Nursing A.A.S.

Associate in Applied Science
Career Degree
Cost
$12,600* (estimated)

Help others get well

Learn the basics of healthcare

You need a servant檚 heart and a lot of expertise to excel as a nurse, and 黑料社区 can help you prepare for this challenging yet rewarding career.

Not only are we affordable (our tuition is about one-fourth that of Illinois four-year colleges), but our graduates consistently pass the nursing licensure exam (NCLEX) at or above the state and national average.

Program completion rates

Become a Registered Nurse (RN) once you graduate from the nursing program. 黑料社区 students are successful in completing the program:

  • Cohort starting Spring 2022
    4 semesters: 70%
    6 semesters: 93%
  • Cohort starting Fall 2022
    4 semesters: 77%
    6 semesters: 90%
  • Cohort starting Spring 2023
    4 semesters: 80%
    6 semesters: Data available in 2026
  • Cohort starting Fall 2023
    4 semesters: 86%
    6 semesters: Data available in 2026

NCLEX pass rates

You'll be prepared to take the Registered Nurse Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN庐), developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). 黑料社区 students pass the NCLEX test:

  • 2024 - 91.7%
  • 2023 - 92%
  • 2022 - 81%

Job placement rates

You'll find a job within nine months after graduating from 黑料社区:

  • 2024-2025 - 78.9%
  • 2023-2024 - 80.9%
  • 2022-2023 - 93.8%

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Nursing?

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in nursing prepares you to work as a Registered Nurse (RN). There are many opportunities to continue your education to your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and beyond.

Nurses are in high demand, and the growth opportunities in health care are abundant. Choose this program if you檙e dedicated and ready to succeed.

See what students love about the nursing program at 黑料社区. Picture yourself here:


Highlights



Accreditation

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) logo黑料社区's nursing program is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Board of Nursing, 320 West Washington Street, Springfield, IL 62786.

It is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000, .

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree Nursing Program is continuing accreditation.

*Estimated cost is based on the minimum number of credit hours to complete the program. This estimate includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees for the 2026-2027 academic year, before financial aid, including grants, loans and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at 黑料社区. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, .

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    黑料社区 120

    黑料社区 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    BIO 123

    BIO 123 Principles of Biology

    Class Description

    This course introduces basic biological principles of life processes held in common by all organisms. Topics covered include the chemical and physical basis of life, cell structure and function, concepts of heredity, population genetics, and evolution. Note: Though this course will provide a general understanding of the basics of cellular biology qualifying it as general education course it will also provide a foundation for those students potentially entering an allied health program (dental hygiene, nursing, medical images, etc.).
         		4
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    CHM 120

    CHM 120 Chemical Concepts

    Class Description

    A survey course that includes the fundamentals of chemical composition, chemical calculations, solutions, states of matter, the periodic table, acids, bases and pH, radioactivity and nuclear processes, and a brief overview of organic and biochemistry. NOTE: Recommended for non-science majors.
         		4
    • Credit for prior learning available
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code 黑料社区 120
      Course Title

      黑料社区 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 123
      Course Title

      BIO 123 Principles of Biology

      Class Description

      This course introduces basic biological principles of life processes held in common by all organisms. Topics covered include the chemical and physical basis of life, cell structure and function, concepts of heredity, population genetics, and evolution. Note: Though this course will provide a general understanding of the basics of cellular biology qualifying it as general education course it will also provide a foundation for those students potentially entering an allied health program (dental hygiene, nursing, medical images, etc.).
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
    • Course Code CHM 120
      Course Title

      CHM 120 Chemical Concepts

      Class Description

      A survey course that includes the fundamentals of chemical composition, chemical calculations, solutions, states of matter, the periodic table, acids, bases and pH, radioactivity and nuclear processes, and a brief overview of organic and biochemistry. NOTE: Recommended for non-science majors.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose BIO 161 instead of BIO 123. Students can also choose CHM 121 instead of CHM 120.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    BIO 246

    BIO 246 Microbiology

    Class Description

    This course examines microorganisms with an emphasis on the bacterial groups. Morphology, principal activities and properties of bacteria, yeasts, molds, viruses, selected algae, and protozoan will be discussed. The role of microorganisms in natural systems, infection, immunity, foods, and industry will be covered. Laboratory techniques in handling, culturing, and identifying microorganisms will be emphasized.
         		4
    • Online/Virtual options available
    BIO 244

