An Illinois community college recently launched an accelerated program to help licensed nurses receive a higher level of education.

According to the Belleville News-Democrat, the school will receive $309,440 in federal aid to establish a registered nurse bridge program. The one-year curriculum is intended for students who have already earned their licensed practical nurse (LPN) certificate to obtain an associate's degree and become registered nurses (RN).

The grant is part of $5.3 million in federal funds that were allocated to the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. An official from the community college said that the Institute of Medicine recommends that nurses in the U.S. receive higher levels of education, the news provider reports.

The official also believes that a greater demand for qualified nurses will emerge as new healthcare reform policies begin to take shape.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for registered nursed will grow by 22 percent over the next decade. The bureau projects that increased numbers in the elderly population will contribute to a higher demand for RNs.

Students may consider enrolling in an online college to gain knowledge in this field.