The Illinois Board of Higher Education has approved a new nursing program for SIU's Carbondale campus.
The curriculum will begin in the fall of 2020. It will offer a full four-year degree path as well as a path for students with an associate's degree as a registered nurse to continue on to a bachelor's of nursing degree.
Southern Illinois Healthcare is collaborating with the university on the effort. CEO Rex Budde says the program will help address the nursing shortage as well as offering good career options for young people in Southern Illinois.
“We are grateful for the IBHE’s decision approving the creation of a nursing program at SIU Carbondale,” Interim Chancellor John Dunn said. “With the support of Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH), this will allow students to receive a top-flight education and at the same time help address a critical regional need as the demand for highly trained nurses and health care professionals continues to increase.”
The IBHE also approved doctoral programs in occupational therapy and physical therapy, which will begin in the next two to three years.