Nursing

Why Nursing?

Nursing is a field that requires compassion, technical skill, and scientific aptitude. As a nurse, you are challenged daily to think critically in a science-based and technical environment. You will provide expert care to help people stay healthy and restore health for those who are injured or ill. Nurses take on many important roles.

Nurses:

  • Advocate for patients’ needs
  • Support patients and families during times of stress
  • Teach patients how to care for themselves
  • Work closely with other health care professionals
  • Continuously learn to keep skills current in an evolving field
  • Experience a profession that is rewarding, fulfilling, and in high demand

Why Heartland?

There are many reasons to study nursing at Heartland Community College:

  • Affordable
  • Student-focused
  • Dedicated instructors
  • Small class sizes
  • High job placement rate
  • Supportive environment
  • Pathway programs to earn your BSN

Graduates work in a variety of specialties, including intensive care, medical oncology, surgery, neonatal ICUs, and maternal-child health. Many continue their education and pursue careers as nurse practitioners, educators, nurse anesthetists, and more.

Program Details

Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing

Format
On Campus, Online, Hybrid
In-District Tuition
$169/credit hour
Out-of-District Tuition
$337/credit hour
Financial Considerations
View Financial Considerations
Program Options
Nursing Application Dates
  • Application open: October 1
  • Application due: March 1
  • Documentation due: March 15
  • Applicants who wish to appeal one of the admission requirements must submit a letter explaining any extenuating circumstances to nursing.admissions@heartland.edu by March 31 to be considered for entry into the Nursing Program in the Fall. Only one appeal per applicant is allowed.

Program Outcomes

Licensure/Certification Pass Rate

Year First-Time Examination Pass Rate Ultimate Pass Rate
2025 25/35 (71.4%) 35/35 (100%)
2024 31/38 (81.5%) 37/38 (97.3%)
2023 36/37 (97.3%) 37/37 (100%)

*Further information on HCC nursing pass rates (PDF)

Program Completion Rates

Program Type 2023 2024 2025
Aggregate 70% 74% 80%
Traditional 69% 68% 76%
LPN to ADN 73% 100% 100%

Completion rates reflect the percentage of students who complete the Nursing Program in the prescribed two-year sequence without interruption.

Job Placement Rates

Graduate survey data and employment tracking reflect the following job placement rates:

Year Placement Rate Number Employed / Total Graduates
2025 100% 23/23
2024 96% 23/24
2023 95% 35/37
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Accreditation

The Associate in Applied Science – Nursing program at Heartland Community College located in Normal, Illinois is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326; phone 404-975-5000; contact ACEN

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate in Applied Science – Nursing program is continuing accreditation.

Requirement for Licensure Examination

Passing the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Exam – RN (NCLEX-RN) is required for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Illinois. The following statements must be answered by applicants seeking licensure in the State of Illinois. If you answer "yes" to any of the questions, you may be required to go through a due process prior to issuance of a license, but this should not deter you from applying to the nursing program. Please discuss any questions with the Director of Nursing Education for specific guidance.

 

Meet the Faculty

Dominic Antonacci

Instructor

Teaches: Nursing

Dameron Beverly

Associate Professor

Teaches: Nursing

Julie Carr

Associate Professor

Teaches: Nursing

Joey Evans

Adjunct Instructor I

Teaches: Nursing

Carol Hermes

Adjunct Instructor I

Teaches: Nursing

Sara Hollenstain

Assistant Professor

Teaches: Nursing

Morgan Jenkins

Adjunct Instructor I

Teaches: Nursing

Lisa Lowry

Adjunct Instructor II

Teaches: Nursing

Carrie Lynch

Adjunct instructor I

Teaches: Nursing

Mindy Noel

Adjunct Instructor I

Teaches: Nursing

Crystal Reynolds

Assistant Professor

Teaches: Nursing

Kara Richardson

Associate Professor

Teaches: Nursing

Legal Limitations

The following statements must be answered by applicants seeking licensure in the State of Illinois. If you answer "yes" to any of the questions, you may be required to go through a due process prior to issuance of a license.

