Does anyone have recommendations for the best community colleges in Chicago for a nursing degree? I'm considering starting at a community college to save money before transferring.
There are quite a few commendable community colleges in Chicago with strong nursing programs. Here are a few you might want to consider:
1. City Colleges of Chicago: The City Colleges of Chicago offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at four of its colleges: Malcolm X College, Daley College, Truman College, and Wright College. Malcolm X College is particularly renowned for its healthcare-focused programs, including nursing.
2. College of DuPage: Although it's in the suburbs of Chicago, the College of DuPage is one of the top community colleges in Illinois and offers a highly respected Associate Degree in Nursing program. It also has articulation agreements with several four-year universities if you are considering transferring down the line.
3. Moraine Valley Community College: Located in Palos Hills, this college offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing. It's known for having solid clinical partnerships with high-quality healthcare facilities which could provide valuable experience.
4. Oakton Community College: Oakton offers an ADN program aimed at preparing students to be professional healthcare providers.
Remember that while saving money is important, you'll want to look at factors like NCLEX-PN pass rates, clinical hours, and partnerships with local hospitals when considering where to study. Transferring can be a great option, and many students choose to go this route. Nevertheless, I would recommend doing some research on transfer agreements each community college has with four-year institutions, to ensure a smoother transition in the future.
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