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.
Become a Registered Nurse (RN) once you graduate from the nursing program. CLC students are successful in completing the program:
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:
You'll find a job after graduating within nine months after graduating from CLC.
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.
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Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will guide you through the onboarding process.
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CLC's nursing program is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial Professional Regulation, Board of Nursing.
Get extra financial support for school and living expenses through the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce Program (PATH) grant.
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 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.
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 $31.56 Median $40.39 Senior-Level $51.70Lightcast 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.
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 $31.56 Median $40.39 Senior-Level $51.70Lightcast 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.
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 $31.56 Median $40.39 Senior-Level $51.70Lightcast 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.
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 $31.56 Median $40.39 Senior-Level $51.70Lightcast 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.
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 $31.64 Median $51.21 Senior-Level $77.87Lightcast 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.
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 $36.34 Median $54.17 Senior-Level $105.38Lightcast 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.
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 $28.78 Median $52.18 Senior-Level $82.30Lightcast 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.
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.
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.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Course Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLC 120 | College Success Seminar |
This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
This course introduces basic biological principles of life processes held in common by all organisms. Topics covered include the chemical and physical basis of life, cell structure and function, concepts of heredity, population genetics, and evolution. Note: Though this course will provide a general understanding of the basics of cellular biology qualifying it as general education course it will also provide a foundation for those students potentially entering an allied health program (dental hygiene, nursing, medical images, etc.).
A survey course that includes the fundamentals of chemical composition, chemical calculations, solutions, states of matter, the periodic table, acids, bases and pH, radioactivity and nuclear processes, and a brief overview of organic and biochemistry. NOTE: Recommended for non-science majors.
This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
| Course Code | CLC 120 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | College Success Seminar |
This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
| Course Code | BIO 123 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Principles of Biology |
This course introduces basic biological principles of life processes held in common by all organisms. Topics covered include the chemical and physical basis of life, cell structure and function, concepts of heredity, population genetics, and evolution. Note: Though this course will provide a general understanding of the basics of cellular biology qualifying it as general education course it will also provide a foundation for those students potentially entering an allied health program (dental hygiene, nursing, medical images, etc.).
| Course Code | CHM 120 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Chemical Concepts |
A survey course that includes the fundamentals of chemical composition, chemical calculations, solutions, states of matter, the periodic table, acids, bases and pH, radioactivity and nuclear processes, and a brief overview of organic and biochemistry. NOTE: Recommended for non-science majors.
| Course Code | ENG 121 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | English Composition I |
This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Course Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO 246 | Microbiology |
This course examines microorganisms with an emphasis on the bacterial groups. Morphology, principal activities and properties of bacteria, yeasts, molds, viruses, selected algae, and protozoan will be discussed. The role of microorganisms in natural systems, infection, immunity, foods, and industry will be covered. Laboratory techniques in handling, culturing, and identifying microorganisms will be emphasized.
This course is the first of a two semester Anatomy and Physiology sequence that begins with an introduction to homeostasis and feedback loops. The structure and function of the following body systems will be explored: the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system and nervous system. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. Human skeletons, human models, human donors (cadavers), and preserved animal organs are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
| Course Code | BIO 246 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Microbiology |
This course examines microorganisms with an emphasis on the bacterial groups. Morphology, principal activities and properties of bacteria, yeasts, molds, viruses, selected algae, and protozoan will be discussed. The role of microorganisms in natural systems, infection, immunity, foods, and industry will be covered. Laboratory techniques in handling, culturing, and identifying microorganisms will be emphasized.
| Course Code | BIO 244 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Anatomy and Physiology I |
This course is the first of a two semester Anatomy and Physiology sequence that begins with an introduction to homeostasis and feedback loops. The structure and function of the following body systems will be explored: the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system and nervous system. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. Human skeletons, human models, human donors (cadavers), and preserved animal organs are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Course Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO 245 | Anatomy and Physiology II |
This course is a continuation of BIO 244. It builds on the general information about homeostasis and the specific body systems covered in BIO 244. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. This course begins with the endocrine system, followed by the cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, digestive system (including metabolism), urinary system (including fluid and electrolyte regulation), and the reproductive system. Human skeletons, human models, human donors (cadavers), and preserved animal organs are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
This course introduces the nursing process and the nursing assessment of patients and families in various clinical settings within the health care system. There is a focus on physical assessment, therapeutic communication and the role of the professional nurse. Students will learn clinical decision making and develop critical thinking skills. The course introduces pharmacology, information technology, and introductory nursing skills required for safe and effective patient care. The course focuses on the adult population and evidence-based practice with special emphasis on the older adult.
