Best Nursing Schools in Illinois

McHenry County College's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam and licensure as a registered nurse. The curriculum blends classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences, covering anatomy, physiology, psychology, and healthcare ethics. Students learn patient care, critical thinking, and nursing skills applicable in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health settings. The program is accredited by the ACEN and has achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in recent years. With 65 credit hours completed over 80 weeks, the program offers an affordable path to nursing, with in-district tuition under $16,000. Recognized as a top performing nursing school in Illinois, MCC's program emphasizes student success and job readiness, with strong job placement outcomes. Graduates are eligible for RN licensure in Illinois and can pursue careers in diverse healthcare environments.

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
• $15,661 total program tuition
• 80-Week program
• 65 total credit hours
• 100% licensure pass rate
• 91% job placement rate
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Recognized as a top performing nursing school
• Approved by Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
• Prepares for roles in hospitals, clinics, and home care

Lewis University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program combines rigorous academics with hands-on clinical experience. Students build a strong foundation in anatomy, microbiology, and evidence-based practice while developing a holistic approach to patient care. The curriculum prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and careers in critical care, emergency, pediatric, medical/surgical, and behavioral health nursing. As a CCNE-accredited program ranked #2 in Illinois, it boasts a 98% NCLEX pass rate. Learning is enhanced through a cohort model, where classmates progress together, and clinical rotations at 50 affiliate sites. On-campus organizations like Sigma Theta Tau and the Student Nurse Association foster professional growth. Admission requires SAT/ACT or TEAS scores and a minimum 3.0 GPA for transfer students, with prerequisite science courses.

• CCNE accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: SAT, ACT, TEAS
• 98% licensure pass rate
• Cohort-based structure
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• #2 nursing program in Illinois
• 50 clinical affiliate sites

Southeastern Illinois College's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program combines rigorous classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training. Students explore specialty areas like pediatrics and obstetrics, gaining skills through rotations in diverse community healthcare settings. The program's 95% first-time licensure pass rate reflects the dedication of faculty who act as professor-mentors, providing personalized guidance. Graduates leave prepared to take the NCLEX and pursue RN careers or seamlessly continue their education toward a BSN. With a focus on patient care, assessment, and critical thinking, this ADN program equips students for frontline nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. The supportive learning environment and strong clinical partnerships make SIC a standout choice for aspiring registered nurses.

• 2 concentration options
• 95% licensure pass rate
• Clinical experiences in community settings
• Prepares for RN licensure
• Seamless transition to BSN
• Faculty serve as professor-mentors

Southeastern Illinois College's Associate Degree Nursing program offers a focused pediatrics concentration, preparing students for registered nurse careers in pediatric settings. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences across diverse healthcare environments, including pediatric units. Students benefit from a professor-mentor model, where faculty with MSN and DNP degrees provide personalized guidance. The program emphasizes high standards, reflected in a 95% first-time licensure exam pass rate. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue BSN degrees or enter the workforce directly. With a growing demand for nurses, this program equips students with the skills to provide compassionate, specialized care to children and families, supported by strong community clinical partnerships and a dedicated faculty.

• 2 concentration options
• 95% licensure pass rate
• Professor-mentor approach
• Diverse clinical placements
• Seamless BSN advancement

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at Southeastern Illinois College prepares students for registered nurse licensure with a strong emphasis on clinical skills and compassionate care. Students can specialize in obstetrics, gaining focused training in maternal-newborn nursing. The curriculum blends classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences in diverse community settings, allowing students to work with varied patient populations. Dedicated faculty serve as professor-mentors, providing personalized support inside and outside the classroom. Graduates consistently achieve high first-time pass rates on licensure exams and are well-prepared to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). With a growing demand for nurses, SIC's ADN program offers a solid foundation for a rewarding career in healthcare, leading to roles in hospitals, clinics, and specialized units such as labor and delivery.

• 2 concentration options
• 95% licensure pass rate
• Clinical exposure to diverse patient populations
• Faculty serve as professor-mentors
• Prepares for BSN advancement
• Graduates work at leading hospitals
• Combines classroom and clinical learning
• Growing demand for registered nurses

Western Illinois University offers a Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at its Macomb campus, designed for students who have completed pre-nursing coursework. This campus-based program combines classroom instruction with clinical rotations at various healthcare facilities in the region, providing hands-on patient care experience. The curriculum emphasizes nursing theory, evidence-based practice, and critical thinking skills, preparing graduates to become licensed Registered Nurses. Students learn from faculty actively engaged in teaching, research, and clinical practice. The program boasts NCLEX-RN pass rates that exceed state and national averages. Competitive admission requires an application through NursingCAS by March 1 for fall starts. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. With a focus on innovative teaching methods and real-world clinical exposure, the BSN program provides a strong foundation for professional nursing practice.

• Starts fall
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Clinicals at Macomb-area health facilities
• Pass rates exceed state and national averages
• Apply through NursingCAS
• March 1 deadline for fall admission
• Highly competitive program
• Faculty dedicated to teaching and research
• Variety of teaching/learning modalities

This full-time Associate Degree in Nursing at John A. Logan College is designed for licensed practical nurses ready to advance to registered nursing. The two-semester program starts each August and is delivered on campus in a face-to-face format during regular business hours. Students study health assessment, nursing care of adults, family nursing, mental health issues, and advanced pharmacology, building on the practical nursing foundation they already hold. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, safety, quality improvement, collaboration, and caring for diverse populations. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue careers as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. The program is accredited by ACEN and meets Illinois licensure requirements. An active Illinois LPN license and successful completion of the TEAS entrance exam are required for admission.

