Illinois Valley Community College will implement a new admission process for its Nursing and Practical Nursing programs next year.

In addition to streamlining curriculum and credit hours, the changes give prospective students two opportunities each year to apply for entry. To be considered, students still must complete a certified nursing assistant course and pass prerequisite general education courses and an admissions assessment exam.

Prior to submitting an application, they must attend one nursing information session which provides an overview of admission requirements, curriculum expectations, costs, and program policies.

One-hour sessions will be held at 2 p.m. November 19 in Room C-316, at 5 p.m. February 23, 2027, in CTC-124, at 5 p.m. March 23 at the Ottawa Center, and at 2 p.m. April 20 in CTC-124. Online sessions via Zoom will be held at 3 p.m. on December 9, 2026, and January 20, 2027. In-person sessions take place on the main campus unless otherwise noted.

"One of the primary goals of the curriculum redesign was to remove unnecessary barriers to student progression while maintaining the quality and rigor of the nursing program," said Director of Nursing Sue Smith.  "We have reduced general education requirements and decreased the total credit hours required to complete the program, creating a more streamlined pathway for students.”

Smith indicated that students will have two opportunities a year to begin their nursing education, while more graduates can be expected from the nursing program to meet the ongoing workforce needs in healthcare.

Admission is selective and competitive. Beginning next year, 32 nursing seats will be available each fall and spring and eight practical nursing seats will be available each fall. Students may apply to both programs during the same fall admission cycle, but the programs are independent and applicants who do not get selected for the nursing program will not be automatically considered for the practical nursing program.

Application for the Fall 2027 Admission Cycle is April 20 to May 20, 2027. Admission decisions are made in June and the program begins in August after a mandatory summer orientation.

Application for the Spring 2028 Admission Cycle is September 20 to October 20, 2027. Admission decisions are made in November, and the program begins in January 2028 after a mandatory late-fall orientation.

For more information about the IVCC Nursing Programs, visit www.ivcc.edu/nursing.