Best Illinois LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026

Illinois offers structured LPN to RN bridge programs focused on advancing clinical and theoretical knowledge. Students study advanced health sciences and participate in supervised clinical rotations. These programs are aligned with state licensure standards and prepare nurses for RN practice across healthcare settings.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.

Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.

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2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in Illinois

If you're an LPN in Illinois looking to advance your career to become an RN, you're in the right place. At practicalnursing.org, we've carefully reviewed and ranked the best LPN to RN programs across the state to help you find a path that fits your needs. Our rankings highlight programs that offer flexible schedules, strong support, and quality education to make your transition smoother. We focus on what matters most to working nurses, so you can trust our picks to guide your decision. For details on how we create these rankings, check out our methodology page. https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/

Saint Xavier University

Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - sxu.edu

Associate - LPN to BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Saint Xavier University's LPN to BSN program offers an accelerated, campus-based pathway for LPNs to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1-2 years. This CCNE-accredited program includes 36 credit hours with advanced placement, focusing on pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment. Students benefit from small classes, experienced faculty, and clinical experiences across diverse settings, utilizing a Simulation and Integrated Learning Center. At $750 per credit and approximately $27,000 total cost, it prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN. As a bachelor's program, it may require ACT or SAT exams, but this is not explicitly stated.

Advanced placement for LPNs
CCNE-accredited nursing program
36 total credit hours
1-2 year completion time
On-campus learning format
Clinical experiences across settings
Simulation and Integrated Learning Center
Small class sizes
Experienced professional faculty

Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

The LPN to BSN track at Saint Xavier University provides a streamlined route for licensed practical nurses to become registered nurses through an on-campus program completed in 1-2 years. Emphasizing professional development, it offers advanced placement credit and covers health promotion, risk reduction, and illness management. With 36 credit hours, CCNE accreditation, and tuition around $27,000, the program includes clinical experiences and a simulation center. For this bachelor's level offering, ACT or SAT entrance exams might be required, though it is not specified.

On-Campus Program
36 Total Credit Hours
1-2 Years Completion Time
Advanced Placement Credit
CCNE Accredited Program
Per Credit Tuition: $750
Approximate Total Cost: $27,000
Clinical Experiences Included
Small Class Sizes
Simulation Learning Center

Show 1 More Programs ˅

McHenry County College

Crystal Lake, IL - Public 2-Year - mchenry.edu

Associate - LPN to RN Bridge

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

McHenry County College's LPN to RN Bridge Program is a hybrid offering that blends online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals, ideal for working LPNs. It emphasizes professional nursing roles and core practices, requiring a valid Illinois LPN license and the TEAS entrance exam for admission. Approved by the Illinois Board of Nursing, the program prepares graduates for various healthcare environments, with scholarships enhancing accessibility. This flexible pathway ensures a smooth transition to RN licensure, focusing on practical skills and career advancement without a specified concentration.

Hybrid program format.
Approved by Illinois Board.
Requires valid LPN license.
TEAS exam prerequisite.
Scholarships available.
Blends online and on-campus learning.
Focuses on professional nursing roles.
Clinical experience included.
Flexible for working professionals.
Prepares for diverse healthcare settings.

Bradley University

Peoria, IL - Private 4-year - bradley.edu

Associate - Nursing - Licensed Practical Nurse Entry

Campus Based - Visit Website

Bradley University's LPN to RN program in Peoria enables licensed practical nurses to advance to registered nursing roles through a campus-based pathway. It emphasizes diverse clinical experiences in urban and rural settings, including exposure to three major hospitals, fostering skills from community health to critical care. The curriculum awards 11 transfer credits for prior nursing education and totals 102 credit hours, with clinicals starting in the junior year. Small team sizes and one-on-one faculty mentoring support NCLEX-RN exam preparation, enhancing professional networking without requiring an ACT or SAT, as it's a bachelor's-level program.

LPN to RN pathway
11 credit hours transfer
Clinical experiences junior year
Urban and rural healthcare exposure
NCLEX-RN exam preparation
Diverse clinical settings
Total program: 102 credit hours
Professional networking opportunities
Small clinical teams
One-on-one faculty mentoring

Joliet Junior College

Joliet, IL - Public 2-Year - jjc.edu

Associate - LPN to Registered Nurse (R.N.) Transition

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Joliet Junior College's LPN to Registered Nurse (R.N.) Transition program is a hybrid offering that blends online coursework with in-person clinical experiences and simulations, ideal for Illinois LPNs aiming to become RNs. It awards an Associate in Applied Science degree and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, with no entrance exam required. Prerequisites include a valid Illinois LPN license and completion of general education courses with a 'C' or better. Key benefits include high NCLEX-RN pass rates, small class sizes, cost-effectiveness, and pathways for further education through BSN transition agreements.

