Nursing | Rend Lake College

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Nursing

Welcome to our nursing program. We offer a range of training options, including CNA, LPN, and ADN programs, as well as transfer tracks. Let us prepare you for a rewarding career in nursing. Explore our site to discover how we can help you achieve your goals in healthcare.

Schedule Testing

Program Effectiveness Data

  • 91 %
    2023 Pass Rates
    The NCLEX-RN Pass Rate shows what percentage of our graduates pass the test on the first attempt within a 12-month period.
  • 47.10 %
    2023 Completion Rates
    The Program Completion Rate shows what percentage of our students complete our program within 100% of the length of the program.
  • 100 %
    2023 Job Placement Rates
    The Job Placement Rate shows what percentage of our graduates find a job in nursing within 8 months of completing our program.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to prepare Associate Degree Nursing graduates to become lifelong learners and to function as multidisciplinary team members; able to provide safe, competent care addressing the changing needs of individuals, family, and the community across the lifespan. This goal is accomplished through instruction and practice of nursing skills, use of critical thinking and problem solving, and demonstration of effective oral and written communication throughout the steps of the nursing process.
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Associate in Applied Science Degree

Nursing

The Nursing program is designed to provide a career mobility path for individuals interested in health care. The curriculum is a concept-based method of instruction emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, decision making, clinical reasoning, and nursing judgment. Graduates will be prepared to practice professional nursing in a variety of health care settings.

 

Plan Your AAS Degree in Nursing

program details

Courses
Total = 64 Hours
PREREQUISITES Cr. Hrs.
CNA 1201 Certified Nurse Assistant 7
ENGL 1101 Rhetoric and Composition I 3
Both must be completed with a grade of "C" or better
Competency in math (see admission requirements)
A criminal history background check & drug testing are required.
NURSING COURSES Cr. Hrs.
Each course in the curriculum must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to meet program requirements.
Fall Semester Cr. Hrs.
NURS 1200 Intro to Health Concepts 4
NURS 1201 Intro to Health Concepts Clinical 1
NURS 1202 Health – Illness Concepts 4
NURS 1203 Health – Illness Concepts Clinical 2
NURS 1204 Tools for Nursing Education 2
ZOO 1105 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
Spring Semester Cr. Hrs.
NURS 1205 Family Health Concepts 3
NURS 1206 Family Health Concepts Clinical 2
NURS 1207 Holistic Health Concepts 3
NURS 1208 Holistic Health Concepts Clinical 2
NURS 1209 Pharmacology 2
ZOO 1106 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
Total 16
Fall Semester Cr. Hrs.
MICR 1101 Basic Microbiology 4
NURS 1214 Medications in Nursing 2
NURS 2212 Health Care Concepts 3
NURS 2213 Health Care Concepts Clinical 2
NURS 2214 Health Systems Concepts 3
NURS 2215 Health Systems Concepts Clinical 2
Total 16
Spring Semester Cr. Hrs.
NURS 2201 Registered Nurse Review Course 2
NURS 2216 Complex Health Concepts 6
NURS 2217 Complex Health Concepts Clinical 4
PSYC 2101 Intro to Psychology 3
Total 15
Overall Total 47
Costs & How To Pay

Costs for this program

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Payments on student accounts must be made by the deadline included on the student statement.

  • Fall: July 15
  • Spring: December 15
  • Summer: May 15

Students who do not make payments by this deadline may be dropped from their classes.

More about paying for college

 

nursing

how to apply

Our nursing program has it's own application that's in addition to the college's primary application. The steps to apply are explained below.

1. Apply to the College

If you have never been a student at RLC, the first step is to apply to the college.
Apply Now

Program Outcomes

Nursing

1. Demonstrate clinical judgement to provide individualized, holistic, culturally diverse, patient-centered care to individuals, family, and community across the life span.

2. Collaborate effectively with the interdisciplinary team and client system in the healthcare continuum.

3. Utilize evidence-based practice for nursing interventions that are appropriate for diverse populations with multi-faceted healthcare needs across the lifespan. 

4. Manage healthcare for the individual using cost effective nursing strategies, quality improvement processes, and current technology.

5. Delegate safe nursing interventions in collaboration with the patient and family by utilizing leadership principles to provide competent patient care, health education, and health promotion. 

6. Incorporate healthcare information technology in nursing practice to improve the quality and safety of patient care throughout the nursing process.

7. Demonstrate personal accountability and professionalism as defined in the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses.

Short-Term Certificates

CNA - Basic Nurse Assistant

This course is designed to prepare the individual to work in the role of a Certified Nurse Assistant in a variety of health care settings. It is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Upon successful completion of classroom and clinical experiences, the student will be eligible to apply to take the state CNA registry examination. The class must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

Entry Requirements —

  • Be at least 16 years of age before completion of course.
  • Score a minimum of 53 on the reading portion of the Accuplacer test.
  • Submit to background check as mandated by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
  • Demonstrate current competency in American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR.
  • Accept provisions of the Rend Lake College Substance Abuse Policy.

The curriculum for this program has been developed to meet the licensing requirements for the State of Illinois.  It is not determined whether the curriculum meets licensing requirements for any other states.

