MCC waits for chance to wear scrubs

McHenry County College health care students soon may have the chance to scrub in for a new professional opportunity.

If the college receives final approval Monday from the Illinois Community College Board, it will be able to offer an associate's degree program in nursing next fall.

It's about time, said Joan Flanagan, dean of MCC's Health Career Programs and nursing administrator.

"It's been really nice that surrounding community colleges took our students who were interested … before, but it's time we meet that need ourselves."

The college offers its own basic nurse assistant training program, and a Licensed Practical Nurse certificate program through a partnership with Rock Valley College.

"An associate degree would be the next step," Flanagan said, noting that health careers feature some of the college's most well-attended programs.

Advertised as a two-year program, Flanagan said the degree is completed by most community college students in three years.

The college has held a number of information sessions for students interested in the new nursing program.

"Each session has been attended by roughly 30 or 40 individuals of all different ages and backgrounds," she said.

MCC's quest to add the program to its roster began with a feasibility study approved by the Illinois Board of Nursing and the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.

"Once that was approved, we developed a curriculum and a list of potential faculty," Flanagan said.

The Illinois Board of Nursing and the Illinois Board of Higher Education already have approved the program.

"We're hopeful that we'll get the final 'yes' on Monday," Flanagan said.