Illinois RN Programs

Anyone who would like to have a rewarding career putting smiles on people's faces and making a positive difference in their lives should look into RN programs in Illinois. Illinois is not only a fantastic place to live, but also a great state to train in to become a registered nurse.

A registered nurse is in charge of basic patient care, like checking blood pressure readings, getting a patient's pulse, taking general notes for a doctor to read over, and helping the doctor with anything he or she needs during an examination. In some RN programs in Illinois, students learn about specific medical procedures that they may end up assisting with later.

Becoming Licensed by Examination in Illinois

In order to become an RN by examination in Illinois, an individual must first complete an approved education program. The education program must include at least 1500 hours of direct patient care.

After graduation, the individual must pass the NCLEX. He or she must then submit:

• A completed application
• A certified check or money order to cover the application fee
• Verification of fingerprinting
• Foreign educated employees: Credentials evaluation report done by CGFNS or ERES and passing score on TOEFL (if education was not in English)

Becoming Licensed by Endorsement in Illinois

In order to become an RN by endorsement in Illinois, an individual must have previously held a license in another state or jurisdiction. Along with a completed application and fees for licensure by endorsement, an applicant must submit the following:

• Proof of graduating from a nursing program that meets state requirements
• Evidence of having passed the NCLEX or SBTPE
• Verification of fingerprint processing
• Foreign educated employees: Credentials evaluation report done by CGFNS or ERES, VisaScreen, and passing score on TOEFL (if education was not in English)
• Official transcripts from nursing program

Applicants for licensure by endorsement may obtain a temporary permit to practice for 6 months.

Renewing an RN License

Illinois RN licenses are valid for 2 years, and expire on May 31 of even numbered years. Applicants are required to complete 20 contact hours of continuing education in order to be eligible for renewal.

Additional Resources

• Illinois Nurse Licensure

The Best RN Schools in Illinois

By offering the most complete directory of nursing schools, NurseGroups.com helps Illinois residents find the best local RN programs, as well as the best online RN schools whose accreditation is accepted by the Illinois Board of Nursing.

Why Online RN Classes?

Being a registered nurse is a great career. But many working adults who want to become an registered nurse have an extremely busy schedule - balancing a full-time job, family commitments and other personal responsibilities. The traditional classroom setting offered by most local nursing schools doesn't offer the same flexibility as taking their RN classes online.

Online nursing programs allow each student to fit their education into his or her already busy schedule. Online students can participate in discussion forums and take exams when it's convenient for them. RN nursing students can access their virtual classroom 24 hours per day / seven days per week.

Also, taking RN courses online saves students even more time, as online students don't need to commute to school. Online schools enable busy people to get an RN degree, without interfering with their current professional and personal life.

Illinois RN Resources

• Illinois Department of Public Health
• Cook County Department of Public Health
• Dupage County Health Department
• Macon County Health Department