Illinois College nursing program earns 10-year CCNE accreditation renewal

Illinois College's nursing program has received continued accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), reaffirming the program's commitment to preparing highly qualified nurses through rigorous academics, hands-on clinical experiences and strong healthcare partnerships.

Following a comprehensive review process, CCNE granted the program accreditation for the maximum term available, 10 years. The next accreditation review will occur in the 2035-36 academic year.

Illinois College launched its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in 2018 and expanded it to include the full clinical program in 2020. In the years since, the program has become a key contributor to the region's healthcare workforce pipeline, combining the College's longstanding reputation for educational excellence with professional nursing education that prepares graduates for the evolving demands of patient care.

Students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation laboratories and collaborative learning spaces in the recently-renovated nursing facilities. Nursing majors at IC utilize virtual reality clinical training, offering immersive environments that allow students to develop clinical judgment, technical skills and confidence before entering patient care settings.

The program's continued accreditation reflects Illinois College's ongoing investment in nursing education and its commitment to addressing workforce needs throughout Central Illinois and beyond.

A cornerstone of the program is its partnership with Memorial Health, which provides students with access to valuable clinical experiences and professional development opportunities throughout their education. The partnership also supports scholarship opportunities and strengthens the connection between classroom learning and real-world practice. Through clinical placements around the region, students gain firsthand experience in a variety of healthcare settings while working alongside experienced nursing professionals.

In addition to the four-year on-campus BSN the College also offers an accredited online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for working nurses interested in teaching the next generation of nurses or expanding their work through leadership roles. Applications for admission are being accepted for both programs, with classes beginning as soon as September 1.

For more information about the Illinois College nursing program, visit ic.edu/nursing.