Nursing A.A.S.

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Help others get well

Learn the basics of healthcare

You need a servant’s heart and a lot of expertise to excel as a nurse, and College of Lake County 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. CLC 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®), developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). CLC 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 CLC:

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’re dedicated and ready to succeed.

Attend information session

Admission requirements
To get started in our Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, follow these steps:
1. Apply at CLC and meet prerequisites.
2. Follow the steps in the Prospective Nursing Student Information Packet (PDF).
3. Submit Screening Form (PDF).
4. Meet the following health and safety requirements:
Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will guide you through the on-boarding process.
Screening deadlines
- Fourth Wednesday in May
- Fourth Wednesday in September
Workforce requirements
To earn state licensure and work in this field, you must possess the following:
- Social security number or ITIN
This requirement is subject to change. Employer needs and requirements evolve, as do regulations for licensure and accrediting bodies. Please contact the Biological and Health Sciences Division Office for more information.

1. The student provides quality, safe patient-centered nursing care through evidence-based practice to promote health equity and social justice.
2. The student collaborates with patients and interdisciplinary team members to enhance patient care and outcomes.
3. The student analyzes patient situations by applying critical thinking and clinical judgment.
4. The student applies information literacy to communicate effectively, manage knowledge, minimize errors, and support informed decision-making.
5. The student competently assimilates all professional, ethical, and legal principles.

See what students love about the nursing program at CLC. Picture yourself here:

Watch the nursing program video on YouTube

Highlights

Approved by IL Board of Nursing

CLC's nursing program is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial Professional Regulation, Board of Nursing.
ACEN Accreditation

Accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN)
PATH Grant Stipends

Get extra financial support for school and living expenses through the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce Program (PATH) grant.
Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
Career Degree

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning an associate degree in 2 years.
Program Length: 2 Years

Finish in 2 years as a full-time student.
WIOA Program

Become eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.

Accreditation

College of Lake County'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, www.acenursing.org.

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 recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, 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 CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $68,456
  
  Median
  
  $91,676
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116,587
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $32.90
  
  Median
  
  $44.07
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $56.05
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  19.05%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  66.66%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  9.52%
  
  Doctorate
  
  4.76%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $68,456
  
  Median
  
  $91,676
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116,587
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $32.90
  
  Median
  
  $44.07
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $56.05
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Master's Degree
  
  91.31%
  
  Doctorate
  
  8.7%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $68,456
  
  Median
  
  $91,676
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116,587
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $32.90
  
  Median
  
  $44.07
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $56.05
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Master's Degree
  
  95.23%
  
  Doctorate
  
  4.76%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $68,456
  
  Median
  
  $91,676
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116,587
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $32.90
  
  Median
  
  $44.07
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $56.05
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  35.71%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  50%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  14.28%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $56,014
  
  Median
  
  $100,930
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $148,291
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $26.93
  
  Median
  
  $48.52
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $71.29
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Certificate
  
  4.76%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.76%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  28.57%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  57.14%
  
  Doctorate
  
  4.76%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $75,626
  
  Median
  
  $118,109
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $224,177
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $36.35
  
  Median
  
  $56.78
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $107.77
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  3.57%
  
  Certificate
  
  7.14%
  
  Some college
  
  3.57%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  10.71%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  46.43%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  25%
  
  Doctorate
  
  3.57%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $61,869
  
  Median
  
  $81,621
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $170,506
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $29.74
  
  Median
  
  $39.23
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $81.97
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  7.95%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  31.44%
  
  Doctorate
  
  60.61%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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

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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, see the CLC college catalog.

View program in catalog

Nursing at CLC

Get the bigger picture

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

View the Nursing Program Overview

Apply now: It's easy and free

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 CLC.

Apply to CLC

Frequently asked questions

Your instructors are experienced nurses who hold numerous nursing and teaching certifications, including the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) distinction. Many of our faculty members are still active in their nursing practice within the community.
You learn through a curriculum that includes class, lab, simulation and clinical experiences. In the classroom, you learn concepts that are reinforced through activities, case studies and assessments. You hone hands-on skills through lab, simulation and clinicals. In theory classes, the student-faculty ratio is 15:1—and it’s 5:1 for clinical experiences.
This program prepares you to take the Illinois professional licensure exam. When you pass the exam, you can work as a nurse in the state of Illinois.

You may be able to work elsewhere with this degree.

View professional licensure disclosures
All students admitted to the Nursing A.A.S. program must complete the following requirements and submit their documentation to CLC Student Health & Wellness Services:
Upon admission:
- Physical exam by health care provider
- Proof of immunization (records and/or titers) for varicella, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), hepatitis B, COVID, and tetanus/diphtheria/acellular pertussis (TDaP)
Upon admission and annually through completion of the program:
- tuberculosis (TB) testing
- urine drug screen and background check
- influenza vaccine
Questions? Please contact:
Student Health & Wellness Services
Phone: (847) 543-2064
Fax: (847) 543-3064
Location: C176, Grayslake Campus
Email: healthcenter@clcillinois.edu
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees. It does not factor in the cost of books and materials. It does not account for financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
View current tuition and fees
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial aid. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

What students say about CLC

Colleen Milburn
Graduate, CLC instructor
"Earning my nursing degree from College of Lake County 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 CLC nursing instructor with a passion for heart health.
- Read Colleen's healthy heart tips
- Explore health science programs
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 CLC'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

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Start today!

Join us Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at

Open House

Help others get well

Learn the basics of healthcare

Program completion rates

NCLEX pass rates

Job placement rates

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

Information for Prospective Students

Admission requirements

Screening deadlines

Workforce requirements

Nursing End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes (EOPSLOs)

Highlights

Approved by IL Board of Nursing

ACEN Accreditation

PATH Grant Stipends

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Career Degree

Program Length: 2 Years

WIOA Program

Accreditation

Career Outlook

Acute Care Nurses

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Critical Care Nurses

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Health Informatics Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Medical and Health Services Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help getting started?

Recommended Pathway

Nursing at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

Who are my instructors?

How will I learn in this program?

Where can I work as a nurse?

What are the health requirements to participate in this program?

How much does this program cost?

What students say about CLC

Colleen Milburn

Johnnie Lovelace

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

Request info

Visit us

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