SIC Bests IL Universities for Top Nursing Program in the State

RegisteredNursing.org, an organization founded by practicing registered nurses, has evaluated all of the Associate’s Degree in Nursing programs in Illinois. This list helps aid potential nurses in their search for the best nursing program in the state.

Southeastern Illinois College’s Registered Nursing (RN) Program was selected as the state’s best with SIC being ranked number one with a score just points below perfect.

Standings for each program were decided upon by the evaluation of current and previous years National Council Licensure Examination – RN (NCLEX-RN) pass rates. The NCLEX-RN exam is used across the United States by licensing boards to determine a student’s proficiency and is necessary to obtain a nursing license. Also considered, was the program’s ability to support students past licensure.

“SIC has long been known for exceptional educational opportunities, and our nursing program is par excellence,” said SIC President Dr. Jonah Rice. “It is humbling to be above so many of other quality programs like Bradley University and Rush University.”

SIC graduates have been consistently ranking above state and national averages in recent years, and 2017 is no exception. The official results were released this month by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for the 2017 NCLEX. Pass rates for SIC graduates in both RN and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) were at 97 percent.

The national average on the RN test was 87 percent, and state average was 86 percent. LPN tests averaged 86 percent in the state of Illinois, with the national average at 84 percent.

“I always say it: programs aren’t buildings; programs are people. And we have a great staff,” added Rice. “SIC has the best percentage of full-time instruction compared to so many other colleges in the area. And that is a big part of the secret of our success.”

Illinois and many other states are facing an impending nursing shortage as a result of a larger than usual population needing nursing care from the baby boomer generation and the rapid nursing retirements coming from that same generation. To help meet this need, SIC will open up more regional spots this year for nursing students. Those with the top entrance scores will be accepted. SIC is accepting applicants now through March for the fall semester. To inquire, contact the nursing office at 618-252-5400, ext. 2331 or [email protected], or visit www.sic.edu/nursing.

The Southeastern Illinois College nursing program is ranked #1 in the state of Illinois. The program began in 1955 with a class of 13 students in the lower level of 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.

Following is the ranking found at www.registerednursing.org/state/illinois/#rankings: