LPN to Registered Nurse (R.N.) Transition

  • Health, Public Safety & Human Services

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 completed BIO 250 (Anatomy & Physiology I), ENG 101 (Rhetoric), and PSYC 101 (General Psychology) with a grade of “C” or better.

Other required courses include:

  • Must take BIO 251 (Anatomy & Physiology II), HEAL 109 (Basic Human Nutrition), and PSYC 215 (Lifespan Psychology) prior to or concurrently with NURS 170 (LPN to ADN Transition)
  • Must take BIO 240 (Microbiology) and COMM 101 (Principles of Speech Communication) prior to or concurrently with NURS 250
  • Must take SOC 290 (Cultural Diversity) prior to or concurrently with NURS 260

What Will I Learn?

The nursing program combines classroom, laboratory and clinical learning opportunities for students. The nursing program is very rigorous. Classroom and clinical time is approximately 18 hours per week with an additional 20 hours or more for preparation and studying!

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

What 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 $68,450 in May 2016 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
  • 91 percent of our graduates are employed within 6 months of graduation.

Health, Public Safety & Human Services

If you are a quick problem solver, enjoy lab work and conducting research, this field was designed for you.

Explore This Pathway

  • 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.