New Medic-to-LPN Bridge Program Starting in March 2015 – Apply Now!

New Medic-to-LPN Bridge Program Starting in March 2015 – Apply Now!

 The demand for nurses is on the rise – experts note that there will be thousands of job openings between now and 2020 – and veterans with relevant experience are extremely well-suited for these careers.  That’s why our department teamed up with several colleges to launch a Military Bridge Program that gives credit for prior learning and offers eligible veterans an accelerated way to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

College of DuPage, Joliet Junior College, and Illinois Central College are now offering an 8-week, 6-credit program customized for veterans who have previous training through the METC Basic Medical Technician Corpsman Program.  Students completing the LPN Bridge Program will be awarded a Practical Nursing Certificate and will be eligible to sit for the national Practical Nurse Licensing Exam (NCLEX-PN).  See the attached brochure for more details.

SAVING VETERANS TIME AND MONEY

It’s important to underscore how valuable this program is, particularly how it saves veterans time and money in obtaining a high-demand professional certification:

·         Tuition and Fees are reduced from approximately $15,360 to $2,950.  That’s a savings of more than $12,000 (costs may vary slightly based on the college).

·         Training Requirements are reduced from roughly 1,600 hours to 250 hours (42 credit hours to 6 credit hours).  That’s an 18-month reduction.

 PROGRAM START/END DATES

·         March 9 to May 8, 2015 – Joliet Junior College

·         June 8 to August 2, 2015 – College of DuPage

·         August 17 to October 10, 2015 – Illinois Central College (in East Peoria)

 ELIGIBILITY

Open to Navy and Air Force veterans that successfully completed the METC Basic Medical Technician Corpsman Program within the last five years (Navy Corpsman, Air Force Med Techs, etc.).  If more than five years, demonstrate at least one year of experience using corpsman skills in last five years (as verified by a letter from a current and/or previous employer).

IN-DISTRICT TUITION

Students will be charged in-district tuition regardless of where they live.

 For more info on how veterans can turn their military learning into career and credentialing opportunities, visit www.veterans.illinois.gov/statelicenses.