FYI: http://www.bnd.com/2011/01/19/155645...n-nursing.html

Southwestern Illinois College and McKendree University have joined forces to make it easier for nursing students at the two-year community college in Belleville to continue their education and earn a degree from the Lebanon-based four-year university.

"This partnership enables nursing students throughout Southern Illinois to advance their education and careers by ensuring a seamless transition into our (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program," said McKendree President James Dennis.

The partnership, also known as a dual admission agreement, allows students in SWIC's Nursing Education program to be simultaneously enrolled at McKendree and transfer directly to its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program once they have earned their Associate in Applied Science degree from SWIC.

"Student success is one of our core values and this agreement, like all of our dual admission agreements with quality institutions, underscores that commitment," said SWIC President Georgia Costello.

For more information about the nursing programs, contact the SWIC Nursing Education program at 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 5263, or the McKendree University Division of Nursing at 800-232-7228, ext. 6647.