Illinois College expands nursing program facilities through transformative renovation

Illinois College is expanding its nursing program so the next generation of healthcare professionals can step forward to meet the region's nursing shortage.

Students preparing to become nurses at Illinois College now train in environments that mirror the hospitals and clinics they will soon serve. Nursing majors practice delivering babies, caring for children, responding to emergencies and managing complex health care situations utilizing cutting-edge simulation systems and virtual reality technology. These experiences strengthen critical thinking and build the confidence students need before entering real clinical settings.

The newly designed space also includes collaborative learning areas that encourage teamwork, problem-solving and idea-sharing among students. From their sophomore year, nursing majors begin developing hands-on clinical skills, working in teams and learning alongside faculty mentors.

Expanded facilities at Illinois College mean the program is growing and qualified students can start courses without waiting for an open seat, a common barrier at many colleges and universities.

The project was made possible in part through Illinois College's sustained partnership with Memorial Health. As part of the IC+MH academic initiative announced in June 2023, a $4.2 million grant also provides free tuition for qualified students.

"This investment is about preparing the next generation of nurses our communities urgently need," said Stephanie Chipman, vice president of external relations. "Students at Illinois College gain hands-on experience early in their education so they Graduate READY to step confidently into the workforce and make a difference in people's lives."

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers for registered nurses are expected to grow faster than average - 6% from 2022 to 2032. The average annual salary for a registered nurse with a bachelor's degree is $81,220 per year. Illinois College nursing alumni have a nearly 100% placement rate after graduation working as nurses in a variety of settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient settings, clinics, insurance companies and schools across central Illinois.

For more information on Illinois College's nursing program, please visit www.ic.edu/nursing.