Frequently Asked Questions
What degree will I earn if I complete the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at College of DuPage?
An Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Nursing.
How many credit hours are in the Associate Degree Nursing program?
The A.A.S. degree in Nursing is 69 semester credit hours.
Will I be eligible to practice as a registered professional nurse upon completion of the ADN program?
Students who complete the ADN program and earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). Once students pass the exam and undergo a criminal background check, they are licensed to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse.
What is the cost of tuition for the ADN program at College of DuPage?
Effective fall 2009, tuition and fees for Practical Nursing, Associate Degree Nursing and Dental Hygiene required courses will increase to $208.15 per credit hour for in-district students. This rate applies only to required program courses for in-district students – all general education courses taken in relation to these programs will remain at the current in-district rate of $116 per credit hour.
NOTE: For this year only, 2008 Practical Nursing graduates who are accepted via the bridge course into the ADN program will be grandfathered and will pay the same tuition rate as second-year ADN students, who are also grandfathered. The tuition rate for all courses for these students will remain at $116 per credit hour for the 2009-2010 academic year.
I have completed general education courses at another college/university. Will these courses transfer to C.O.D.?
Students must have their transcripts sent to the Records office for official evaluation of credits. See page 3 in the ADN Admissions packet (PDF).
What are the admissions steps I must complete for the ADN program? What is the application deadline?
The admissions deadline is Jan. 8, 2010. You must complete the six (6) items listed below by Jan. 8, 2010, to be considered for the fall 2010 ADN program.
1) Apply to College of DuPage either online or in person at SRC 2046.
2) Complete the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) application in the ADN Admissions Packet.
3) Attend an ADN Advising Session.
4) Complete chemistry: One year of high school chemistry with a grade of “C” or better for both semesters
OR
Chemistry 1105 or 1211 or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better
Note: Beginning Fall 2011, college chemistry with a laboratory component must be taken (Chemistry 1105 or 1211). High school chemistry will no longer be accepted.
5) Complete Anatomy & Physiology: Anatomy and Physiology 1551 or 1571 or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better (course must be completed between Jan. 8, 2005, and Jan. 8, 2010).
6) Take the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Examination, RN (PAX-RN). Three copies of the new PAX exam (“Review Guide for RN Pre-Entrance Exam,” Third Edition, 2009) are available at the Library Circulation Desk on reserve for students taking the nursing pre-admission test. Two copies are in-library use only and one copy is three-day check out. Copies also can be purchased at the C.O.D. Bookstore or online at amazon.com.
How is my application to the ADN program evaluated?
The ADN Admissions Committee evaluates each complete student application, which contains the following admissions criteria:
- Chemistry with a grade of “C” or better
- Anatomy and Physiology with a grade of “C” or better
If the above listed conditions are met, applicants are evaluated using a rubric that considers:
- Calculated GPA using prerequisite and general education courses (2.75/4.0 or above is required)
- Number of general education courses completed
- Previous degrees earned
- Met criteria for Fall 2009, but did not receive a seat in the program
When will I receive notification about my application and admission to the ADN program?
Notification letters will be sent no later than March 19, 2010. Applicants will receive one of four notifications, explained briefly below:
- Provisional acceptance letter: You will be admitted to the program, provided you complete the provisional criteria explained in detail on pages 4 and 5 of the ADN Admissions packet (PDF.)
- Wait list letter (alternate list): You may be notified through Aug. 2, 2010, if any seats in the program become available.
- Program full letter: You met the criteria for admission; however, due to the number of applicants, the program is at capacity and we are unable to admit you at this time.
- Admission denied: You did not meet the criteria for admission.
