John A. Logan College offers three different nursing programs. The eight-week nursing assistant program is designed for students who want to provide basic nursing care in settings ranging from hospitals to homes. The practical nursing program is a three-semester certificate course that includes class work, laboratory practice and clinical experience. Once you take this course and pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you will be licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). John A. Logan College also has a program for those interested in gaining their associate degree in nursing. You can only complete this three-semester program if you have successfully finished a practical nursing program.
Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Nursing has two nursing programs: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Master of Science in Nursing. The four-semester bachelor program is accredited by Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and has full approval by the State of Missouri through the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Once completed, you will be prepared to take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. The master's program offers a family nurse practitioner track and an advance role specialization track. It is the only graduate nursing program in the region, and it focuses on assessment, management and delivery of health care services to individuals throughout their lives.
Southeastern Illinois College offers nursing assistant, practical nursing and associate nursing programs. To become a nursing assistant with this program, you must complete the seven-credit course, complete the program with a grade of "C" or higher and pass the state exam. The one-year practical nursing program involves theory and clinical courses and a uniform format is used throughout: demonstration, return demonstration, supervised clinical experience. The three-semester associate nursing degree program encompasses three major concepts: life-span development as defined by Erikson, hierarchy of basic human needs as defined by Maslow and the wellness-illness continuum.
Rend Lake College uses a three-tiered nursing system to offer theoretical and practical nursing education. Tier one is an eight-week course for those wanting to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA); it's also offered tuition-free for in-district residents. Tier two is an eleven-month Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program and tier three is a nine-month Registered Nurse (RN) program.