Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Certificate Program - FAQ

  1. I don’t live in the McHenry County College district 528. Can I still apply to the Rock Valley Practical Nursing program at McHenry County College?
  2. What criteria are used for admission?
  3. When can I apply?
  4. How do I register for classes?
  5. How much does the program cost?
  6. What are the prerequisites for the Practical Nursing program?
  7. What if I have completed all the prerequisites at a school other than McHenry County College or Rock Valley College?
  8. How can I learn about continuing my education in a RN program at Rock Valley College?
  9. Do I have to attend Rock Valley College to continue my education in a RN program?

  1. I don’t live in the McHenry County College district # 528. Can I still apply to the Rock Valley Practical Nursing program at McHenry County College?

    No. The contractual agreement between the two colleges stipulates that students residing in McHenry County College (MCC) will be given first consideration. If there are not enough qualified MCC students for the Practical Nursing program, then students on Rock Valley College’s alternate list for the Practical Nursing program will be eligible to enroll at MCC.

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  2. What criteria are used for admission?

    • There is no pre-admission testing for the Rock Valley Practical Nursing program.
    • Applicants to the program must have a minimum of a 2.75 GPA.
    • All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better, with the exception of Anatomy and Physiology, which must be completed with a grade of “B” or better.
    • Anatomy and Physiology course(s) must be completed within the last eight years.
    • Applicants must write a personal statement related to their desire to be a nurse and to outline their career goals.
    • The application process is completed after an interview with a Rock Valley College nursing program representative.

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  3. When can I apply?

    Students are admitted only once a year, beginning in the fall semester. Applications for the Practical Nursing program are due April 15. Students planning on applying to the Practical Nursing program must first apply to Rock Valley College; it is recommended that the college application and all transcripts arrive in the admissions office no later than February 1.

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  4. How do I register for classes?

    This is a limited enrollment program. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be notified about registration.

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  5. How much does the course cost?

    According to the most current estimates, the approximate cost for all courses, fees, books, supplies, uniforms, professional liability insurance, medical insurance, criminal background check, NCLEX-PN licensure exam, and CPR certification classes should total less than $6,000.

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  6. What are the prerequisites for the Practical Nursing program?

    The following pre-requisite courses must be completed by application deadline of April 15th

    MCC Course Credit Hours Notes
    BIO 157 - Fundamentals of Biology 4 Prerequisite: MAT 094, MAT 095 or equivalent.
    Must pass with a grade of "B" or better to register for Human Anatomy and Physiology.
    BIO 263 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 Must pass with a grade of "C" or better.
    BIO 264 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 Must pass with a grade of "C" or better.
    HCE 105 - Basic Nurse Assistant Training 7 Prerequisite: RDG 090 with a grade of ‘B’ or higher, or ACT Reading test score of 18 or higher, or COMPASS Reading Placement test score of 48 or higher, or ENG 151 with a grade of "C" or higher.
    Proof of current Illinois certification as a nursing assistant may be accepted.
    CHM 164 - Elementary Chemistry 4 Prerequisite: MAT 094 or MAT 095; MAT 099 recommended.
    Must pass with a grade of "C" or better; or completion of two semesters high school chemistry within the past 5 years with a grade of "C" or better.
    MAT 095 - Elementary Algebra 4 Completion of high school algebra with a minimum grade of "C", or completion of MAT 095 (or a high level) with a minimum grade of "C".
    CPR/AED Certification Non-credit Offered non-credit through Continuing Education
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  7. What if I have completed all the prerequisites at a school other than McHenry County College or Rock Valley College?

    Rock Valley College will need to evaluate your transcript(s) before you apply to the Practical Nursing program. Submit all transcripts to the Rock Valley College admissions office no later than March 1 if the courses were completed at an accredited college or university in the United States. If courses were completed at a foreign college or university, please contact Rock Valley College’s Admissions and Records Office at (815) 921-4250 for more information.

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  8. How can I learn about continuing my education in a RN program at Rock Valley College?

    Rock Valley College offers a LPN Bridge Program. Refer to page 47 in the online Rock Valley College 2007-2009 Course Catalog PDF.

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  9. Do I have to attend Rock Valley College to continue my education in a RN program?

    No. MCC offers a registered nurse program.

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10/15/08