LPN to RN Programs in Illinois (2026)
Three accredited paths from LPN to Registered Nurse in Illinois: the fastest LPN-to-ADN bridge, the long-term LPN-to-BSN, and an Accelerated BSNfor LPNs who already hold a bachelor's. Compare side-by-side on tuition, length, format, and outcomes — pick the best match for your goals and budget.
ADN Programs in Illinois
Associate Degree in Nursing programs — the most common outcome of an LPN-to-RN bridge. 2 programs available in Illinois.
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Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) options in IL — compare partner programs accepting applications now.
LPN-to-BSN Programs in Illinois
Skip the ADN-then-RN-to-BSN detour. These accredited BSN programs accept LPNs into a 2–3 year pre-licensure bachelor's track — the best long-term value when Illinois hospital systems prefer BSN-prepared nurses at hire. 15 traditional BSN programs in our directory below the sponsored matches.
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Arizona College of Nursing
Accelerated BSN. On Campus format.
Western Governors University
WGU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure) program prepares you for a successful nursing career. This 100% online program requires 124 credits and can be completed in about 36 months, provi…
Aspen University
Aspen University’s BSN — Pre-Licensure program offers a pathway for students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This 120-credit program is fully online and can be completed in 36 months, makin…
National University
National University's BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is a comprehensive pre-licensure pathway that prepares you for a successful nursing career. Offered entirely online, this 120-credit…
Chamberlain University
Chamberlain's BSN (Pre-Licensure Hybrid) program combines online learning with on-campus experiences. Over 36 months, you will complete 120 credits, allowing for flexibility while gaining essential n…
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
BSN (Pre-Licensure Online). Online format.
Chamberlain University
The on-campus BSN (Pre-Licensure) program provides a comprehensive education for those entering the nursing field. Over 36 months, you will complete 120 credits in a supportive learning environment,…
Rush University
The Traditional BSN program at Rush University is a 120-credit, on-campus program designed to be completed in 48 months. This program prepares you to become a registered nurse with a solid foundation…
DePaul University
The Traditional BSN program at DePaul University is designed for students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Delivered on-campus, this 120-credit program spans 48 months, providing you with th…
Loyola University Chicago
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Loyola University Chicago is a traditional on-campus program designed to prepare you for a career in nursing. Over 48 months, you will complete 120 credits…
University of Illinois Chicago
The Traditional BSN program at UIC is a four-year, on-campus degree designed to equip you with essential nursing skills and knowledge. With 120 credits, you will receive a strong foundation in nursin…
Excelsior University
The BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) completion program at Excelsior University is available 100% online, allowing you to earn your degree on your schedule. This 120-credit program can be finishe…
Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU's BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is a comprehensive online degree designed for those starting their nursing journey. This 120-credit program takes approximately 48 months to comple…
American Public University System
The BSN program offers a comprehensive curriculum for individuals pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Delivered entirely online, this 36-month program requires 120 credits, allowing you to bal…
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs in Illinois
The fastest path to a BSN if you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field — typically 12–20 months full-time. Many programs award advanced standing for your LPN clinical experience, lowering tuition and shortening the timeline further. 1 accelerated BSN program (≤20 months) listed for Illinois below the sponsored matches.
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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…
Match Me to the Best LPN-to-RN Program in Illinois
Advancing to RN in Illinois can mean +$20K/year. We'll match you to the 19+ LPN, ADN, and BSN options that best fit your budget, schedule, and timeline — enter your zip code to start.
Illinois: LPN-to-RN bridge context
Illinois maintains strong demand for bridge pathways that move practical nurses toward RN eligibility with minimal career interruption.
Our directory currently shows 1 LPN and 2 ADN programs for Illinois. Across the first 19 LPN/ADN rows for Illinois, delivery is about 42% online and 11% hybrid — helpful for estimating commute and clinical-time constraints.
Among the LPN and ADN programs shown for Illinois in our sample, 42% are fully online, 11% hybrid, and 47% on-campus (first-page results from our directory).
Why Advance from LPN to RN in Illinois?
The LPN-to-RN bridge is one of the most financially efficient moves in nursing. LPNs already have clinical experience and foundational medical knowledge — bridge programs build on that foundation rather than starting from scratch, cutting the time to RN licensure in half compared to a pre-licensure ADN program.
In Illinois, registered nurses earn an average of $79,690 per year — roughly $19,960 more than the national LPN median. With Illinois nursing job growth projected at 5.1% through 2032, the demand for RNs — and the salary premium they command — will only grow.
Illinois is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state. After earning your RN license in Illinois, you'll need to apply for licensure by endorsement to practice in other states. Consider this if you plan to relocate or work travel contracts.
Beyond pay, RN licensure expands your scope of practice to include comprehensive patient assessments, IV therapy, care plan development, and greater clinical autonomy. It also opens the door to specialty certifications, charge-nurse roles, and graduate programs (MSN, DNP) that can lead to advanced practice salaries exceeding $120,000.
Pick Your Best-Fit LPN-to-RN Pathway in Illinois
The right program depends on three things: how fast you need to be earning an RN wage, whether Illinoishospital systems you want to work for prefer a BSN, and whether you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. Use the value-prop summary below to narrow your shortlist before comparing listings.
LPN → ADN
- Duration: 12–18 months
- Cost: Lowest — community college tuition typical
- Outcome: Associate Degree + NCLEX-RN eligibility
- Best for: LPNs who want to start earning RN wages as fast and cheaply as possible
Most nurses later complete an online RN-to-BSN while working.
LPN → BSN
- Duration: 2–3 years
- Cost: Mid–high (offset by employer tuition aid)
- Outcome: Bachelor of Science in Nursing + NCLEX-RN eligibility
- Best for: LPNs targeting Magnet hospitals, charge/leadership roles, or grad school in Illinois
Preferred (and increasingly required) for Illinois acute-care hires.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
- Duration: 12–20 months full-time
- Cost: Higher tuition — but you finish a BSN in a year+
- Outcome: BSN + NCLEX-RN eligibility
- Best for: LPNs who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree
Many ABSN programs award LPN-credit advanced standing — ask each admissions office.
Admission Tips for LPN-to-RN Applicants in Illinois
Current, Active LPN License
Most programs require an active, unencumbered LPN license in Illinois at time of enrollment. Verify your license is in good standing with the Illinois Board of Nursing before applying.
Prerequisite Science Courses
Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry are commonly required. Check each program's prerequisites before applying — completing them at a community college while working as an LPN is a common strategy.
Work Experience
Most programs prefer 1+ year of clinical LPN experience. Some require it. Highlight diverse clinical settings (hospital, long-term care, home health) in your application.
Credit Evaluation
Request a credit evaluation from each program's admissions office to understand exactly how much of your LPN coursework transfers. This directly affects total cost — and programs in Illinois start as low as $21,000.
How do I go from LPN to RN in Illinois?
How long does LPN to RN take in Illinois?
How much more do RNs earn than LPNs in Illinois?
Do LPN credits transfer in Illinois?
What is the difference between LPN-to-ADN, LPN-to-BSN, and Accelerated BSN in Illinois?
Can I do an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) as an LPN in Illinois?
Is Illinois in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Illinois RN License Information
Renewal Cycle
2 years
CE Hours Required
20 hours
NLC Compact Member
No
Source: Illinois Board of Nursing
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