Nursing

Associate in Applied Science
Career Degree
Cost
$17,034*

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), 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:

  • Fall 2022
    61% in 4 semesters
    82% in 6 semesters
  • Spring 2022
    56% in 4 semesters
    75% in 6 semesters
  • Fall 2021
    66% in 4 semesters
    81% in 6 semesters

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:

  • 2023 - 92%
  • 2022 - 81%
  • 2021 - 84%

Job placement rates

You'll find a job after graduating within nine months after graduating from CLC.

  • 2021-2022 - 91%
  • 2020-2021 - 89%
  • 2019-2020 - 88%

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.

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

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.
  • WIOA Program

  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
  • Career Degree

    Earn an associate degree in 2 years and gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills.
  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Full-time students finish in 2 years.


Accreditation

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)  logoCollege 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 and 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.

Career Outlook

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) is your "go-to person" ready to help you get started at CLC.

Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with 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 inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120 2
    BIO 123 4
    CHM 120 4
    ENG 121 3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 123
      Course Title
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CHM 120
      Course Title
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    BIO 246 4
    BIO 244 4
    • Course Code BIO 246
      Course Title
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 244
      Course Title
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    BIO 245 4
    NUR 133 8
    PSY 121 3
    • Course Code BIO 245
      Course Title
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code NUR 133
      Course Title
      Credits 8
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    NUR 134 8
    PSY 220 3
    HUM 127 3
    • Course Code NUR 134
      Course Title
      Credits 8
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSY 220
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CMM 121 3
    NUR 230 8
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code NUR 230
      Course Title
      Credits 8
      Course Highlights
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ANT 221 3
    NUR 234 9
    • Course Code ANT 221
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code NUR 234
      Course Title
      Credits 9
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

72

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.




Female student taking notes in class

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

Frequently asked questions

  • Photo of a small group of CLC 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 CLC's nursing program, Johnnie worked in emergency rooms, ICUs, clinics and home health settings. She currently is CEO of three assisted living facilities in Atlanta.

    Read nursing student stories

    Photo of a small group of CLC nursing students

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Be debt-free at CLC

CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.

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