1905
Peoria, IL

School Details

Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is a private, not-for-profit institution located in Peoria, Illinois that is dedicated to educating compassionate and skilled nursing professionals. Saint Francis Medical Center College for Nurses is owned by the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. It is also one of the largest Catholic healthcare facilities in the United States. The school had its beginning in 1905 as the St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing. The school was intended for “Sisters” or nuns only. In 1918, it started to admit lay students, as well. In 1950, it received accreditation of the diploma program from the National League of Nursing. From 1905 to 1987 the college graduated close to 3400 students from the diploma program. In 1985, the Department of Professional Regulations approved the addition of a baccalaureate program. Today, the school continues its history of providing nursing education to those who are dedicated to providing health care to sick, poor, and injured people in the community. The mission of this institution is “to provide nursing education programs at the undergraduate and graduate level…The College serves the community by providing competent entry-level and advanced practitioners responsive to the changing health needs of society and the health care system.”

Saint Francis Medical Center offers upper-division undergraduate and graduate nursing programs that include a hands-on clinical practice that gives students great experience in their field. The undergraduate program prepares men and women for the practice of professional nursing, awarding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students in the graduate program can pursue either a Doctor of Nursing Practice or a Master of Science in Nursing. 

Saint Francis offers distance learning options as well. There are 100% online degrees and hybrid degrees. Saint Francis online degrees are taught by faculty who are committed to providing high-quality learning experiences and to being accessible to students.

Accreditation & Licensing

Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is accredited by:

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

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