Student enrollment climbed by double-digits at Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing & Health Sciences in Quincy, IL, for the 2023-2024 academic year. Admission is up just over 14%, the largest increase since 2020. The total number of Blessing-Rieman students is 311 compared to 267 in the 2022-23 school year.
Brenda Beshears, PhD, RN, president and chief executive officer, credits the enrollment jump to new programs, new ways to earn a Blessing-Rieman degree and financial support.
“Over the past several years we have expanded program offerings to sustain the College’s enrollment and to provide the supply of excellent, competent, health care professionals our region needs,” she said. “We also offer a variety of pathways to start and complete our programs which provides flexibility and affordability for our students.”
Dr. Beshears explained the largest areas of enrollment growth are in the radiology program and in the Direct Transfer option for nursing, radiology and respiratory care degrees. The Direct Transfer option allows students to transfer directly to Blessing-Rieman after completing their pre-requisite courses at another educational institution.
Affordability also plays a role in drawing students to Blessing-Rieman. Students who qualify can utilize the Blessing Education Revolving Fund Loan (BERF) which pays for 100% of tuition and fees. This loan will be forgiven for students who choose to stay and work for Blessing Health System.
The college also offers an Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology degree, an RN-BSN online completion program, an online Master of Science in Nursing program as well as dual enrollment courses for high school students.
For more information about the programs offered, contact the Blessing-Rieman Admissions Office at 217-228-5520, ext. 6949 or email at admissions@brcn.edu.