Frequently Asked Questions

You likely have questions about attending Northwest Suburban College and we have the answers. Read on to get explanations to commonly asked questions. After all, we know you want to be well-informed about the health sciences college that you chose to attend.

If you still have further queries contact us, or give us a call at 847-290-6425.

Can you tell me more about Northwest Suburban College?

Northwest Suburban College is a nonprofit local health sciences college, located in suburban Rolling Meadows, IL. We are single-minded about our mission as educators: to graduate students in healthcare, focusing on high-quality academics and building applicable skills through hands-on learning. Our tailored programs are offered to prepare students for employment in high-demand fields. For most of our programs, classes are conveniently offered every month.

Our typical students are non-traditional, adult learners seeking new employment opportunities, re-entry into the workforce, a career change, or growth prospects in their current industry.

We are keenly aware of the challenges faced by many first-generation students, minorities, and individuals looking to re-enter the workforce, including financial hurdles. Our philosophy centers on breaking down barriers to education and related employment, and graduation on time with as little debt as possible.

What programs are offered at your college?

We currently offer Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, and Pharmacy Technician programs. We also offer a variety of training courses. All programs and training courses require at least a GED or proof of high school graduation.

What are the career outlooks for your programs?

For information on career projections and outlooks as estimated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, click on your program of interest: Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technician.

What is the benefit of attending NWSC versus the traditional 2–4-year university?

According to CLASP, the Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success, the number of “non-traditional” students is expected to grow more than twice as fast as traditional students from 2012 to 2022. Today, the barriers to education are many including the inability to commit to a 4-year-traditional university. At NWSC, we understand the unique needs of our students and provide alternatives to a traditional college education. We offer quality education over shorter durations, in high-demand fields.

Our low student-to-teacher ratio ensures an almost customized educational experience, where students build a strong network of professional ties with faculty, advisors, and peers. Also, our programs are financially accessible and made even more so through institutional grants.

In most programs, classes are conveniently offered every month and you can be admitted in as little as three days. For more information, feel free to call us at 847-290-6425 or visit our campus at 5999 S. New Wilke Road, Bldg. 500, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008.

How long are your programs?

Our programs take about eight months to complete including externship, depending on the program of study.

Are your credits transferable to other colleges or universities?

Similar to most institutions, whether or not credits are transferable is decided by the receiving institution. We advise you to contact the transferring university.

What requirements must be met in order to attend your college?

Proof of completion of high school or its equivalency, a background check, proof of immunizations, and a non-refundable initial fee of $350.00 payable with a signed Enrollment Agreement Form.

Why do I have to provide proof of immunizations?

You are entering into the medical field and will be surrounded by patients that need your assistance and healthcare services. Being immunized is a form of protection for them as well as for yourself.

How do I apply to your College?

You can apply to Northwest Suburban College by calling our Admissions Department at 847-290-6425. You may also complete our online application. You can make an appointment to visit our admissions department on campus at 5999 S. New Wilke Road, Bldg# 500, Rolling Meadows, IL.

Is there an application or enrollment fee?

There is no application fee but, if you decide to enroll, there is a $350 (non-refundable) initial fee. The initial fee includes a background check, textbooks, NWSC scrubs, lab coat, and needed equipment.

Do you have financial aid assistance?

Yes, the Institutional Aid Office is available to assist prospective and current students with financial information.

Northwest Suburban College believes in and strives for providing affordable education for each one of its students who are deserving and are willing to work hard to make a difference in their lives through education. Although the cost of a college education at NWSC is relatively low, many students need and receive institutional aid. NWSC offers institutional aid for truly deserving students who are eager to pursue a career in the field of healthcare and demonstrate a need for financial assistance.

Students interested in institutional aid must complete the Institutional Aid Application and submit it along with proof of income (copy of the past year’s tax documents, pay stubs, bank statements, or W-2 form) to the Institutional Aid office. Students are encouraged to complete and submit the application along with the application for admission.

For more information or further questions, please contact our Institutional Aid Office at 847-290-6425 Ex. 107

How much are the tuition and other fees?

Tuition varies depending on the program you choose. Please contact us for more information.

Please click here for more information on institutional grant opportunities.

What is included in the overall cost of the program?

Our programs are competitively priced. Besides the program, the cost includes the graduation fee, healthcare training in CPR, OSHA, and HIPAA. Depending on the program, two sets of scrubs, textbooks, and a medical kit will be provided.

Do you guarantee job placement upon completion of the program?

No institution can guarantee job placement, but we do provide excellent career services and training to our students to help prepare for the interview process. Our many externship affiliations also introduce our students to institutions that could potentially hire them provided there is an opportunity.

How often do your classes start?

In most programs, classes are conveniently offered every month.

Do you offer part-time classes?

Depending upon the class, students have the option to attend during the day, evening or weekend on a full-time basis.

Do you offer tutoring?

Tutoring is available by our faculty upon request.

What authorizations and accreditations does NWSC have?

Northwest Suburban College (NWSC) is institutionally accredited by ABHES (Accrediting Bureau for Health Education Schools; 6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730, North Bethesda, MD 20852. Tel. 301.291.7550 · Email: [email protected].)

Northwest Suburban College is approved by the Private Business and Vocational Schools Division of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE:PBVS). The College is also an approved testing site for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Moreover, the College is an affiliate with American Medical Technologists (AMT). Our Medical Assistant and Dental Assistant students are qualified to take the certificate exams offered by AMT and become certified Medical Assistants (RMA) and certified Dental Assistants (RDA) respectively.

To learn more about the AMT certification, click here.

https://www.americanmedtech.org/Get-Certified

Is Northwest Suburban College Right For You? Get More Info…

If you’re interested in learning more about careers in Health and exploring if Northwest Suburban College is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.

For immediate questions, call 847-290-6425