In a transformative move to address the increasing demand for highly skilled nurses in the health care industry, Illinois College has joined forces with Memorial Health to offer full-tuition scholarships for aspiring nursing students.
This pioneering initiative, comprising 50 scholarships annually, is a collaborative effort between Illinois College and Memorial Health to support nursing education. The scholarships will cover the complete cost of tuition for eligible nursing students hailing from the 38 Illinois counties surrounding the Jacksonville campus during the first two years at IC. Furthermore, scholarships continue in the additional two years with a work commitment at any Memorial Health site. These nursing scholarships are in addition to Illinois College's Advantage Plus Program, which covers 100% of financial need for Illinois residents.
With a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate of the class of 2023, Illinois College is taking a significant step forward in ensuring that more students can pursue their dreams of becoming registered nurses. Barbara A. Farley, president of Illinois College, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are proud to partner with Memorial Health to expand the size, accessibility and affordability of IC's nursing program. This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision to empower students and address the critical need for skilled nurses in our region."
The college's rapidly growing program guarantees admission to qualified applicants with no waitlist; students start their nursing education without experiencing delays. New nursing simulation labs and facilities open in 2024 to provide specialized training in areas such as home health, neonatal and intensive care. Dedicated nursing coaches ensure students' individual success throughout the program.
Marsha Prater, senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Memorial Health, added, "This partnership represents a crucial investment in the future of healthcare in central Illinois. By removing financial barriers, we aim to inspire and support the next generation of nursing professionals."
For more information about the full tuition scholarships for nursing students at Illinois College, please visit www.ic.edu/nursing/scholarships.