  1. Have you been convicted of or pled guilty or nolo contendere to any criminal offense in any state or in federal court? Please do not give details on minor traffic charges, but do include information relating to Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges.
  2. Have you been convicted of a felony?
  3. If yes, have you been issued a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities by the Prisoner Review Board?
  4. Do you now have any disease or condition that presently limits your ability to perform the essential functions of your profession, including any disease or condition generally regarded as chronic by the medical community, i.e., (1) mental or emotional disease or condition; (2) alcohol or other substance abuse; (3) physical disease or condition?
  5. Have you been denied a professional license or permit, or privilege of taking an examination, or had a professional license or permit disciplined in any way by any licensing authority in Illinois or elsewhere?
  6. Have you ever been discharged other than honorably from the armed service or from a city, county, state or federal position?
  7. In accordance with 5 Illinois Compiled Statutes 100/10-65(c), applications for renewal of a license or a new license shall include the applicant's Social Security number, and the licensee shall certify, under penalty of perjury, that he or she is not more than 30 days delinquent in complying with a child support order. Failure to certify shall result in disciplinary action, and making a false statement may subject the licensee to contempt of court. Are you more than 30 days delinquent in complying with a child support order?
  8. In accordance with 20 ILCS 2105-15(g), "The Department shall deny any license application or renewal authorized under any licensing Act administered by the Department to any person who has failed to file a return, or to pay the tax, penalty, or interest shown in a filed return, or to pay any final assessment of tax, penalty, or interest, as required by any tax Act administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue, until such time as the requirement of any such tax Act is satisfied." Are you delinquent in the filing of state taxes?

The above information should not deter you from applying for the nursing program. Please discuss any questions with the Director of Nursing Education for specific guidance.

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Nursing program at Heartland Community College meets the state education requirements for a Registered Nurse license in the State of Illinois. Heartland Community College has not determined if the AAS Nursing program meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia. Contact the state regulatory agency for nursing in any other state for which this information is needed.

Program Options

Regular Admission Program Sequence

Associate of Applied Science - Nursing 

68 credit hours, Catalog Year 2025-2026, Program Prerequisite: NURS 110

General Education Requirements
Course Hours

ENGL 101 – Critical Reading & Writing

3

ENGL 102 – Multimodal Composition

3

COMM 101 – Introduction to Oral Communication

3

BIOL 181 – Anatomy & Physiology I

3

PSY 101 – Introduction to Psychology

3

SOC 101 – Sociology

3

BIOL 182 – Anatomy & Physiology II

4

BIOL 191 – Introductory Microbiology

4

Total Credit Hours

27
Nursing Program Requirements
Course Hours

NURS 112 – Introduction to Nursing

1

NURS 113 – Medication Principles for Nurses

2

NURS 117 – Nursing Care Concepts: Fundamentals

8

NURS 122 – Community-Based Nursing

1

NURS 134 – Nursing Care Concepts: Chronic Adult

4.5

NURS 135 – Nursing Care Concepts: Family Health

4.5

NURS 232 – Leadership & Management in Nursing

1

NURS 240 – Nursing Care Concepts: Mental Health

4

NURS 241 – Nursing Care Concepts: Acute I

4

NURS 242 – Contemporary Nursing

1

NURS 245 – Nursing Care Concepts: Acute II

5

NURS 246 – Nursing Care Concepts: Acute III

5

Total Credit Hours

41
Semester 1 - Fall
Course Hours

BIOL 181 – Anatomy and Physiology I

4

NURS 112 – Introduction to Nursing

1

NURS 113 – Medication Principles for Nurses

2

NURS 117 – Nursing Care Concepts: Fundamentals

8

PSY 101 – Introduction to Psychology

3
Semester 2 - Spring
Course Hours

BIOL 182 – Anatomy & Physiology II

4

ENGL 101 – Critical Reading and Writing

3

NURS 122 – Community-Based Nursing

1

NURS 134 – Nursing Care Concepts: Chronic Adult

4.5

NURS 135 – Nursing Care Concepts: Family Health

4.5
Students accepted into the ADN Program have the option to take NURS 136 (Practical Nursing) during the summer between the first and second years of the program. Upon successful completion of all first year Nursing Program courses AND NURS 136, students will be granted a Practical Nursing certificate and be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure examination. 
Semester 3 - Fall
Course Hours

BIOL 191 – Introductory Microbiology

4

ENGL 102 – Multimodal Composition

3

NURS 232 – Leadership & Management in Nursing

1

NURS 240 – Nursing Care Concepts: Mental Health

4

NURS 241 – Nursing Care Concepts: Acute I

4
Semester 4 - Spring
Course Hours

COMM 101 – Introduction to Oral Communication

3

NURS 242 – Contemporary Nursing

1

NURS 245 – Nursing Care Concepts: Acute II

5

NURS 246 – Nursing Care Concepts: Acute III

5

SOC 101 – Sociology

3

LPN to ADN Program Sequence

General Education Courses 

 
ENGL 101, PSY 101, BIOL 181, BIOL 182 (or equivalent) must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher by the end of the fall term of the application cycle. The remaining general education courses (BIOL 191, SOC 101, ENGL 102, and COMM 101 (or equivalent)) must be completed with a "C" or better during the semester indicated in the Course Sequence for LPN Bridge to RN. 

