Nursing School Requirements in Illinois (2026)
A complete guide to nursing school admission requirements in Illinois: GPA, prerequisite courses, application steps, and what to expect after graduation — including NCLEX and RN licensure.
Illinois: admissions context
Illinois programs can vary significantly on science-GPA weighting, prerequisite recency windows, and cohort-seat competition. Treat published minimums as baseline filters, then compare schools on repeat-course policy, testing expectations, and documented clinical-placement support.
Our directory currently surfaces 178 programs tied to Illinois (tables show up to 50 rows at a time), giving you a practical starting point before school-by-school verification.
What our Illinois program sample looks like
By degree type in the first 50 programs we show: DNP 52%; BSN 32%; MSN 10%; ADN 4%.
By delivery in that same sample: 66% online, 16% hybrid, 18% on-campus.
1
LPN Programs
2
ADN Programs
16
BSN Programs
0
RN-to-BSN
31
MSN / DNP
RNs in Illinois earn $79,690/year on average with 5.1% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS).
Find programs →Compare Accredited Programs in Illinois
We list 178 accredited programs in Illinois. Enter your zip code to see options that match your schedule, budget, and target degree.
Nursing School Requirements in Illinois: The Basics
Nursing school admission requirements in Illinois vary by degree level, but all accredited programs share a common foundation: prerequisite science courses, a competitive GPA, and a clean background check. After graduation from any pre-licensure program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain a license from the Illinois Board of Nursing before practicing.
The most important lever applicants control is their prerequisite GPA. Science courses — particularly Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology — are heavily weighted by admissions committees. Retaking a course to improve a C to a B or higher can make the difference in competitive programs.
Admission Requirements by Degree Level
LPN
Typical GPA
2.5–3.0
Program Length
9–18 months
Key Prerequisites
- High school diploma or GED
- English
- Basic math
- Biology (some programs)
The fastest entry point into nursing. Many programs accept students directly from high school.
ADN
Typical GPA
2.7–3.2
Program Length
18–24 months
Key Prerequisites
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II
- Microbiology
- English Composition
- Psychology
- Statistics or Math
Community college programs. Many have waitlists — applying early and maintaining a high GPA is critical.
BSN
Typical GPA
3.0–3.5
Program Length
3–4 years (direct-entry) or 2 years (RN-to-BSN)
Key Prerequisites
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Sociology
- English Composition
University programs. Highly competitive — top programs often require 3.5+ GPA and healthcare experience.
RN-BSN
Typical GPA
2.5–3.0
Program Length
12–18 months (online)
Key Prerequisites
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- ADN or diploma in nursing
Designed for working RNs. No additional clinical hours required. Most programs are fully online.
MSN
Typical GPA
3.0–3.5
Program Length
2–3 years
Key Prerequisites
- BSN from an accredited program
- Active RN license
- Statistics course
- Professional letters of recommendation
Graduate-level admission. Many programs require 1–2 years of clinical RN experience.
Ready to Find Programs That Fit Your Profile in Illinois?
Compare programs by GPA requirements, tuition, and delivery format — then request info from the ones that match.
How to Get Into Nursing School in Illinois: Step by Step
- 1
Research program types and choose a degree level
Decide whether you are pursuing an LPN certificate, ADN, BSN, or RN-to-BSN. Each has different admission requirements, costs, and career outcomes. Illinois has 50 accredited programs across all degree levels.
- 2
Complete prerequisite courses
Most nursing programs require Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and English Composition at a minimum. Complete these at a community college if needed before applying.
- 3
Maintain a competitive GPA
ADN programs typically require a 2.7+ GPA; BSN programs require 3.0–3.5. Retaking a science prerequisite to improve your grade can significantly strengthen your application.
- 4
Prepare application materials
Gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of healthcare experience (CNA, medical scribe, EMT, etc.). Many programs weigh clinical experience heavily.
- 5
Submit your application
Apply to 3–5 programs. ADN programs at community colleges often use a points-based ranking system. BSN programs use holistic review. Apply as early as possible — many programs have rolling admissions.
- 6
Complete the program and pass the NCLEX
After graduation, apply for RN licensure through the Illinois Board of Nursing (https://nursing.illinois.gov). Pass the NCLEX-RN to receive your license and begin practicing.
After Graduation: NCLEX and Illinois RN Licensing
Completing an accredited nursing program is only the first step. To practice as an RN in Illinois, you must:
- Apply for licensure with the Illinois Board of Nursing
- Register for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE
- Pass the NCLEX-RN (national first-time pass rate ≈ 87%)
- Receive your Illinois RN license and begin practicing
Illinois License Details
License Renewal
2 years
CE Hours
20 hours per renewal
NLC Compact
No — single-state license
Accredited Programs in Illinois
Programs in Illinois start as low as $14,560 in total tuition (ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)).
Sponsored programs from our education partners — may include options beyond our directory listings.
Sponsored partner listings. We may receive compensation when you request information. Disclosure
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
Get Matched with Illinois Programs You Qualify For
You now know what Illinois programs require. Enter your zip code and we'll match you with accredited options that fit your GPA, schedule, and budget — free, takes 30 seconds.
What GPA do you need for nursing school in Illinois?
What prerequisites do you need for nursing school in Illinois?
How long does it take to become a nurse in Illinois?
Do you need healthcare experience to get into nursing school in Illinois?
How do you apply to nursing school in Illinois?
What is the NCLEX exam for nursing in Illinois?
Is nursing school hard to get into in Illinois?
Get Matched with Accredited Nursing Programs
Tell us your zip code and program preference, and we’ll connect you with top nursing schools that match your goals — tuition budget, schedule, and location.
Find Programs Near You
Enter your details to see matching programs.