Those interested in becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in Illinois who don't have a recognized nursing background must complete a state-approved RN Illinois program to be eligible for licensure.
All states are required to approve and maintain their own registered nurse (RN) educational training programs. In Illinois, the Division of Professional Regulation is responsible for approving those IL RN schools located throughout the state.
This article explains how students can find state-accredited RN IL programs and describes the licensing requirements that must be fulfilled in order to legally work as a registered nurse.
RN Illinois Licensing Requirements
Individuals who have never been licensed to practice as a nurse and who have never earned an accredited nursing degree are required to fulfill the following obligations before working as a registered nurse in Illinois:
- Complete an IL RN program that is state-approved
- Pass the national NCLEX-RN licensing examination
- Pass a criminal history background check
Those who have an active, out-of-state registered nursing license should know that the State of Illinois is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, a collection of states that have agreed to accept out-of-state nurse license transfers from member states. However, Illinois does accept applications for endorsement (transfer) from individuals who hold valid out-of-state licenses.
For information on how to obtain a transfer application, contact the Division of Professional Regulation at 217-785-0800.
IL RN Program Curricula
Every accredited RN IL school has the freedom to create its own curriculum. However, all state-approved programs are required to offer the following:
- A program of study that is at least 2 academic years in length
- Theoretical, classroom-based learning
- Clinical, hands-on training
In the classroom component for both Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, students learn a number of important skill areas, including:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Physical sciences
- Social sciences
- Growth and development
- Interpersonal relationships
- Cultural diversity
- Pharmacology
- Patho-physiology
- Nursing practice across all age groups
In the clinical portion of RN Illinois programs, students work directly with patients in medical facilities under the supervision of a licensed nurse. This training, in which students work with patients of all ages, prepares them for both the NCLEX-RN examination and for their future careers.
Finding RN IL Schools
The Division of Professional Regulation approves countless IL RN programs across the state, most of which are located in community colleges, four-year institutions of higher learning and universities.
For a complete list of approved schools, reference the Division of Professional Regulation's list of RN schools.
Benefits of RN Illinois Training
Students who successfully complete an RN IL program and who pass the NCLEX-RN exam can legally work as a registered nurse in Illinois.
As the state's population continues to age, RN jobs will increase in demand, making nursing training a sound investment for those looking to either launch or broaden a nursing career.
For information on additional nurse training opportunities in Illinois and elsewhere, see also:
The Best Nursing Programs Online
David Harris-Gershon - David Harris-Gershon – a blogger for Tikkun magazine and a freelance writer on Israel, the Middle East and America’s role in ...
Join the Conversation