Plan Your CNA Certificate

Costs for this program

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Program Outcomes

CNA - Basic Nursing Assistant

1. Demonstrate professional communication skills including recording and reporting

2. Demonstrate competency in the 21 manual performance skills mandated by IDPH

3. Initiate basic life support (CPR) following American Heart Association guideline.

4. Develop an understanding of the role of the nurse assistant as part of the interdisciplinary health care team.

5. Identify Residents’ Right for Long Term Care Facilities.6. Identify symptoms and physical changes of Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders (including communication and handling of mood and behavioral disturbances with appropriate intervention to maintain patient/staff safety).

more Options

Accelerated BSN with SIUE

There has never been a better time to train for a great job in nursing. You can now earn a bachelor’s degree in the field without leaving the area, thanks to a new offer from Rend Lake College and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.  

Learn More

RLC and SIUE have teamed up to offer an accelerated Bachelor of Nursing track. Students can take classes at RLC for three years and begin a job in their profession while working online to obtain their BSN from SIUE.

What our warriors are saying

student journeys

The faculty and staff are always friendly and very helpful. This school is very community-based, which I love. Not once have I ever regretted my decision.

Tarazz
Nursing - Class of '24
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Rend Lake College has been a great resource for me as I continue my education. They’ve guided me through my first two years of college and helped me reach my full potential. Thank you for everything Rend Lake!

Jackson
Warriors Basketball - Class of '22
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"I looked at several colleges but chose RLC because they stood out with a better program. I met some of my best friends at RLC. The teachers poured so much into me. The things they taught me will help me in life forever."

Riley
Studio RLC - Class of '22
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More About Our Nursing Program

Accreditation

The Rend Lake College nursing program at Rend Lake College at the Ina campus located in Ina, Illinois is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

  https://www.acenursing.us/candidates/candidacy.asp

Mission Statement
The mission of the Nursing Program of Rend Lake College is to prepare competent nursing graduates in the art and science of healthcare across the lifespan.  This goal is accomplished through instruction and practice of basic and advanced nursing skills; demonstration and use of critical thinking throughout the steps of the Nursing Process; and satisfactory evaluation of each student’s performance in various clinical environments.
Learning
The nursing program is based on adult learning theory.  The goal is the preparation of competent, caring healthcare workers.  The teaching-learning process operates within the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains.  Nursing education involves the integration of knowledge and experience.  Critical thinking is an integral part of nursing process application.  It involves accepting responsibility and accountability for decisions while upholding ethical and legal standards.  Learning is affected by such factors as motivation, prior experiences, and learning style.  The program remains committed to practice oriented education.
Program Effectiveness Data

Pass Rate

The NCLEX-RN Pass Rate shows what percentage of our graduates pass the test on the first attempt within a 12-month period.

  • 2020=75%
  • 2021=77%
  • 2022=86%
  • 2023=91%

Completion

The Program Completion Rate shows what percentage of our students complete our program within 100% of the length of the program.

  • 2020=52.5%
  • 2021=49%
  • 2022=56.5%

Job Placement

The Job Placement Rate shows what percentage of our graduates find a job in nursing within 8 months of completing our program.

  • 2020=100%
  • 2021=80%
  • 2022=100%

Nursing FAQs

Please read all application materials and the section of the catalog that pertains to your program of interest. Many of your questions may be answered there.

Does everything have to be into the Director of Nursing's office before the deadline?
Yes, all college transcripts, transcript evaluation (if necessary) and program application must be in prior to the deadline. All additional information must be turned in as well.
Does the nursing department have an admission fee?
No, there is no admission fee.
Do I have to be accepted by RLC before I can be accepted into any of the nursing programs?
Yes. Please visit here to complete the online application. 
When do the nursing programs start?
The program accepts new students each fall semester.
How many students are accepted into the program each year?
We accept approximately 50-60 students in ADN program each year.
Should I apply before I ask for the transcript to be sent?
You may turn in the application form before you ask other schools to send transcripts. As long as your file is complete before the deadline, it is not important in what order things arrive. It is your responsibility to make sure RLC receives everything needed for your file before the deadline
Should I speak to an advisor before I sign up for classes?
We expect prospective nursing students to meet with a nursing advisor before registering for the nursing programs.
Do students have to do clinical work?
Yes, there is a required amount clinical work required by the state of Illinois.
Can I go part-time?
General education coursework may be completed on a part-time basis. However, once the nursing program begins, coursework is completed only on a full-time basis.
How do you choose candidates?
Psychological Services Bureau test scores are used, with preference given to in-district students.
Do I need my own computer?
Many courses include computer and Internet-based assignments. Having your own computer gives you more freedom in completing course assignments. Computer labs are available on campus for student use. As a student, you receive free access from home to the Internet and an email address.
Can I work while completing the programs?
This will depend on the type of job that you have. The nursing programs require a large amount of independent study time outside of class. While some students continue to work part-time throughout the program, most find this a challenge. We recommend that students plan their schedules prior to starting the program to ensure that they have enough time to attend to family matters, attend class and have time at home to complete independent study activities.
Start Here. Go Anywhere.

Transfer Information

Students who graduate with an Associate Degree can transfer their credits to a university and pursue a Bachelor's degree and beyond. 

Articulation agreements - also known as Transfer Guides - document the pathway between RLC and the university. Historically, RLC has built articulation agreements with midwestern universities. However, students have worked with both institutions to build a pathway.   

View our transfer guides and more about articulation agreements 

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Transfer Guides

We have guides that document a pathway between your degree at RLC and many universities.

Murray State University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
University of Southern Indiana
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Central Methodist University
McKendree University
Indiana Wesleyan University
Eastern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University
University of Illinois

Faculty & Staff

Allied Health Division

Phone: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1251

Email: ah_info@rlc.edu

Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Allied Health

Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Allied Health

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