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How to Become a Nurse in Illinois (2026)

A step-by-step guide to starting your nursing career in Illinois — from prerequisites to licensure. Average RN salary: $79,690/year.

178

Programs Available

$79,690

Avg RN Salary

5.1%

Job Growth

No

Compact State

6 Steps to Become a Nurse in Illinois

1

Complete Prerequisite Courses

1–2 semesters

Before entering a nursing program, complete prerequisite courses including anatomy and physiology (I and II), microbiology, chemistry, statistics, psychology, and English composition. Most community colleges in Illinois offer these courses. A GPA of 2.5–3.0 in prerequisites is typically required for admission.

2

Choose Your Nursing Pathway

Varies by program

Select the degree level that fits your goals and timeline. 178 accredited programs are available in Illinois. ADN programs at community colleges are the fastest path to RN licensure (18–24 months). BSN programs at universities offer broader preparation and more career options (4 years, or 12–18 months accelerated).

3

Complete Your Nursing Program

12–48 months

Your program will include classroom instruction, lab simulations, and supervised clinical rotations at hospitals and healthcare facilities in Illinois. Clinical hours typically total 600–1,000+ hours depending on the degree level. All programs are designed to prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam.

4

Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

45 days after graduation (typical)

Register with Pearson VUE, submit your exam application to the Illinois Board of Nursing, and schedule your NCLEX-RN exam. The computerized adaptive test covers safe and effective care, health promotion, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. Most graduates take the exam within 45 days of completing their program.

5

Apply for Licensure in Illinois

2–8 weeks processing

Submit your licensure application to the Illinois Board of Nursing (https://nursing.illinois.gov). You will need your NCLEX results, official transcripts, and a completed background check. Illinois is not a compact state, so your license is valid only in Illinois. You will need additional licensure to practice in other states. License renewal is every 2 years, requiring 20 continuing education hours.

6

Start Your Nursing Career

Ongoing

Begin working as a registered nurse in Illinois. The average RN salary is $79,690 per year ($38/hour), with 5.1% job growth projected through 2032. Many hospitals offer new graduate residency programs that provide mentored transition into practice over 6–12 months.

Find Nursing Programs in Illinois

How long does it take to become a nurse in Illinois?
The timeline depends on your chosen pathway. LPN certificates take 9–12 months. ADN programs (the fastest path to RN licensure) take 18–24 months. Traditional BSN programs take 4 years. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers with a prior bachelor's degree take 12–18 months. All pathways require passing the NCLEX exam.
How much does it cost to become a nurse in Illinois?
Costs vary significantly by program type and institution. Community college ADN programs in Illinois typically cost $5,000–$20,000. Public university BSN programs cost $20,000–$50,000 for in-state students. Private university BSN programs can cost $40,000–$100,000. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs substantially.
What are the requirements to become a nurse in Illinois?
To become a nurse in Illinois: (1) Graduate from an accredited nursing program (ACEN or CCNE), (2) Pass the NCLEX-RN exam, (3) Apply for licensure with the Illinois Board of Nursing, (4) Complete a background check. Illinois is not a compact state — you need separate licensure to practice in other states. License renewal is every 2 years with 20 continuing education hours.
Can I become a nurse with no experience in Illinois?
Yes — no prior healthcare experience is required to start nursing school in Illinois. You need a high school diploma or GED and completion of prerequisite courses (anatomy, physiology, microbiology). Many programs are designed specifically for career changers with no medical background. Clinical rotations during the program provide hands-on experience before graduation.
What is the NCLEX pass rate in Illinois?
NCLEX pass rates vary by program. The national average first-time pass rate is approximately 87%. Strong programs in Illinois maintain pass rates above 90%. Always ask a program for its three-year NCLEX pass rate before enrolling — it is the single best indicator of program quality.
Is Illinois a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Illinois is not currently a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses licensed in Illinois must apply for separate licensure in each state where they wish to practice.

Related Pages

All Programs in IllinoisLicense RequirementsRN Salary in IllinoisFastest ProgramsAffordable ProgramsNCLEX Pass Rates

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