Hybrid learning format.
High NCLEX-RN pass rates.
Small class sizes.
Cost-effective program.
Seamless BSN transition agreements.
Clinical experiences in community.
No expiration on general education.
Requires Illinois LPN license.
General education prerequisites.
AAS degree upon completion.

Parkland College

Champaign, IL - Public 2-Year - parkland.edu

Associate - Nursing - LPN to ADN Bridge

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Parkland College's Nursing - LPN to ADN Bridge program provides a hybrid pathway for LPNs to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing, accredited by ACEN. It blends online coursework with on-campus classes in the final semester, featuring clinical rotations at Carle and OSF Heart of Mary medical centers. The program includes advanced simulation labs to enhance practical skills and prepares graduates for RN licensure and entry-level roles in diverse healthcare settings. Admission is competitive, with limited spots available each fall and spring, focusing on integrating theory with hands-on experience. No entrance exam is required for this associate-level program.

Accredited by ACEN.
Hybrid program format.
Clinicals at Carle, OSF.
State-of-the-art simulation labs.
Prepares for RN licensure.
Limited admission twice yearly.
Combines theory and practice.
Online and on-campus classes.
Focus on entry-level nursing.
Emphasizes practical skills.

*U.S. Department of Education, NCES, IPEDS 2023 data files.

Illinois LPN to RN Program Overview

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

Active, unencumbered LPN license. Applicants are typically required to hold a current practical nurse license and be graduates of a state-approved practical nursing program. Some Illinois programs give advanced standing to recent LPN graduates or those who demonstrate current competence.
General education and science prerequisites. Most Illinois LPN to RN bridges expect prior completion of college-level Anatomy and Physiology I and II with lab, Microbiology with lab, English composition, psychology, human growth and development, and a quantitative course such as statistics or college algebra. Minimum grade and cumulative GPA cutoffs usually apply.
Clinical readiness requirements. Proof of current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers, immunizations and titers, TB screening, physical exam clearance, criminal background check and drug screening are standard for clinical placement in Illinois healthcare facilities.
Placement or transition assessments. Some programs use exams to award advanced standing to LPNs or require transition coursework before entering core RN classes.
Work experience considerations. Many Illinois schools welcome currently working LPNs and may allow you to validate skills, earn credit for prior learning, or tailor clinicals around your experience and work schedule.
Licensure pathway note. To become licensed as an RN in Illinois, graduates must complete an approved RN program and pass the NCLEX-RN, then apply for licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Program Curriculum and Accreditation

LPN to RN bridge curricula in Illinois are designed to build on practical nursing experience while expanding clinical judgment and scope of practice. Students typically complete a transition course that bridges PN to RN competencies, followed by sequenced nursing courses with integrated clinical rotations.

Core nursing study. Adult medical surgical nursing across the lifespan, pharmacology and medication safety, health assessment, pathophysiology, maternal newborn nursing, pediatric nursing, mental health nursing, and community or population health.
Clinical learning. Supervised, direct patient care in Illinois hospitals and community settings, skills labs, and simulation experiences that reinforce evidence-based practice, care coordination, and interprofessional communication.
Professional formation. Leadership and delegation, legal and ethical issues under the Illinois Nurse Practice Act, quality improvement, informatics, and preparation for NCLEX-RN testing strategies.

Accreditation and state approval matter in Illinois. To be eligible for RN licensure, you must graduate from a program approved by the state. National accreditation by ACEN or CCNE signals that a program meets rigorous quality standards, supports transfer of credits to higher degrees, can affect eligibility for some forms of financial aid, and is valued by many Illinois employers.

LPN to RN Schools and Classes

Illinois offers LPN to RN options at community and technical colleges, public universities, and private institutions. Community colleges commonly offer LPN to ADN pathways focused on rapid entry into RN practice, while universities may offer LPN to BSN options that add broader general education, leadership, and public health content. Classroom delivery can be traditional, hybrid, or partly online, but all programs include in-person clinical requirements at approved Illinois sites.

