Nursing AAS Program FAQ
Although every effort is being made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, this information is subject to change.
The Nursing AAS (also known as Associate Degree in Nursing, or 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).
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nursing AAS
- How will I be able to find out more about the Nursing AAS Program?
- Anyone interested in the nursing program should attend an information session. Please see the Nursing AAS 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.
- How can I apply to the Nursing AAS program?
- You should first apply to MCC. Please note that admission to the College does not guarantee acceptance to the Nursing AAS program. Apply to MCC now »
- Individuals who have completed, or are near completion of, all the general education supportive course requirements may apply to the Nursing AAS program.
- See the Application Requirements.
- Review the Application and Admission Process.
- 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 a licensed practical nurse (LPN) are being considered on an individual basis.
- 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 May.
- What courses can I take now?
We recommend you complete all general education (non-nursing) courses before entering the Nursing AAS program to maximize success. See the Nursing Curriculum. All general education and nursing courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
- 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 »
- 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 A262.
- 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.
- 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.
- How much will I make as a Registered Nurse (RN)?
The average starting salary for an RN is $65,470. Review more information from the U.S. Department of Labor
- 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
- 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 19 percent by 2022. 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
- 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."
- Who can I contact for more information?