How long is the program?

Graham Hospital School of Nursing is a 3-year diploma program. We have only fall and spring semesters.

Is the nursing program accredited?

Graham Hospital School of Nursing is approved by the Illinois State Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and has been accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), an accreditation reserved for quality educational programs in nursing.

When do you start a new class?

A new class is started each August. We do not have spring semester admissions.

Does the school have a waiting list?

Students who are not offered admission in March will be placed on a waiting list to be called if an opening becomes available for the fall. Applicants that are placed on the waiting list are not guaranteed admission the following academic year. They must reapply.

Do I need to be a nursing assistant to apply to the program?

No. Some students have previous healthcare experience, but none is required for admission to our nursing program.

Will I get an associate or a bachelor's degree?

Graham Hospital School of Nursing is not a college and does not confer degrees. You will earn a diploma in nursing. Like ADN and BSN programs, however, the diploma qualifies you to become an RN.

What if I am an LPN?

Applicants who meet advance placement criteria shall receive 15 nursing credits toward the completion of our diploma program and will enter the program at the 2nd year, taking NUR 210 during the fall semester. More detailed LPN advanced placement requirements may be found in the admission section or the school catalog section of this website.

What are the prerequisites for your program?

The minimum requirements for admission are listed in the admissions section of our web site. We require a “C” or better in all of your basic high school courses such as English, Math, Biology (within the last 5 years), Chemistry, and Social Sciences. If you are returning to school after several years off, you may need to take a Biology class prior to admission. It is also a good idea to take a math placement test at a local junior college to see if you need to brush up on your math skills. Statistics is a required course in our curriculum and some students need to take a math course before they will be allowed into Statistics.

What if I already have some college credit or a degree?

Graham Hospital School of Nursing is not a college and does not confer degrees. You will earn a diploma in nursing. Like ADN and BSN programs, however, the diploma qualifies you to become an  RN.

What do I need to do in order to apply for admission?

Students interested in admission to Graham Hospital School of Nursing must arrange to have a pre-admission interview and submit all of the following:

A favorable criminal background check and a drug screening done by Graham Hospital is also required before final admission to Graham Hospital School of Nursing. Once all of the above information has been received by the Coordinator of Student Affairs, you will be placed on the list to be reviewed for admission. If your file is not complete, you will not be included in the applicant pool. Applicants will be notified of their admission status via phone and in writing after the review date. All applicants need to be aware that meeting standards at the minimum level does not ensure admission to the school.

Where do I have to go for my clinical training?

Most of your clinical training will be held at Graham Hospital. We also utilize clinical sites in the surrounding Fulton County area, Macomb, and Peoria.

What is the cost of attending Graham Hospital School of Nursing?

Approximate direct costs (tuition, fees) are $20,500 plus books for the 3 year program. Tuition includes the required support courses students take at Spoon River College while enrolled in Graham Hospital School of Nursing. (SRC tuition is calculated at the basic credit hour rate.  Cost is more for online courses.)   The current year’s tuition is listed in the school catalog and on the website.

How do I file for financial aid?

Filing for your financial aid is easy! Apply for student aid at www.studentaid.gov. Have your most current tax return ready. You will need information from it to file for financial aid. Applying for federal student aid is FREE. Beware of scams and services that will search for financial aid money for you for a fee.