Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions


What the difference between DACC's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at other colleges?

  • The main difference is

    • The number of credit hours

      • DACC ADN program is minimum of 69 credit hours
      • BSN is minimum of 120 credit hours
    • The time it will take

      • DACC ADN Full-time nursing program is 2 years after completion of prerequisite courses
      • BSN programs = 3-4 years
  • No matter if students obtain the ADN or BSN, students take the same RN- NCLEX for licensure.  The cost is the same.
  • Nurses with an ADN are able to enter the workforce sooner than BSN, therefore addressing the nursing shortage.
  • New RN’s can continue onto RN-BSN completion programs as working RN’s. Often the health care facility will support tuition reimbursement.
  • Cost at DACC is a fraction of cost at BSN programs. See tuition and fees tab.

How many students does DACC nursing program accept every semester?

  • We accept 32 Level I students every Fall semester and 32 Level I students every other Spring semester on even years.
  • We accept Level II full time students on a space available basis every fall and every other spring on odd years. In addition, we accept up to 16 students for Level II (LPN-RN) part-time cohort every other spring on odd years.

What requirements are needed to apply for the program?

  • All prerequisite courses must be met to apply
  • Overall GPA of 2.5. If attended more than 1 college the average of overall GPA will be figured. Copies of all college transcripts included with application
  • ATI TEAS score Proficient or Higher www.atitesting.com (Level I only)
  • The selection process is based strictly on: TEAS score and points; so the more points one has, the better the chance of securing one of those spots.  See Level I or Level II application.

What prerequisites are required for DACC's nursing program?

  • It is recommended students complete BIO 136, BIO 137, and BIO 140 with an A or B to be competitive for one of the spots
Pre-requisite Courses HOURS
BIOL 136 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
BIOL 137 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
BIOL 140 Microbiology 4
ENGL 101 Rhetoric I 3
MATH 115 Survey of Statistics* 3
PSYC 100 Intro to Psychology 3
Total 21
*MATH 115 may be taken during the summer semester between Level I and Level II or before applying for Level II.

How many points do I need for the points system?

  • This varies by semester based on the applicants. No minimum exists, however because admission is competitive, acceptance points vary with each application cycle.

Do you have an LPN to RN Bridge program?

  • We accept Level II full time students on a space available basis every fall and every other spring on odd years. In addition, we accept up to 16 students for Level II (LPN-RN) part-time cohort every other spring on odd years.

Can I get a job out of state with DACC's ADN?

  • Absolutely!  DACC’s nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). “Accreditation is a voluntary, self-regulatory process by which non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality” (ACEN, 2015, p. 1).

What CPR do I need for DACC's Nursing?

  • Students need to take the American Heart Association's BLS Provider, not the Heartsaver CPR.

Will I need to get my BSN to get a job?

  • No. The DACC nursing program boasts a 100% job placement.  Nurses with an ADN may seek their BSN while still employed.
  • Many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement to employed nurses. The ANA-Illinois goal is to increase to an 80% BSN educated nursing workforce by 2020. Research has shown an increase in patient safety and positive outcomes for patients cared for by nurses prepared with a BSN. Many hospitals are requiring students obtain their BSN within 5 years as a condition of employment to meet the Institute of Medicine recommendation of 80% of all nurses will have a BSN by 2020 (Institute of Medicine, 2011).

If I do DACC's ADN, will my classes transfer for a Bachelor's Degree?

  • Absolutely! DACC has formal and informal articulation agreements with various colleges and universities.
  • RN-BSN programs will be available to discuss with students the options.
  • Students planning to transition on should investigate what classes may be needed for transfer as different colleges and universities have different requirements.
  • Depending on the college or university, a BSN may be obtained in 18 months!

References