Nursing Courses 

 
LPN students will be awarded proficiency credit for first year coursework when they are accepted to the ADN Nursing Program. LPN students will need to complete NURS 231, LPN to ADN Transition, and NURS 122, Community-Based Nursing. The LPN to ADN courses begin each summer. 
Summer Session
Course Hours

NURS 122 – Community-Based Nursing

1

NURS 231 – LPN to ADN Transition

2

Total

3
Semester 1 - Fall
Course Hours

BIOL 191 – Introductory Microbiology

4

ENGL 102 – Composition II

3

NURS 232 – Leadership & Management in Nursing

1

NURS 240 – Nursing Care Concepts: Mental Health

4

NURS 241 – Nursing Care Concepts: Acute I

4

Total

16
Semester 2 - Spring
Course Hours

COMM 101 – Introduction to Oral Communication

3

NURS 242 – Contemporary Nursing

1

NURS 245 – Nursing Care Concepts: Acute II

5

NURS 246 – Nursing Care Concepts: Acute III

5

SOC 101 – Sociology

3

Total

17

Admission

Placement Testing

  • Applicants who have not previously completed BIOL 181 with a "C" or better must meet the prerequisites for BIOL 181 or show completion of equivalent courses.

Grade Point Average

  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (4 pt. scale) in prerequisite and Priority #2 (required General Education) courses is required for consideration.
  • Applicants with less than seven hours of college credit must have a high school GPA of at least 2.5 (4 pt. scale). Applicants who do not meet the minimum high school GPA must complete at least seven semester hours of college-level work and achieve a 2.5 GPA (4 pt. scale).

GED Scores

  • Applicants who have less than seven hours of college credit and hold a GED certificate must have a minimum score of 170 on each section of the 2014 Series test.
  • Applicants who do not meet the minimum GED requirements must complete at least seven hours of college level work and achieve a 2.5 GPA (4 pt. scale).

Residency

  • Applicants will be required to show proof of residency as part of the application process. For an approved list of documents, please use the link below.
  • Out-of-district applicants will be considered for admission after all qualified and eligible in-district applicants have been offered admission.
  • Applicants on F-1 visas are not eligible for admission into this selective admission program. Applicants on other visa types will be evaluated individually for program eligibility.
  • Learn more about residency and District #540 boundaries .

ATI TEAS

Review Other Program Requirements

Information about the Criminal Background Check policy, Drug Screening Policy, required immunizations, and clinical health requirements can be found in the Program Handbook. To discuss any questions or concerns, please email the Director of Nursing Education.

Equal Opportunity & Selective Admission

The College provides equal educational opportunities to all students and equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Management and supervisory personnel at all levels are responsible for taking reasonable and necessary actions to prevent discrimination. Discrimination is prohibited under Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Illinois Human Rights Act, and all other relatable laws, rules and regulations that apply to College operations.

The Nursing Program at Heartland Community College is a selective admission program. Program enrollment is limited to 40 students per year. Admission is based on achievement of minimum academic criteria and the quality of the applicant's credentials in relation to those of other applicants.

Transfer Credit

Heartland Community College's Nursing Program does not accept transfer credit from other nursing programs. All prospective students must follow the application guidelines listed above. Applications are accepted only during the Nursing Program’s open application period (October 1st through March 1st). Licensed Practical Nurses wishing to complete an Associate Degree in Nursing may apply for advanced placement in the LPN to ADN Program.

All non-nursing credits are subject to Heartland Community College's transfer policy.

Prepare to Apply

Meet with an Academic Advisor

Call or visit an academic advisor for assistance with course selection and the application process.

Attend an Information Meeting

Information Meetings provide an overview of the Nursing Program admission process. Though attendance is not mandatory, these meetings provide an opportunity to ask questions of Admissions and Nursing Program staff and are intended to help make the application process as smooth as possible for prospective students. All information meetings are held at the main campus in Normal, IL, unless otherwise noted.

How to Apply

How to Apply – Regular Admission

Step 1. Apply to Heartland Community College. (Current HCC students do not need to reapply.)

