Choosing the right Registered Nursing (RN) program is a significant decision, and for many aspiring nurses in Ontario, California, the American Career College (ACC) Ontario RN program is a popular option. When researching programs, prospective students often look for “American Career College Ontario Rn Program Reviews” to understand the experiences of past and current students. However, beyond reviews, a crucial aspect to consider is the cost of the program. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the fees associated with the American Career College Ontario RN program, helping you make an informed decision about your nursing education.
Application Fees: Getting Started
Before you even begin your RN program journey at American Career College Ontario, it’s important to be aware of the application fees. For most diploma programs, including many within ACC, there is a nonrefundable application fee of $20. However, if you are applying specifically to the Vocational Nursing program or any Associate degree program, including the RN program, the nonrefundable application fee is $60. This fee is payable upon enrollment and is a standard part of the admissions process.
Program Fees: What’s Included?
Beyond tuition, program fees are an integral part of the overall cost and cover a range of essential resources and services that support your education. At American Career College Ontario, program fees are designed to be comprehensive and cover items such as customized uniforms that ensure a professional appearance during clinical rotations, classroom consumables necessary for hands-on learning, and administrative and technology fees that support the learning environment.
These fees also contribute to campus safety resources, which are vital for a secure and conducive learning environment. This includes the training and activities related to campus safety, as well as the acquisition and maintenance of security systems, such as security cameras, access control, and emergency broadcast systems. For students in clinical and degree programs like the RN program, program fees also encompass expenses associated with mandatory health and background screenings, test preparation resources, examinations, and fees related to licensure and certification upon program completion.
Books, Supplies, and Digital Resources: Managing Material Costs
American Career College Ontario includes the cost of books, a laptop computer, digital or electronic course materials, and other essential supplies within their program costs. This bundled approach aims to provide students with all the necessary resources for their studies in a convenient manner. ACC states that they are able to offer these materials, particularly digital or electronic course materials, at rates below competitive market prices, potentially offering cost savings compared to purchasing these items individually.
However, students do have the option to opt out of this bundled service and purchase books and supplies from other sources if they prefer. It’s important to note that opting out means students are responsible for independently obtaining all required course materials by the 7th day of class. If the required course material is exclusively available through the institution and not from any other source, students will not be able to opt out of those specific books and supplies. For students in the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, specific fees include an ATI fee in the first term, other program fees, and clinical fees distributed across terms 2 through 8.
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF): Protecting California Students
The State of California has established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to protect eligible students from economic losses under specific circumstances related to their educational program. If you are a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution like American Career College Ontario, and you are a California resident or enrolled in a residency program while enrolled, and if you prepay tuition and suffer an economic loss, STRF may provide relief.
Unless specifically exempted, California residents or students in residency programs who prepay all or part of their tuition are required to pay a state-imposed assessment for STRF. However, it’s important to note that if you are not a California resident and not enrolled in a residency program, you are not eligible for STRF protection and are not required to pay the STRF assessment. It is crucial to keep detailed records of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, and any documents that verify the amounts you have paid to the school as these will be essential if you need to make a claim to STRF. For questions regarding STRF, you can contact the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
Eligibility for STRF Reimbursement: Qualifying Events
To be eligible for STRF reimbursement, you must meet specific criteria, including being a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, having prepaid tuition, paid the STRF assessment, and experienced an economic loss due to one of the following events:
- Closure or discontinuation of the institution, a location, or an educational program, and you did not participate in or complete an approved teach-out plan.
- Enrollment within 120 days before the closure of the institution or program discontinuation.
- Enrollment more than 120 days before closure, where the BPPE determined a significant decline in program quality or value more than 120 days prior to closure.
- Failure of the institution to pay a refund ordered by the BPPE.
- Institution’s failure to manage federal student loan proceeds as required by law.
- Failure to pay a restitution, refund, or monetary award from an arbitrator or court due to institutional violation.
- Incurring legal counsel fees resulting in student loan cancellation.
Applications for STRF reimbursement must be received within four years of the event that makes the student eligible. There are specific provisions for students whose loans are revived after a period of noncollection, allowing them to apply for STRF recovery even if the initial event occurred more than four years prior, provided they had applied within the original four-year period. It is important to note that STRF claims cannot be paid without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.
Additional Estimated Costs: Beyond Tuition and Fees
It’s important to remember that the estimated total charges for the RN 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 overall budget when considering the program costs.
Tuition per Credit: Understanding Course Billing
Tuition costs at American Career College Ontario for the RN program are structured around a per-credit billing system. Nursing Core courses, identified with course codes beginning with “NURS,” are billed at a rate of $1,128 per credit. General Education courses and specific science courses, including ANAT111, PHYS111, MICR112, and PHARM113, are billed at a lower rate of $300 per credit. Understanding this breakdown can help you estimate the tuition costs based on the specific courses you will be taking each term.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision about Your RN Education
Understanding the fees and costs associated with the American Career College Ontario RN program is crucial for prospective students. While “american career college ontario rn program reviews” can offer insights into the student experience, a detailed understanding of the financial aspects is equally important. By considering application fees, program fees, material costs, STRF protections, and tuition structures, you can gain a comprehensive picture of the investment required for this program and make a well-informed decision about your future in nursing. For the most current and detailed information, always refer to the official American Career College Ontario website and financial aid resources.
