Home Online Schools LPN to BSN Programs Illinois

Why Trust EduMed?

250+ expert nursing & allied health contributors

500+ college & university connections

2,000+ users matched to programs monthly

Meet Our Team Editorial Values

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

A smiling woman with long, wavy hair in a bright red shirt, posing for a portrait with snowy bushes in the background.
Author: Kyra Sutherland
A smiling woman with long, wavy hair in a bright red shirt, posing for a portrait with snowy bushes in the background.
Kyra Sutherland Arrow up right
Freelance Writer
Kyra Sutherland is a freelance writer with over 8 years of experience creating informative and engaging content for healthcare and nursing education publications. She has written or edited more than 200 articles on topics including allied health careers and online nursing degree programs, supporting students and professionals in their educational and career decisions. Kyra holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Brigham Young University. She applies her skills in researching, interviewing, and writing to provide valuable information, stay current with industry trends, and continuously improve her ability to present complex topics in clear and accessible language.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareNursingMedical Assisting
HealthcareNursingMedical Assisting
Editor: Michael Hoffman, MA, JD
A smiling bald man with a beard, wearing a black t-shirt and glasses perched on his head, standing in front of a brick wall.
Michael Hoffman, MA, JD Arrow up right
Freelance Writer, Researcher, & Journalist
Michael Hoffman has authored close to 300 articles for higher education publications, including over 140 for EduMed across nursing and allied health. He's interviewed and collaborated with hundreds of active healthcare professionals and students. Michael holds degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Before his writing career, he practiced as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked as a development executive for a major film producer in Santa Monica, California.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing
HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing

Online LPN to BSN Programs in Illinois: Review Top Schools

If you’re a licensed practical nurse in Illinois and want to become a registered nurse, an LPN to BSN bridge program could be the right move to get you there. This guide showcases the convenience and affordability of earning your nursing bachelor’s through one of the online LPN to BSN programs in Illinois. Learn about program costs and lengths, admissions requirements, course content and delivery formats, and much more.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

A smiling woman with long, wavy hair in a bright red shirt, posing for a portrait with snowy bushes in the background.
Author: Kyra Sutherland
A smiling woman with long, wavy hair in a bright red shirt, posing for a portrait with snowy bushes in the background.
Kyra Sutherland Arrow up right
Freelance Writer
Kyra Sutherland is a freelance writer with over 8 years of experience creating informative and engaging content for healthcare and nursing education publications. She has written or edited more than 200 articles on topics including allied health careers and online nursing degree programs, supporting students and professionals in their educational and career decisions. Kyra holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Brigham Young University. She applies her skills in researching, interviewing, and writing to provide valuable information, stay current with industry trends, and continuously improve her ability to present complex topics in clear and accessible language.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareNursingMedical Assisting
HealthcareNursingMedical Assisting
Editor: Michael Hoffman, MA, JD
A smiling bald man with a beard, wearing a black t-shirt and glasses perched on his head, standing in front of a brick wall.
Michael Hoffman, MA, JD Arrow up right
Freelance Writer, Researcher, & Journalist
Michael Hoffman has authored close to 300 articles for higher education publications, including over 140 for EduMed across nursing and allied health. He's interviewed and collaborated with hundreds of active healthcare professionals and students. Michael holds degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Before his writing career, he practiced as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked as a development executive for a major film producer in Santa Monica, California.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing
HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing

Jump To Section

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

Achieve Test Prep Logo

Achieve Test Prep
PROGRAM: LPN to RN/BSN

Visit Site

We help thousands of LPNs/LVNs work towards achieving their Associate Degree in Nursing or RN. The Test-Out Bridge Program makes achieving your RN faster and affordable, and previous college credits will count toward your advanced degree.

Inside Online LPN to BSN Programs in Illinois

Online LPN to BSN programs in Illinois give licensed practical nurses a faster, more affordable way to advance their careers and qualify for RN licensure. By recognizing prior education and hands-on experience, these programs allow LPNs to move through their studies more efficiently while building advanced clinical, leadership, and decision-making skills.

