Embarking on a career in nursing is a rewarding path, and the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at American Career College (ACC) can be your starting point. Understanding the financial aspect of this educational journey is crucial. This article breaks down the costs associated with the American Career College ADN program, providing clarity and helping you plan your investment in your future healthcare career.
Application Fees for ADN Programs
When you apply to American Career College’s ADN program, there’s a non-refundable application fee. Specifically for Associate degree programs, including the ADN, this fee is $60. It’s important to note this upfront cost as you begin your enrollment process. For other diploma programs at ACC, the application fee is $20, but ADN program applicants should be prepared for the $60 fee.
What Do Program Fees Cover?
Beyond tuition, various program fees contribute to the overall cost of your ADN education at American Career College. These fees are program-specific and cover essential resources and services designed to enhance your learning experience. These can include:
- Customized Uniforms: Professional attire is often required in healthcare settings, and fees may cover specialized uniforms for your program.
- Classroom Consumables: Hands-on learning is a key part of nursing education. Fees assist in providing necessary classroom materials and consumables for practical exercises and simulations.
- Administrative and Technology Fees: These fees support the administrative functions of the college and the technology infrastructure that supports student learning, such as online platforms and resources.
- Campus Safety Resources: American Career College prioritizes a safe learning environment. Fees contribute to campus safety resources, including security personnel, surveillance systems, and emergency protocols.
- Clinical and Degree Program Specific Fees: For programs with clinical components like the ADN program, fees cover necessities such as health screenings, background checks to meet clinical site requirements, test preparation materials, examinations, and potentially licensure or certification related expenses.
Books, Laptops, and Supplies: Your Course Materials
The cost of books and supplies is another factor to consider. American Career College includes the cost of books, a laptop computer, digital course materials, and other necessary supplies in their program costs. This inclusive approach aims to ensure students have everything they need from day one.
However, ACC also provides an opt-out option. If you prefer to source these materials from elsewhere, you have the right to do so. ACC states they can offer these materials, including digital options, at competitive market rates. If you choose to opt out, you must obtain all required materials by the 7th day of class and understand that ACC is not obligated to provide alternative delivery methods if you opt out. It’s important to confirm with ACC if any course materials are exclusively available through the institution, in which case opting out for those specific materials might not be possible.
ADN Program Fee Breakdown
For the Associate Degree in Nursing program specifically, there are designated fees you should be aware of. Based on the information provided, ADN program fees include:
- ATI Fee (1st Term): $3,685. ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute) resources are widely used in nursing education for test preparation and curriculum support.
- Other Program Fees: $390. This is a general program fee applicable to the ADN program, likely covering general program-related expenses.
- Clinical Fees (Terms 2-8): $775 per term for terms 2 through 8. Clinical rotations are a vital part of ADN programs, and these fees directly support the costs associated with securing and managing these clinical experiences.
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF): Protecting California Students
If you are a California resident, it’s important to understand the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF). Established by the State of California, the STRF is designed to protect students from economic loss in specific situations related to school closures or program discontinuation.
Key points about STRF:
- Eligibility: California residents enrolled in educational programs who prepay tuition are generally required to pay a state-imposed assessment for the STRF, unless specifically relieved of this obligation. Non-California residents are not eligible for STRF protection and do not pay the assessment.
- Purpose: STRF may provide relief if the institution closes, discontinues a program, fails to provide a refund ordered by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, or in other specific qualifying circumstances detailed in the original text.
- Application: To be eligible for STRF reimbursement, you must apply within four years of the event that makes you eligible.
- Documentation: It’s crucial to keep records of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, and any documents related to payments made to the school as these will be needed if you need to apply to STRF.
Important Update Regarding STRF Fees: The information provided mentions that effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund assessment rate would be zero dollars ($0.00) per $1,000 of institutional charges for students with a first payment scheduled after this date. It’s essential to confirm the current STRF assessment rate with American Career College’s financial aid department as this information might be subject to change.
Additional Costs to Budget For
While program fees cover many essential elements, remember that the estimated total program charges typically do not include transportation costs to externship or clinical sites. As a nursing student, you will likely have clinical rotations at various healthcare facilities, and transportation to and from these locations is your responsibility and an additional cost to budget for.
Tuition Rates Per Credit Hour
Finally, understanding the per-credit hour tuition rates can provide further clarity on the overall program cost. At American Career College, Nursing Core courses (courses with codes starting with NURS) are billed at a higher rate of $1,128 per credit. General Education courses and specific science courses (ANAT111, PHYS111, MICR112, and PHARM113) are billed at a lower rate of $300 per credit. This differential tuition structure reflects the specialized instruction and resources required for core nursing coursework.
Planning Your ADN Program Finances
Understanding the various components of the American Career College Adn Program Cost – from application fees and program fees to books, STRF, and tuition rates – is vital for effective financial planning. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding program costs and financial aid options, it is always recommended to directly contact American Career College’s admissions or financial aid department. They can provide personalized details based on your specific circumstances and program enrollment.
