Career Degrees & Certificates
Nursing
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)Overview
It is the largest, most respected group of health care workers in the United States.
More than 2.7 million registered nurses are working in hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices, long-term care facilities and many nontraditional environments - and yet there is more need for nurses than any other health care profession as our population grows and ages.
For those who choose this gratifying, growing career, Waubonsee’s two associate degrees in nursing are accredited, respected, and empowering.
The Nursing Program has a special admissions process. Contact the Health Professions and Public Service office for further information at HPPS@waubonsee.edu.
Studying Nursing at Waubonsee
Nursing students develop expertise at Waubonsee, where our experienced instructors and state-of-the-art facility provide a dynamic setting for our highly-focused curriculum. Read the current Nursing Student Handbook to understand program requirements and expectations.
Classroom instruction, lab demonstrations and testing, peer review, and clinical practice shape skills; discussion around social, legal and political concepts affecting health care guide ethical approaches. The well-rounded education Waubonsee provides prepares nursing students for the future, which might include transferring to a four-year university for a specialized degree.
NCLEX Success
Upon completion of all college and program requirements, Waubonsee nursing graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX) and historically score a passing percentage at or above the state and national average.
| Year | Waubonsee Average | State of IL Average | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 85% | 88% | 88% |
| 2020 | 86% | 88% | 88% |
| 2021 | 81% | 82% | 82% |
| 2022 | 92% | 77% | 80% |
| 2023 | 90% | 85% | 89% |
Student Achievement Outcome Data
Completion
GOAL: 80% of students who complete the nursing program do so within 6 semesters
| Calendar Year |
Students | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 70/70 | 100% |
| 2017 | 76/76 | 100% |
| 2018 | 86/87 | 98.9% |
| 2019 | 112/112 | 100% |
| 2020 | 107/107 | 100% |
Retention Rate
GOAL: 75% of students who begin the Registered Nursing Program at Waubonsee Community College will complete the program.
| Calendar Year |
Students | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 54/70 | 77.1% |
| 2015 | 86/101 | 85.2% |
| 2016 | 78/85 | 91.8% |
| 2017 | 88/104 | 84.6% |
| 2018 | 115/135 | 85.2% |
Graduate Placement
GOAL: 90% of students who respond to alumni follow-up will report employment in the nursing field (within 9 months of program completion).
| Calendar Year |
Students | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 47/51 | 92.2% |
| 2017 | 45/49 | 91.8% |
| 2018 | 63/68 | 92.6% |
| 2019 | 56/61 | 91.8% |
| 2020 | 76/81 | 93.8% |
There are many schools that have partnered with Waubonsee to complete your bachelor's degree in nursing. Each quarter information sessions are held to allow students to choose a school that best meets their needs. A list of schools include:
Meet Your Faculty
View a listing of faculty members in this program.
Costs and Payments
Admission, Accreditation and Advancement
Admission
The Nursing Program does require a special application process.
Accreditation
The associate nursing program at Waubonsee Community College at the Aurora Fox Valley Campus located in Aurora, IL is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate nursing program is continuing accreditation. To be reaccredited in Fall of 2027.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program.
Bachelor's Degree
If you want to go on to get your bachelor's degree in nursing, we've teamed up with Governors State (pdf) to make it easy.
Working in Nursing
Every day, nurses use acquired skills, scientific knowledge and medical expertise to assess situations, prioritize actions, and assist patients to meet physical and psychological needs. This might include recording and analyzing symptoms and treatment responses; assisting in convalescence and rehabilitation; instructing caregivers—any number of things that help individuals and groups take steps to improve or maintain their health. Career advancement for experienced nurses with additional education may be directed toward nursing management, advanced practice nursing or nursing education.
Career Prospects
Description
Annual Earnings
Employment Projections
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