LPN to RN Online Programs in IL: Evaluating Top Schools
Ready to level up your LPN license and experience? You’re not alone. With Illinois facing a growing nursing shortage, RNs are earning significantly higher salaries. So there’s never been a better time to explore LPN to RN Bridge programs. Discover how three leading Illinois institutions are revolutionizing the LPN to RN transition with flexible online and hybrid programs that fit your busy schedule.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareNursingMental Health EditorialSenior CareDementia Care
NursingNursing Ed.Jump To Section
Achieve Test Prep
PROGRAM: LPN to RN/BSN
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.
Comparing Online LPN to RN Programs in Illinois
Illinois offers a variety of programs for LPN to RN transitions. If you’re an LPN already working in healthcare, you need flexible class options that align with your busy schedule.
The benefit of LPN to RN bridge programs is they offer a simple way to transition from one nursing career to the next, taking advantage of what you already know to level up your career.
While there are many hybrid (or blended) options in Illinois, you won’t find any LPN to RN bridge programs that are fully online given the in-person clinical requirements. Still, many Illinois programs offer a hybrid model with some online classes, giving you the flexibility to continue your education while still taking care of other responsibilities.
To help you understand program requirements, curriculum, and more, we’ll explore three top LPN to RN bridge programs in Illinois, along with potential salaries and common FAQs.
Joliet Junior College
If you already have a valid LPN license in the state of Illinois, Joliet Junior College offers an LPN to Registered Nurse Transition Program with a hybrid model.
Features:
- Rigorous program with 18 hours each week dedicated to lectures and clinicals
- Consists of three semesters of classroom instruction, clinical experience, and health facility simulations
- Students receive an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and are eligible for the required NCLEX-RN exam
Duration: Three semesters
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $5,874 in-district (additional costs for out-of-district students)
Admissions Requirements:
- Current LPN in Illinois
- Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), and Placement Test or ACT Scores
- Physical exam & immunizations
- BLS Healthcare Provider CPR card
- Background check and drug screening
- Transcripts
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate
- Minimum 2.0 on prerequisites, general education, and recommended courses
Core Curriculum:
- LPN to ADN Transition Course
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Maternal/Child Nursing
- Behavioral Health Nursing
- Nursing Leadership
- General education prerequisites
McHenry County College
McHenry County College offers an LPN to RN bridge program that’s approved by the Illinois Board of Nursing and the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation as well as the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).
Features:
- Blended program, consisting of both online and in-person classes
- Two weekdays spent on campus for lab and theory practice
- Introduces the role of the professional nurse with application of core components of nursing to caring for future patients
Duration: Four semesters
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $4,010 in-district, $10,862 out-of-district, $15,270 out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- Illinois LPN license
- Prerequisite courses
- TEAS exam scores
- Transcripts
- GPA of 2.5 or better in general education and prerequisite courses
Core Curriculum:
- LPN to ADN Transition
- Nursing Practice
- Psychiatric Nursing
- Family Nursing
- Complex Issues in Healthcare
- Nursing Leadership
Lincoln Land Community College
Located in Springfield, IL, Lincoln Land Community College offers a hybrid LPN to ADN transition program that’s accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Features:
- Some classes are online, but in-person classroom and clinical time is required as well
- Graduates can take the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for licensure with the state
- Boasts a consistent 90% student pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam
Duration: One year
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $9,692 in-district, $14,872 out-of-district
Admissions Requirements:
- Current LPN in Illinois
- Science courses completed with minimum C grade within last five years
- Drug screening, immunizations, and background check
- CPR certification
- One year of LPN employment
- TEAS exam scores
- Transcripts
- Minimum GPA of 2.8 for all previous college courses
- Completion of prerequisite courses
Core Curriculum:
- LPN to ADN Transition
- Nursing III
- Nursing IV
- Nursing Leadership
Answering Online LPN to RN Program FAQs
While the preceding information provides a solid overview of LPN to RN programs in Illinois, chances are you still have a lot of questions about how the programs work and what is required of you as a student. To make your journey a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers.
How long are LPN to RN bridge programs?
The duration of LPN to RN bridge programs typically ranges from two to four semesters, though this timeline can fluctuate significantly based on individual circumstances. Several key elements influence the overall completion time, including:
- Enrollment status (full-time or part-time)
- Number of transferable credits from previous education
- Specific program requirements at different institutions
- Availability of clinical placement opportunities in the local area
Additionally, you may be able to find schools that offer accelerated LPN to RN programs or even programs without prerequisites. It’s important to research multiple programs, as the requirements and timeframes can vary considerably between educational institutions.
Expert Insight
Typically, you (or your school) will set up a weekly schedule at a local facility so you can complete your required clinical hours. Depending on the agreed upon schedule, there may be a limitation on the number of hours you can complete in a given week. This can affect your program completion time.
What are the admission requirements for LPN to RN programs in Illinois?
Most LPN to RN programs in Illinois set the following admission requirements:
- Minimum GPA
- Valid LPN license
- Completion of general education and prerequisite courses
- Pre-admission test, letters of reference, or admission essay (required at times)
What is the cost for LPN to RN programs?
The cost of an LPN to RN program depends on the cost per credit hour for tuition. Every school offers different tuition rates, so you’ll have to carefully research the specific programs you’re interested in.
Some community colleges offer tuition as low as $4,000 a year, while other colleges have tuition as high as $23,000 a year. However, you can also select one of the online nursing programs that offer financial aid or scholarships, which can make paying for the program a little easier.
What should I look for in an LPN to RN program in Illinois?
Ensure that whatever school you choose adequately prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam as well as RN licensure requirements in Illinois. You can do this by looking for these qualities:
- Accreditation: This guarantees the quality of a program since accredited programs have to meet certain requirements.
- Experienced faculty: It might be worth researching the program’s faculty to see their education and workforce experience.
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates: Each school’s website will typically post the pass rates of their graduates. The higher the pass rate, the more confident you can feel in the program.
What is the shortest LPN to RN bridge program?
Accelerated LPN to RN programs are shorter than traditional programs, but they may have additional prerequisites that you’ll have to meet before being admitted. Usually these programs take two semesters and require you to have your general education courses already completed.
The goal of LPN to RN bridge programs is to quickly prepare current LPNs to become RNs, so most programs can be completed in a short amount of time. Generally, though, LPN to RN bridge programs usually take around 12 months to complete.
Earnings and Careers: LPNs vs. RNs in Illinois
As you consider the path from LPN to RN, it’s important to know what you can expect after graduation day. Illinois RNs in the 10th percentile earn $63,900, while the median salary for LPNs is $62,600. Since entry-level RNs earn wages competitive with those of experienced LPNs, they can expect stronger long-term financial growth.
In Illinois, there’s a projected growth rate of 3.1% for RNs, which is lower than the national growth rate of 5.6%. The growth rate for LPNs is even lower, at 2.7%. However, Illinois is still projected to add 4,260 new RN jobs in the future.
While both RNs and LPNs have modest growth rates, the higher demand and number of RN job openings make it the more stable choice for those interested in nursing careers. Dive into the following data to get a clearer idea of what the future holds as an RN.
| Occupation | Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Illinois | $49,160 | $62,600 | $79,440 |
| Registered Nurses | Illinois | $63,900 | $82,470 | $105,140 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation | Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Registered Nurses | Illinois | 138,050 | 142,310 | 4,260 | 3.10% | 7,960 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Illinois | 18,960 | 19,480 | 520 | 2.70% | 1,510 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
