Nursing Program Information Session
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.
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
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.
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.