Darren Iozia
A nursing program added to Illinois College in the fall is getting a boost through a federal grant.
The college has been awarded $237,000 to support its clinical nursing program. Congressman Darin LaHood said the grant is through the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Illinois College expanded its nursing curriculum by adding a traditional four-year bachelor of science in nursing program last year. The change was in response to the closing of MacMurray College, which had provided a four-year program. Illinois College also has an online RN-to-BSN program.
Passavant Area Hospital has said it anticipates hiring health care professionals through the college’s program.
“The training of registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, and licensed practical nurses in this area will not only help in the fight against COVID-19, but will also provide a strong medical base in central and west-central Illinois,” LaHood said.
The funding will help with the creation of a state-of-the-art nursing lab at Illinois College.
“The equipment funded through the grant will be critically important to the education of nursing professionals ready and able to provide high-quality health care,” Illinois College President Barbara Farley said.