Step 2. Apply to the Associate Degree Nursing Program. Application only available October 1 - March 1*

  1. Application Dates
  • Application open: October 1
  • Application due: March 1
  • Documentation due: March 15
  • Applicants who wish to appeal one of the admission requirements must submit a letter explaining any extenuating circumstances to nursing.admissions@heartland.edu by March 31 to be considered for entry into the Nursing Program in the Fall. Only one appeal per applicant is allowed.
  1. Submit the following required documentation:

*Applications may be reopened at a later date if seats remain available.

Step 3. Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

The ATI TEAS is only offered online.

  1. To schedule a date through Heartland, please click on "Health Science" at https://www.heartland.edu/appointments/ on the appointments page. Leave the search parameters blank to schedule a test date between October 1 and March 15. You will receive a confirmation email to your myHeartland account. An $80 test fee must be paid online by credit card at the time of testing. Carefully review all information on the TEAS website.
  2. For wider test availability, you may schedule a test date through ATI. There is an additional test fee for this option.

Study materials are available at the Heartland Library or they may be purchased at the TEAS prep page.

Students may retake the ATI TEAS one time through Heartland within the application period. The highest grade within the application period will be used for evaluation. TEAS scores are valid for two application cycles.

A minimum composite score of 58.7% or Proficient on the TEAS is required to be considered for admission to the program.

Contact nursing.admissions@heartland.edu with any TEAS-related technical concerns or date/time conflicts.

How to Apply – LPN to RN Admission

Step 1. Apply to Heartland Community College

Step 2. Apply to the Associate Degree Nursing Program. Application only available October 1-March 1*

*Applications may be reopened at a later date if seats remain available.

Step 3. Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

The ATI TEAS is only offered online.

Study materials may be purchased at the ATI website.

Students may retake the ATI TEAS one time through Heartland within the application period. The highest grade within the application period will be used for evaluation. TEAS scores are valid for two application cycles.

How Applicants Are Selected and Notified

The Nursing Program at Heartland Community College is a selective admission program. Program enrollment is limited to 40 students each fall, and admission is based on achievement of minimum academic criteria and the quality of the applicant's credentials in relation to those of other applicants.

  • The top-ranked 40 applicants will be offered seats in the Nursing Program.
  • Applicants will be notified of their status regarding admission via their myHeartland email by April 15th.
  • If seats remain available after all applications are evaluated, HCC may reopen applications and applicants will continue to be evaluated until the program is full.
  • Applicants who wish to appeal their status must submit a letter explaining any extenuating circumstances to nursing.admissions@heartland.edu by March 31 to be considered for entry into the Nursing Program in the Fall. Only one appeal per applicant is allowed.
  • Applicants not accepted during an application cycle will need to submit a new application for the Nursing Program during a subsequent application cycle. Applications and waiting lists are not maintained from year to year.
  • Applicants who are offered a seat in the program must meet the following requirements before beginning nursing coursework:
    • Complete "in progress" required general education courses with a "C" or greater AND maintain a GPA of 2.5.
    • Attend Nursing Orientation
    • Submit to a criminal background check and drug testing
    • Fulfill all clinical education requirements. Health insurance coverage, CPR certification, and vaccination requirements must be met prior to, and maintained throughout, enrollment in the program.
    • Satisfy all financial obligations to the college

Financial Considerations

Contact Financial Aid for information about scholarships or other assistance with program costs.

The cost table below is a reference to provide information related to potential expenses incurred by the prospective student in the HCC Nursing Program. The totals may vary depending on previous completion of general education courses and costs associated with immunizations and tests. The fees associated with a criminal background check and drug screening are estimates and are paid directly to the company performing the checks/screens. The state license fee and NCLEX application and exam fees are for reference only and are not paid to Heartland Community College. If you elect to take the test and become licensed in a different state, you will be responsible for determining those fees. Travel fees are related to clinical education and vary depending on location (generally held to within 90 miles of HCC) and current fuel costs.

There are a variety of health requirements and immunizations required by our clinical partners.

*All tuition, fees, and cost estimates are subject to change without notice.

Fees
Fee Cost

Tuition & Fees: full ADN program (at $185/credit hour) – does not include course-specific lab fees 

$13,690 

Tuition & Fees: full LPN program (at $185/credit hour) – does not include course-specific lab fees 

$7585 

Pre-entrance criminal background check and drug screening (Viewpoint Screening registration) 

$103

Pre-entrance ATI TEAS exam 

$80

Pre-entrance physical, immunizations, and lab work (titers) 

varies

Books (costs depend on new/used and rent/buy options chosen) 

$600-$1100 

Uniform and HCC Nursing patch (shoes are an additional cost) 

$80-$100

Stethoscope (cost varies by brand and function) 

$30-$100 

BLS/CPR for Healthcare certification 

$92

Personal health insurance (student's responsibility) 

varies

NCLEX review course after the program (depends on length and learning format) 

$100-$500

NCLEX application & exam fee 

$307

LiveScan criminal background check for NCLEX examination 

$54-$56

State of Illinois license fee 

$60

Travel to clinical sites 

varies

Graduation pin 

$35-$100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nursing for you?

