Fastest Nursing Programs in Illinois (2026)
The fastest accredited nursing program in Illinois takes 9 months. Compare accelerated BSN (12–18 months), ADN (18–24 months), and LPN/LVN (9–12 months) pathways below — then request free info from programs accepting applications now.
9 mo
Shortest Program
80
Accredited Programs
$80K
Avg RN Salary
77
Online / Hybrid
3
Entry-Level RN
1
LPN / LVN
Salary source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023
Key takeaways
- Fastest accredited program in Illinois: 9 months.
- Prioritize NCLEX pass rates over raw speed — a longer program with 95% outcomes beats a fast program with 70%.
- Illinois offers 3 entry-level RN programs, 1 LPN/LVN programs, and 38 bridge/transition programs.
- Total tuition across Illinois programs ranges from $8,100 to $86,000.
- Registered nurses in Illinois earn $79,690/year on average (BLS May 2023).
Choose your pathway
Compare Fastest Programs Accepting Applications in Illinois
Free info packetsNo obligationAccredited programs only
Advertiser DisclosureThese accredited programs are currently enrolling Illinois residents. Request free tuition and start-date information — no obligation, accredited programs only.
Fastest ABSN & ADN Programs
Accelerated BSN and ADN pathways — the fastest routes to full RN licensure.
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Rush University
Rush University's Accelerated BSN program is a fast-paced, 80-credit program that can be completed in just 16 months. Designed for those who already hold a bachelor's degree, this on-campus program a…
Excelsior University
The ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) program at Excelsior University is delivered 100% online, making it ideal for those seeking flexibility in their education. This 60-credit program can be complet…
Fastest LPN / LVN Programs
LPN and LVN certificates — typically the fastest nursing credential (9–12 months). Showing matches near ZIP 43215.
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Get Matched with Fast Programs in Illinois
RNs in Illinois earn $79,690/year on average. Tell us your timeline and we'll match you with programs you can start this year — free, ~30 seconds.
Quick Picks by Situation
Our analysis of Illinois programs — matched to the most common student goals.
Fastest path to any nursing credential
LPN program — 12 months
Rasmussen University. Entry-level; graduates work under RN supervision.
Fastest path to RN licensure
ABSN — 16 months
Rush University. Full RN license; eligible for hospital employment.
Lowest debt while becoming an RN
Community college ADN — from $14,560
Excelsior University. Longer waitlists are common; plan 1–2 years ahead.
Best for working adults
Online program — 9 months
Chamberlain University. Flexible didactic schedule; clinical hours remain on-site.
| Your situation | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest path to any nursing credential | LPN program — 12 months | Rasmussen University. Entry-level; graduates work under RN supervision. |
| Fastest path to RN licensure | ABSN — 16 months | Rush University. Full RN license; eligible for hospital employment. |
| Lowest debt while becoming an RN | Community college ADN — from $14,560 | Excelsior University. Longer waitlists are common; plan 1–2 years ahead. |
| Best for working adults | Online program — 9 months | Chamberlain University. Flexible didactic schedule; clinical hours remain on-site. |
What most students overlook
A 9-month program is not automatically better. Programs with weak clinical rotations, poor NCLEX prep, or high attrition rates can cost you more time in the long run. We recommend prioritizing: NCLEX outcomes → clinical quality → accreditation → then speed — not just duration.
RN-to-BSN & Bridge Programs in Illinois
Free info packetsNo obligationAccredited programs only
Advertiser DisclosureAlready licensed as an RN? Compare accredited bridge programs completing your BSN or MSN in 12–18 months — many accept working nurses.