Representative coursework includes transition to professional nursing, comprehensive health assessment with lab, advanced medical surgical nursing, care of childbearing and childrearing families, psychiatric mental health nursing, community health, leadership and management, nursing research or evidence-based practice, and NCLEX preparation. Clinical hours progress from foundational skill application to management of multiple patients and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.

Career Outlook

Registered nurses in Illinois work in hospitals, ambulatory care, community health centers, long term care, schools, and home health. Scheduling varies by setting, with hospitals operating around the clock and offering day, evening, night, weekend, and 12 hour shifts. Outpatient and community roles may provide more traditional business hour schedules.

Demand for RNs in Illinois is supported by population health needs, chronic disease management, and workforce turnover. Compared with LPN roles, RNs in Illinois have a broader scope that includes comprehensive assessment, independent nursing diagnosis, development and management of care plans, patient education for complex conditions, and leadership and coordination responsibilities. These differences generally correspond to wider job options, opportunities for specialization, and higher earning potential relative to LPN positions.

LPN to RN Program Length

Full-time bridge programs. Many Illinois LPN to ADN pathways can be completed in about 12 to 18 months after prerequisites, depending on the amount of advanced standing awarded. LPN to BSN pathways often require 24 to 36 months of full-time nursing study once prerequisites are met.
Part-time options. Designed for working LPNs, part-time tracks extend completion to roughly 18 to 30 months for ADN pathways and 3 to 4 years for BSN pathways after prerequisites.
Evening and weekend formats. Select Illinois programs organize labs and classes during evenings or weekends with clinicals scheduled to meet site availability. These formats typically mirror part-time timelines and can extend the overall duration to accommodate working professionals.

2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Illinois

If you're looking to become a registered nurse in Illinois, faster LPN to RN programs can help you reach your goals sooner. These programs are designed to build on your experience, allowing you to advance your career without a long wait. In places like Chicago or downstate areas, you can find options that fit your schedule. The quickest paths often focus on what you already know, so you spend less time in school. When choosing, look at graduation and retention rates to see how well students do. This can give you confidence that you'll finish on time and start working faster in cities across the state.

School Name	Highlights	Retention & Grad Rates
Saint Xavier University LPN to BSN	On-Campus Program 36 Total Credit Hours 1-2 Years Completion Time Advanced Placement Credit CCNE Accredited Program Per Credit Tuition: $750 Approximate Total Cost: $27,000 Clinical Experiences Included	Graduation Rate: 59% Retention Rate: 74% Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Heartland Community College LPN to ADN Program	Advanced placement for LPNs 2-3 semester completion time NCLEX-RN exam preparation Proficiency credits awarded Off-campus clinical experiences Selective admission program Unencumbered Illinois LPN license required	Graduation Rate: 52% Retention Rate: 70% Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College LPN-Bridge Pathway	Complete RN in 3 semesters Prior learning credit awarded Requires specific prerequisites Designed for working LPNs Advanced nursing career path	Graduation Rate: 33% Retention Rate: 71% Student to Faculty Ratio: 29:1

*Data sourced from: NCES IPEDS survey, 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Tuition and Costs

Tuition in Illinois varies by institution type and residency.

LPN to ADN at community and technical colleges. In district tuition is usually the most affordable, with total program tuition commonly ranging from the low thousands to the low five figures depending on credits accepted, nursing credit hours, and fees.
LPN to BSN at public universities. In state tuition is higher than community college rates, with total nursing tuition often in the mid to high five figures. Private institutions may be higher.
Additional costs. Required expenses may include application and testing fees, textbooks and e resources, uniforms and clinical supplies, background check and drug screening, immunizations, CPR certification, health insurance for clinicals if required, transportation and parking, NCLEX registration, and state licensure application fees.
Living costs vary widely across Illinois. Urban areas such as the Chicago metro tend to have higher rents than smaller cities and rural regions. Students should budget for housing or commuting based on their campus and clinical locations.

2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Illinois

Finding affordable LPN to RN programs in Illinois is key for many students. These programs help you move up in your nursing career without a big financial burden. In 2026, you can look for Associate or Bachelor's degrees across the state, from big cities like Chicago to other regions. The focus is on keeping tuition low and making education cost-effective. This way, more people can get the training they need to become registered nurses and fill important healthcare jobs in Illinois.

