Prairie State College Nursing Program Review

Over 12,000 students enroll in Prairie State College (PSC) with the average age of a Prairie College student being 28 years old. Prairie State College offers associate’s degrees and certificates in a variety of fields, including business, nursing and education. Founded in 1957 as a liberal arts and technical education institution, Prairie State College has grown from offering courses in a church basement to offering over 100 areas of study.

The college has a main campus and north campus location, both along Vollmer Road. Prairie State College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Nursing Degree Programs

Nursing, Allied Health and Human Services programs are under the division of Health and Industrial Technology at Prairie State College. Nursing programs at Prairie State College are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Prairie State College Undergraduate Nursing Programs

Pre-Nursing AS (Associate in Science Degree)

Students desiring a BSN may complete general requirements through the nursing program at Prairie State College and then transfer to a four year program. Through an agreement with Saint Xavier University, Olivet Nazarene University and Governors State University, students may transfer directly to these institutions to earn a BSN upon completing nursing program education requirements at Prairie State College.

Nursing AAS (Associate in Applied Science)

The Nursing AAS programs at Prairie State College prepare students for a career in nursing by offering an Associate in Applied Science degree, a type of ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) specifically for career oriented nurses. The program includes comprehensive career and clinical nursing training as well as preparation for the National Council for Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Unlike most nursing programs in Illinois, students do not have to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) to be eligible for the nursing program. Students may complete a noncredit introductory nursing course with a minimum “C” grade to fulfill the CNA requirement. Other admission requirements for the nursing program include taking the college entrance exam and acceptance to Prairie State College.

LPN Bridge Program

Practicing LPNs may complete the Nursing AAS program in less time than students without a nursing background by demonstrating knowledge and skill in general requirements through an exam. The LPN Bridge program is designed for LPNs with professional nursing experience.

Prairie State College Nursing Certificate Programs

CNA/Nurse Assistant Certificate

The CNA program prepares nurses through coursework, lab and clinical training to provide personal care to patients. CNAs are prepared primarily to work in the home, nursing homes and hospitals. Skills such as bathing, mobility and other daily hygiene processes are all part of a CNAs duties. The program requires 7 academic credit hours.

Perioperative Nursing Certificate

RNs who have graduated from nursing programs are eligible to participate in the Perioperative Nursing Certificate program. The 16-week program prepares nurses to work with patients, families and healthcare professionals in the surgical setting. Nurses will train extensively with experienced doctors to complete the program with the education and nursing skill necessary to work as a perioperative nurse. Upon completion of the nursing course, nurses will receive a Perioperative Nursing Certificate.

Contact:
Prairie State College
202 S. Halsted Street
Chicago Heights, IL 60411-8226

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