NotANative

Methodist, OSF and Bradley only offer BSN degrees, no LPN there. OSF also does a MSN and Doctorate. Graham Hospital has an RN program. Many people commute to the Capital Area School of Practical Nursing in Springfield. That seems to train most of the LPN grads (from my knowledge). She may be able to carpool... always seems to be someone from Peoria in the program. Otherwise, ICC... but there is interest than space.

The first class won't start until January 2010, not scheduled to graduate until summer 2011. So no idea on graduation rates specifically for the accelerated program. The program is not a transfer program, as one already has a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. The college is accredited and known in the area.I will definitely be going to one of the information sessions in August. Glad to see there are others interested in the program. I am concerned that the 1st semester with 18 credits is alot compared to the schedules of the other semesters (seriously... 10 credits in the last semester... they can't average out the semesters a bit more? I will be inquiring about this in August). Glad that an accelerated program has come to Peoria so one does not have to drive to Normal or Rock Island for a 2nd degree program. I'm not sure when I want to start, either fall 2010 or spring 2011 (due to personal commitments... pre-reqs will be done in time to start in fall 2010... just wish I was ready to start in January!) Hope to stay in touch!

Anyone expressing interest in the accelerated BSN program at Methodist College of Nursing? I am going to an open house in August. Just seeing if anyone else has interest in becoming a nurse through this program. Thanks.

Thank you so much for sharing your insight on why you chose the program that you did. It's good to hear about programs downstate. I'm one of those who is "retraining" for a different job due to the economy and agree that a BSN is more marketable when looking for a job (and for the same amount of time in school post-bachelor's degree #1). Plus the potential to move into a mangement or case manger position (although it could be harder down the road with more and more master's level nurses entering the market). I don't forsee going to get a master's, so the BSN will be it for me. If I have further questions, or you think of more information , chime in. Thanks again!

I share some of the same concerns you had about the ABSN... it's super cramming for 12 months straight! I don't want to come out of the program not as well prepared/trained due to all the cramming and struggle more than a 1st year RN should. Interesting about the LTC clinicals, I have mixed feelings on that. I don't have any rich aunts or uncles to rely on, so boo. I know I am going to have to take out loans for the whole thing ($20-30k+), just scared of at what interest rate with the current economy. I just found out that Methodist College of Nursing in Peoria is starting a 2nd degree BSN program in 2010. I'm leaning more towards their program now. Classes 2 nights a week and clinicals on Sat & Sun. Designed so you can still work while going to school (nothing said about having a life though ). Plus the thought of driving an hour to Normal every day for a year sounds draining of over $5k in gas money. I could put all that gas money towards tuition at MCON, and then at least the student loan interest could be tax deductible (depending on what loans I scrape together!). And I might be more sane coming out without the huge commute. I could live with the in-laws and go to Trinity College in Rock Island, but I think I would miss being at "home." They have a ABSN that is 15 months long. MCON would be 18 months long. 3 months is not much of a difference. What I am most worried about is getting through all the science aspect of the nursing field. I love people, I love helping others, and I love that nursing can take me far professionally and emotionally. I'm like many other people out there right now... I have to change my life, and nursing is something I have been thinking about for many years, so now is the time for me to take the next step. Did you end up going to do a traditional BSN at IWU or ISU? (You mention 2 years for the BSN.) I'm already enrolled in some pre-reqs at ICC for the fall. So I'm starting! Just wish I had all the answers now while I have the time.

Has anyone done the Accelerated BSN at Illinois State? I am considering it and wanted some input (I know the program is only a few year old). I haven't really gotten any help by contacting the school (frustrating!) I am also curious how people have paid for a 2nd degree program (as I know I won't be eligible for many financial aid sources due to already having a B.S. degree). Thanks!