School Name	Highlights	Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Joliet Junior College LPN to Registered Nurse (R.N.) Transition	Hybrid learning format. High NCLEX-RN pass rates. Small class sizes. Cost-effective program. Seamless BSN transition agreements. Clinical experiences in community. No expiration on general education. Requires Illinois LPN license.	$10,200 - $15,300 (Undergrad In-State) $11,000 - $16,600 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Triton College LPN to RN Transition	Campus-based program. Earn Associate in Applied Science. Qualify for NCLEX-RN exam. Accredited by ACEN. Clinical experiences in diverse settings. Requires Triton College application. Submit relevant transcripts. Placement exams required.	$9,400 - $14,100 (Undergrad In-State) $11,900 - $17,900 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Southwestern Illinois College LPN Bridge Nursing Education	Three-semester LPN Bridge program ACEN accredited nursing program Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam Clinical experiences from first semester Multiple campus location options Financial aid available 16 students per cohort	$5,100 - $7,700 (Undergrad In-State) $5,000 - $7,500 (Undergrad Non-Resident)

*Official IPEDS 2023 data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?

Illinois students can often complete some nursing theory and general education courses online or in a hybrid format. However, all LPN to RN pathways include required in person components. Skills labs must be completed on campus, and clinical rotations take place at approved Illinois healthcare facilities under faculty supervision. Simulation may supplement clinical learning but does not replace the need for direct patient care experiences. Fully online LPN to RN programs are not feasible because of these clinical and hands-on requirements.

LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Illinois

NCLEX-RN Exam Information

Graduates of LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge programs must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a Registered Nurse in Illinois. Candidates apply to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) for licensure by examination and register for the NCLEX-RN. After the Board confirms eligibility, you receive an Authorization to Test and schedule the exam. Illinois follows the national retesting policy that allows multiple retakes with a minimum 45-day wait between attempts. For exam format, registration, and testing policies, consult the official NCLEX site.

State-specific notes: Illinois requires an approved nursing education program, a criminal background check with fingerprints, and official transcripts as part of the application. Exam results are transmitted to the Board; upon passing and completing all requirements, IDFPR issues the RN license.

RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact

Illinois uses licensure by endorsement for RNs already licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction. Endorsement applicants submit verification of original licensure and education, complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check, and meet all Illinois requirements. Illinois does not maintain separate reciprocity agreements with individual states; practice in Illinois requires an Illinois RN license.

Illinois became a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) on July 27, 2023. Nurses holding a multistate license from another compact state may practice in Illinois under their multistate license, provided Illinois is not their primary state of residence. Illinois RNs whose primary state of residence is Illinois are eligible to apply for a multistate license, which allows them to practice in other compact states.

Licensure Requirements

The Illinois Board of Nursing within IDFPR regulates RN licensure. Key requirements for licensure by examination include:

Completion of an approved RN education program (such as an LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN) that meets Illinois standards
Application for licensure by examination to IDFPR, including required fees
Fingerprint-based criminal background check
Official transcripts sent directly from the nursing program
Registration for and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN
For internationally educated applicants, an approved credential evaluation and proof of English proficiency, as applicable

For licensure by endorsement, Illinois requires verification of original RN licensure by exam, proof of education, and a background check. Applicants must hold a substantially equivalent education and have passed a recognized national exam.

License Renewal

Renewal cycle: Illinois RN licenses expire on May 31 of every even-numbered year. Renewal typically opens several weeks in advance of the expiration date.
Continuing education: RNs must complete 20 hours of approved continuing education during each two-year renewal period.
Mandated topics: The 20 hours must include at least 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention training. Illinois also requires implicit bias awareness training; this training may be applied toward the 20-hour CE requirement. Additional topic-specific training may apply based on practice setting, such as Alzheimer’s and related dementias education for those who care for adult populations.
New licensees: RNs licensed by examination are typically exempt from CE for their first renewal period.
Clinical practice hours: Illinois does not require clinical practice hours for RN renewal apart from CE.
Recordkeeping: Keep CE documentation for audit purposes; maintain records for the period specified by IDFPR.

Complete all CE before submitting your renewal and attest to compliance during the online renewal process. Late renewals and reinstatements may require additional steps and fees.

Average LPN State Salary in Illinois

$68,450

2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Average RN State Salary in Illinois

$91,130

2024 RN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

LPN to ADN Bridge Program

Program Length:

Typically 12 to 24 months. Some programs can be completed in as little as one year or three semesters.

