Blessing-Rieman College first in state to have students complete LPN Ladder Option

QUINCY — The first group of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences students have completed a first-of-its-kind nursing education opportunity.

The LPN Ladder Option allows students in the college’s bachelor of science in nursing degree program to be eligible to take the practical nursing licensure exam after completion of their junior year and an additional summer bridge course. Blessing-Rieman is the first BSN program in Illinois to offer the opportunity.

In a press release, Dr. Brenda Beshears, president/CEO of Blessing-Rieman College, said, “This allows nursing students to work as an LPN while completing their senior year. This not only benefits the students’ earning potential but also assists with the healthcare workforce needs in the region.”

“It allows us to gain clinical experience as we finish our degree,” added Erika Cookson, Blessing-Rieman student. “As graduates, we will have advanced knowledge of nursing practice due to the clinical hours required to complete the LPN Ladder Option bridge course and the knowledge and confidence we will gain working as LPNs before graduation.”

A team of Blessing-Rieman students proposed the LPN Ladder Option during their senior nursing leadership course. College administration then worked with faculty to develop content and clinical experiences for the bridge course, which provides students’ knowledge that surrounds the scope of a practical nurse. The final step was completed when the Illinois State Board of Nursing approved Blessing-Rieman College’s LPN Ladder Option.

For more information about the Blessing-Rieman LPN Ladder Option, or any of the college’s other nursing or health sciences programs, contact the admissions office at 217-228-5520, ext. 6949, or email admissions@brcn.edu.