LLC, SIUE Renew Nursing Degree Partnership

Lake Land College and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) officials have renewed a partnership that provides an accelerated, seamless path to a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the SIUE School of Nursing.

Lake Land College President Dr. Josh Bullock, SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, SIUE Dean of Nursing Laura Bernaix and Associate Dean Roberta Harrison discussed further initiatives regarding nursing educational opportunities.

Lake Land nursing students interested in the partnership option are dually enrolled in the SIUE program their second year at Lake Land and can take several co-requisites and general education courses at Lake Land. Once students successfully complete the Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) program at Lake Land College and obtain licensure as a registered nurse (RN), students may progress through the remaining RN to BS nursing courses through the SIUE online program.

“We know so many of our nursing graduates find employment in their hometowns and have limited options to complete a bachelor’s degree. This partnership eliminates geographic boundaries and provides a seamless opportunity for students to complete their goals,” Cheryl Beam, nursing instructor/director nursing programs, said.

“Our partnership with Lake Land College demonstrates our mutual dedication to ensuring lifelong learning for our students and our commitment to preparing the nursing workforce for the region and beyond,” said Dr. Laura Bernaix, dean of the SIUE School of Nursing.

The partnership provides students with the opportunity to advance their careers in the nursing field while simultaneously saving money and gaining valuable work experience along the way.

Kaylee Nottmeyer, Mattoon, Laker Nation Class of 2019, described her experience transitioning from Lake Land College to SIUE as effortless.

“I am currently working as a full-time RN at Sarah Bush Lincoln in the Emergency Room and taking classes online at both Lake Land College and SIUE,” Nottmeyer said. “The nursing staff at both schools are very approachable and they explain the entire process. It is clear that the partnership is designed to set you up for success.”

Lake Land’s ADN program is a competitive special admission program, providing students with a rigorous two-year program of study. Fully-equipped nursing labs provide students with hands-on learning allowing students to master required skills before completing clinicals in area healthcare facilities. In May of 2019, more than 70% of Lake Land College ADN program graduates were employed as an RN by graduation.

To learn more about the SIUE bachelor of science degree in nursing completion program and to begin your nursing career at Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu/high-demand and look for the nursing option. Review the ADN checklist and application procedures to meet the application deadline of Feb. 1, 2020.