    BIO 244 Anatomy and Physiology I

    Class Description

    This course is the first of a two semester Anatomy and Physiology sequence that begins with an introduction to homeostasis and feedback loops. The structure and function of the following body systems will be explored: the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system and nervous system. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. Human skeletons, human models, human donors (cadavers), and preserved animal organs are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
         		4
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 246
      Course Title

      BIO 246 Microbiology

      Class Description

      This course examines microorganisms with an emphasis on the bacterial groups. Morphology, principal activities and properties of bacteria, yeasts, molds, viruses, selected algae, and protozoan will be discussed. The role of microorganisms in natural systems, infection, immunity, foods, and industry will be covered. Laboratory techniques in handling, culturing, and identifying microorganisms will be emphasized.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 244
      Course Title

      BIO 244 Anatomy and Physiology I

      Class Description

      This course is the first of a two semester Anatomy and Physiology sequence that begins with an introduction to homeostasis and feedback loops. The structure and function of the following body systems will be explored: the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system and nervous system. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. Human skeletons, human models, human donors (cadavers), and preserved animal organs are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose CMM 123 or CMM 128 instead of CMM 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    BIO 245

    BIO 245 Anatomy and Physiology II

    Class Description

    This course is a continuation of BIO 244. It builds on the general information about homeostasis and the specific body systems covered in BIO 244. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. This course begins with the endocrine system, followed by the cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, digestive system (including metabolism), urinary system (including fluid and electrolyte regulation), and the reproductive system. Human skeletons, human models, human donors (cadavers), and preserved animal organs are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
         		4
    NUR 133

    NUR 133 Foundational Concepts of Nursing Practice

    Class Description

    This course introduces the nursing process and the nursing assessment of patients and families in various clinical settings within the health care system. There is a focus on physical assessment, therapeutic communication and the role of the professional nurse. Students will learn clinical decision making and develop critical thinking skills. The course introduces pharmacology, information technology, and introductory nursing skills required for safe and effective patient care. The course focuses on the adult population and evidence-based practice with special emphasis on the older adult.
         		8
    • Course Code BIO 245
      Course Title

      BIO 245 Anatomy and Physiology II

      Class Description

      This course is a continuation of BIO 244. It builds on the general information about homeostasis and the specific body systems covered in BIO 244. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. This course begins with the endocrine system, followed by the cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, digestive system (including metabolism), urinary system (including fluid and electrolyte regulation), and the reproductive system. Human skeletons, human models, human donors (cadavers), and preserved animal organs are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code NUR 133
      Course Title

      NUR 133 Foundational Concepts of Nursing Practice

      Class Description

      This course introduces the nursing process and the nursing assessment of patients and families in various clinical settings within the health care system. There is a focus on physical assessment, therapeutic communication and the role of the professional nurse. Students will learn clinical decision making and develop critical thinking skills. The course introduces pharmacology, information technology, and introductory nursing skills required for safe and effective patient care. The course focuses on the adult population and evidence-based practice with special emphasis on the older adult.
      Credits 8
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    NUR 134

    NUR 134 Medical Surgical Nursing

    Class Description

    This course builds upon NUR 133 and focuses on assessment of primarily adult populations with acute and chronic health disorders. The course expands on skills of critical thinking, clinical decision making, and interventions for patients with acute and chronic illnesses. The course provides the opportunity to work collaboratively with the healthcare team in patient care planning building on evidence-based practices. Instructional methodologies include patient-centered clinical experiences and structured classroom student-teacher interactions.
         		8
    PSY 220

    PSY 220 Lifespan Development

    Class Description

    This course integrates theory and research as they relate to neurobiological, cognitive, social and emotional development of individuals in cultural context from conception throughout adulthood. The course emphasizes both normal and atypical developmental stages and patterns of adjustment to differing life-time demands. Students will gain an understanding of hereditary and environmental factors on development; prenatal development and the birth process; physical development; language and cognitive development; family relationships; friend and peer relations; school, college, and career experiences; identity; gender; sexuality and health; the aging process and death and dying; as well as the research methods psychologists use to study development.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code NUR 134
      Course Title

      NUR 134 Medical Surgical Nursing

      Class Description

      This course builds upon NUR 133 and focuses on assessment of primarily adult populations with acute and chronic health disorders. The course expands on skills of critical thinking, clinical decision making, and interventions for patients with acute and chronic illnesses. The course provides the opportunity to work collaboratively with the healthcare team in patient care planning building on evidence-based practices. Instructional methodologies include patient-centered clinical experiences and structured classroom student-teacher interactions.
      Credits 8
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSY 220
      Course Title

