Fastest Way To Become a Nurse in Illinois 2026
There are several accelerated nursing programs in Illinois that allow students to become licensed nurses in less time, some of which offer a hybrid format.
The quickest way to become a nurse depends on what type of nurse you want to become. There are accelerated routes to becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) as well as a certified registered nurse (RN).
There are different programs and pathways to becoming an LPN or RN, and your quickest route depends on your educational background and interests. Continue reading to discover the fastest way to become a nurse in Illinois.
Education Requirements for Nurses in Illinois
There are certain requirements for licensed nurses in Illinois, which are set by the Illinois Board of Nursing. If you're looking for the fastest way to become an RN or LPN, knowing these requirements ahead of time helps you prepare for licensure.
<h3 id="section---HighSchoolDiplomaOrGED">High School Diploma or GED</h3><p>You need to hold a high school diploma or equivalent to start a nursing program, whether through traditional options or through <a href="https://learn.org/articles/12_month_accelerated_nursing_programs.html">12-month accelerated nursing programs</a>. A high school diploma (or equivalent) gives you a foundation to build upon during your school of nursing program.
</p><h3 id="section---NursingEducation">Nursing Education</h3><p>To obtain licensure as a nurse in Illinois, you must complete a state-approved nursing education program. Most nursing education programs integrate nursing and related healthcare coursework with clinical practice components. Several types of nursing programs are explained in more detail below.
</p><h3 id="section---NCLEXExam">NCLEX Exam</h3><p>Once you complete your nursing program, you will need to earn a passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). LPNs take the NCLEX-PN, while RNs take the NCLEX-RN exam. These tests evaluate nursing knowledge and are required for state licensure.
</p><h3 id="section---IllinoisLicensureRequirements">Illinois Licensure Requirements</h3><p>Both LPNs and RNs apply for nursing licensure through the Illinois Board of Nursing. Upon passing the NCLEX, nursing students submit their transcripts and submit to a background check. Students also include any relevant criminal, military, or health condition information with the online application.
</p><h2 id="section---FastestWaysToBecomeANurseInIllinois">Fastest Ways To Become a Nurse in Illinois</h2><p>The fastest way to become a nurse depends on your educational background and desired nursing role. The programs discussed here meet the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">educational requirements for nurses</a> and offer accelerated pathways to RN and LPN licensure.
</p><h3 id="section---LPNProgram">LPN Program</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> 12 to 18 months
</li></ul><p>The U.S. Department of Labor projects an average of 1,500 new LPN job opportunities each year in Illinois. LPNs perform basic patient care responsibilities, including health assessments, maintaining records, and running diagnostic tests. Nursing programs leading to LPN licensure typically take 12 to 18 months to complete and involve a specific amount of in-person clinical training.
</p><h3 id="section---AcceleratedBachelorOfScienceInNursing">Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One year
</li></ul><p>Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs are typically open to students who have either a non-nursing bachelor's degree or about 60 credit hours of prior coursework. ABSN programs apply previous coursework towards a bachelor's degree so that students can become nurses more quickly. Program graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for their RN license.
</p><h3 id="section---RNToBSNBridgeProgram">RN-to-BSN Bridge Program</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One to two years
</li></ul><p>RN to BSN programs enable registered nurses to expand their existing skills and advance their understanding of healthcare competencies. These programs emphasize collaboration and leadership and are available fully online at some schools. Prior coursework from an RN program is applied to the degree plan, allowing students to earn a bachelor's degree more quickly.
</p><h3 id="section---LPNToRNBridgeProgram">LPN-to-RN Bridge Program</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One to two years
</li></ul><p>LPN to RN programs enable students to apply LPN coursework to an RN program. Associate degree and bachelor's degree options are available for LPN-to-RN programs, either of which prepare students for RN licensure. Associate degree programs can be completed in as little as one year, while bachelor's degree options typically take around two years (full-time) to complete.
</p><h3 id="section---AssociateDegreeInNursing">Associate Degree in Nursing</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> Two years
</li></ul><p>Traditional RN programs lead to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN). Most ADN programs are structured to be completed across two years of full-time study, but some are offered in an accelerated format. Some programs integrate online coursework, but all RN preparation programs require clinical practice components.
