Are you passionate about healthcare and searching for an empowering career path? Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. If you’re looking for an “American Career College Rn Program Near Me,” you’ve come to the right place to explore how American Career College (ACC) can help you launch your nursing career.
Registered Nurses are the cornerstone of the healthcare system. They are vital in providing and managing patient care, directly impacting patient recovery and well-being. ACC’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in this dynamic field. Students in our ADN program are trained to:
- Assess patient health conditions and identify their needs: RNs are adept at evaluating patients, understanding their medical histories, and recognizing current health issues.
- Deliver comprehensive care to patients: Whether patients are recovering from surgery, managing chronic illnesses, or facing new health challenges, RNs provide direct and compassionate care.
- Administer treatments and medications accurately: A core responsibility of an RN is to follow physician orders, administering medications and treatments while monitoring patient responses.
- Educate patients and families on health management and preventative care: RNs empower individuals and families by providing crucial information on maintaining health and preventing future illnesses. California Employment Development Department Detailed Guide, Registered Nurses in California
Is the American Career College ADN Program Right For You?
If you possess a caring nature and a strong desire to support others during vulnerable times, a career in nursing could be an excellent fit. Certain key attributes and skills are particularly beneficial for aspiring Registered Nurses:
Dedication to Service: Exceptional nurses are driven by a genuine desire to help patients and are committed to delivering the highest quality of care. This service-oriented mindset is at the heart of nursing.
Effective Communication Skills: Nurses act as a crucial link between patients, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. Clear and precise communication is essential for conveying patient information, understanding instructions, and providing reassurance.
Strong Critical Thinking Abilities: Nursing demands quick decision-making and problem-solving. RNs must utilize critical thinking to assess situations, analyze patient data, and implement effective care strategies.
Excellent Time Management: In a fast-paced healthcare environment, nurses must juggle multiple tasks efficiently. Strong time management skills ensure that all patients receive timely and appropriate care, even under pressure.
Empathy and Interpersonal Skills: Beyond physical care, nurses offer emotional support and comfort to patients and their families. Exceptional customer and personal service skills enable nurses to build trust and deliver patient-centered care that addresses both physical and emotional needs.
Diverse Work Environments for Registered Nurses
A significant advantage of a nursing career is the wide array of work settings available. Graduates of an ADN program can find fulfilling roles in various healthcare environments, including:
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: Hospitals are the most common employer of RNs, offering opportunities in various departments from emergency rooms to specialized units.
- Outpatient Care Centers: These centers provide same-day medical care outside of a hospital setting, including surgical, diagnostic, and rehabilitation services.
- Home Healthcare Services: RNs in home healthcare provide personalized care to patients in their homes, assisting with medication management, wound care, and chronic disease management.
- Nursing Care Facilities: Also known as skilled nursing facilities, these provide 24-hour care for individuals who require ongoing medical and rehabilitative support.
- Physicians’ Offices: RNs in physician offices assist with patient examinations, administer vaccinations, manage patient records, and provide patient education. California Employment Development Department Detailed Guide, Registered Nurses in California
Specializations in Nursing After Your ADN
An ADN degree opens doors to numerous specialized nursing positions. Here are some examples of nursing career paths you can pursue after completing the ADN program and gaining experience:
Addiction Nurse: Provide care and support to patients struggling with addictions to substances like alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, guiding them through recovery and relapse prevention.
Cardiovascular Nurse: Specialize in caring for patients with heart conditions, including those recovering from heart surgery, managing heart disease, and promoting cardiovascular health.
Critical Care Nurse: Work in the intensive care units (ICUs) of hospitals, providing advanced care to patients with severe, life-threatening illnesses and injuries requiring constant monitoring and intervention.
Genetics Nurse: Offer genetic counseling, screening, and treatment to patients and families affected by genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome.
Neonatal Nurse: Provide specialized care to newborn infants, including premature babies and those with health complications, in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and nurseries.
Nephrology Nurse: Care for patients with kidney diseases resulting from conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and substance abuse, managing dialysis treatments and kidney transplants.
Rehabilitation Nurse: Assist patients recovering from temporary or permanent disabilities due to injury, surgery, or illness, helping them regain independence and improve their quality of life.
Program Duration and NCLEX-RN Exam
The American Career College ADN program is a focused 20-month program, structured into eight 10-week quarters. This accelerated format allows you to quickly gain the skills and credentials needed to enter the nursing profession.
Upon graduation, you will be eligible to apply to your state’s Board of Registered Nursing to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Passing this national licensure exam is the final step to becoming a Registered Nurse and obtaining your RN license.
Admission Prerequisites for the ADN Program
One of the advantages of ACC’s ADN program is its accessibility. There are no pre-requisite college courses required for admission. The program is designed to incorporate all necessary general education and core nursing coursework.
