SIC Nursing Programs Earn Top Rankings
Southeastern Illinois College’s nursing program has exceeded expectations once again with superior pass rates in both the Practical Nursing program (PN) and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program state pass rates for 2015.
“We could not be more happy with the quality of our nursing program, and this external validation of our faculty and student success is most welcome,” said President Dr. Jonah Rice.
Students in both the PN and ADN programs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in order to obtain a license.
SIC’s PN pass rate was tied for first place at 100 percent. Average statewide pass rates for practical nursing was 88 percent. The national pass rate average was 82 percent.
Amy Murphy, SIC’s Director of Nursing, said “The dedication of the faculty and students along with the support that we receive from our community partners contribute to the consistent success that is evident in these board pass rates.”
Students in SIC’s PN program acquire skills readying them for work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, out-patient clinics, and various community health areas. The PN program is also a stepping stone for students to continue to the ADN program.
Only nine colleges in the state scored in the top tier, with the majority of colleges being small to mid-sized.
“Our program is small, but quantity does not equal quality in nursing instruction,” said Amy Murphy. “The faculty work very hard to ensure the rigor and standards necessary to produce successful graduates.”
The ADN pass rate was 92 percent, placing SIC in the top quarter among all colleges in the State. The average state pass rate was 86 percent. The national average was 85 percent.
SIC’s ADN program prepares students academically and clinically for entry-level nursing. ADN graduates work in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, ambulatory care, out-patient clinics, and home health care. SIC’s ADN graduates are also well-prepared for entry into Bachelor of Science Nursing degree programs.
The Southeastern Illinois College nursing program began in 1955 with a class of 13 students in what is now Harrisburg High School. It was the only program of its kind in Illinois, south of St. Louis, at that time. Since then, it has grown to approximately 100 students each year and includes online and traditional classes, as well as full- and part-time options.
The deadline to enter the nursing program in fall semester is March 31. For more information on nursing, contact Amy Murphy, director of nursing, at 618-252-5400, ext. 2330 or nursing@sic.edu, or visit www.sic.edu/nursing.
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