Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Danville Area Community College's Associate Degree in Nursing will prepare the graduate for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).

What type of work can I do as a Licensed Nurse?
Practical nurses administer basic patient care in health care settings, and assist in the care of the acutely ill patients in hospitals. Duties include giving care to maternity patients, newborns, children, adults, and the elderly; recording information on patient charts; infection control; providing comfort; and caring for the terminally ill. Practical nursing skills include taking vital signs, bathing and feeding, changing dressings, administering medication, following doctors' orders, and communicating with family members and members of the health care team.

Registered nurses provide direct care and meet complex health needs of individuals and families in hospital and community-based settings. The RN makes collaborative nursing assessments with other health care professionals, acts as a health care educator and client advocate, and provides leadership by making responsible, ethical decisions. The RN can administer medications and treatments as prescribed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or other practitioner as defined by law.

Where could I work as a Licensed Nurse?
Hospitals and nursing homes employ many licensed nurses. They may also work in physicians' offices, clinics, home health care agencies, substance abuse agencies, schools, and industries. Full-time or part-time work is typically available. Some nurses have also been employed in other health related areas by dentists, blood banks, surgical centers, weight loss centers, fitness centers, or governmental agencies.

How much could I earn?
A Licensed Practical Nurse can enter the field of nursing at approximately $24,000. Registry nurses or traveling nurses may earn as much as $32,000. Salaries will vary depending on the employing agency, duties, responsibilities, and geographical location.

A Registered Nurse with an Associate Degree can enter the field of nursing at approximately $36,000. Registry nurses or traveling nurses may earn as much as $58,000. Salaries will vary depending on the employing agency, duties, responsibilities, and geographical location.

What courses should I take in high school?
In general a high school student who is preparing for the nursing field should take four years of English, at least three years of science (including physical science, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and biology), three years of algebra and geometry, and electives such as computers and health occupations.

What are the requirements to enter DACC's program?
To qualify for admission to the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program, a person must have a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Applications:  1. DACC  2. School of Nursing

Why should I attend DACC?
DACC's new ADN program is built on the ladder concept in which a student can exit after one year to earn an LPN license, or a student can complete 2 years of nursing courses to earn an RN license, or an LPN can re-enter and in 2 semesters of nursing courses earn an RN licensure.

DACC's Associate Degree in Nursing program is approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, a department which grants licensure to graduates who pass the state exam following graduation. In addition, DACC nursing graduates have traditionally enjoyed a very high pass rate on the licensure exam, have virtual 100% job placements rate, and a high degree of job satisfaction. DACC nursing graduates are actively recruited by area health care agencies.

What licensing examinations are required?
Graduates must pass a State Board licensing examination in order to become licensed practical nurses (LPN) or Registered Nurses (RN). Success rates on the examinations for graduates of DACC’s nursing program are typically close to 100%.

Can I continue my education after I finish the ADN program?
Certainly. Students who wish to complete a Bachelors Degree in Nursing (BSN) can do so as licensed professional nurses. Many colleges and universities - including Lakeview College of Nursing - have existing programs that feature courses for degree completion online, on weekends, or on a part-time basis.

What is the cost of DACC's nursing program?
The total cost for all (Level I and Level II) course work, fees, books, uniforms, and study supplies is approximately $6,000. DACC's financial aid program provides assistance to meet college expenses for both part-time and full-time qualified students. The four major types of assistance available are: scholarships, state and federal loans, work study programs.

The first step to apply for aid is to complete an application for financial aid. Forms are available in the financial Aid Office at DACC and your local high school. You are encouraged to apply early if you are seeking aid. For more information on financial aid call 217-443-8760.