Choosing a career in nursing is a significant decision, and understanding the financial investment is a crucial part of that process. If you’re considering the Registered Nurse (RN) program at American Career College (ACC), you’re likely wondering about the costs involved. This article breaks down the fees associated with the RN program at American Career College, providing you with a clear picture of the financial commitment.
Understanding the Fees: A Comprehensive Breakdown
American Career College structures its program fees to cover various aspects of your education, ensuring you have the resources and support needed to succeed. Let’s delve into the different types of fees you can expect.
Application Fees
When you apply to American Career College, there is a nonrefundable application fee. For Associate degree programs, including the RN program, this fee is $60. It’s important to note this fee is paid upon enrollment and is not refundable, so factor this into your initial costs.
Program Fees: What’s Included?
Program fees at ACC are designed to be comprehensive, covering a range of essential items and services. These fees vary by program but generally include:
- Customized Uniforms: Professional attire is often required in healthcare programs, and these fees may cover the cost of your program-specific uniforms.
- Classroom Consumables: This includes materials used in your daily classes, ensuring you have the necessary resources for hands-on learning.
- Administrative and Technology Fees: These fees support the administrative functions of the college and the technology infrastructure that enhances your learning experience.
- Campus Safety Resources: ACC prioritizes student safety, and these fees contribute to campus security measures, including training, security systems, and emergency protocols.
For clinical programs like the RN program, program fees also extend to:
- Health and Background Screenings: These are often required forentry into clinical settings to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance.
- Test Preparation: ACC may offer resources and preparation materials for crucial exams related to your nursing education and licensure.
- Examinations: Fees may cover the cost of certain program-related examinations.
- Licensure and Certification: These fees can assist with the costs associated with obtaining your RN license after graduation.
Books, Laptop, and Supplies: The Digital Learning Environment
American Career College includes the cost of books, a laptop computer, digital or electronic course materials, and other necessary supplies within their program charges. This inclusive approach aims to provide students with all the tools they need from day one.
Opt-Out Option: ACC offers students the option to opt out of purchasing these materials through the college, allowing you to source them elsewhere. However, it’s important to consider:
- Competitive Market Rates: ACC states they can offer these materials at below competitive market rates.
- Responsibility for Acquisition: If you opt out, you are fully responsible for obtaining all required materials by the 7th day of class.
- Limited Availability: In cases where course materials are exclusively available through ACC, opting out may not be possible.
The inclusion of a laptop and digital resources emphasizes ACC’s commitment to integrating technology into the learning process, which is increasingly important in modern nursing education.
ADN Program Fees: Specifics for the Associate Degree in Nursing
While general program fees cover many aspects, the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, which leads to becoming an RN, has some specific fee components:
- ATI Fee: In the first term, there is an ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute) fee of $3,685. ATI provides resources and assessments commonly used in nursing programs to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Other Program Fees: An additional $390 in program fees applies.
- Clinical Fees: Starting from the second term through the eighth term, there are clinical fees of $775 per term. These fees likely cover the costs associated with clinical placements, supervision, and resources used during your clinical rotations.
These specific ADN program fees, in addition to the general program fees, contribute to the overall cost of the RN program.
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)
In California, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) is a state-established fund to protect students from economic loss in specific situations, such as school closure. As of April 1, 2024, ACC is collecting the STRF at a rate of zero dollars ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.
Key points about STRF:
- California Residents: STRF protection and assessment are generally for California residents enrolled in educational programs who prepay tuition.
- Eligibility and Conditions: Specific conditions must be met to be eligible for STRF reimbursement, such as school closure, program discontinuation, or failure to provide refunds.
- Application Timeframe: Applications for STRF reimbursement must be received within four years of the event that makes the student eligible.
While the current STRF assessment rate is $0, it’s essential to be aware of this fund and its purpose as it relates to tuition protection in California.
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond the fees outlined by ACC, remember to budget for potential additional costs:
- Transportation to Clinical Sites: The estimated total program charges do not include transportation costs to and from externship or clinical sites. This will be your responsibility and can vary depending on location and distance.
- Personal Expenses: Factor in your living expenses, personal supplies, and any other costs associated with being a student.
Per Credit Costs for Nursing and Related Courses
For a more granular understanding of tuition costs, ACC specifies per-credit rates for certain courses:
- Nursing Core Courses (NURS prefix): Billed at $1,128 per credit.
- General Education and Science Courses (ANAT111, PHYS111, MICR112, PHARM113): Billed at $300 per credit.
This breakdown indicates that the core nursing courses, which are the specialized and in-depth subjects of the RN program, have a higher per-credit cost compared to general education and foundational science courses.
Getting a Precise Cost Estimate
While this article provides a detailed overview of the fees associated with the RN program at American Career College, the most accurate way to determine the exact cost for your situation is to directly contact ACC. They can provide you with a personalized breakdown based on the current fee structure, any applicable financial aid options, and the specific program details.
Understanding the costs is the first step in planning your nursing education. By considering all the fees and potential additional expenses, you can make informed decisions and take confident strides toward your RN career at American Career College.
