PSB Test dates set for three Rend Lake College Allied Health programs

From ReAnne Palmer, Rend Lake College Public Information 

INA – Testing dates are set for students interested in three of Rend Lake College’s popular Allied Health programs this spring. Those interested in the Medical Assistant, Nursing, and Radiologic Technology programs can take the entrance exams early to complete their applications.

The entrance exam, called the Psychological Service Bureau (PSB) exam, is a five-part, computerized, timed test that is a requirement for the application process. The test costs $30 and is due at the time of registration, which must be done in person at the testing center, located in the Administration Building.

Students testing for the Medical Assistant and Radiologic Technology programs can test at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23 or Wednesday, Feb. 7; or at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, Wednesday, Feb. 7 or Thursday, March 29.

The Medical Assistant program offers an Associate in Applied Science degree requiring two years, or four semesters, of study or an occupational certificate option requiring 36 credit hours in two semesters. All general education courses are required for those who want to complete the associate degree program. The program will prepare students to work in medical offices, clinics, and other outpatient facilities doing a number of tasks, including maintaining appointment schedules and medical records, billing, recording vital signs, obtaining medical histories, and drawing blood.

The Radiologic Technology program prepares students for operating radiographic equipment through the study of human anatomy and clinical experience. Graduates will receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree after two years, or four semesters, of work. During this time, students can also choose to complete two occupational certificates requiring an extra 16 credit hours of study in a focus area: MRI or Computed Tomography.

Students testing for the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program can test at 9 a.m. on the following days: Friday, Jan. 26; Thursday, Feb. 15; Wednesday, Feb. 28; Wednesday, March 21; Tuesday, March 27; or Thursday, March 29. They can also test at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, Wednesday, Feb. 28; Wednesday, March 21; or Thursday, March 27.

The ADN program is a two-year, four-semester study into professional nursing that results in an Associate in Applied Science degree. Upon graduation, students are prepared to practice in a variety of health care settings with skills and knowledge gained from training and hands-on practice.

The job outlook for all three programs is increasing much faster than average, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with the creation of more than 650,000 new jobs combined between 2016 and 2026.

Students must bring photo identification for admission to the test. For questions about the PSB test, contact Beth Stevens in the Academic Advisement Center at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1266 or advisement@rlc.edu. To learn more about these programs, contact RLC’s Allied Health Division at Ext. 1251 or ah_info@rlc.edu.