Expansion of Nursing Program at Illinois College Bolstered by Federal Grant

Expansion of Nursing Program at Illinois College Bolstered by Federal Grant

Date: April 25, 2024 Richard J. Durbin

Illinois College has received a significant boost for its nursing program, thanks to a federal grant announced by Senator Dick Durbin during his recent visit to the college. The grant, amounting to $900,011, is earmarked for the expansion of the college’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. This financial infusion will enable the construction of additional classrooms and laboratory spaces, a move that is critical in addressing the increasing demand for nursing professionals across Central Illinois and beyond.

Senator Durbin, a long-standing advocate for quality healthcare and education, underscored the essential role that nurses play in the healthcare system. By expanding the nursing program, Illinois College aims to recruit and educate a larger number of nursing professionals, thereby contributing to the alleviation of the healthcare workforce shortage in rural areas. Durbin’s engagement with the college also aligns with the roadmap to Grow Illinois Rural Health Workforce partnership, which seeks to implement a variety of initiatives designed to bolster the health workforce in Illinois’ rural communities.

The significance of this grant is further highlighted by Illinois College’s exemplary track record in nursing education. The college boasts a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for nurses, a testament to the quality of its program and the preparedness of its graduates for the nursing profession. Illinois College President expressed gratitude for the federal support and enthusiasm for the future of the nursing program, reinforcing the college’s commitment to excellence in nursing education and its pivotal role in preparing future healthcare professionals.