Online Nursing Application Open May 15-31
The online nursing application is open from May 15-31. JJC nursing students benefit from lab simulation work...
LPN to Registered Nurse (R.N.) Transition
For students who have a valid Illinois LPN license, there is a different pathway from our traditional nursing pathway to become a RN. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) will take NURS 170, a course that assists him or her in the role changes necessary for transition to the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) curriculum at JJC. After completion of the transition course, the student will continue the last two semesters of the RN preparation curriculum at JJC.
The program combines traditional and online classroom experiences, high-fidelity simulations, and clinical experiences in health facilities throughout the community. A LPN who completes the 3-semester pathway is awarded an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and is eligible for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) for registration as an RN in Illinois.
Prerequisites: Must be a licensed LPN in the state of Illinois and be accepted into the LPN Transition pathway. Students must have complete all required General Education courses with a grade of “C” or better.
The following required general education courses MUST be completed with a grade “C” or better prior to application submission beginning with the October 15 - 31, 2025 application and all future applications.
- BIO 250 (BIO 149 or 151 may be a prerequisite)
- BIO 251
- BIO 240
- COMM 101 *
- ENG 101 *
- HEAL 109
- NURS 100
- PSYC 101 *
*Dual credit course offered at many high schools.
Elective Course Requirement
A 4-credit elective course completed with a grade "C" or better will be required prior to completion of the nursing program. This may be taken prior to or concurrently with the nursing program and can be any course the student selects.
Recommended:
BIO 149
MATH 128
What is Unique About Our LPN to RN Program?
- No expiration of general education coursework (but students will be responsible for the information in prior courses, like anatomy and physiology)
- Save thousands of dollars over other programs
- An NCLEX-RN passage rate consistently well above the national and state average
- Small class and clinical sizes to facilitate learning
- Several agreements with universities for our graduates to seamlessly transition to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program after graduation
Please Note:
Beginning with the October 15 - 31, 2025 application period for upcoming Spring 2026 and all future semesters, please review the following link for the revised curriculum.
NOTE: The LPN to RN Transition NURS 170 course will not run in the fall semester of 2025.
Revised Nursing Curriculum Requirements
The following curriculum link under the section, "What Degree/Certificate will I receive?" is only for students enrolled in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. Please see an advisor for new curriculum requirements.
What Degree/Certificate will I receive?
DegreeWhat Are My Career Opportunities?
- Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- Registered nurses work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, and nursing care facilities. Others work in outpatient clinics and schools, or serve in the military (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- The median annual wage for registered nurses was $60,790 in May 2023 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- 93 percent of our graduates are employed within 9 months of graduation.
-
How To Apply
JJC's Nursing Program has a selective admissions process. Students will be required to obtain a physical examination with titers and/or immunizations, an annual TB test (also Clinical site specific 2-step TB tests), an American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR card, an annual flu shot, a criminal background check and drug screen. Forms will be provided upon acceptance into the program. These requirements are subject to change.
Visit the Admissions page, then scroll down to "LPN to RN: Licensed Practical Nurse Transition to Registered Nurse" for information on the application process and admission criteria. It is strongly recommended that any student who is considering nursing as a major make an appointment with a nursing advisor at (815) 280-2435 as soon as possible.
