Nursing Department

Student and Faculty in the nursing lab.

Program Admissions

Overview

Elgin Community College has earned a reputation for its outstanding role as a community leader in nursing education and preparation for over 50 years. When you complete ECC's Nursing or Basic Nursing Assistant programs, you can make a difference in your community daily. Nurses are at the forefront of patient health, regardless of health conditions. Nurses coordinate the work of complex medical teams and serve as a primary communication channel for a patient's family and loved ones. ECC's nursing department offers two career choices: Basic Nursing Assistant and Registered Nurse.

Learn more about ECC’s BNA certificate or Nursing Degree. Earning an AAS degree or certificate in health care can set your career in motion. Learn more about the Nursing Program admission requirements.

Upcoming Information Sessions

Prepare for Immediate Employment

The future employment outlook for Nursing is positive. The demand for RNs is driven by several factors, including an aging population, increasing incidences of chronic diseases, and a shift toward patient-centered care.

The healthcare industry is rapidly changing and growing, creating even more opportunities for Nurses. Implementing new medical technologies, such as telehealth, is increasing the demand for highly skilled Nurses who can provide patient care in new and innovative ways.

Overall, the future employment outlook for Nursing is bright and is expected to grow in the coming years. Refer to Career Coach for more information regarding compensation and related occupations.

Median Pay Rates

Plan of Study and Course Descriptions

Review the ECC catalog for details about the nursing plan of study and course descriptions.

Associate of Applied Science

Basic Vocational Certificate

Basic Nurse Assistant Certificate

The one-semester Basic Nurse Assistant Program prepares students to take the state Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam. Nurse assistants provide daily care to patients in vital signs, bathing, and personal care, assisting patients in and out of bed, helping bedridden patients maintain their range of motion, and caring for their overall environment. Successful nurse assistants have a blend of physical stamina and compassionate communication skills. The Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program prepares you to take the State Competency Written Evaluation for certification, which is necessary for employment as a certified nurse assistant in various healthcare agencies. The program is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Learn more about the Basic Nurse Assistant Program.

Associate Degree in Nursing (Registered Nurse)

A registered nurse's career is complex, varied, demanding, and rewarding. Duties include collecting and maintaining accurate patient records, administering medicine and treatments, monitoring medical equipment, assisting with diagnostic tests, coordinating with doctors and other medical professionals, and teaching patients and families how to manage their patient's conditions. A successful nurse possesses substantial medical and clinical knowledge, excellent communication and organizational abilities, and exhibits compassion and empathy for patients of all ages and illnesses. Opportunities for advancement are possible with additional training and education. Upon completing an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing degree, you can apply for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam to become a registered professional nurse (RN).

Learn more about the Nursing Program admission requirements.

See details about the salary and job opportunities for Registered Nurses on our Career Coach site.

ECC Nursing Programs are Accredited

The Elgin Community College associate degree nursing program is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The associate degree nursing program at Elgin Community College located in Elgin, Illinois, is accredited by the following:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (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. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at ACEN Accredited Nursing Programs.

Students with questions about legal requirements for Illinois nursing licensure should contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation at 888-473-4858.

Careers in Nursing

Graduates of our nursing program have obtained jobs in a variety of areas:

  • Critical Care Nurse
  • Emergency Room Nurse
  • Medical-Surgical Nurse
  • Nurse Educator
  • Nurse Manager
  • Pediatric/Neonatal Nurse
  • School Nurse

Do you want a Bachelor of Science or a Master of Science in Nursing?

The Elgin Community College Nursing Program maintains partnerships and agreements with several institutions that offer Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) completion and RN to Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs. Students interested in RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN degree completion programs are strongly encouraged to take general education classes through a guided transfer toward these degrees while completing the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree at Elgin Community College.

Representatives from a number of RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN institutions frequently visit campus for table visits and the annual Nursing Transfer Fair. Also, students can contact the Health Professions Retention Specialist/Academic Advisor or the Director of the Nursing Program for details on these transfer degree options. On the Transfer Partnerships page, see "Nursing" for details on programs with partnerships with ECC. 

Learn more about the Nursing department at ECC!

Earning an Associate Degree at Elgin Community College can set your career in motion.

Program Admissions