COD associate degree nursing program ranked among Top 10 in Illinois
NursingProcess.org recently named College of DuPage’s Associate Degree in Nursing program as one of the Top 10 Best ADN Programs in Illinois.
This recognition is based on a comprehensive evaluation of academic quality, first-time pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) and affordability.
COD Nursing Director Nora Silvia credits the program’s success to its rigorous academic standards and committed faculty. As a result, COD’s ADN graduates consistently exceed both national and state averages, achieving a 95% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam.
“Our faculty are deeply invested in each student’s success, and we strive to ensure that they are not only prepared for the exam but also for real-world nursing challenges,” Silvia said.
COD’s ADN program delivers a well-rounded curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge, hands-on lab work and clinical practice.
Equipped with one of the most advanced simulation labs in the state, COD’s Nursing Simulation Laboratory features diverse learning environments, including a four-bed hospital, two lab classrooms, an open practice lab and a clinic designed to replicate both long-term care and home health care settings.
“We create labs that mirror real-world situations, helping students understand the work environments and medical cases they will encounter,” Silvia said. “Our technology-rich, simulation-based scenarios allow students to practice, learn, fail, collaborate and improve continuously.”
For students aiming to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing, COD has partnered with several institutions to streamline the transfer process. Many articulated agreements have a predetermined course plan and requirements.
According to a recent report by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and the University of Illinois, Illinois is experiencing a shortage of registered nurses caused by numerous factors, including a rising demand for health care services due to an aging population and broadened access to public health care. Today, the state is grappling with a projected shortage of nearly 15,000 registered nurses by the year 2025.
“The growing shortage of registered nurses in Illinois underscores the critical role that programs like COD’s ADN play in preparing the next generation of health care professionals,” Silvia said. “By maintaining high standards and offering extensive hands-on training, we’re helping to address this gap and meet the increasing demand for skilled nurses.”
Learn more about the ADN Nursing program at www.cod.edu/academics/programs/nursing/.