Nursing

We want to ensure that each nursing student completes the program in a timely manner and seamlessly transfers to one of our five RN-BSN partners with ease, therefore all prospective nursing students are required to attend a Nursing Information Session and meet with an academic advisor.

RN-BSN Completion Partnerships:

All students who successfully complete the RVC Nursing program earn an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN to earn the Registered Nurse (RN) credential.  All our graduates are employable at all three local hospitals in Rockford, as well as other healthcare agencies.  Once hired in, these hospital employers are expecting nurses to complete their Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN).  To help facilitate an easy transition into a RN-BSN Completion Program, RVC Nursing has developed partnerships with five RN-BSN Completion Programs.

• Indiana-Wesleyan University
• Northern Illinois University
• St. Anthony College of Nursing
• University of Illinois in Chicago

Rock Valley College’s (RVC) Associate Degree Registered Nursing (RN) Program has recently been accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). 

While being approved by the Illinois State Board of Nursing since 1967, the new accreditation from ACEN is a new (higher) level of distinction for the RVC RN Program that comes after six years of work by the faculty and staff.

Some of the benefits of ACEN accreditation include:

• A higher level of distinction from other RN Programs that are not ACEN accredited
• Greater transferability to in-state and out-of-state Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs
• A nationally recognized achievement that employers often seek when hiring RN candidates
   

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326

Rock Valley College’s RN Program will be up for re-accreditation in 2025.  

The nursing program is responsible for providing our community with quality nurses who care for their clients safely. In order to become a quality, safe practicing nurse, students will be required to attend all classes and all clinicals. Students are expected to provide their own transportation to clinical sites.

All nursing courses require a "C", which is 80% to pass.  Students who do not earn a "C" (80%) or better in any given nursing course will remediate by course repetition.  Course repetition is only allowed once.

All supporting courses/electives required for the degree must also be completed with a "C" or higher in order to receive the A.A.S. degree in nursing. 

The nursing program provides clinical education at various clinical agencies. The nursing program must adhere to these facilities' requirements. All admitted students will be required to provide the following at the expense of the student.  Blood work can be done at your doctor's office, Health Department or AnyTime Lab (815) 397-8370.

• Physical exam

• Tdap (within 10 years)

• TB 2-Step and Annual TB test (for Annual QuantiFeron TV Gold blood test)

• MMR Titers

• Varicella Titers

• Hepatitis B 3 shot series & Titer

• CPR

• Health Insurance

• 10-Panel Drug Testing

• GSA/IOG Background Check

Upon successful completion of the nursing program, students will sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to earn the credentials of RN (Registered Nurse).  This process has additional fees. Approximately $450

• Fingerprinting Fee
• Application Fee for NCLEX-RN testing
• NCLEX-RN Exam Fee
• RN Licensure Fee

All students who successfully complete the RVC Nursing program earn an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN to earn the Registered Nurse (RN) credential.  All our graduates are employable at all three local hospitals in Rockford, as well as other healthcare agencies.  Once hired in, these hospital employers are expecting nurses to complete their Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN).  To help facilitate an easy transition into a RN-BSN Completion Program, RVC Nursing has developed partnerships with five RN-BSN Completion Programs.

• Indiana-Wesleyan University
• Northern Illinois University
• St. Anthony College of Nursing
• University of Illinois in Chicago
• Olivet-Nazarene University

To develop a clear academic pathway leading to a seamless transfer to a RN-BSN Completion Program which best meet their needs, students must meet with an Academic Advisor.

On completion of the Associate Degree, nursing component of the Rock Valley College Nursing Program the graduate shall practice in accordance with the State of Illinois Nurse Practice Act and shall:

1. Apply clinical and theoretical knowledge and skills to providing care.
2. Use effective communication with clients, families, and the healthcare team.
3. Incorporate cultural variances to provide client-centered care.
4. Apply ethical and legal knowledge and skills to providing patient care.

NCLEX-RN Pass Rate:  RVC Nursing Program will meet or exceed the national pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam by a means of 3 year average - 87.6% (National Average) compared to 90% (RVC Average). 

Program Completion Rate:  75% of the RVC Nursing students will successfully complete the Nursing Program within 3 years of beginning the program (program length = 2 years)

Job Placement:  85% (of received surveys) of graduates will obtain employment as a RN within 1 year of passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

You are encouraged to meet with an Academic Advisor to ensure a seamless pathway from prerequisite courses through the nursing program and into a BSN completion program.

The Nursing Academic Advisor is Amanda Lonsway and she is located in the Health Sciences Center.

For more information, please contact Amanda Lonsway at a.lonsway@rockvalleycollege.edu