Sponsored · Disclosure
Chamberlain University
The RN to BSN completion program is designed for registered nurses seeking to enhance their academic credentials. Delivered 100% online, this program requires 30 credits and can be completed in just…
Indiana State University
The RN to BSN completion program at Indiana State University is a 100% online degree designed for registered nurses looking to elevate their qualifications. This program requires 30 credits and can b…
University of Alabama at Birmingham
The RN to BSN completion program at UAB is a 100% online option designed for registered nurses looking to advance their education. This 12-month program requires 30 credits and offers flexibility, al…
University of Texas at Arlington
The RN to BSN program at UTA is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Offered 100% online, this program requires 30 credits and can…
University of Cincinnati
The RN to BSN completion program at the University of Cincinnati allows you to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing entirely online. Designed for registered nurses, this program requires 30 credi…
University of Michigan — Flint
Our RN to BSN completion program is designed for registered nurses looking to elevate their qualifications. Delivered entirely online, you can complete this 30-credit program in just 12 months, allow…
Ohio State University
The RN to BSN completion program is designed for registered nurses who want to advance their education. Delivered entirely online, this 12-month program requires 30 credits and provides a convenient…
Grand Canyon University
The RN to BSN completion program at GCU is designed for registered nurses seeking to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Delivered entirely online, this program requires 30 credits and can be…
Florida State University
The RN to BSN completion program at FSU is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. Delivered 100% online, this program consists of 30 credits and can be completed in just 1…
American Public University System
The RN to BSN completion program is designed for registered nurses seeking to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This 100% online program can be completed in just 15 months and requires 30 cr…
University of Maryland — Baltimore
The RN to BSN completion program at UMB is a fully online option that allows registered nurses to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just 15 months. This 30-credit program is designed for w…
Michigan State University
The RN to BSN completion program at Michigan State University is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. Offered 100% online, this program requires 30 credits and can be co…
Southern New Hampshire University
The RN to BSN completion program at SNHU is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. Delivered 100% online, this program requires 36 credits and can be completed in just 15…
University of South Florida
USF's RN to BSN completion program is fully online and designed for registered nurses looking to enhance their qualifications. Over 15 months, you will complete 30 credits, gaining vital skills and k…
University of Illinois Chicago
The RN to BSN completion program is a 100% online option designed for registered nurses looking to advance their education. This 30-credit program can be completed in just 15 months, allowing you to…
Arizona State University
The RN to BSN program at Arizona State University is designed for registered nurses seeking to elevate their education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Delivered entirely online, this 30-credit…
Aspen University
The RN to BSN completion program at Aspen University is designed for registered nurses seeking to elevate their education. Delivered 100% online, this program requires 30 credits and can be completed…
Penn State World Campus
The RN to BSN completion program allows you to advance your nursing career by earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing entirely online. Designed for registered nurses, this program consists of 30…
National University
The RN to BSN completion program at National University is designed for registered nurses seeking to elevate their credentials. Delivered 100% online, this program requires 36 credits and can be comp…
George Washington University
The RN to BSN completion program at George Washington University is designed for registered nurses seeking to elevate their qualifications. Delivered 100% online, this 30-credit program can be comple…
Purdue University Global
The RN to BSN program at Purdue University Global allows registered nurses to complete their bachelor's degree entirely online. With a duration of 18 months and 36 credits required, this program is p…
Seton Hall University
Designed for registered nurses seeking to enhance their qualifications, the RN to BSN completion program is 100% online and takes just 18 months to complete. With 30 credits required, you can advance…
Marquette University
The RN to BSN completion program is designed for registered nurses who want to advance their education and career. This 100% online program allows you to complete 30 credits in just 18 months, offeri…
Maryville University
The RN to BSN completion program at Maryville University allows you to advance your nursing career with a 100% online format. Completing 30 credits in just 18 months, this program is ideal for regist…
Herzing University
The RN to BSN completion program at Herzing University is designed for registered nurses seeking to elevate their qualifications. Delivered 100% online, this program requires 30 credits and can be co…
Liberty University
The RN to BSN completion program is designed for registered nurses seeking to elevate their qualifications. Delivered entirely online, this program consists of 30 credits and can be completed in just…
Drexel University
The RN to BSN completion program at Drexel University allows you to advance your nursing career with a 100% online format. Comprising 30 credits, this program can be completed in just 18 months, maki…
Gonzaga University
The RN to BSN completion program at Gonzaga University is designed for registered nurses seeking to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Delivered 100% online, this program requires 30 credits…
DePaul University
The RN to BSN completion program offers a flexible 100% online format, allowing registered nurses to advance their education with ease. This 30-credit program can be completed in 18 months, enabling…
Excelsior University
Excelsior's RN to BSN completion program is offered entirely online, allowing registered nurses to advance their education conveniently. Comprising 30 credits, this program can be completed in 18 mon…
Sacred Heart University
The RN to BSN completion program is a 100% online option designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. This 18-month program requires 30 credits and offers a flexible, affordable…
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
RN to BSN. Online format.
Regis College
The RN to BSN completion program is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. Delivered entirely online, this 30-credit program can be completed in just 18 months, allowing y…
Western Governors University
The RN to BSN completion program at WGU is designed for registered nurses who want to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Delivered 100% online, this program requires 36 credits and can…
Capella University
The RN to BSN (FlexPath) program is designed for working nurses who want to complete their degree quickly and flexibly. Delivered 100% online, this 44-credit program can be completed in as little as…
How to choose a fast nursing program in Illinois
Illinois is not a compact state, so nurses planning regional mobility will need separate licenses unless practice stays within Illinois. Chicago anchors most of the program capacity and the hospital job market, but Peoria, Springfield, and Quad Cities markets differ meaningfully. Prerequisite science grading is heavily weighted in Illinois admissions, and retaking a low science grade is often cheaper than reapplying repeatedly.
