Healthcare Education Programs at Southwestern Illinois College – Red Bud, IL
Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), located in Red Bud, Illinois, offers a range of healthcare education programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in the healthcare industry. These programs are tailored to meet the current demands of the healthcare field, combining theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. Below are the healthcare education programs available at the Red Bud campus.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Program
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program at SWIC equips students with the skills needed to provide basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors. The program covers a broad range of topics, including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, and maternal-newborn nursing. Students participate in both classroom instruction and clinical experiences in various healthcare settings.
Program Highlights:
- Duration: Approximately one year of full-time study
- Clinical Experience: Rotations in hospitals, nursing homes, and community health settings
- Certification: Prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure
Medical Assistant Program
The Medical Assistant program trains students to perform both administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings. Coursework in the program includes medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, clinical procedures, and medical law and ethics. Students gain hands-on experience through an externship in a real-world medical environment.
Program Highlights:
- Duration: Typically two semesters
- Skills Learned: Patient interaction, taking vital signs, administering medications, and performing laboratory tests
- Certification: Opportunity to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the AAMA
Pharmacy Technician Program
SWIC’s Pharmacy Technician program prepares students to assist pharmacists in the preparation and dispensing of medications. The curriculum includes instruction in pharmaceutical calculations, drug classifications, and pharmacy law and ethics. Additionally, students receive practical training in a pharmacy setting to gain real-world experience.
Program Highlights:
- Duration: Can be completed in two semesters
- Clinical Experience: Hands-on training in retail and hospital pharmacies
- Certification: Prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program
The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program at SWIC trains students to provide critical care at the scene of an emergency and during transport to medical facilities. The program includes coursework in trauma management, emergency response, ambulance operations, and patient assessment. Students gain practical experience through simulations and field internships.
Program Highlights:
- Duration: Approximately one semester
- Skills Learned: CPR, airway management, and emergency intervention techniques
- Certification: Prepares students for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam
Phlebotomy Technician Program
The Phlebotomy Technician program trains students in the techniques of drawing blood for tests, transfusions, research, and blood donations. The coursework includes instruction in anatomy and physiology, blood collection procedures, and safety protocols. Students gain practical experience through hands-on training sessions.
Program Highlights:
- Duration: One semester
- Skills Learned: Venipuncture, capillary puncture, and proper handling of specimens
- Certification: Prepares students for certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Get Started Today
Southwestern Illinois College in Red Bud, IL, offers a comprehensive range of healthcare education programs to suit various interests and career goals. With a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and real-world clinical experiences, these programs prepare students to enter the healthcare workforce with the skills and confidence needed to excel. Explore these programs and take the first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare. For more information and to apply, visit SWIC’s official website.