• ACEN accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 2-Semester program
• Complete in two semesters in length
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• 98% licensure pass rate
• 95% job placement rate
• Prerequisite courses required

Kaskaskia College's Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program equips students with the knowledge and skills to provide compassionate, evidence-based care across diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum blends classroom instruction with hands-on learning in a state-of-the-art Nursing Education Center and high-tech simulation labs. Clinical rotations start in the first semester, giving students real-world experience in hospitals and clinics. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN and pursue careers as registered nurses in medical-surgical, pediatrics, maternity, and community health. The program offers flexible entry with four start dates per year and an LPN-RN bridge option. With a 2024 NCLEX pass rate of 95% and ACEN accreditation, this program provides a strong foundation for a rewarding nursing career.

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 2-Year program
• 4 start dates per year
• 95% licensure pass rate
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Clinical rotations begin in 1st semester
• High-tech simulation labs

Trinity Christian College offers a BSN program that prepares generalist nurses for practice in all clinical areas. The curriculum integrates Christian faith with rigorous academic and clinical training, empowering graduates to serve with compassion. Students benefit from diverse clinical experiences, hands-on learning, and mentorship from Christian faculty. The program boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate and 100% graduate employment, reflecting its excellence. Nationally ranked by U.S. News, the BSN is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Located near Chicago, it combines small classes with real-world healthcare exposure, preparing graduates for careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health. Graduates join a worldwide alumni network dedicated to compassionate service.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 100% licensure pass rate
• 100% job placement rate
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Diverse clinical opportunities
• Christian faculty
• Hands-on experience
• Worldwide alumni network
• U.S. News Best College – Nursing (BSN) Programs
• Campus near Chicago

The BSN program at Bradley University prepares students for professional nursing through challenging coursework and diverse clinical experiences. Peoria's medical community offers clinical rotations at two major hospital systems, public health facilities, and nursing homes. Students gain hands-on practice in various settings, guided by expert faculty and clinical supervisors who provide personalized mentorship. The curriculum integrates nursing knowledge with liberal arts and sciences, emphasizing person-centered care, population health, evidence-based practice, safety, and interprofessional collaboration. Graduates are prepared for roles in acute care, community health, and leadership positions. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. With a strong network of connections, graduates launch their nursing careers with confidence.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• Clinical experiences at two major hospitals
• Personalized mentorship from faculty
• Strong network for career launch

Bradley University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree and have completed prerequisites. This intensive 15-month program (May to August) immerses you in real-world patient care from day one, with immediate clinical experience in Peoria's diverse healthcare settings, including a Level 1 trauma center and children's hospital. Taught by dedicated full-time nursing faculty, you'll explore specialties like ICU, community health, pediatrics, and more. The curriculum prepares you thoroughly for the NCLEX licensure exam, with nearly all graduates passing on their first attempt and securing jobs within six months. The program combines urban and rural clinical rotations, from hospitals to community health agencies, giving you a broad foundation for any nursing career path.

• 15-Month program
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Immediate clinical experience
• Level 1 trauma center access
• Urban and rural health care settings
• Nearly all pass NCLEX first attempt
• Secure jobs within six months

Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program with flexible pathways for diverse student backgrounds. Students can choose from accelerated, basic, and completion tracks, designed to accommodate various life stages and prior healthcare experience. The program combines rigorous classroom learning with extensive clinical experiences, preparing graduates for dynamic nursing careers. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, prerequisite coursework, and specific healthcare or educational backgrounds.

• Three BSN pathway options
• Flexible full-time/part-time
• Small class sizes
• Extensive clinical experiences
• Multiple start dates
• Advanced standing options
• NCLEX-focused curriculum
• Online and campus options
• Multiple semester lengths

Trinity College's Accelerated BSN program offers a fast-track path to nursing for career changers with existing degrees. Designed for motivated professionals, this intensive four-semester program leverages prior education to quickly transform students into skilled nurses. With flexible start options, comprehensive clinical experiences, and advanced standing opportunities for licensed practical nurses and military medics, students can efficiently pursue their nursing career goals.

• Four-semester accelerated pathway
• Previous degree required
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Multiple advanced standing options
• Extensive clinical experiences
• Comprehensive prerequisite requirements
• Summer semester start
• Full-time program
• Diverse admission pathways

Trinity College's BSN-Completion program offers licensed RNs with an associate degree or diploma a flexible path to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This program builds upon existing skills and knowledge, enhancing clinical practice and leadership abilities. Available in full-time (four semesters) and part-time (seven semesters) formats, the BSN-C combines online learning with lab and clinical experiences. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required, and up to 70 credits may be awarded for prior coursework. Contact Trinity College for tuition details and application requirements.

• RN to BSN
• Online program
• Full-time or part-time
• Two years full-time
• Up to 70 transfer credits
• 2.5 GPA required
• Summer, Fall, Spring starts

Rock Valley College's ASN program prepares students to become registered nurses through hands-on clinical training and a focus on critical thinking. The campus-based curriculum includes nursing theory, pathophysiology, and patient care. Students participate in simulation labs and clinical rotations at local healthcare agencies. The program boasts NCLEX pass rates above national averages and a 90% job placement rate. Graduates can transfer to partner RN-to-BSN programs. Admission requires a CNA certificate, prerequisite courses, and a 2.5 GPA. Priority admission is available for those with a 3.0 GPA.

• ACEN accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 4-Semester program
• 96% licensure pass rate
• 90% job placement rate
• 2.5 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available