Best RN Programs in Illinois for 2024

McHenry County College is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois.  Their nursing department offers an AAS degree and an LPN to AAS degree.  McHenry County College also offers an RN to BSN Partnership Program with Aurora University  - Woodstock Center.  If enrolled in this program, McHenry nursing students will have direct admission to Aurora's RN to BSN program.

Joliet Junior College is located in Joliet, Illinois.  The College of Nursing at Joliet Junior College offers a practical nursing program, a military corpsman to practical nurse program, an RN program and an LPN transition to RN program.  Their LPN to RN program is competitive and their admission requirements are more rigorous than other LPN to RN programs; for example, an exam that predicts success on the NCLEX-RN must be taken prior to admittance into the program.

Southeastern Illinois College was founded in 1960 and is located in Harrisburg, IL. They offer an ACEN accredited ADN program that gives students in-depth training in general nursing as well as in specialty sectors such as obstetrics and pediatrics. The nursing program is a two-semester program that begins each fall and accepts 30 students annually. Their program is designed so that students first complete the Practical Nursing program, after which students may practice as licensed practical nurses. Or they may choose to reapply and continue to earn their ADN agree. This strategy aims to concentrate ADN students who are serious and passionate about the field.

Students benefit from small class sizes, engaged peers, and faculty members who offer guidance in academics and career planning. Students are admitted based on their TEAS score, though other factors are weighed in as well. Southeastern Illinois College has an active nursing club that engages with the community through service and advocacy, aiming to increase the presence and voices of aspiring nurses as well as those of nursing professionals.

Southwestern Illinois College has locations in Belleville, Granite City and Red Bud, Illinois.  They offer an RN program.  They also have an LPN Articulation program.  This program allows LPNs to take prerequisite classes as required; if all classes are passed successfully in the allotted time frame, "escrowed" credits will be awarded.  If the LPN does not want to go through this process, they may opt to enroll in the general RN program.

John A. Logan College is located in Carterville, IL. They offer an ACEN accredited ADN program that only admits students who have completed a Practical Nursing program and have obtained their LPN license. The program does have two options for curriculum delivery, either traditionally or in a hybrid format. Do note that students can enroll in JALC’s PN program, but they cannot immediately transition into the ADN program. Students must work and gain experience for one year after licensure before applying to the ADN program.

John A. Logan College fosters a diverse and supportive student community. The nursing program is rooted in Maslow’s theory of needs, aiming to prepare students who can resolve those lower, physiological needs of their patients so that they can go back out into the world pursuing their desired paths. Students will be trained to provide competent, evidence-based care, and will be guided by a supportive group of faculty and peers.

Kaskaskia College offers an Associate Nursing Degree (ADN) Program, a Nurse Assistant Certificate (CNA), and a Practical Nursing Certificate (LPN). The ADN Program is ACEN accredited and boasts a 96% NCLEX-RN pass rate and 100% job placement. New students are admitted four times per year. This program focuses on students’ ability to provide nursing care in various settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, physician’s offices, and community agencies. Kaskaskia’s Nursing Education Center has a simulation lab and convenient clinical sites.

Completion of the Nurse Assistant Certificate Program leads to the CNA credential. After completion of the seven-week program, students can provide basic care and assist patients with activities of daily living.

The Practical Nursing Certificate (LPN) program is three semesters long and admits new students twice a year. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam. This program prepares students to work in a variety of healthcare settings under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Physician.

Oakton Community College is located in Des Plaines, Illinois.  There is also a campus in Skokie, Illinois.  They offer an RN program and an LPN to RN bridge program.  The RN program is offered twice yearly, whereas the bridge program is only offered once per year.  The LPN seeking entrance into their program must have a minimum of two years of nursing experience prior to admission.

Heartland Community College offers an ACEN accredited Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, a one-year Practical Nursing Certificate Sequence, as well as an LPN to ADN Program. The AAS is a two year program with an optional preparation course for the NCLEX-PN exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Admission to this program is selective, limited to 40 students per year. Applications are accepted starting October 1st through March 1st.

The LPN to ADN Program is an accelerated program that results in an Associate Degree in Nursing. This option allows LPN licensed students who have worked 1000 hours to complete the second year classes in 2-3 semesters, and additionally prepares them for the NCLEX-RN exam. Applications for this program are accepted from October 1^st through January 15^th.

Collaborative partnerships with Illinois State University and other 4-year universities are also offered, allowing students to complete a baccalaureate in nursing. There’s an additional pathway for those seeking a transfer preparation program, the Associate in Arts (AA) with a Concentration in Nursing. It’s a 60-credit hour program especially tailored for those seeking to finish their studies at a 4-year university in Illinois.

HCC’s nursing school equips students with theoretical knowledge and technical skills to excel in the nursing industry. With a focus on improving patient’s quality of life and helping them regain their health, the program also places a focus on students’ ability to function as a core member of a healthcare team. Admission to this program is selective, limited to 40 students per year.

Harper College is located in Palatine, Illinois.  Their nursing department graduated their first RNs in 1967.  They offer a practical nursing program, and RN program and an RN to BSN completion program.  Harper College is partnered with Benedictine University to offer the RN to BSN program on the Harper College campus for its RNs.

Elgin Community College is located in Elgin, Illinois.  Elgin Community College has a variety of degree options; many of these associate's degrees are designed so that after completion, the graduate can enter a university seamlessly and complete their bachelor's degree.  They offer an RN program and offer their students guidance throughout the program, should they want to complete a BSN degree after graduation.

Kishwaukee College is located in Malta, Illinois.  Their nursing program began in 1970, but evolved into an RN program in 1975.  They graduate 80 new RNs yearly.  At this time, their program is strictly an RN program, without an LPN to RN option.

Rock Valley College is located in Rockford, Illinois.  They offer an AAS RN degree.  Rock Valley College also has a partnership with five local universities (Indiana-Wesleyan University, Northern Illinois University, Olivet-Nazarene University, St. Anthony College of Nursing and University of Illinois in Chicago); these universities offer RN to BSN programs that Rock Valley College RN graduates may attend after passing their NCLEX-RN.