Introduction:
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences is a private, non-profit institution located in Quincy, Illinois. It was founded in 1891 as a nursing school and has since expanded its offerings to include a wide range of health sciences programs. The college is known for its excellent academics, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to providing a hands-on, experiential education. In this blog post, we will explore some fun facts about Blessing-Rieman College that showcase its unique character and make it stand out from other institutions of higher learning.
A Legacy of Nursing Excellence
Blessing-Rieman College has a long and proud history of nursing education, dating back to its founding in 1891 as the Blessing Hospital Training School for Nurses. Today, the college continues to be a leader in nursing education, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
One of the most impressive things about Blessing-Rieman College’s nursing programs is the high pass rate for the NCLEX-RN exam, which is the national exam that all nursing graduates must pass in order to become licensed. The college consistently exceeds the national average pass rate, with an impressive 96.97% pass rate in 2020.
Blessing-Rieman College’s commitment to nursing excellence is further demonstrated by its state-of-the-art Simulation Center, which features high-fidelity patient simulators and other advanced technology to provide students with realistic, hands-on learning experiences. The college also has partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare facilities, giving students access to a wide range of clinical settings to enhance their learning.
Innovative Health Sciences Programs
In addition to its nursing programs, Blessing-Rieman College offers a variety of innovative health sciences programs that prepare students for careers in fields such as radiography, respiratory therapy, and medical laboratory science. These programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education that combines classroom learning with real-world experience.
One of the most unique health sciences programs at Blessing-Rieman College is the Medical Laboratory Science program, which prepares students for careers as clinical laboratory scientists. Students in this program have access to the college’s state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and receive hands-on training in all aspects of laboratory medicine, from hematology to microbiology.
Blessing-Rieman College’s Respiratory Therapy program is also highly regarded, with a 100% pass rate on the national credentialing exam in 2020. Students in this program receive hands-on training in respiratory care and have the opportunity to work with patients in a variety of clinical settings.
Strong Community Connections
Blessing-Rieman College has strong connections to the local community and is committed to serving the healthcare needs of the region. The college has partnerships with a number of local healthcare providers, including Blessing Hospital and the Quincy Medical Group, which provide students with opportunities for clinical experience and networking.
The college is also involved in a number of community outreach programs, such as the Blessing Breast Center, which provides breast cancer screening and support services to women in the region. Additionally, the college’s nursing students participate in a variety of service projects, such as blood drives and health fairs, to promote health and wellness in the community.
Campus Life
Blessing-Rieman College may be small, but it has a vibrant and active campus community. Students at the college have access to a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs, such as the Student Nurses Association and the Radiography Club. The college also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as the Blessing Health System Golf Tournament and the Blessing-Rieman Nursing Pinning Ceremony, which celebrates the accomplishments of nursing graduates.
The campus itself is also a beautiful and serene environment, with well-manicured grounds and modern, state-of-the-art facilities. The college’s main building, the Schmiedeskamp Center for Health Sciences Education, houses classrooms, labs, and simulation facilities, as well as administrative offices and a student lounge. The campus also features a new Student Success Center, which provides academic and career support services to students.
Technology and Innovation
Blessing-Rieman College is committed to staying on the cutting edge of technology and innovation in healthcare education. The college recently launched a new Health Informatics program, which prepares students for careers in healthcare information technology and data analytics. Students in this program learn how to use electronic health records, analyze healthcare data, and develop information systems to improve patient care.
The college is also committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, with a number of green initiatives in place to reduce its carbon footprint. The campus features a number of energy-efficient buildings, including the Schmiedeskamp Center, which was designed to maximize natural light and reduce energy consumption.
Alumni Success Stories
Blessing-Rieman College has a proud tradition of producing successful graduates who go on to make a difference in the healthcare industry. Alumni of the college can be found working in a variety of healthcare settings, from hospitals and clinics to research facilities and public health organizations.
One notable alumna of Blessing-Rieman College is Susan Hassmiller, who graduated from the nursing program in 1966. Hassmiller went on to become a nationally recognized nursing leader, serving as the Senior Advisor for Nursing at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and as a member of the National Academy of Medicine.
Another notable alumna is Bethany Wheeler, who graduated from the Medical Laboratory Science program in 2014. Wheeler is now a medical technologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where she works in the Microbiology Laboratory.
Conclusion:
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences is a unique and innovative institution that is dedicated to providing students with the highest quality education and preparing them for successful careers in healthcare. From its legacy of nursing excellence to its commitment to technology and sustainability, the college is constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare education. With a vibrant campus community and a strong network of alumni, Blessing-Rieman College is a truly special place that is making a difference in the world of healthcare.