Registered Nurse (R.N.)

  • Health, Public Safety & Human Services

JJC's RN program combines traditional classroom experiences, in-class high-fidelity simulations, and online courses with clinical experiences in local health facilities. A student who completes the program is awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree and is eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (N.C.L.E.X.) for registration as an R.N. in Illinois.

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 Registered Nurse Program?

  • State-of-the-Art simulation labs.
  • Save thousands of dollars.
  • Joliet Junior College RN graduates achieved a 99 percent pass rate on the National Nursing Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) in 2019, well above national average of 88 percent.
  • Joliet Junior College works closely with local universities so graduates can make a seamless transition and complete their bachelor’s degree.
  • According to RegisteredNursing.org, JJC's Nursing program is ranked one of the top 7 in the state of Illinois.  

What Degree Will I Receive?

What Are My Career Opportunities?

  • Registered nurses (RN’s) 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 $80,010 in May 2020 (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.

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Additional Information

  • How to Apply

    Application Dates

    Students applying to the nursing program can apply Feb. 1-15 or June 1-15.

    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 and select the Nursing tab 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.

    Note to Applicants

    As of Fall 2023, the JJC nursing program will require a CNA certificate for those applying to the program.

    If you apply Feb. 1-15, 2023 or June 1-15, 2023, the Nursing program will accept students who are enrolled in NA 101 with the understanding that they must complete the course with a C or better and provide proof of their CNA registry certificate upon successful certification. For any application period beyond this, applicants must have a CNA certificate and be on the CNA registry prior to the application period.