Credential Awarded:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing.

NCLEX-RN Eligibility:

Yes. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Program Focus:

The curriculum concentrates on providing the core clinical skills and theoretical knowledge required for entry-level registered nursing positions. It builds upon the LPN's existing foundation to prepare them for the expanded scope of practice of an RN.

Average In-State Tuition in Illinois:

Tuition can vary significantly by institution. For example, Illinois Central College has an estimated cost of $9,600, while Heartland Community College's full ADN program tuition and fees are approximately $13,690. Out-of-district residents within Illinois may face higher tuition costs at some community colleges.

Best For:

LPNs who want a faster and more affordable path to becoming an RN and entering the workforce quickly.

School Types:

Primarily offered at community colleges throughout Illinois.

LPN to BSN Bridge Program

Program Length:

Can range from 1 to 3 years, with many programs designed to be completed in 1 to 2 years. The duration depends on the student's previous academic credits.

Credential Awarded:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

NCLEX-RN Eligibility:

Yes. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

Program Focus:

Provides a more comprehensive education that includes all the clinical skills of an ADN program, plus a deeper focus on nursing theory, research, leadership, and public health. It prepares nurses for a broader scope of practice and leadership roles.

Average In-State Tuition in Illinois:

Tuition varies by the type of institution. For example, Saint Xavier University, a private university, has an approximate total cost of $27,000 for its LPN to BSN program. Costs at public universities may differ.

Best For:

LPNs who are interested in pursuing leadership positions, advanced practice nursing roles (such as a nurse practitioner), or continuing on to graduate studies.

School Types:

Typically offered at four-year colleges and universities.

Choose LPN→ADN If:

Faster Completion Time: These programs offer a quicker route to becoming a registered nurse, often in two years or less.
Lower Cost: Community colleges, which are the primary providers of ADN programs, generally have lower tuition rates than four-year universities.
Quicker Entry into the RN Workforce: The shorter program length allows graduates to start working as an RN and earning a higher salary sooner.
Option for Future Advancement: Graduates can begin working as an RN and later choose to pursue an RN to BSN bridge program, often with tuition assistance from their employer.

Choose LPN→BSN If:

Broader Career Opportunities: A BSN is often a requirement for management, leadership, and specialized nursing roles.
Foundation for Advanced Education: A BSN is necessary for entry into master's or doctoral nursing programs, such as those for nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse anesthetists.
Higher Earning Potential: While both ADN and BSN graduates are RNs, those with a BSN may have a higher long-term earning potential.
Enhanced Skill Set: The curriculum provides a deeper understanding of evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and leadership in healthcare.

List of LPN to RN Programs in Illinois

If you are a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Illinois looking to advance your career to become a Registered Nurse (RN), you have many program options. This table lists schools across the state with their city locations, program highlights, and links to more details. Explore these opportunities to find the right fit for your education and career goals.

Jump to City:

Belleville, IL

Southwestern Illinois College

Associate - LPN Bridge Nursing Education
Campus Based - Website
- Three-semester LPN Bridge program
- ACEN accredited nursing program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Clinical experiences from first semester
- Multiple campus location options
- Financial aid available
- 16 students per cohort

Champaign, IL

Parkland College

Associate - Nursing - LPN to ADN Bridge
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Hybrid program format.
- Clinicals at Carle, OSF.
- State-of-the-art simulation labs.
- Prepares for RN licensure.
- Limited admission twice yearly.
- Combines theory and practice.
- Online and on-campus classes.

Chicago, IL

City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College

Associate - LPN Bridge Pathway
Campus Based - Website
- Complete RN in 3 semesters
- Prior learning credits available
- Prerequisite science courses required
- Designed for practicing LPNs
- Multiple course-specific grade requirements

City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College

Associate - LPN Bridge Pathway
Campus Based - Website
- Complete RN in 3 semesters
- Prior learning credit available
- Designed for working LPNs
- Specific prerequisite requirements
- Science courses within time limit

City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College

Associate - LPN Bridge Pathway
Campus Based - Website
- Complete in 3 semesters
- Designed for practicing LPNs
- Multiple prerequisite courses
- Advanced nursing career path
- Science and math requirements

City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College

Associate - LPN-Bridge Pathway
Campus Based - Website
- Complete RN in 3 semesters
- Prior learning credit awarded
- Requires specific prerequisites
- Designed for working LPNs
- Advanced nursing career path