Full-Time Program Commitment
Please note that the ADN program at American Career College is currently offered as a full-time program only. This intensive format ensures that students can fully immerse themselves in their studies and complete the program in the shortest possible timeframe.
Admission Requirements for the ADN Program
To apply for the ADN program, you will need to meet the following admission requirements:
- High School Diploma or Equivalency: Applicants must have a high school diploma or have completed a High School Equivalency program (GED).
- HESI Admission Assessment Exam: All applicants are required to take the HESI exam, which assesses skills in Math, Reading Comprehension, and Science. A minimum score of 75% is required for admission. If you do not achieve a passing score on your first attempt, you are allowed a second attempt. A waiting period of three months is required after a second unsuccessful attempt before a third attempt is permitted for a subsequent cohort application.
- Background Check and Health Screenings: After enrollment, a background check is conducted. While a prior background may not prevent program entry, certain offenses could impact clinical site placements and RN licensure. Health screenings, drug testing, and required immunizations are conducted on campus before clinical assignments begin.
Detailed instructions on obtaining necessary clearances will be provided during your admissions interview.
Not an LVN to RN Bridge Program
It’s important to clarify that the American Career College ADN program is not an LVN to RN bridge program. It is a comprehensive associate degree program designed for individuals entering nursing as a new career path.
Transfer Credit Policy
American Career College has a transfer credit policy in place to evaluate transcripts from other institutions. If you have completed college coursework previously, our admissions team can review your transcripts to determine if any credits may transfer into the ADN program. Attending an information session is a great way to discuss your specific situation and learn more about transfer credit possibilities.
Program Start Dates
To find the most up-to-date information on upcoming program start dates, please refer to the ADN program start date calendar available on the ACC website. Due to limited class sizes, it’s advisable to apply early as classes can fill before the official start date. We encourage you to schedule an information session to discuss start dates and the application process with an admissions advisor.
Blended Learning Format
The ADN program utilizes a blended learning format. This means that while some coursework is delivered online, significant portions of the program, including labs and clinical practice, are conducted in person. This blended approach offers flexibility while ensuring hands-on learning and practical skill development.
Comprehensive Curriculum
The ADN program is structured into eight 10-week quarters, combining online and in-person instruction. The curriculum is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level RN positions across various healthcare settings. Beyond general education courses, the core nursing curriculum at American Career College includes courses such as:
Human Anatomy*: An in-depth exploration of the human body’s structure, from cellular to systemic levels, focusing on the functions and interactions of organ systems in both normal and abnormal conditions.
General Microbiology*: A study of microorganisms relevant to human health, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, covering topics from classification and genetics to infectious disease, immunology, and antibiotic resistance.
Fundamentals of Nursing*: Introduction to the practical science of nursing, applying Dorothea Orem’s Theory of Self-Care to patient care across the wellness-illness continuum. Covers the Nursing Process, ethical and legal considerations, patient rights, and foundational patient care skills in a diverse healthcare environment.
Introduction to Psychology*: An overview of the scientific study of behavior, covering lifespan development, learning, cognition, personality, social interaction, and psychotherapy.
Introduction to Sociology*: Exploration of fundamental sociological concepts including socialization, culture, social organizations, and societal change, examining topics like social class, gender roles, deviance, and human institutions.
Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing*: Application of the nursing process and Orem’s Self-Care Theory to the care of adult and geriatric patients with complex health conditions. Focuses on patient-centered, evidence-based care for conditions related to neurological, cardiorespiratory, and other critical health deviations, emphasizing cultural diversity, nutrition, and patient advocacy.
Other core courses include:
- College Mathematics I*
- Professional Communication & Role Transition Seminar
- Human Physiology*
- Fundamentals of Nursing, Clinical
For detailed course descriptions, please refer to the ACC Catalog.
Program Costs and Financial Aid Options
Understanding the financial aspects of your education is important. American Career College’s admissions and financial aid advisors are dedicated to assisting you in navigating program costs and exploring financial aid options.
To learn more about the ADN program cost, please visit our tuition information page.
Financial aid and scholarships are available to those who qualify. Our financial aid advisors can provide detailed information on various options, including government-backed loans, private loans, scholarships, military benefits, and employer reimbursement programs. Eligibility for financial aid is determined on an individual basis through the application process.
For further information about the Associate Degree in Nursing program, please call (877) 832-0790 or schedule a virtual info session today.
Hands-On, Real-World RN Training
American Career College is committed to providing practical, real-world training. The ADN program includes over 800 hours of clinical experience. This extensive clinical component allows students to apply their knowledge and refine their skills in real healthcare settings, ensuring they are well-prepared for their careers as Registered Nurses.
Start your journey toward a rewarding nursing career. Explore the American Career College RN program and discover how we can help you achieve your professional goals.