Illinois student checklist
- Illinois is NOT a Nurse Licensure Compact state — license in Illinois directly, or via endorsement from another state.
- Chicago hospital systems (Northwestern, Rush, UChicago, Advocate Health, Loyola) are aggressively BSN-preferred at entry.
- City Colleges of Chicago and other community college ADN programs are the lowest-cost reliable route — but competitive.
- Illinois admissions weight prerequisite science GPA heavily; retake a C in chemistry or anatomy before reapplying.
- Online RN-to-BSN with multiple start dates per year suits Illinois shift workers — verify Illinois state authorization.
What Students in Illinois Should Know
Speed vs. NCLEX outcomes — a real trade-off
Accelerated programs compress the same curriculum into a shorter timeframe — often 40+ hours per week. Before committing, always ask the program for its three-year first-time NCLEX pass rate. A program with a 72% pass rate and 12-month timeline may leave you spending months and hundreds of dollars on retakes, offsetting any time gained.
Public vs. private programs: the cost spectrum
In Illinois, program tuition ranges from $8,100 to $86,000 total. Community college ADN programs are the most affordable option — sometimes under $15,000 total — but often have waitlists of 1–2 years. Private accelerated programs have more immediate availability but can exceed $60,000. Factor your total cost of attendance (including living expenses during the program) against your expected starting RN salary when comparing.
Online and hybrid options in Illinois
77 programs in Illinois offer online or hybrid scheduling. Online programs handle didactic coursework remotely but still require on-site clinical hours. For working adults who cannot commit to full-time on-campus attendance, these can extend the program by a few months while keeping it compatible with part-time employment.
Choosing an Accelerated Nursing Program in Illinois
Before choosing the fastest option, weigh these factors in order:
- NCLEX pass rate — look for first-time rates above 85%.
- Clinical placement quality — schools with hospital partnerships provide more reliable rotations.
- Accreditation — CCNE or ACEN required. Unaccredited programs may not qualify for NCLEX or financial aid.
- Total cost — include tuition, fees, and cost of living during the program.
- Timeline to start — fast programs with 18-month waitlists are not actually faster.
Typical duration by pathway
| Pathway | Typical duration | License / credential |
|---|---|---|
| LPN / LVN Certificate | 9–12 months | LPN/LVN — practice under RN supervision |
| ADN (Associate Degree) | 18–24 months | RN license (NCLEX-RN) |
| Accelerated BSN (ABSN) | 12–18 months | RN license (NCLEX-RN) |
| RN-to-BSN | 12–18 months | BSN completion for licensed RNs |
Fastest Nursing Programs in Illinois — FAQ
How fast can I complete a nursing program in Illinois?
The fastest accredited nursing programs in Illinois can be completed in as little as 9 months. Accelerated BSN programs typically run 12–18 months for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
What is the fastest nursing degree I can get in Illinois?
LPN certificate programs are typically the fastest pathway (9–12 months), followed by ADN programs (18–24 months). Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs can be completed in 12–18 months for career changers with prior college credits.
What is the fastest LPN or LVN program in Illinois?
Among programs in our directory, the shortest LPN/LVN pathway in Illinois is 12 months at Rasmussen University. Vocational schools often offer 9–12 month certificates even when community colleges run longer ADN waitlists.
Which accelerated nursing programs in Illinois are accepting students now?
The sponsored program matches at the top of this page show accredited ABSN, ADN, and LPN/LVN programs currently accepting applications from Illinois residents. Request free information to compare start dates, tuition, and clinical placement options — no obligation.
How much do registered nurses earn in Illinois?
Registered nurses in Illinois earn an average of $79,690 per year ($38/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Illinois is projected to grow 5.1% through 2032.
Are fast nursing programs in Illinois accredited?
Yes — every program in our listing is accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or holds state board approval. Accreditation is required to sit for the NCLEX licensing exam and to qualify for federal financial aid.
Do fast nursing programs have lower NCLEX pass rates?
Not necessarily. Many accelerated programs maintain NCLEX pass rates above 90%, particularly those that use rigorous selection criteria and integrated simulation labs. Always ask a program for its three-year NCLEX pass rate before enrolling.
Should I prioritize speed or NCLEX outcomes when choosing a program?
Prioritize NCLEX outcomes first. A program that finishes two months sooner but has a 70% first-time pass rate will likely cost you more time overall than a program with a 95% rate. Speed matters, but not more than your licensing success.
Can I use a Illinois nursing license in other states?
Illinois is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact state. You will need to obtain separate licensure for each state where you wish to practice, though endorsement procedures are available if you already hold a license elsewhere.
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