Choosing a career in vocational nursing is a significant step towards a rewarding and in-demand profession. American Career College (ACC) offers a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) program designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for this field. A crucial aspect for prospective students is understanding the tuition and fees associated with the LVN program at American Career College. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the costs involved, ensuring you have a clear picture of the investment in your vocational nursing education.
Application Fees for the LVN Program
When applying to the LVN program at American Career College, it’s important to be aware of the nonrefundable application fee. For Vocational Nursing students, this fee is $60. It’s important to note that this application fee is separate from tuition costs and is required upon enrollment to process your application. Students applying for other diploma programs at ACC, excluding Vocational Nursing, will encounter a lower application fee of $20. Associate degree program applicants also pay the $60 nonrefundable application fee. Understanding these initial costs is the first step in planning your financial strategy for your LVN education.
Program Fees and What They Cover
Beyond tuition, American Career College’s LVN program involves program-specific fees. These fees are variable depending on the program and are designed to cover a range of essential items and services that enhance your learning experience. These fees contribute to:
- Customized Uniforms: Ensuring a professional and standardized appearance for students during clinical and practical sessions.
- Classroom Consumables: Covering the costs of materials used directly in your classes, labs, and hands-on training.
- Administrative and Technology Fees: Supporting the administrative functions and technology infrastructure that facilitates your education, including learning management systems and student support services.
- Campus Safety Resources: Contributing to a secure learning environment through campus safety personnel, training activities, security systems, and emergency protocols. For programs like the LVN program that involve clinical and degree components, these fees also extend to:
- Health and Background Screenings: Ensuring student and patient safety through required health checks and background verifications for clinical placements.
- Test Preparation, Examinations, Licensure, and Certification: Assisting students in preparing for crucial exams, covering examination fees, and supporting the licensure and certification processes necessary to become a working LVN.
These program fees are an integral part of the overall cost of the American Career College LVN program and are structured to support a comprehensive and high-quality educational experience.
Understanding Book and Supply Costs
The cost of books and supplies is another factor to consider when budgeting for the LVN program at American Career College. ACC includes books, a laptop computer, digital or electronic course materials, and other necessary supplies as part of the program costs. Importantly, students have the option to opt out of this bundled service and purchase these materials from other sources if they prefer.
American Career College states that it can offer these materials, including digital resources, at competitive market rates, potentially below what you might find elsewhere. However, if you choose to opt out, you must obtain all required course materials by the 7th day of class. It is crucial to understand that opting out does not obligate ACC to provide an alternative method of delivery for course materials. In cases where course material is exclusively available through the institution, students will not be able to opt out of those required books and supplies.
For students in the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, there are specific fee breakdowns to note. This includes an ATI fee in the first term of $3,685, other program fees of $390, and clinical fees of $775 in terms 2-8. While this breakdown is for the ADN program, it illustrates the types of specific fees that may be associated with healthcare programs at ACC. LVN program students should expect a similar structure of bundled costs and potential for specific fees, though the amounts will be program-specific.
The Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) in California
For California residents enrolling in the American Career College LVN program, it is important to understand the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF). The STRF is a state-established fund designed to protect students from economic loss in specific situations related to school closures or program discontinuation.
Effective April 1, 2024, American Career College started collecting the STRF assessment at a rate of zero dollars ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges for students with a first payment scheduled after this date. While the assessment rate may be currently set to zero, understanding the STRF itself is vital.
Who is Protected by STRF?
California residents enrolled in an educational program at a qualifying institution, like American Career College, are generally required to pay a state-imposed assessment for the STRF if they prepay all or part of their tuition, unless specifically relieved of this obligation. Non-California residents, or those not in a residency program, are not eligible for STRF protection and are not required to pay the assessment.
Why is STRF Important?
STRF is designed to relieve economic loss if you, as a California resident student, experience losses due to certain circumstances, including:
- Closure or discontinuation of the institution or your educational program without an approved teach-out plan you can participate in.
- Enrollment within 120 days before the institution or program closure.
- Enrollment more than 120 days before closure, where the Bureau determines a significant decline in program quality or value more than 120 days prior to closure.
- Failure of the institution to pay a Bureau-ordered refund.
- Failure of the institution to properly handle federal student loan proceeds.
- Inability to collect a restitution, refund, or monetary award from the institution due to violations.
- Student loan cancellation due to legal counsel related to institutional violations.
Eligibility and Application for STRF Reimbursement
To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or in a residency program, have prepaid tuition, paid or been deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and have suffered an economic loss due to one of the reasons listed above. Applications for STRF reimbursement must be received within four (4) years from the date of the event that makes you eligible.
Important Documentation
It is crucial to keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, and any documents that verify the amount you paid to the school. For questions regarding STRF, you can contact the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
Additional Costs to Consider
When planning your finances for the LVN program, remember that the estimated total charges for the entire educational program typically do not include transportation costs to and from externship or clinical sites. These transportation expenses are the student’s responsibility and should be factored into your budget.
LVN Program Tuition Rate Breakdown
To provide further clarity on tuition costs, Nursing Core courses (identified with course codes starting with NURS) are billed at a rate of $1,128 per credit. General Education and specific science courses (ANAT111, PHYS111, MICR112, and PHARM113) are billed at a lower rate of $300 per credit. This breakdown helps students understand how tuition is calculated based on the type of courses they are taking within the LVN program curriculum.
Conclusion: Investing in Your LVN Career at American Career College
Understanding the tuition and fees associated with the American Career College LVN program is a critical step in your educational journey. By considering application fees, program costs, book and supply expenses, and being aware of resources like the Student Tuition Recovery Fund, you can create a comprehensive financial plan. While pursuing your LVN education is a significant investment, it’s an investment in your future career and potential to make a meaningful difference in healthcare. For the most up-to-date and detailed information, always consult directly with the American Career College financial aid or admissions department to discuss your specific situation and program costs.
