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.
2027 Best LPN to RN Programs in Illinois
Methodist College
Peoria, IL - Private 4-year - methodistcol.edu
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Methodist College's LPN to BSN track in Peoria, Illinois, offers licensed practical nurses a hybrid route to the RN role. Coursework is delivered online during weekdays, with hands-on sessions held on weekends, allowing working LPNs to maintain employment. Credits from prior LPN education may transfer, shortening the timeline and reducing tuition costs. Applicants must provide proof of LPN program completion and current licensure. Clinical experiences are integrated through the college's affiliation with Carle Health, and graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Personalized faculty support and financial aid options are available, and the program can be pursued part-time or full-time.
- Hybrid program schedule
- Online classes weekdays
- Weekend in-person sessions
- Transfer credits accepted
- No bachelor's degree required
- Proof of LPN completion needed
- LPN license submission required
- Part-time or full-time options
- NCLEX-RN exam qualification
- High first-time pass rates
Chamberlain University-Illinois
Addison, IL - Private 4-year - chamberlain.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Chamberlain University-Illinois offers a bachelor's completion pathway for LPNs seeking a BSN. Licensed practical nurses may earn up to nine proficiency credits via skills validation and exams, accelerating degree completion. The hybrid format blends online coursework with in-person clinical experiences, and no general education prerequisites are required. Admission involves an application, interview, transcripts, and either HESI A2 or ACT/SAT scores—the latter relevant for applicants without prior college coursework. The program also provides NCLEX-RN preparation, faculty tutoring, and 24/7 academic resources. Six start dates annually accommodate working nurses. Financial support includes the Launch Into Nursing Grant and other scholarships. The BSN is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Up to nine proficiency credits.
- Skills validation tests required.
- Proficiency exams available.
- Three-year BSN option.
- Flexible hybrid learning.
- Online coursework options.
- No prerequisites needed.
- Comprehensive NCLEX preparation.
- Scholarships and grants offered.
- Launch Into Nursing Grant.
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 track condenses nursing study into a two-year, 48-credit format for licensed practical nurses. The curriculum covers pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and disease prevention, with acute care clinicals in pediatrics, women's health, and behavioral health. CCNE accreditation and an 86% licensure pass rate underscore program quality. Students train in a Simulation and Integrated Learning Center, benefit from small classes, and can pursue a gerontology minor. Annual fall and spring starts, prerequisite courses, and experienced faculty support smooth progression. Tuition totals $37,440 ($780 per credit), preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN and roles as nurse generalists.
- CCNE accredited
- $37,440 total program tuition
- $780 per credit
- 2-Year program
- 48 total credit hours
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 86% licensure pass rate
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
The LPN to BSN pathway at Saint Xavier University provides a direct, on-campus route to a bachelor's degree in just two years. Building on existing practical nursing knowledge, the curriculum examines pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and illness management. Clinical experiences span pediatric, women's health, and behavioral health settings. The CCNE-accredited program aligns with AACN essentials and includes a Simulation and Integrated Learning Center for safe skill practice. Small class sizes, expert faculty with advanced degrees, and a Student Nurses Association organization enrich learning. With 48 nursing credits, per-credit tuition of $780, and roughly $37,440 total, this efficient program readies LPNs for the NCLEX-RN and graduate study.
- CCNE accredited
- $37,440 total program tuition
- $780 per credit
- 2-Year program
- Complete in Earn Your BSN in a Reduced Time Frame
- 48 total credit hours
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 86% licensure pass rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Sauk Valley Community College
Dixon, IL - Public 2-Year - svcc.edu
Associate - Bridging Nursing Concepts (LPN to RN)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Sauk Valley Community College's online LPN-to-RN bridge program offers licensed practical nurses a streamlined route to an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing via advanced placement. Students receive 13 hours of credit in escrow, then continue into the ADN sequence with full- or part-time schedules. The curriculum covers medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, pediatrics, reproductive health, mental health, and transition to practice. Hands-on clinicals and skills assessments build competence for patient-centered care in hospitals, long-term care, clinics, and community settings. Candidates need current LPN licensure, graduation from an accredited nursing school, prerequisite general education, and a second-semester nursing skills assessment. Program starts each fall.
