, Biology 121, Chemistry 121, Math 118
Core Courses – Human Structure and Function I, Human Structure and Function II, General Microbiology, Fundamentals of Nursing, Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing, Nursing Leadership, Intermediate Medical Surgical Nursing, Maternal-Newborn/Mental Health Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Gerontologic Nursing, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing
Admission criteria:
• Meet the requirements for general admission to the CCC
• Provide proof of completing Certified Nursing Assistant certification prior to or at the time of application to the program
• Complete the nursing prerequisites at any of the City Colleges of Chicago
• Attend a program information session
• Submit official high school or GED transcript to the Office of the Registrar at
• Submit official college transcripts to the Registrar
• Calculate admissions cumulative GPA – must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 for the program
• Complete and pass the ATI TEAS exam
• Review the Nursing Student Handbook
Program Cost:
Tuition for the program is $2,429 for in-district students. Additional expenses include fees, uniforms, textbooks, liability insurance, immunization, background check, and ATI testing.
Website: http://www.ccc.edu/colleges/malcolm-x/programs/Pages/Nursing-Associate-in-Applied-Science.aspx
Address: 1900 W. Jackson, Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: (312) 850-7000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94%
College of DuPage
The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at the College of DuPage (COD) admits adults in the fall semester and prepares them academically and clinically for a career as a Registered Professional Nurse. Students will learn how to care for patients with acute or chronic illnesses in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, patients’ homes, and physicians’ offices. The program operates with the approval of the
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation/Board of Nursing and the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). It is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc (ACEN).
Program Outline
Semester credits: 77
Duration: 24 months
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, General Psychology, General Chemistry, Mathematics for Health Sciences
Core Courses – Role of the Nurse I, Physical Assessment, Pathophysiology, Introduction to Core Concepts, Foundations of Pharmacology, Microbiology, Health and Illness Concepts I, Family Health Concepts I, English Composition I, Developmental Psychology: The Life Span, Health and Illness Concepts II, Family Health Concepts II, Pharmacology and Disease Processes, Fundamentals of Speech Communications OR Small-group Communication, Complex Health Concepts, Role of the Nurse II, Clinical Decision Making Practicum
Admission criteria:
• Attend an ADN advising session within the application cycle
• Complete the online Application to the College of DuPage and pay the non-refundable application fee of $20
• Turn in all official transcripts from all institutions attended – transcripts must be submitted to the Office of Student Records
• Submit the Health Sciences Limited Enrollment Program Application online and pay the non-refundable fee of $50
• Complete the COD Residency Verification form and provide two proofs of residency to the Office of Student Registration Services
• Complete the prerequisite courses prior to the deadline. The courses must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Prerequisite courses include Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Psychology, and Math
• Take and pass the HESI (A2) exam – information on the test is available to the COD Testing Center. Tests are available by appointment only
• Provide proof of completing an approved Illinois Department of Public Health Certified Nursing Assistant program.
Program Cost:
The estimated total cost of attendance is $19,246.58. The cost includes the college application fee, nursing program application fee, HESI A2 assessment exam, tuition, uniform, textbooks, criminal background check, health requirements, fees, student lab kit, fingerprinting, and licensure exam cost.
Website: http://www.cod.edu/programs/nursing/adn.aspx
Address: 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn IL, 60137
Phone: (630) 942-2800
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87%
Harper College
Highly trained faculty members will guide nursing students through nursing concepts and support development of the skills through the use to technology, advanced teaching methods, and clinical experiences. Students will practice nursing skills in the school’s nursing laboratory before engaging in patient care during the clinical rotation. They will learn how to provide holistic care for diverse populations, use critical thinking to improve patient outcomes, communicate effectively with patients and team members, comply with federal and state legal and ethical standards for nursing practice, collaborate with health professionals to promote restoration of health, and commit to lifelong learning. Graduates will receive an Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing and be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to apply for RN licensure in Illinois. Admission to the limited-enrollment program is competitive.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 68
Duration: 24 months
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Composition, Introduction to PsychologCore Courses – Microbiology, Nursing Concepts, Roles and Practice, Fundamentals of Nursing, Pathophysiology, Psychology of Human of Human Development, Advanced Pharmacology, Adult Health Concepts I, Adult Health Clinical I, Psychosocial Concepts, Psychosocial Concepts Clinical, Physical Assessment, Transition to Professional Nursing, Transition to Professional Nursing Clinical, Child Bearing Concepts, Adult Health Concepts II, Pediatric Health Concepts, Child Bearing Clinical, Adult Health Clinical II, Pediatric Health Clinical, Fundamentals of Speech Communication, Adult Health Concepts III, Role Transition Seminar, Adult Health Clinical III, Role Transition Practicum, Social and Behavioral Science or Humanities
Admission criteria:
• Apply to Harper College
• Attend the Health Care Careers Information Meeting
• Review the program and policy information
• Review and meet the health requirements
• Submit the Nursing Application to the Health Careers Division Office
• Complete the NLN Pre-Admission RN Exam and meet the minimum scores – scores are valid for three years
• Request high school transcript or GED results to be sent directly from the institution to Harper College
• Request official college transcripts to the sent to Harper College
• Provide proof of passing the CNA registry exam and having current active status on the Illinois CNA Registry
• Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum 2.0 GPA – English Composition, Introduction to Psychology, Chemistry, Human Anatomy, and Human Physiology
• Demonstrate competency in Harper’s Intermediate Algebra
Program costs: Tuition for in-state students is $129.75 per credit. Due to the clinical experiences, specialized technology, equipment, and individual instruction, tuition for the courses with the NUR prefix will be assessed at 200 percent of the standard tuition rate. Nursing students must also budget for textbooks, uniforms, transportation to the clinical sites, nursing supplies, insurance, TB test, background check, and other related costs.