      PSY 220 Lifespan Development

      Class Description

      This course integrates theory and research as they relate to neurobiological, cognitive, social and emotional development of individuals in cultural context from conception throughout adulthood. The course emphasizes both normal and atypical developmental stages and patterns of adjustment to differing life-time demands. Students will gain an understanding of hereditary and environmental factors on development; prenatal development and the birth process; physical development; language and cognitive development; family relationships; friend and peer relations; school, college, and career experiences; identity; gender; sexuality and health; the aging process and death and dying; as well as the research methods psychologists use to study development.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    HUM 127

    HUM 127 Critical Thinking

    Class Description

    Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one檚 positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    NUR 230

    NUR 230 Nursing Care of Special Patient Populations

    Class Description

    This course focuses on nursing care of special populations in Maternity, Pediatric and Mental Health. Specific concepts of health and illness of these individuals form the basis of planning and implementing culturally diverse, age-appropriate nursing care. The nurse develops this care through the use of the nursing process, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making. Instructional methodologies include patient-centered clinical experiences and structured classroom student-teacher interactions.
         		8
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one檚 positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code NUR 230
      Course Title

      NUR 230 Nursing Care of Special Patient Populations

      Class Description

      This course focuses on nursing care of special populations in Maternity, Pediatric and Mental Health. Specific concepts of health and illness of these individuals form the basis of planning and implementing culturally diverse, age-appropriate nursing care. The nurse develops this care through the use of the nursing process, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making. Instructional methodologies include patient-centered clinical experiences and structured classroom student-teacher interactions.
      Credits 8
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other instead of HUM 127.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ANT 221

    ANT 221 Cultural Anthropology

    Class Description

    This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    NUR 234

    NUR 234 Complex Medical, Surgical, and Leadership Nursing

    Class Description

    This course builds upon previous nursing courses and focuses on assessment of individuals with multiple and complex health disorders, leadership development and transition into practice. The course includes clinical decision making and care coordination for all patients. The course focuses upon application of the nursing process to a group of patients using delegation, collaboration, prioritizing and leadership skills. Students are engaged in evidence-based practice activities. A primary focus of this course will be transition to practice as a registered nurse. Instructional methodologies include patient-centered clinical experiences and structured classroom student-teacher interactions.
         		8
    • Course Code ANT 221
      Course Title

      ANT 221 Cultural Anthropology

      Class Description

      This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code NUR 234
      Course Title

      NUR 234 Complex Medical, Surgical, and Leadership Nursing

      Class Description

      This course builds upon previous nursing courses and focuses on assessment of individuals with multiple and complex health disorders, leadership development and transition into practice. The course includes clinical decision making and care coordination for all patients. The course focuses upon application of the nursing process to a group of patients using delegation, collaboration, prioritizing and leadership skills. Students are engaged in evidence-based practice activities. A primary focus of this course will be transition to practice as a registered nurse. Instructional methodologies include patient-centered clinical experiences and structured classroom student-teacher interactions.
      Credits 8
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose ANT 228 instead of ANT 221.

Total Credit Hours

72


Female student taking notes in class

Nursing at 黑料社区

Get the bigger picture

This degree is just one possible way to study Nursing. Get the bigger picture攄egrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Nursing Program Overview


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Complete the application form to begin your program.

After you apply, a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions, guide your next steps and help you get enrolled. Explore steps to apply at 黑料社区.

Frequently asked questions

What students say about 黑料社区


  • Nursing students practice skills in the simulation lab

    Colleen Milburn

    Graduate, 黑料社区 instructor

    "Earning my nursing degree from 黑料社区 changed my life. Nursing will show you who you are and will make you proud of who you become."

    Colleen is a registered nurse. She's also a 黑料社区 nursing instructor with a passion for heart health.

    Nursing students practice skills in the simulation lab
  • Photo of a small group of 黑料社区 nursing students

    Johnnie Lovelace

    Graduate

    What I liked about the nursing program here was that it was a small community. You feel more at home in a smaller group.

    After graduating from 黑料社区's nursing program, Johnnie worked in emergency rooms, ICUs, clinics and home health settings. She is CEO of three assisted living facilities in Atlanta.

    Read nursing student stories

    Photo of a small group of 黑料社区 nursing students
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