Associate Degree Nursing at Rock Valley College Illinois
Program overview
The registered professional nurse provides nursing care that emphasizes the whole person using the nursing process for individuals, families and groups in the community. The program of study requires that students with outside responsibilities plan to complete the program in more than two years.
The associate degree in nursing is based upon current nursing practice, including nursing and general education courses. Classroom theory, challenging assignments, skill labs, and clinical experiences will prepare students for an entry-level RN position. The program requires maturity for self-pacing in the learning process. Upon successful completion of the program and demonstrated nursing competence, the graduate is eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN examination to become licensed as a Registered Nurse.
The LPN Bridge Program is available for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to apply for an associate degree in nursing at RVC. LPNs must meet the criteria for the LPN Bridge application review process for the Associate Degree nursing program. See the “Admission to the LPN Bridge for the Nursing program” section, which follows.
Work and career advancement
The registered nurse is prepared to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, physicians’ offices, community health, and home healthcare. Graduates are accountable for maintaining clinical competence. They practice nursing within the scope and standards of registered nurse education and are lifelong professional learners. Graduates are encouraged to seek opportunities to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through an RN Completion Program.
Program approval and professional licensure
The program is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Program graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN according to the requirements for licensure in the State of Illinois Nursing Practice Act. This exam covers four major categories: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. Testing in these areas is emphasized along with safe and progressing clinical competence.
Information sessions
Students interested in the nursing program should attend a nursing information session to familiarize themselves with specific admission procedures, requirements, and standards. Call(815) 921-3261 to attend an information session; applications are available when the applicant has completed all admission requirements.
Applicants who have not attended college before will need to call (815) 921-2382 to schedule an appointment for an assessment test. Transfer applicants should submit all transcripts to the Rock Valley College Admissions and Records Office with indication of the intent to apply to the nursing program.