ADN Program FAQ

Although every effort is being made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, this information is subject to change.

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program provides you with a basic knowledge of nursing theory and practice. It prepares you to take the National Council of Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

1. When will the ADN program at MCC begin?
2. How will I be able to find out more about the ADN Program?
3. How can I apply to the ADN program?
4. Will MCC consider advanced placement (transferring nursing courses from another nursing program or entry as an LPN)?
5. How will I find out if I am accepted into the nursing program?
6. What courses can I take now?
7. Will there be a preadmission exam?
8. How much will the program cost?
9. Are there any scholarships available?
10. What is the location of the clinical sites?
11. When will classes be scheduled?
12. How much will I make as a Registered Nurse (RN)?
13. How much education does a RN need?
14. Will I be able to find a job as RN after graduation?
15. How can I learn more about nursing as a profession, including what to expect in nursing school, the different nursing specialties, and what it’s like to be a nurse?
16. Who can I contact for more information?

  

1. When will the ADN program at MCC begin?

   The first cohort of students will begin nursing classes in the fall semester of 2008.

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2. How will I be able to find out more about the ADN program?

   • Anyone interested in the nursing program should attend an information session. Please see the ADN Information Session Schedule. Updated information will be posted on this website, in the Advising and Transfer Center office, and also in the local newspapers.
   • It is also highly recommended that individuals meet with a recruiter (for individuals new to MCC) or with an advisor (for continuing MCC students.) See the Advising and Transfer Center.

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3. How can I apply to the ADN program?

   • You should first apply to MCC. Please note that admission to the College does not guarantee acceptance to the ADN program. Apply to MCC now.

   • Individuals who have completed all the general education supportive course requirements may apply to the ADN program.
     1. See the Application Requirements.
     2. Review the Application and Admission Process.

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4. Will MCC consider advanced placement (transferring nursing courses from another nursing program or entry as an LPN)?

   Requests for advanced placement, i.e., transferring nursing courses from another nursing program or entry as an LPN are not being considered at this time.

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5. How will I find out if I am accepted into the nursing program?

   You will be notified by mail of acceptance into the nursing program. You must complete and return an acceptance agreement within two weeks of receiving notification. Letters will be sent to all applicants by the end of the spring semester.

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6. What courses can I take now?

   We recommend you complete all general education (non-nursing) courses before entering the ADN program to maximize success. See the Nursing Curriculum PDF. All general education and nursing courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

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7. Will there be a preadmission exam?

   The preadmission test is the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS® test). The TEAS® was developed to measure basic essential skills in the academic content area domains of reading, mathematics, science and English and language usage. No other nursing preadmission exam scores will be considered. Learn more about the Preadmission Testing Guidelines.

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8. How much will the program cost?

   While many costs associated with the nursing program will be incorporated into course fees, you should anticipate buying a uniform, stethoscope, an analog watch with a second hand, and many books, among other things, during the first semester. The costs are by far the greatest in the first and last semesters. The last semester expenses include the licensing exam cost of nearly $300 and other costs associated with graduation.

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9. Are there any scholarships available?

   There are several scholarships available to nursing students only. You can learn more about scholarships online or by visiting the Financial Aid office in A258.

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10. What is the location of the clinical sites?

    Clinical will be scheduled in or near McHenry County. Reliable personal transportation to the clinical site will be required.

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11. When will classes be scheduled?

    Clinical days and times will vary from semester to semester; students may be required to arrive at the clinical site by 6:30 a.m. or earlier or to attend an afternoon clinical that may not dismiss until 9 p.m. or later.

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12. How much will I make as a Registered Nurse (RN)?

    The national median nursing salary is $52,330. Review more information from the U.S. Department of Labor

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13. How much education does a RN need?

    Entry to practice for registered nurses is state licensure. There are three degree paths that can lead to RN licensure, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and diploma nursing (a hospital-based training program). Review our Nursing Education Planning Guide PDF

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14. Will I be able to find a job as an RN after graduation?

    The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs for RN’s will grow 23 percent by 2008. Currently, there is a nursing shortage of about 100,000 nurses and this could grow to eight times that size by 2020. Review more information from the U.S. Department of Labor

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15. How can I learn more about nursing as a profession, including what to expect in nursing school, the different nursing specialties, and what it’s like to be a nurse?

    Visit Nursing World to learn more about the profession

    According to the American Nurses Association (2006), "nursing has many definitions, but the essence of nursing is that nurses combine the art of caring with the science of health care. Nursing places its focus not only on a particular health problem, but on the whole patient and his or her response to treatment. Care of the patient and a firm base of scientific knowledge are indispensable elements."

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16. Who can I contact for more information?

    Joan Flanagan, Nursing Program Administrator (815) 455-8710 or jflanaga@mchenry.edu.

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11/16/07