Thinking about a career in nursing? ATS Institute of Technology offers practical nursing programs in Chicago’s vibrant Loop district. This guide covers everything you need to know about their nursing programs, campus life, costs, and career prospects.
What Makes ATS Institute of Technology Stand Out?
ATS Institute of Technology opened its doors in Chicago in 2011. The school focuses on practical nursing education in an urban setting.
The school is owned by MDT School of Health Sciences, Inc. Yelena Bykov serves as CEO, while Leonard Bykov holds the position of President.
ATS holds accreditation through the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). This matters because it means their programs meet quality standards.
The school also has approval from the U.S. Department of Education for Title IV Federal Aid Programs. This approval lets students apply for federal financial aid.
Their mission centers on “creating and providing a high-quality educational experience” for nursing students. They build their approach on core values like commitment to students and trust.
The school draws inspiration from Florence Nightingale’s nursing contributions. This historical connection shapes their teaching methods and program design.
Nursing Programs at ATS Institute of Technology
The main offering at ATS is their Practical Nursing (LPN) program. This program takes three semesters to complete, making it faster than many other options.
The curriculum covers essential nursing topics. These include basic care theory, pharmacology, disease processes, and specialty nursing areas.
Students gain hands-on experience through clinical practice. These supervised settings help build real-world skills before graduation.
The program structure allows for both daytime and evening classes. This flexibility helps students who work or have family responsibilities.
ATS offers multiple start dates throughout the year. Fall, Spring, and Summer entry points make planning your education easier.
Before clinical placements, students practice in simulation labs. These labs mirror real healthcare settings to build confidence and skills.
To graduate, students must pass a comprehensive exit exam. This exam prepares them for the NCLEX-PN licensure test.
Campus Location and Facilities
The Chicago campus sits in the Loop district at 25 E Washington St. This downtown location offers easy access from all parts of the city.
The campus spans about 25,000 square feet of educational space. Within this area, students find everything they need for learning.
Facilities include spacious classrooms and computer labs. Students also have access to specialized nursing technology labs.
For academic support, tutoring centers provide extra help. Student lounges offer space for study groups and community building.
The campus location offers excellent public transportation access. Both bus and train routes stop nearby, making commuting simple.
Prospective students can schedule campus tours by appointment. These tours offer a firsthand look at the learning environment and resources.
The urban setting provides unique advantages for nursing students. Proximity to hospitals and healthcare facilities creates connections to the field.
Student Community and Demographics
ATS serves around 280 students total. About 231 attend full-time, while 49 enroll part-time.
The student body shows interesting demographic patterns. About 95% of students are female (266 students), with 5% male (14 students).
The racial makeup includes 92% Black students, 4% Hispanic, 1% White, 1% Asian, and 1% American Indian/Alaskan Native students.
Age diversity exists among the student population. About 24% of students are 25 years or older.
Most students come from Illinois. Only about 7% come from outside the state.
This demographic profile shows ATS serves a predominantly female, African American student body. Many students come from the local Chicago area.
The mix of traditional and non-traditional age students creates a diverse learning environment. This diversity brings varied perspectives to classroom discussions.
Admission Requirements and Cost
The admissions process requires an entrance examination. This test helps determine if applicants are ready for the program.
Historical data shows an acceptance rate of about 59.5%. The yield rate (accepted students who enroll) stands at about 56%.
Current promotional materials highlight no waiting list for program entry. This suggests open capacity for qualified applicants who meet requirements.
The practical nursing program costs approximately $29,989 total. This price covers the complete program through graduation.
Financial aid options exist for qualifying students. The school participates in Title IV funding programs to help with costs.
Some forum posts mentioned earlier program costs of around $15,000 for LPN programs. However, these figures may have changed over time.
Prospective students should contact the admissions office for current details. Financial aid counselors can help explore payment options.
Faculty and Student Support Services
ATS employs nursing professionals as faculty members. These instructors hold at least Bachelor’s degrees in nursing.
Beyond academic credentials, faculty bring practical nursing experience. This real-world knowledge enhances classroom teaching.
The leadership team includes Yelena Bykov as CEO. Various nursing faculty and support staff round out the team.
The teaching approach combines academic knowledge with clinical skills. This prepares students for actual nursing challenges after graduation.
Support services help students succeed throughout their education. Resume writing assistance and job interview preparation support career goals.
Tutoring and mentoring programs provide academic reinforcement. These services help students who need additional support.
Library resources and academic materials support coursework. Developmental classes assist students who need extra preparation.
Student Reviews and Experiences
Reviews of ATS Institute of Technology show mixed opinions. Some graduates report positive outcomes from their education.
Several students successfully completed the program and passed the NCLEX-PN exam on their first attempt. This important milestone leads to licensing.
A current nursing instructor described the school as a “great environment to grow and learn.” They noted leadership listens to feedback.
Another instructor highlighted “good pay, flexible schedule, supportive leadership” as program strengths. These factors contribute to faculty satisfaction.
Some critical assessments mention concerns about administration responsiveness. Communication challenges appear in several reviews.
Forum posts noted issues with credit transferability to other institutions. This matters for students planning further education.
Some reviews mentioned high staff turnover rates. This factor might affect program consistency over time.
Career Prospects for Graduates
The practical nursing field shows strong employment prospects. Bureau of Labor Statistics data cited by ATS projected 25% growth for practical nurses from 2012-2022.
This growth rate exceeded average occupational growth during that period. The outlook remains positive for new nursing graduates.
The program emphasizes practical application and hands-on experience. This approach prepares graduates for immediate workforce entry.
The curriculum includes professional development components. Resume writing and interview skills help with the job search process.
While ATS offers career preparation assistance, they note no guarantee of employment. Students must actively pursue opportunities after graduation.
Practical nursing serves as an entry point to the healthcare field. Some graduates may pursue further education later in their careers.
The Chicago area offers numerous employment settings for practical nurses. These include hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics.
Making Your Decision About ATS Institute of Technology
ATS Institute of Technology fits a specific nursing education niche. They focus on practical nursing preparation in an accelerated format.
The school serves a diverse student population. Their programs hold particular significance for underrepresented groups in healthcare.
When considering ATS, evaluate the program structure. The accelerated pace works well for some students but may challenge others.
The urban campus location offers advantages for city dwellers. Flexible scheduling options accommodate various life situations.
Prospective students should research thoroughly before applying. Campus visits provide firsthand impressions of the learning environment.
Conversations with current students and recent graduates offer valuable insights. Their experiences can help you decide if ATS matches your goals.
Review program outcomes carefully before enrolling. Consider how the curriculum aligns with your career objectives.
Final Thoughts on ATS Institute of Technology
ATS Institute of Technology provides a focused path to practical nursing. Their Chicago location offers urban convenience for local students.
The program emphasizes hands-on skills and quick entry to the workforce. This approach suits career-focused students seeking efficiency.
Before making your decision, weigh the mixed reviews carefully. Consider how the program structure fits your learning style and needs.
Investigate credit transfer policies if you plan further education. Articulation agreements with other institutions matter for future advancement.
ATS serves an important role in nursing education accessibility. Their programs open doors for diverse students entering healthcare.
As with any educational investment, conduct thorough research. Visit the campus, speak with students, and evaluate program outcomes.
The right educational choice depends on your specific needs and goals. ATS might provide the nursing education pathway you seek.
