nursing students sitting in class

Nursing & Health Science

Lead the Shift in Health Care

Training Our Healthcare Professionals for Over 50 Years!

close-up-of-heart.pngFor more than 50 years, Atlantic Cape Community College has been at the forefront in training the area's registered nurses and creating leaders in an always-evolving health care system. Become a part of this rewarding career field by earning your nursing degree or certificate at Atlantic Cape.

We offer six associate degree programs focused on different areas of nursing and healthcare, as well as our Practical Nursing Certificate Program, which can be completed in just 18 months. With both theoretical and clinical classes that provide hands-on training and experience, our graduates emerge with the confidence and skills needed to provide excellent care to patients in diverse settings.

There is a high demand for quality nurses today. At Atlantic Cape, we are educating the next generation of nurses that are making a difference in our communities. Our nursing graduates enter the workforce with a stable and financially-secure career that helps others on a daily basis. Many of our graduates become leaders in their respective healthcare fields at regional hospitals, long-term healthcare facilities, urgent care centers and more across South Jersey and beyond. Take the first steps towards a rewarding career in healthcare. Enroll in Atlantic Cape’s nursing or health science programs today!

Apply or Join an Infosession

Please note that the applications for the nursing program and the practical nursing program are different from the general Atlantic Cape application, and is only open for a limited time each year. The application period for the 2025-26 academic year is currently closed.

For more info on the application process and nursing program, we invite you to join an online or in-person information session.

Attend an Infosession

Degree Programs

a group of nurses stand together
Associate in Applied Science

Nursing

Train for first-level positions as a Registered Nurse (RN) through general and clinical courses, including working in healthcare facilities. After completion, you can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to earn your RN Licensure.

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four nursing students work together during a lab
Associate in Science

Health Science

Fulfill the the prerequisites for Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in Nursing and Radiology while preparing to transfer into a baccalaureate degree program in a healthcare specialty, such as Health Administration, Public Health, or post-RN nursing degrees.

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a nurse examines an x ray sheet
Associate in Applied Science

Radiologic Technology

Study radiology, building skill and knowledge while you earn your associate degree to be eligible for the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.

*Offered in partnership with Shore Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology (SMCSRT)

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a nurse examines different samples in a lab
Associate in Applied Science

Medical Laboratory Technician

Learn to perform diagnostic laboratory tests on medical specimens, which provide information used to diagnose health and disease, so you can take and pass the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification exam.

*Offered in partnership with Mercer County Community College

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a nurse examines an xray photograph of human lungs
Associate in Applied Science

Respiratory Care Program

Study respiratory conditions and care, including diagnostic testing, patient care, monitoring, rehabilitation and specialized methods of treatment., and prepare for the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) certification exam.

*Offered in partnership with Brookdale Community College

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Practical Nursing Certificate Program

Earn your Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate, and be a part of a growing and rewarding industryblue-nursing-students.png providing basic patient care and supporting doctors and RNs. 

You can complete this program in just 18 months. Upon completion, you will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and enter the workforce. If graduates wish to continue their nursing studies they can apply to  a LPN-to-RN program right here at Atlantic Cape or at any other institution. 

Testimonial

Gwendeline Perez, '22

A.A.S. - Nursing

Gwendeline, a licensed LPN and mother of four, never gave up on her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Once her youngest child could attend school, she returned to Atlantic Cape and earned her associate degree in 2022. After graduating from Atlantic Cape, Gwendeline attended Rutgers University to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.

Gwendoline

Career Training

Short-term career training available. Our healthcare programs teach you the skills you need to jump right into the workforce in less than a year.