Become a Frontline Caregiver as a Registered Nurse
When you pursue the associate in applied science (AAS) degree in nursing at St. Louis Community College, you'll be trained to become a registered nurse (RN). You'll provide direct care based on the nursing process, communicate effectively with clients and families, and manage, organize and delegate care for groups of clients.
STLCC partners with BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, Mercy Health System and other area health care providers to offer high-quality clinical opportunities. In just two years, you'll be qualified to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to gain licensure, launching your career in health care.
This program has special admission requirements. Please review the requirements checklist before submitting your application.
What is Nursing at St. Louis Community College?
Nurses assess patient health, administer treatments, medications and therapies, educate clients and collaborate with other health care professionals to promote well-being and manage illnesses.
This is a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN). STLCC also offers an RN bridge course that admits licensed paramedics and licensed practical nurses, allowing them to join in the second year of the program. Admission is contingent on meeting the established minimum criteria as defined in the Nursing Program Handbook.
Helpful Resources
What Can You Do with a Nursing Associate Degree?
On completion of the AAS program, graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and obtain their registered nurse licensure.
Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 15% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Pursue a Bachelor's Degree at a Partner Institution
If you wish to enhance your education, STLCC has developed strong partnerships with surrounding universities that will provide you with the opportunity to enroll at STLCC and the university simultaneously. STLCC currently has partnerships with the following institutions:
- STLCC and Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville Nursing Dual Admission Program
- STLCC and University of Missouri - St. Louis Nursing Dual Admission Program
- STLCC and Webster University Nursing Dual Admission Program
The dual admission program makes it possible for you to be jointly admitted to both STLCC and either partner institution. As a nursing student at STLCC, it will provide you with the opportunity to complete a bachelor's degree through the four-year university and allow you access to resources at both institutions.
AAS in Nursing
- Degree offered: Associate in applied science
- Locations: Florissant Valley, Forest Park, Meramec, Wildwood
- Hours to complete: 66-78
- Program contact: STLCC-Nursing@stlcc.edu | 314-644-9358
- Accreditation:
The associate degree nursing program at St. Louis Community College is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326Phone: 404-975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate degree nursing program at STLCC is based on the February 2020 evaluation visit. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for spring 2028.
The STLCC Nursing program has full approval by the Missouri Board of Nursing.
- This program meets the educational requirements for state licensure in the following states: Missouri and Illinois. Students interested in pursuing licensure in a different state should contact the program coordinator for more information.
Cost of Attendance
Tuition for district residents is $122 per credit hour. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure[BROKEN LINK].
STLCC's nursing program is affordable at $13,000 for the two-year program. Cost may vary based on pre-entry course costs. This is approximately 20% of the cost of other similar programs in the St. Louis area.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the program is contingent on meeting the established minimum criteria as defined in the Practical Nursing Program Handbook. Applicants also are required to complete a health history, criminal background check, and immunization record. Applicants selected for the program are required to have a physical examination.
Interested students should meet with a student success advisor to review admission requirements. Students must meet all admission requirements to apply for the program. When students have completed all admission requirements, they meet with an advisor to apply.
Program Outcomes
Below, you'll find the core competencies that students develop by the end of the nursing AAS program, as well as data concerning our program's completion rates and NCLEX pass rates.
Expected Graduate Competencies: End of Program Student Learning Outcomes
After the completion of the AAS nursing degree program at St. Louis Community College, students are expected to:
- Demonstrate the standards of professional practice as identified by the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics.
- Demonstrate effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication with individuals, families, groups and communities across the lifespan.
- Implement strategies to promote teaching and learning across the lifespan that facilitate health promotion and maintenance, and reduction of risks specific to individuals, families and communities.
- Implement safe clinical decision-making skills using evidence-based practice and the nursing process to deliver safe nursing care for patients, families, groups and communities across the lifespan.
- Deliver patient-centered care across the lifespan through collaboration with heath care team members by demonstrating leadership skills in the clinical setting.
Program Outcome #1 - Nursing Program Completion Rates
| Admission Academic Year | 150% Completion Academic Year | STLCC District-Wide |
|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 | 2018 | 53.1% (111/209) |
| 2016/2017 | 2019 | 55.5% (111/200) |
| 2017/2018 | 2020 | 62.3% (137/220) |
| 2018/2019 | 2021 | 72.4% (157/217) |
| 2019/2020 | 2022 | 76.9% (183/238) |
| 2020/2021 | 2023 | 71.2% (213/299) |
| 2021/2022 | 2024 | 71.6% (217/303) |
| 2022/2023 | 2025 | TBA |
Program Outcome #2: NCLEX Pass Rates
| NCLEX Testing Calendar Year (Jan-Dec) | STLCC District | Missouri | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Aggregate | 87.13% (171/149) | 89.99% (3,533/3,926) | 86.58% (153,579/177,394) |
| 2021 Aggregate | 88.73% (204/181) | 86.74% (3,421/3,944) | 782.48% (152,642/185,056) |
| 2022 Aggregate | 83.41% (205/171) | 82.96% (3,149/3,796) | 79.91% (150,216/187,989) |
| 2023 Aggregate | 87.61% (226/198) | 89.92% (3,388/3,768) | 88.56% (165,035/186,351) |
| 2024 Aggregate | 91.74% (230/211) | 89.9% (3496/3751) | 91.16% (186,758/170,256) |
| 2025 Aggregate | TBA | TBA | TBA |
Why You Should Choose STLCC's Nursing Program
Multiple Locations Near You
The nursing AAS program is available at all four main STLCC campuses, allowing you easy access to your courses.
Graduate with Little or No Debt
Save more than $4,700 per year with tuition that's one-third less than other local institutions.
Highly Respected Program
Registerednursing.org ranked STLCC as the top nursing program in St. Louis City and County.
Award Winning Health Care Education Plan
STLCC won the 2024 Bellwether Award — regarded as one of the nation’s most competitive and prestigious honors for community colleges.
STLCC. What's your reason?