- Full-time and part-time options
- Starts fall
- Prerequisite courses required
- Credit in escrow for nursing courses
- Requires current LPN licensure
- Must graduate from accredited nursing school
- 13 hours of credit in escrow
- General courses done before second year
- Second-semester nursing skills assessment
Carl Sandburg College
Galesburg, IL - Public 2-Year - sandburg.edu
Associate - Nursing (LPN to RN Articulation)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Carl Sandburg College’s LPN to RN articulation lets LPNs earn an associate degree in nursing in one year (31 credit hours). The fall-start program requires an entrance exam (TEAS, SAT, or ACT) and prerequisites. Coursework covers patient-centered care, safety, teamwork, critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and informatics, with training in assessment, medication administration, and patient education. Formats include online summer classes, on-campus day/evening sessions, and clinicals. ACEN-accredited, it reports a 94% NCLEX-RN pass rate and 100% job placement. Graduates work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, home health, and public health, with BSN transfer agreements available.
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS, SAT, ACT
- 1-Year program
- Complete in in one year
- 31 total credit hours
- Starts fall
- 94% licensure pass rate
- 100% job placement rate
- Prerequisite courses required
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.
2027 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Illinois
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Xavier University |
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| Heartland Community College |
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| Carl Sandburg College |
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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.
2027 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Illinois
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Carl Sandburg College |
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| Saint Xavier University |
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| Methodist College |
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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.
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
Addison, IL
Chamberlain University-Illinois
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Up to nine proficiency credits.
- Skills validation tests required.
- Proficiency exams available.
- Three-year BSN option.
- Flexible hybrid learning.
- Online coursework options.
- No prerequisites needed.
- Comprehensive NCLEX preparation.
Belleville, IL
Southwestern Illinois College
- Associate - LPN Bridge Nursing Education
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 3-Semester program
- Apply by 2026-12-01
- Starts summer
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- 16 students per cohort
Centralia, IL
Kaskaskia College
- Associate - LPN-RN Bridge
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Prerequisite courses required
- Enter ADN program in third semester
- Designed for practicing LPNs
- Includes onsite clinicals
Champaign, IL
Parkland College
- Associate - Nursing - LPN to ADN Bridge
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 3-Semester program
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Small cohort of 6 students
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Clinical placements at Carle and OSF
- Hybrid format with online coursework
Chicago, IL
Saint Xavier University
- Associate - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- $37,440 total program tuition
- $780 per credit
- 2-Year program
- 48 total credit hours
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 86% licensure pass rate
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- $37,440 total program tuition
- $780 per credit
- 2-Year program
- Complete in Earn Your BSN in a Reduced Time Frame
- 48 total credit hours
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
Crystal Lake, IL
McHenry County College
- Associate - LPN to RN Bridge Program
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- 4 credit hours advanced standing
Dixon, IL
Sauk Valley Community College
- Associate - Bridging Nursing Concepts
Concentration: LPN to RN - Online Learning - Website
- Full-time and part-time options
- Starts fall
- Prerequisite courses required
- Credit in escrow for nursing courses
- Requires current LPN licensure
- Must graduate from accredited nursing school
- 13 hours of credit in escrow
- General courses done before second year
East Peoria, IL
Illinois Central College
- Associate - Healthcare Professional to RN Completion
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- $10,020 total program tuition
- 24-Month program
- 60 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Employer reimbursement supported
- Financial aid available
Freeport, IL
Highland Community College
- Associate - Associate Degree Nursing Program
Concentration: Bridge - Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Scholarships available
- LPNs can bridge to RN program
- BSN options via partner schools
- Information session required to apply
- Multiple nursing pathways offered
Galesburg, IL
Carl Sandburg College
- Associate - Nursing (LPN to RN Articulation)
Online Learning - Website
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS, SAT, ACT
- 1-Year program
- Complete in in one year
- 31 total credit hours
- Starts fall
- 94% licensure pass rate
Harrisburg, IL
Southeastern Illinois College
- Associate - Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
Concentration: LPN to RN Bridge - Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2-Semester program
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- Prepares for NCLEX
- 30 applicants accepted annually
Normal, IL
Heartland Community College
- Associate - LPN to ADN Program
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Complete in 2-3 semesters
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts summer
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
Peoria, IL
Methodist College
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program schedule
- Online classes weekdays
- Weekend in-person sessions
- Transfer credits accepted
- No bachelor's degree required
- Proof of LPN completion needed
- LPN license submission required
- Part-time or full-time options
River Grove, IL
Triton College
- Associate - LPN to RN Transition
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Approved by IL regulation board
- Clinical experiences in various settings
- Information sessions encouraged before applying
- Selective admission health program
Rockford, IL
Rockford University
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Campus Based - Website
- 7-Semester program
- As few as seven semesters
- Starts spring
- Cohort-based structure
- potentially exceeding $100,000 annually
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- 6 credits awarded for LPN license
- Cohorts capped at 40 students
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