Once enrolled, students complete a combination of RN-level and bachelor’s-level coursework in a hybrid format that blends online instruction with required in-person labs and clinical rotations at approved healthcare facilities.

When comparing programs, pay close attention to how each school structures its curriculum and delivers online instruction. Strong programs typically stand out in several key areas:

  1. Advanced standing opportunities that credit your LPN training and work experience
  2. Balanced coursework that combines RN preparation with upper-division nursing classes
  3. Hybrid learning formats with online lectures and local clinical placements
  4. NCLEX-RN preparation and licensure support built into the program
  5. Flexible scheduling options for working nurses

To help you see how these elements come together in real programs, we’ve highlighted two standout online LPN to BSN options currently available in Illinois.

Methodist College

The LPN to BSN program at Methodist College in Peoria offers a great opportunity for LPNs who want to advance their career and make an impact in the healthcare field. The program combines:

  • Online classes attended Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Online course content may be delivered synchronously or asynchronously.
  • Weekend campus-based classes and clinical practice experiences attended at medical facilities in the Peoria area.

Students gain the leadership skills, critical thinking, and advanced clinical expertise needed to qualify for the NCLEX-RN and state RN licensure.

Both full-time and part-time options are available.

Duration: Six to eight semesters (three to four years)

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $677/credit

Admissions Requirements:

  • Completed LPN education program
  • Current LPN license
  • Application
  • Official transcripts

Curriculum:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Medical Terminology
  • Health Assessment
  • Pathopharmacology
  • Health Alterations in Nursing Practice
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Pediatrics in Nursing Practice
  • Health Policy and Professional Leadership
  • Transcultural and Population Health

Chamberlain University

Not strictly an LPN to BSN program, Chamberlain University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides LPNs with a head start in earning their bachelor’s by awarding up to nine “proficiency credits” upon passing proficiency and skills validation tests. Specifically, through the proficiency process, LPN students are able to bypass the program’s Lifespan Development and Fundamentals of Patient Care courses.

Many required courses can be completed online or on campus during evenings/weekends. Clinical requirements are attended in person at Chicago-area healthcare facilities and can also be completed on weekends.

All students have access to Chamberlain University’s Center for Academic Success, which offers tutoring, study materials, workshops, and other academic support. Approximately 90% of students receive financial aid.

Duration: Three years (122 credits total)

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $765/credit

Admissions Requirements:

  • Completed LPN education program and current LPN license
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • A completed HESI A2 entrance exam
  • All college transcripts

Curriculum:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Psychology
  • Statistical Reasoning for the Health Sciences
  • Pathophysiology
  • Health Assessment
  • Fundamentals of Patient Care
  • Pharmacology for Nursing Practice
  • Adult Health
  • Nutrition, Health, and Wellness
  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Community Health Nursing

FAQs for Online LPN to BSN Students in Illinois

After reviewing the information above, it’s common for readers to have a few questions of their own. To help out, below are the answers to five of the most frequently-asked questions by prospective students on how online LPN to BSN programs in Illinois operate.

What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an LPN to BSN program in Illinois?

Along with eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN and obtaining RN licensure, LPN to BSN programs provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for competent practice as a registered nurse in the full spectrum of practice settings. That includes advanced nursing coursework beyond that offered in associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs.

Skills are developed in the following areas:

  • Advanced clinical assessment
  • Communication and collaboration
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Inclusiveness and cultural diversity
  • Leadership and management

Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN to BSN program in Illinois?

The short answer is “absolutely“. But only if you qualify.

Generally speaking, there’s a wide range of financial aid resources available for eligible online LPN to BSN students in Illinois. The most popular include:

  • Scholarships and grants
  • Employer tuition reimbursement
  • Work-study
  • Tuition discounts
  • VA benefits
  • Student loans
  • Tuition deferment and installment plans

The best place to start your search for funding help is with the financial aid offices at the schools offering the LPN to BSN programs you’re considering. Two other valuable sources of scholarships for Illinois nursing students are:

How much do LPN to BSN programs in Illinois cost?

