U.S. Department of Labor Funds New Accelerated Nursing Program

The U.S. Department of Labor recently granted ISU $496,000 that will be split between their Nursing program and the College of Business.

The funds allocated to the Nursing department will establish their new one-year highly concentrated program for eager students pursing a second bachelor's degree. The program has been developed as a response to the community's nursing shortage with hopes that by being highly selective with the admissions policy for the program that the nursing vacancies will be filled sooner with talented and motivated graduates.

As a matter of fact, just ten applicants out of approximately 50 continuing students were chosen to participate in the first year of the program based on G.P.A., a personal statement and interviews.

"These students have already shown perseverance and high dedication to the field of nursing. Our goal is to graduate 10 students as a group of mature students who are committed to the profession of nursing" Kelli Hill, the program director for MCN said. Another incentive of the program is students, once graduated, must practice the profession of nursing in Central Illinois."

ISU should be applauded for the way they allocated the funds from U.S. Department of Labor grant. It both rewards hard-working and gifted students while responding to a cry from the community for more qualified nursing staff.

There are other accelerated nursing programs being offered nationwide that are gaining popularity quickly. If you're not in Illinois and you're interested in Accelerated Nursing Programs, here are some great national programs.