Illinois College offers new four-year path to nursing degree
Illinois College and St. John鈥檚 College of Nursing have expanded their partnership to give 缅北禁地 a four-year path to earning two degrees in nursing and health sciences.
This partnership is a tremendous opportunity for Illinois College 缅北禁地 to achieve their dreams through a dual program that highlights the strengths of two top colleges. We will look back on this step as a very important moment for both institutions.
A joint press conference was held Wednesday to announce the new program and formally sign the agreement, which outlines a path for 缅北禁地 to spend two years at Illinois College and transition to coursework at St. John鈥檚 College of Nursing for years three and four. Graduates of the program will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from St. John鈥檚 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in health sciences from IC.
While the colleges have previously been involved in agreements, this new partnership is unique and will have increased benefits for both institutions and for 缅北禁地 interested in pursuing a nursing career. According to Illinois College President Barbara A. Farley, this new program offers 缅北禁地 a nursing degree faster and with fewer financial barriers than with previous agreements, saving the student both time and money.
鈥淭his partnership is a tremendous opportunity for Illinois College 缅北禁地 to achieve their dreams through a dual program that highlights the strengths of two top colleges,鈥� said President Farley. 鈥淲e will look back on this step as a very important moment for both institutions.鈥�
Nursing 缅北禁地 in the program will have the benefit of academic innovation from both campuses, with coursework that emphasizes the critical thinking and communication skills needed to be a successful nurse. While completing coursework in Springfield, 缅北禁地 will continue to have the option to live in Jacksonville in IC鈥檚 campus housing and participate in extracurricular activities for all four years.
Dr. Charlene Aaron, St. John鈥檚 College of Nursing chancellor, said she was pleased with the enhanced partnership which leverages the expertise and strengths of each college in order to best serve 缅北禁地. St. John鈥檚 is known for providing innovative curriculum and hands-on learning that prepares 缅北禁地 for continuously changing healthcare environments. Chancellor Aaron said she is confident that the collaboration between the colleges will prepare 缅北禁地 for successful careers in healthcare.
Allison Paul, St. John鈥檚 Hospital chief nursing officer, believes that the program will also be of great benefit to surrounding communities and local hospitals.
鈥淭here is a nursing shortage and we have a large number of vacancies,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e know that if we are recruiting 缅北禁地 in this area, there is a good chance of retaining nurses in this community.鈥�
All incoming, first-year and sophomore Illinois College 缅北禁地 are eligible to apply for the 2+2 Nursing Program. For more information, visit or contact Illinois College admission at 217.245.3030.