This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
| Course Code | BIO 245 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Anatomy and Physiology II |
This course is a continuation of BIO 244. It builds on the general information about homeostasis and the specific body systems covered in BIO 244. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. This course begins with the endocrine system, followed by the cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, digestive system (including metabolism), urinary system (including fluid and electrolyte regulation), and the reproductive system. Human skeletons, human models, human donors (cadavers), and preserved animal organs are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
| Course Code | NUR 133 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Foundational Concepts of Nursing Practice |
This course introduces the nursing process and the nursing assessment of patients and families in various clinical settings within the health care system. There is a focus on physical assessment, therapeutic communication and the role of the professional nurse. Students will learn clinical decision making and develop critical thinking skills. The course introduces pharmacology, information technology, and introductory nursing skills required for safe and effective patient care. The course focuses on the adult population and evidence-based practice with special emphasis on the older adult.
| Course Code | PSY 121 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Introduction to Psychology |
This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Course Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| NUR 134 | Medical Surgical Nursing |
This course builds upon NUR 133 and focuses on assessment of primarily adult populations with acute and chronic health disorders. The course expands on skills of critical thinking, clinical decision making, and interventions for patients with acute and chronic illnesses. The course provides the opportunity to work collaboratively with the healthcare team in patient care planning building on evidence-based practices. Instructional methodologies include patient-centered clinical experiences and structured classroom student-teacher interactions.
This course integrates theory and research as they relate to neurobiological, cognitive, social and emotional development of individuals in cultural context from conception throughout adulthood. The course emphasizes both normal and atypical developmental stages and patterns of adjustment to differing life-time demands. Students will gain an understanding of hereditary and environmental factors on development; prenatal development and the birth process; physical development; language and cognitive development; family relationships; friend and peer relations; school, college, and career experiences; identity; gender; sexuality and health; the aging process and death and dying; as well as the research methods psychologists use to study development.
Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
| Course Code | NUR 134 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Medical Surgical Nursing |
This course builds upon NUR 133 and focuses on assessment of primarily adult populations with acute and chronic health disorders. The course expands on skills of critical thinking, clinical decision making, and interventions for patients with acute and chronic illnesses. The course provides the opportunity to work collaboratively with the healthcare team in patient care planning building on evidence-based practices. Instructional methodologies include patient-centered clinical experiences and structured classroom student-teacher interactions.
| Course Code | PSY 220 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Lifespan Development |
This course integrates theory and research as they relate to neurobiological, cognitive, social and emotional development of individuals in cultural context from conception throughout adulthood. The course emphasizes both normal and atypical developmental stages and patterns of adjustment to differing life-time demands. Students will gain an understanding of hereditary and environmental factors on development; prenatal development and the birth process; physical development; language and cognitive development; family relationships; friend and peer relations; school, college, and career experiences; identity; gender; sexuality and health; the aging process and death and dying; as well as the research methods psychologists use to study development.
| Course Code | HUM 127 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Critical Thinking |
Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Course Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMM 121 | Fundamentals of Speech |
For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
This course focuses on nursing care of special populations in Maternity, Pediatric and Mental Health. Specific concepts of health and illness of these individuals form the basis of planning and implementing culturally diverse, age-appropriate nursing care. The nurse develops this care through the use of the nursing process, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making. Instructional methodologies include patient-centered clinical experiences and structured classroom student-teacher interactions.
| Course Code | CMM 121 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Fundamentals of Speech |
For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
| Course Code | NUR 230 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Nursing Care of Special Patient Populations |
This course focuses on nursing care of special populations in Maternity, Pediatric and Mental Health. Specific concepts of health and illness of these individuals form the basis of planning and implementing culturally diverse, age-appropriate nursing care. The nurse develops this care through the use of the nursing process, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making. Instructional methodologies include patient-centered clinical experiences and structured classroom student-teacher interactions.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Course Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANT 221 | Cultural Anthropology |
This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.
This course builds upon previous nursing courses and focuses on assessment of individuals with multiple and complex health disorders, leadership development and transition into practice. The course includes clinical decision making and care coordination for all patients. The course focuses upon application of the nursing process to a group of patients using delegation, collaboration, prioritizing and leadership skills. Students are engaged in evidence-based practice activities. A primary focus of this course will be transition to practice as a registered nurse. Instructional methodologies include patient-centered clinical experiences and structured classroom student-teacher interactions.
| Course Code | ANT 221 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Cultural Anthropology |
This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.
| Course Code | NUR 234 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Complex Medical, Surgical, and Leadership Nursing |
This course builds upon previous nursing courses and focuses on assessment of individuals with multiple and complex health disorders, leadership development and transition into practice. The course includes clinical decision making and care coordination for all patients. The course focuses upon application of the nursing process to a group of patients using delegation, collaboration, prioritizing and leadership skills. Students are engaged in evidence-based practice activities. A primary focus of this course will be transition to practice as a registered nurse. Instructional methodologies include patient-centered clinical experiences and structured classroom student-teacher interactions.
*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.
This degree is just one possible way to study Nursing. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.
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
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title. The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in 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 assistance. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.
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