</p><h2 id="section---FastestNursingDegreesInIllinois">Fastest Nursing Degrees in Illinois</h2><p>Many schools across Illinois offer nursing education programs at various levels, but only some of them offer accelerated and/or hybrid program options. Below are some of the best accelerated nursing programs — all of which have full approval by the Illinois State Board of Nursing.
</p><h3 id="section---1.VerveCollege">1. Verve College</h3><p>Verve College offers a hybrid LPN program that integrates online learning with in-person clinicals and lab experiences. Two campuses offer more flexibility, and students can complete externships at a variety of healthcare facilities. The program can be completed in one year of full-time enrollment and includes coursework in infection control, wound care, and pediatric care.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $625 per credit hour (course materials and NCLEX included)
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 to 14 months
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---2.IllinoisStateUniversity">2. Illinois State University</h3><p>Illinois State University offers an accelerated BSN program for students who have previously completed a bachelor's degree in another field. The program can be completed in 15 months and prepares nursing students for RN licensure.
</p><p>Leadership and mentorship are integrated within the program. Students can attend in-person requirements at the Bloomington-Normal and/or Springfield campuses.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $462 per credit hour
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 15 months
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Commission in Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---3.LincolnLandCommunityCollege">3. Lincoln Land Community College</h3><p>Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) offers an LPN to ADN program that allows licensed practical nurses to become registered nurses in one year. Students can complete most coursework online while attending campus labs and participating in in-person clinical experiences.
</p><p>The program accepts new students in the fall and spring semesters and includes coursework in evidence-based practice, critical care, and oxygenation.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $140 to $280 per credit hour
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> One year
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---4.UniversityOfIllinoisChicago">4. University of Illinois Chicago</h3><p>The University of Illinois Chicago offers an RN to BSN program that can be completed entirely online in as little as one year. Students build upon their previous nursing coursework and experience, strengthening their professional nursing skills. Classes are delivered through eight-week terms and include nursing informatics, health assessment, and management in nursing.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $330 per credit hour
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> One year
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC, CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---5.RasmussenUniversity">5. Rasmussen University</h3><p>Rasmussen University offers a hybrid ADN program and has four campuses across Illinois. The program prepares students for RN licensure and combines campus labs, online coursework, and in-person clinical experiences. Competencies developed within the program include professional nursing skills, leadership, mental health care, and nursing care of older patients.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $449 per credit
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 21 months
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC, ACEN
</li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>To find the best program options, our team reviews dozens of schools across Illinois. We look at key criteria such as cost, length, accreditation, and flexibility.
</p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Each school featured has been accredited at the institutional level, and each program is accredited and state approved.
</li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> Included programs have NCLEX graduate pass rates above the national average and use high-quality academic standards.
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> Each program is an accelerated route to a nursing degree, even for entry-level college students, reducing the time that it takes to become licensed.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutTheFastestWayToFinishNursingSchoolInIllinois">FAQs About the Fastest Way To Finish Nursing School in Illinois</h2><p>Some aspects of your experience depend on the program that you decide to take. The FAQs below can help you get a better idea of what type of program is best for you.
</p><h3 id="section---HowLongIsNursingSchool">How Long Is Nursing School?</h3><p>The length of your school of nursing program depends on your educational background and the license that you choose to pursue. Some programs can be completed in one year, while others can take between one and two years.
</p><h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesANursingDegreeCost">How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost?</h3><p>Your program cost depends on the tuition rate, credits required, and other potential fees. A program that consists of 60 credit hours with a tuition rate of $400 would have a total tuition of $24,000. Consider <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_illinois.html">accredited online colleges that accept financial aid</a> to reduce your costs.
</p><p>Check tuition rates for programs and find out what other fees may apply. Students should also account for other education expenses like internet and laptops — consider the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/best_laptops_nursing_students.html">best laptop for nursing students</a> to make your program easier.
</p><h3 id="section---CanYouBecomeAnRNInOneYear">Can You Become an RN in One Year?</h3><p>The answer is, it depends on your background. If you have at least 60 credit hours of prior coursework, then you can complete an ABSN in around one year. Otherwise, you can complete an RN program in as few as 21 months through an accelerated program.
</p><p>Consider completing an LPN program (one year) and then transitioning into and LPN to RN bridge program (one year) to start your nursing career in the meantime.
</p><h2 id="section---FindAnOnlineNursingDegree">Find an Online Nursing Degree</h2><p>There are other great programs featured across Learn.org, including accelerated and hybrid options. Reach out to the schools that have programs you are interested in.</p>