Nursing
Nursing
Nurses are a key part of patient care. They set up medical equipment, carry out physicians' orders, educate patients about their illnesses, provide emergency care, and much more. Nurses are essential workers who depend on their top-notch communication, critical thinking and organizational skills to take care of patients. Nurses provide scientifically sound patient care with a healing touch of compassion.
In our registered nursing program, you will:
- Earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in Registered Nursing or be part of our RN to BSN program to earn an associate from us and a bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University
- Undergo two years of theoretical and clinical coursework in both general and specialty nursing areas
- Learn from a curriculum based on the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) Institutes competencies: patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, safety and informatics
- Participate in supervised clinical experiences in area hospitals and community agencies
- Prepare to become a licensed registered nurse in Illinois
Degrees and Certificates
Program Details
The Associate in Applied Science Registered Nursing Program at Kishwaukee College is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
- 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326
- Phone: 404-975-5000
- Email: info@acenursing.org
- We'll prepare you for a career as a registered nurse.
- The National Career Clusters Framework created a tool to help you find a career that suits your interests and skills. Our nursing program is part of the Health Science career cluster.
| Year | Pass Rate |
| 2024 | 91% |
| 2023 | 87% |
| 2022 | 83% |
| Year | Completion Rate |
| 2024 | 73.7% |
| 2023 | 60% |
| 2022 | 55.3% |
- Students can expect plenty of hands-on experiences in our modern classrooms, nursing labs and high-fidelity simulation lab that mimics real-world experiences.
- Clinicals are held at regional health care facilities, so students can practice their skills while working with real patients.
- Our program's graduates have exceeded the state and national pass rates on the National Council Licensure Exam-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).
- Kish ranked #39 out of the 78 RN programs in Illinois by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN pass rates.
- Students who opt for our innovative RN to BS program may increase their job opportunities by taking on leadership positions in the workforce and getting ahead of the curve by preparing for the future of nursing.
- Students seeking admission into this program must meet special program requirements and complete a separate application in addition to applying to Kish.
- Students interested in this program are invited to an information meeting to understand the admission criteria and curriculum in detail.
- The program student handbook and our FAQs overview the program in more detail.
- A variable tuition rate applies to this program.
Upon completion of the Associate Degree Nursing Program, the graduate will be proficient
in the following Program Student Learning Outcomes:
[Outcome is followed by Competency in Bold and Institution student learning outcome (Cultural,
critical, communicative, creative) in parentheses]
Advocate for patients and families, recognizing them as a partner for the promotion
of patient-centered care that is self-determined, growth producing, and respectful
of diversity, preferences, values, and needs.
Patient-Centered Care (Culture)
Develop a professional identity through behaviors that reflect integrity, respect,
responsibility, ethical practice, teamwork, collaboration, and open communication.
Patient-Centered Care (Culture)
Establish a foundation for lifelong learning through active involvement in professional
development.
Safety/Evidence-Based Nursing Care Practice/Teaching (Critical)
Evaluate information to manage the systems and outcomes of care for the promotion
of quality improvement and patient safety.
Safety/Evidence-Based Nursing Care Practice/Teaching (Critical)
Utilize technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision-making.
Teamwork and Collaboration/Informatics (Communicative)
Synthesize data to manage the patient/family outcomes of care across healthcare settings.
Quality (Creative)
Integrate nursing practice knowledge that is substantiated by evidence to provide
safe, effective and quality care across health care settings.
Quality (Creative)
Kishwaukee College
Nursing Program Outcomes / Expected Levels of Achievement
- Kishwaukee College graduates' first-time NCLEX pass rates will be 90% or above.
- 60% of Kishwaukee College Nursing students will complete the nursing program within 100% of the time from entry into the program.
- 95% of Kishwaukee College graduates will report satisfaction with the preparation for nursing practice provided by the program.
- 95% of employers will report satisfaction with the competency of graduates as defined by program student learning outcomes.
- 95% or more of graduates will be employed within six months of program completion as a Registered Nurse.
The Registered Nursing program is designed to prepare students to apply for licensure or certification in Illinois. Program completion may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in a state other than Illinois.
Nursing Pinning Ceremony
The 2025 Nursing Pinning Ceremony, celebrating the dedication and accomplishments of our nursing graduates.
A Proud Pinning Day
Catch the joy and pride from the 2025 Nursing Pinning Ceremony. View the moments that marked the start of their nursing journey.
View Photo Gallery