Yes, if you are caring, compassionate, accept responsibility, use good judgment, have initiative as an adult learner, willing to be ethically and legally accountable for your actions, and respectful of rights of people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, social status and religious beliefs.

Do I have to be a CNA?

Students applying for Regular Admission to the program must be a CNA and listed on the Illinois Public Health Registry (Health Care Worker Registry) or a graduate of Heartland Community College’s MA program. Students applying for Advanced Placement – Admission as an LPN do not have to be a CNA.

How are students admitted to the Heartland Community College nursing program?

Applications for the Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing programs may be submitted from October to March. Supporting documentation must be submitted by March 15. Check current application materials for the exact deadline dates. Evaluations are completed during March. Notification of acceptance or rejection is sent by April 15. Students admitted to the program begin classes the following summer or fall term.

How long is the program?

Heartland offers a one-year Practical Nursing Certificate Sequence and a two-year Associate Degree Nursing Program Sequence. Both programs include general (non-nursing) courses as well as nursing courses. We strongly encourage students to complete all or most of the general (non-nursing) courses prior to being admitted to the nursing program. Also, students may need to take English, math or reading courses if placement testing indicates a student's skills are below college level in any of these areas, and students will need to take BIOL 099 if they do not have the prerequisite for Anatomy and Physiology I or if they have not previously completed the Anatomy and Physiology I course.

Once admitted to the program, Practical Nursing students take classes for two consecutive semesters and a summer term, completing coursework in July. The ADN students take classes for four consecutive semesters and graduate in May of their second year. The sequencing of nursing courses does not allow for a more rapid progression through the program even if general (non-nursing) courses have been completed prior to admission into the nursing program.

Can I complete general education courses while I am in the nursing program?

Yes, however applicants are encouraged to complete the majority of general (non-nursing) courses prior to enrolling in the nursing program.

What is the difference between an RN and an LPN?

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are technically trained nurses, according to the Illinois Nursing and Advanced Practice Act. They practice nursing under the supervision of an RN or other health care professional. Registered Professional Nurses (RNs) are nurses who use their professional knowledge, judgment, and skills in the assessment and implementation of the nursing process to meet patient and family needs.

What is the future role of the LPN in health care?

There have been groups in the past that felt that there was no longer a place for LPNs in nursing. At present, LPNs are working in almost every area and type of nursing imaginable, and it is our belief that this trend will continue.

What is the difference between a two-year and a four-year RN?

The two-year Associate Degree Nursing is usually completed at a community college while the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing is completed at a four-year college or university. Students with an ADN and a BSN sit for the same NCLEX-RN exam to become Registered Professional Nurses. For entry-level jobs, there may be no pay difference between the two, although some employers may prefer Bachelor’s prepared nurses or may require a BSN for advancement into management positions. Heartland nursing graduates are employed in a wide variety of settings: hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospice, home care, clinics, schools, industry, physicians' offices, and churches.

How much math is involved in nursing?

To be eligible for admission, students must test into college-level math or take the appropriate courses to reach college-level math by March 15. The college placement test will tell you and your advisor if you need some assistance in meeting the nursing admissions requirement.

NURS 113 requires students to complete math calculations. In addition, all other nursing classes will include dosage calculation questions on exams.

Where are the clinicals?

Most clinicals are in the Bloomington/Normal area and include Carle BroMenn Medical Center, OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, and various other ambulatory or long-term care facilities. A limited amount of travel will be required to sites in Lincoln, Peoria, Pontiac, and/or Springfield for some specialized clinical experiences.

Do you have a waiting list?

Heartland does not carry over a waiting list of qualified applicants from year to year. Qualified students who are not admitted need to submit a new application the following year so that we are aware of their continued interest in the program.

Find more information about the Nursing Program in the Nursing Handbook.

Alumni Stories

The [nursing] instructors truly care about your success. You have to do your prep work, but they’re always willing to answer questions, demonstrate something, or walk you through something you may be struggling with. The program size enables you to become close with your classmates. There isn’t any competition. I feel like everyone from instructors to classmates and even administration truly want us to be successful.”
Caroline Tolbert