Nursing
Nursing. It’s almost synonymous with compassion. But there’s so much more to it than that.
Nurses are challenged daily to think critically in a science-based, technical environment, providing expert care to help healthy people stay healthy and restore health for those who have been injured or ill. Nurses advocate for patients' needs, be they physical, mental, or cultural and teach patients to care for themselves so that well-being will continue in the home. Nurses are continually learning so they may keep their skills sharp in an ever-evolving field and contribute as members of a broad health care service team. To say nurses care is true, but it is also an understatement.
Nursing is a field that reaps professional as well as personal rewards. It is exciting and fulfilling and in demand, and we believe there is a place for you.
Registered Nurse - AAS Degree
The Associate in Applied Science - Nursing program at Heartland Community College located in Normal, Illinois is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta Georgia 30326; phone 404-975-5000; email: info@acenursing.org).
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate in Applied Science - Nursing program is continuing accreditation.
Graduate Success Rates
| Year | Pass Rate |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 97% |
| 2022 | 83% |
| 2021 | 96% |
*Further information on HCC nursing pass rates (PDF)
Program Completion Rates
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aggregate | 67% | 61% | 70% |
| Traditional | 71% | 54% | 69% |
| LPN to ADN | 50% | 90% | 73% |
On-time completion rates (100%) reflect the percentage of students who complete the Nursing Program in the prescribed two-year sequence without interruption. The 150% rate also includes those who complete the Nursing Program within three years of their first nursing course.
Job Placement Rates
Graduate survey data results reflect the following job placement rates:
| Year | Placement Rate |
|---|---|
| 2023 |
95% |
| 2022 |
92% |
| 2021 |
96% |
Prepare to become an RN with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing
- Curriculum Sequence
- Admission requirements
- Learn more about the Selective Admissions Process for the ADN Nursing Program
Important RN Deadlines
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Application process begins. | October 1 |
| Application Deadline. | March 1 |
| Supporting documentation due. | March 15 |
| Applicants notified about admission. | April 15 |
LPN to ADN Program
If you are a LPN that would like to advance your nursing career consider the LPN to ADN Program.
Nursing Assistant Certificate
The Nursing Assistant Certificate at Heartland Community College prepares individuals to function as nursing assistants in nursing homes, hospitals and private homes. Instruction focuses on basic nursing knowledge and skills required to care for individuals in a manner that respects their dignity. Students will learn a variety of skills, which require fine-motor coordination. Students must also be physically able to lift and transfer patients safely and correctly. Students must be able to lift, push, and pull a minimum of 50 pounds.
Learn more about the CNA Program
RN BSN Pathway
We're partnering with Illinois State University to provide you a seamless transition to earn your BSN degree. With this option, you can complete all required general education classes for your BSN at HCC with Heartland tuition rates.
How it works
- Meet with an academic advisor to review HCC ADN program requirements.
- Apply and be accepted into HCC’s ADN program.
- Apply to the program while you're getting your ADN.
- Finish the ADN program.
- Complete the pathway's plan of study (PDF).
You'll earn your BSN with three years of coursework at HCC and one year of full time online courses at Illinois State.
Dual Enrollment
Beginning in Fall 2018, we will embark on another exciting partnership with Illinois State University, offering a dual enrollment program where students complete our ADN Program while also enrolled in the on-line BSN Program at ISU. We recommend this option for highly-motivated students who are committed to a rigorous program of full-time study.
How it works
- Meet with an academic advisor to review HCC ADN Program requirements.
- Complete all general education first year requirements (see plan of study (PDF)).
- Apply and be accepted into HCC’s ADN Program.
- Complete first year of the ADN Program.
- Begin on-line BSN coursework while completing the second year of the ADN Program.
- Take and pass NCLEX-RN licensure examination after graduating from HCC.
- Complete BSN coursework.
Upon completion of your ADN, you will have partially finished much of your BSN coursework. This is a definite edge as you seek employment as a registered nurse.
Nursing Transfer Degrees
If you plan to complete the first two years of study leading to a bachelor's degree at Heartland and then transfer as a Nursing major to a four-year college or university in Illinois, the Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Sciences (AS) transfer program is the path for you. Meet with an academic advisor for help with course selection.
Nursing Upcoming Events
We strongly recommend you attend one of these informational sessions. All information meetings are held at the main campus in Normal, IL, unless otherwise noted.
Informational Session(s) Day Time Room Wednesday, October 23rd
5:00 p.m. Students applying for the Nursing program must take the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). This test is only offered online.
- To schedule a date through Heartland, please click on "Health Sciences" at this link. Leave the search parameters blank to schedule a test date between October 1 and March 15. You will receive a confirmation email at your myHeartland account. A $80 test fee must be paid online by credit card at the time of testing. Carefully review all information at the ATI Testing site when you register.
- For wider test availability, you may schedule a test date through ATI. There is an additional test fee for this option.
Study guides are available at the ATI TEAS prep page or the Heartland Community College Library.
Students may retake the ATI TEAS one time within an application cycle (October - March). The highest grade within the application period will be used for evaluation.
TEAS scores are valid for a period of two application cycles.
A minimum composite score of 58.7% or Proficient on the TEAS is required to be considered for admission to the program.
Contact nursing.admissions@heartland.edu with any TEAS-related technical concerns or date/time conflicts.