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The Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Nursing Program has earned statewide recognition for excellence in nursing education.
PracticalNursing.org ranked Olney Central College and Wabash Valley College No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in its 2026 list of the Top Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) programs in Illinois.
A trusted source for nursing education information, licensure guidance and career resources, PracticalNursing.org provides data-driven rankings to help prospective students identify quality nursing programs.
The annual rankings recognize programs that demonstrate excellence in preparing the next generation of nurses. Both OCC and WVC were singled out for the honor because of their flexible exit pathways and hands-on training, which open expanded opportunities for nursing students across Southeastern Illinois.
Among the program’s defining features is its distinctive summer “exit” course, offered between the first and second years of the Associate Degree Nursing Program. This option allows students to earn LPN licensure while continuing their progress toward an associate degree and eligibility for registered nurse licensure.
“Our Practical Nursing Program is unique as a ladder program within the state of Illinois,” said Dr. Alanni Frederick, IECC Dean of Health Professions. “We are able to educate our students concurrently and get them into the workforce faster. Due to the unique setup and strong preparation, our students are able to be successful both in licensure and at the bedside. Examining board scores, graduate feedback and employer evaluations allows us to ensure our program is prepared to educate at the highest level.”
The rankings were based on several factors, including accreditation, program quality and academic excellence, affordability, learning flexibility and admission rates.
“IECC is committed to ensuring that local students receive a strong education to give back to our local communities,” Frederick said. “With a program like nursing, our students learn how to care in our community and for our community.”
For Frederick, the top rankings underscore the impact of the IECC Nursing Program and the opportunities it provides for students to build successful healthcare careers.
“We want our prospective students to know that a high-quality education is available in our own backyard,” she added. “If you have ever thought about healthcare, now is the time.”
To learn more about the IECC Nursing Program, visit www.iecc.edu/nursing. Additional information regarding the PracticalNursing.org rankings is available at: https://www.practicalnursing.org/lpn-programs/illinois.
