Best Nursing Schools in the Quad Cities & Cost and Financial Aid

Nursing schools in the Quad Cities region, located in the heart of the Midwest, is home to a number of top-notch nursing schools. Whether you’re just starting out in your nursing career or looking to advance your education, this region has plenty of options for you. 

The Quad Cities are a group of five cities located on the Mississippi River in Iowa and Illinois. The cities include Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline in Illinois. 

The Quad Cities region has a population of over 400,000 people, making it a thriving and bustling area. The region is home to several major hospitals and healthcare providers, making it a prime location for nursing education.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at nursing schools in the Quad Cities, from the types of programs available to admission requirements, campus life, and job prospects.

Best Nursing Schools in the Quad Cities

There are several nursing schools in the Quad Cities that offer a variety of programs, from LPN to RN to BSN to MSN to DNP. Some of the top nursing schools in the region include:

• Black Hawk College: Located in Moline, IL, Black Hawk College offers an associate degree in nursing (ADN) program.

• Eastern Iowa Community College: With campuses in Davenport and Bettendorf, IA, Eastern Iowa Community College offers an ADN program as well as a practical nursing program.

• Saint Ambrose University: Located in Davenport, IA, Saint Ambrose University offers a BSN program, an RN to BSN program, an MSN program, and a DNP program.

• Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences: Located in Rock Island, IL, Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers an ADN program, a BSN program, an RN to BSN program, and an MSN program.

Accreditation and Licensure

When considering nursing schools in the Quad Cities, it’s important to make sure that the school is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). 

Accreditation ensures that the school meets certain standards for education and prepares students to take the NCLEX exam to become licensed nurses. 

Additionally, each state has its own Board of Nursing, and it’s important to make sure that the school you choose is approved by the state Board of Nursing.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary depending on the nursing program you’re interested in, but most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of prerequisite courses in math and science, and an entrance exam such as the ACT or SAT. 

Some programs also require a minimum GPA and letters of recommendation. It’s important to check with each individual nursing school for their specific admission requirements.

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Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of nursing education can vary widely depending on the program and the school you choose. Generally, community college programs are less expensive than four-year universities. In the Quad Cities region, tuition for an ADN program can range from $10,000 to $20,000, while a BSN program can cost upwards of $50,000. 

Financial aid options include scholarships, grants, and loans, and it’s important to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for aid.

Scholarships options available for nursing students in quad cities

There are a variety of scholarship options available for nursing students in the Quad Cities region. Here are a few examples:

1. Genesis Health Services Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is available to nursing students who are pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing and who reside in the Quad Cities region. The scholarship provides up to $5,000 per academic year and is renewable for up to three years.

2. Trinity Health Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is available to nursing students who are pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing and who reside in Rock Island County or Scott County. The scholarship provides up to $3,000 per academic year and is renewable for up to two years.

3. Iowa Nurses Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is available to nursing students who are enrolled in an accredited nursing program in Iowa, including those in the Quad Cities region. The scholarship provides up to $2,500 per academic year.

4. Illinois Nurses Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is available to nursing students who are enrolled in an accredited nursing program in Illinois, including those in the Quad Cities region. The scholarship provides up to $5,000 per academic year.

5. Eastern Iowa Community College Foundation Scholarships: Eastern Iowa Community College offers a variety of scholarships for nursing students, including the Betty Jane Clement Nursing Scholarship, the Carol Stevens Nursing Scholarship, and the Susan L. Morris Memorial Scholarship.

6. Saint Ambrose University Scholarships: Saint Ambrose University offers a range of scholarships for nursing students, including the Healthcare Leadership Scholarship, the Mercy Nursing Scholarship, and the Betty Woodruff Nursing Scholarship.

7. Black Hawk College Scholarships: Black Hawk College offers a number of scholarships for nursing students, including the Nursing Education Scholarship, the Nursing Resource Scholarship, and the Vesta A. Larson Memorial Scholarship.

Many scholarships have specific criteria, such as a minimum GPA or residency requirements, so be sure to read the application instructions thoroughly. Applying for scholarships can be a great way to reduce the cost of nursing education and make your career goals more achievable.

Clinical Placements and Job Prospects

Clinical placements are an essential part of nursing education, providing students with hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. The Quad Cities region is home to several major hospitals, including Genesis Health System, UnityPoint Health, and Trinity Health, which offer a wide range of clinical placements to nursing students. 

After graduation, nursing graduates in the Quad Cities have a variety of job prospects available to them, including roles in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for registered nurses in the Quad Cities region is $62,680.

Conclusion

Nursing schools in the Quad Cities offer a variety of programs to help you achieve your nursing career goals. Whether you’re interested in becoming an LPN, RN, or pursuing a higher degree, the Quad Cities region has options for you. It’s important to research each nursing school carefully to ensure that it meets your needs and is accredited by the appropriate agencies. 

With access to clinical placements, resources, and job prospects, nursing students in the Quad Cities are well-prepared to enter the healthcare workforce and make a positive impact in their communities.