The total cost of your Illinois online LPN to BSN education will depend on a number of factors, including:

  • Program length
  • Total credits required
  • Tuition rates and program fees
  • Additional costs for books, study materials, and equipment
  • Public or private school: Private schools often charge higher tuition rates than public schools.
  • Student residence: Public schools often charge higher tuition rates to students who are out-of-state residents.

Keeping all of this in mind, you’ll find that the tuition rates quoted in the spotlights above ($677 and $765) are representative of what you’ll find during your program search.

What are the admissions requirements for LPN to BSN programs in Illinois?

The admissions process and requirements for LPN to BSN programs vary somewhat from program to program. Nevertheless, there are several admissions requirements shared by most online LPN to BSN programs in Illinois, including:

  • A complete application
  • Official transcripts evidencing completion of an accredited LPN education program
  • A current, unencumbered LPN license
  • Passing a criminal background check
  • Current health and immunization records

In addition, LPN to BSN programs may require one or more of the following:

  • Acceptable scores on an admissions exam such as the HSEI A2 or ATI TEAS
  • Personal statement
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Interview with a program representative

What should I look for in an LPN to BSN program in Illinois?

There are a number of elements to look for as you explore Illinois LPN to BSN program options. Start by considering only those programs that are:

Additional factors to consider include:

  • NCLEX-RN pass rates: A high pass rate is a good indication of a program’s quality and effectiveness.
  • Delivery format: Pay attention to how a program combines online and in-person content delivery elements. Also keep in mind that online content may be delivered synchronously (requiring logging on and attending live-streamed class sessions at specifically-scheduled times) or asynchronously (allowing students to access and complete coursework at any time.)
  • Program length: Completion times vary significantly from program to program.
  • Availability of quality student support services: These might include financial aid support, academic and career counseling, and clinical placement assistance.

Salary and Career Comparison: LPNs vs. RNs

No matching data found or there was an error in the query.

Occupation ↕ Area ↕ Curr. Jobs ↕ Proj. Jobs ↕ New Jobs ↕ Growth % ↕ Avg. Ann. Openings ↕
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Illinois 18,960 19,480 520 2.70% 1,510
Registered Nurses Illinois 138,050 142,310 4,260 3.10% 7,960

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Kyra Sutherland AUTHOR

Kyra Sutherland is a freelance writer with over 8 years of experience creating informative and engaging content for healthcare and nursing education publications. She has written or edited more than 200 articles on topics including allied health careers and online nursing degree programs, supporting students and professionals in their educational and career decisions. Kyra holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Brigham Young University. She applies her skills in researching, interviewing, and writing to provide valuable information, stay current with industry trends, and continuously improve her ability to present complex topics in clear and accessible language.

Read More About Kyra Sutherland

Michael Hoffman, MA, JD EDITOR

Michael Hoffman has authored close to 300 articles for higher education publications, including over 140 for EduMed across nursing and allied health. He's interviewed and collaborated with hundreds of active healthcare professionals and students. Michael holds degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Before his writing career, he practiced as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked as a development executive for a major film producer in Santa Monica, California.

Read More About Michael Hoffman
Logo of EDUMED, featuring a stylized graduation cap forming the letter 'M' in a monochromatic orange, with the rest of the letters in purple on a green background.
Privacy Settings

When you visit the EduMed website, we store cookies on your browser to collect information. This information may pertain to you, your preferences, or your device and is primarily used to ensure the site functions as expected and to deliver a more personalized experience. You can choose to disable certain types of cookies; however, this may affect your experience on the site and limit the services we can provide. Click on the different category headings to learn more and customize your settings. Please note that you cannot opt out of our First Party Strictly Necessary Cookies, as these are essential for the proper functioning of the website (e.g., displaying the cookie banner, remembering your preferences, logging into your account, redirecting upon logout, etc.).