Admissions

To be eligible for admission to Rockford Career College, students must meet one of the following criteria:

• Hold a high school diploma

• Possess a recognized equivalency certificate (GED)

• Complete a state-authorized equivalency exam (HiSET, TASC, etc.)

• Hold a diploma for home-schooled students (as of August 1, 2023)

• Pass the Accuplacer Ability to Benefit (ATB) exam (for campus-based diploma programs only)

• Provide official transcripts verifying a conferred Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree from a U.S. Department of Education-recognized institution

All students must also:

• Score at least 60 on the Digital Learning Readiness Assessment (DLRA)

• Be at least 17 years old (minors require a parent or legal guardian’s signature)

• Participate in an admissions interview to assess motivation, maturity, and career goals

Additional documentation may be required for international students or those with foreign diplomas

Caring for animals starts with your commitment.

If you’re ready to turn your love for animals into a career, the Veterinary Technician program could be the right path for you. To be considered for admission, you’ll need to:

• Meet Rockford’s General Admissions Requirements

• Submit a short essay describing why veterinary technology interests you, what you understand about the role, and why you believe you’re a good fit for the program

• Show proof of full rabies vaccination before beginning any hands-on work with animals — this is a mandatory safety requirement and cannot be waived

This program is hands-on, rigorous, and deeply rewarding. You’ll be working with animals — and the people who care for them — from day one.

Help others heal and start a healthcare career with impact.

Medical Assistants are vital in clinics, doctors’ offices, and hospitals. If you want to be on the frontlines of patient care, here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Fulfill Rockford Career College’s General Admissions Requirements

• Be prepared to provide health and immunization records

• Complete a background check and drug screening if required by externship partners or clinical sites

• Be open to hands-on training in both classroom and real-world medical environments

We’re here to support you every step of the way — from enrollment to certification prep to job placement.

Make a difference. Start your journey to becoming a nurse.

Becoming a nurse means becoming a trusted caregiver. To enroll in our Practical Nursing program, applicants must:

• Pass the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) with a minimum composite score of 45%

• Meet with an admissions advisor to review program expectations and requirements

• Complete a full set of immunizations and health screenings

• Undergo and pass a background check and drug screening

• Show proof of COVID-19 vaccination

This program is challenging and life-changing — and it’s the first step toward a meaningful career in nursing.

Support life-saving work — start your surgical tech training.

Surgical Technologists are critical team members in the operating room. If this career excites you, here’s how to apply:

• First, meet the General Admissions Requirements for Rockford Career College

• Prepare to complete health screenings, immunization records, a background check, and drug screening

• Be ready to work in a clinical setting that demands precision, professionalism, and teamwork

From day one, you’ll gain real-world skills and the confidence to succeed in the surgical field.

Learn a trade that builds — and lasts.

Welders are in demand, and our program gives you the hands-on experience you need to get started. To enroll, you’ll need to:

• Meet Rockford’s General Admissions Requirements

• Be physically ready for an active, hands-on program in a lab environment

• Commit to learning safe, effective welding practices and techniques

If you enjoy building things, working with your hands, and learning a practical skill, this could be the program for you.

Power your future with a career in the electrical trades.

Electricians are essential in every industry. To begin training as an Electrical Technician, you’ll need to:

• Meet Rockford’s General Admissions Requirements

• Have — or be on track to obtain — a valid driver’s license

• Be free from violent felonies, recent DUIs, or a suspended license within the last 3 years

• Pass a background check and drug test as required by employers or externship partners

This program prepares you for residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work — and it starts with safety, responsibility, and technical skill.

Train for a skilled trade that’s always in demand.

The HVAC/R industry keeps our homes, hospitals, and workplaces running — and you can be a part of it. To get started, here’s what’s required:

• Complete Rockford Career College’s General Admissions process

• Have — or plan to obtain — a valid driver’s license

• Pass a background check and drug screening

• Be free from serious driving offenses (DUIs, violent felonies, or license suspensions) within the past 3 years

This program is hands-on, technical, and career-focused — perfect for anyone ready to start working with their hands and mind.