Nursing (RN), A.A.S.

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JJC Program Code: NU500

ICCB Program Code: NURS 0058

Become a Registered Nurse (RN) by earning an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing.
- This program typically takes two years to complete.
What you can expect:
- traditional classroom experiences
- online courses
- hands-on simulation labs
- clinical experiences in health facilities throughout the community
How To Apply to the Nursing Program (to take nursing classes):
- First, apply to JJC.
- Then, apply to the JJC Nursing program. This is a second application. More information can be found on our Admissions page.
- The nursing program admits students twice a year.
  - Submit your application in February to enroll for fall semester.
  - Submit your application in June to enroll for spring semester.

Licensing

By earning an Associate in Applied Science degree, you are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse in Illinois.
- Nursing licenses are regulated by the Board of Nursing of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. See the Nursing Licensing Policy.
This program is accredited by:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE
  Suite 1400
  Atlanta, GA 30326
  Phone: (404) 975-5000

Nursing Program

The Nursing Department offers two options:
- Complete one year of nursing and receive a Certificate of Achievement in Practical Nursing
  - Eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam
- Complete two years of nursing and receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing
  - Eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam
Physical exams and other requirements
- Once students are provisionally accepted onto the nursing program, they will be given information on requirements for a current physical exam and more, including:
  - immunizations
  - laboratory work
  - a criminal background check
  - drug screen
- You won’t be accepted into the nursing program until we have received these requirements, including immunity of certain communicable diseases, a satisfactory criminal background check, and no evidence of illegal drugs in your system.
Learn More
- Attend a Nursing Information Session to learn about the program and admission requirements.
- Visit our Nursing page.

Nursing Program

The Nursing Education department offers a program of study in nursing with two exit options. Students can complete one year of nursing and receive a Certificate of Achievement in Practical Nursing, making them eligible for NCLEX-PN (licensure exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN). After one more year of nursing, students receive an Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing, making them eligible for NCLEX-RN (licensure exam to become a Registered Nurse - RN). Once students are provisionally accepted onto the nursing program, they will be given information on requirements for a current physical examination including immunizations and laboratory work, a criminal background check and a drug screen. Complete acceptance into the nursing program is contingent on successful completion of these requirements, including immunity of certain communicable diseases, a satisfactory criminal background check, and no evidence of illegal drugs in the applicant’s system.

Prospective students are encouraged to attend a Nursing Information Session to learn more about the program and admission requirements. More information can be found at http://www.jjc.edu/academics/health-and-public-services/nursing.

NOTE: Nursing students must achieve a minimum grade of “C” in each of the nursing courses and all of the general education courses before they are eligible for graduation.

Completion Guide for Traditional Pathway

For advisor information and a sample schedule by semester, view our completion guide.

Completion Guide for Advanced Placement LPN Pathway

For advisor information and a sample schedule by semester, view our completion guide.

Degree Requirements

The Associate in Applied Science degree in nursing is designed for persons who wish to become registered nurses (RNs). The program combines both traditional classroom experience and online courses with clinical experience in health facilities throughout the community.

General Education Requirements (Must include the following): 31 Semester Hours

Major Core Requirements: 18 Semester Hours

Choose One of the Following Pathways: 23 Semester Hours

Traditional Pathway (23 Semester Hours)

*NURS 140 or CNA. In accordance with the articulation plan, CNA coursework constitutes two nursing credit hours to be transferred after successful completion of NURS 150.

Licensed Practical Nurse Transition Program (7.5 + 15.5 = 23 Semester Hours)

For the Licensed Practical Nurse Transition Pathway, student must have a valid LPN license in the state of Illinois, application to the college, and prior learning as evidenced by a valid IL LPN license which will allow 15.5 nursing credits to be awarded.

NURS 170 - LPN to ADN Transition
Proof of a valid LPN license in the state of Illinois

Total Required Hours: 72 Semester Hours

Includes Online Courses

This program includes the option for distance education courses (online and/or hybrid).