Website: https://www.harpercollege.edu/academics/health/nursing/rn.php
Address: 1200 West Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL 60067
Phone: 847-925-6000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93%
Ambria College of Nursing
The straight, traditional nursing program at Ambria College of Nursing prepares students employment as a Registered Professional Nurse. The program adheres to the state requirements and recommendations for the theory and clinical components of the program. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills to function as a leader, manager, teacher, supervisor, counselor, communicator, and caregiver. The curriculum includes a blend of academic and practical courses geared to help students function within the code of ethics for the profession, use verbal and written communication, use nursing research in evidence-based practice, apply concepts of cultural competence in practice, and commit to continuous learning. Graduates will receive an Associates of Applied Science in Nursing and be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN for licensure by the state of Illinois.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 50 plus transfer credits and prerequisites
Duration: 24 months
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – English Composition, Introduction to Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, General Microbiology, Life Span Psychology, Introduction to Speech, Introduction to Sociology
Core Courses – Academic Success Seminar, Pharmacology, Foundations of Nursing, Pathophysiology, Nursing Health Assessment, Nutrition, Advanced Nursing Skills, Psychiatric Nursing, Adult Health Nursing I, Adult Health Nursing II, Maternity Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Leadership and Management, Capstone
Admission criteria:
• Submit a completed application
• Complete FAFSA
• Submit a copy of driver’s license and social security card
• Submit official transcripts for high school or GED results
• Submit official transcripts from colleges attended
• Complete the TEAS exam with a minimum score of 60%
• Achieve a score of 70% or higher on the Reading and 75% or higher on the Math components of the TEAS
• Complete the prerequisites or equivalent
• Provide proof of valid CNA license in Illinois
• Attend an interview during the selection process
• Sign the Enrollment Agreement
• Attend a Clinical Workshop
• Obtain and submit Castle Branch results before the specified deadline
• Meet the clinical health requirements
• Attend New Student Orientation
Program costs:
Tuition for 50 credits is $30,000. There is a one-time fee of $450 that includes the application fee, uniform, nursing lab kit, and background check. Additional costs include textbooks, student services fee, and standardized exam fees.
Website: http://www.ambria.edu/Nursing_Programs/RN_Program_Summary/tabid/1050/Default.aspx
Address: 5210 Trillium Blvd., Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
Phone: 847-397-0300
Email: info@ambria.edu
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 86%
Morton College
Morton College’s Associate Degree Nursing Program seeks to give students a foundation in nursing that embraces scientific and humanistic reasoning. The rigorous program will incorporate active learning and general education course to encourage professional and personal growth. Graduates will be competent professionals capable of providing care for diverse patient populations in a variety of healthcare settings. Admissions open in the fall semester. Admission is competitive – candidates will receive points based on grades earned in the general education courses.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 71
Duration: 24 months
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – English Composition, Introduction to Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, General Microbiology, Life Span Psychology, Introduction to Speech, Introduction to Sociology
Core Courses – Foundations of Nursing I, Foundations of Nursing II, Anatomy and Physiology II, Mental Health Nursing, Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family, Nursing Care of the Child and Family, Life Span of Human Development, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Microbiology, Rhetoric II, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Nursing Synthesis, Humanities
Admission criteria:
• Submit an application to Morton College
• Submit a separate application to the Nursing Program
• Request official high school transcript to be sent to the school’s Registrar
• Attend a mandatory Nursing Informational Session
• Take and pass the HESI A2 exam with a minimum score of 225 out of 300
• Submit transcript for the prerequisite courses indicating a grade of C or better – 12 college credits
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and a minimum GPA of 2.5 on nursing general education courses
Program costs: Tuition costs $88 per credit for in-district residents plus fees. Additional expenses include nursing program acceptance fee, titers/immunizations, background check, 10-panel drug screen, yearly physical exam, CPR certification, supplies, uniforms, textbooks, specialty exams, and graduation fees.
Website: http://www.morton.edu/Nursing/
Address: 3801 S. Central Avenue, Cicero, Illinois 60804
Phone: (708) 656-8000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 71%