How to Become an RN in Illinois: 5 Steps
Want to learn how to become an RN in Illinois? If you’re ready to step into a role with high demand and many growth opportunities, becoming a nurse could be a great fit. Nurses in Illinois work in leading acute care hospitals, essential post-acute facilities, outpatient offices, and many settings in between.
The Land of Lincoln offers diverse opportunities for registered nurses, and becoming an RN in IL means choosing a career that’s not only practical but also in demand. The state currently faces a shortage of nearly 15,000 nurses, and 27% of the existing nursing workforce plans to retire in the next several years.
Let’s dig into how to become a registered nurse in Illinois and what you can expect from this path.
What Does an RN in Illinois Do?
Nurses in Illinois provide essential care across many specialties. As an RN in this state, you could work in any of the following specialty areas and more:
- Med-surg nurses manage hospital patients with illnesses or injuries, performing tasks like focused assessments and administering medications.
- Community health nurses work to promote health education, prevent disease, and coordinate care programs in communities.
- Oncology nurses assess and monitor patients as they go through cancer treatments, and help manage symptoms.
- School nurses work in educational systems to help children access care.
- Surgical nurses support patients before, during, and after surgical procedures.
- Pediatric nurses address the health needs of infants, children, and young adults across various settings.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Illinois?
The time it takes to become a registered nurse in Illinois depends on the educational pathway you choose. So perhaps a better question might be, What education do you need to become an RN in Illinois?
Your options are an ADN vs. BSN:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A 2-year program offered at community and technical colleges, an ADN is the minimum degree requirement to become an RN.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A 4-year degree available at universities, with additional courses in leadership, ethics, and community health. Direct-entry and accelerated BSN programs are available for those with a prior bachelor’s degree.
While an ADN is quicker, a BSN is often preferred by employers and linked to improved patient outcomes. Nurses with a bachelor’s degree tend to earn a higher average salary than those with an associate’s. Many nurses start with an ADN and later pursue a BSN through bridge programs.
How to Become an RN in Illinois: 5 Steps
Step 1: Complete Nursing School
First, you’ll need to complete a nursing program, whether it’s an ADN or BSN. Nursing school prepares you with essential coursework like pharmacology, anatomy, and patient care fundamentals, paired with clinical rotations in diverse healthcare settings.
If you’re seeking BSN programs in Illinois, consider these highly ranked institutions:
- University of Illinois – Chicago
- Rush University
- Loyola University Chicago
- Lewis University
- DePaul University
Want options to learn how to become an RN in Illinois fast? For an ADN degree, look up these impressive schools:
- Black Hawk College
- College of DuPage
- Elgin Community College
- Waubonsee Community College
- Southeastern Illinois College
Ensure your chosen program is approved by the Illinois Board of Nursing to qualify for the NCLEX exam. High NCLEX pass rates show that a program is properly preparing its students for licensure.
Looking for flexible work while you’re in school? Illinois nursing students who have completed 40 hours of training, as well as a fundamentals course, are eligible to take the test to become a CNA. Check out CNA jobs in Illinois to get an idea of requirements and duties.
Step 2: Take the NCLEX
In the final months of your program, apply for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) in Illinois. Start by submitting your application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). You’ll also submit separate applications to Continental Testing Services (CTS) and PearsonVUE.
Key requirements to apply include:
- Certificate of education via official student roster, official transcripts, or form ED-NUR
- Proof of fingerprinting at an Illinois Live Scan Fingerprint Vendor
- CTS testing fee: $107
Once your application is processed, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from PearsonVUE. You’ll pay an exam fee of $200 and schedule your test date with the link provided. Nervous about passing the NCLEX? Check out our overview of NCLEX study tips.
After you complete the NCLEX, PearsonVUE will provide your unofficial results, and you can expect an official mailed exam report within 10 business days after your exam date.
What happens if you don’t pass the NCLEX in Illinois? You can take it multiple times within the three-year application window. Wait until you receive your official letter from CTS to apply for a retake exam. If you wait longer than three years, you’ll need to submit a new application and proof of a nursing review course.
Step 3: Apply for Your Illinois RN License
Maybe you’re asking yourself, How do I get my RN license in Illinois? Once your official results are processed, you’ll apply for licensure through IDFPR. This is the final step in the process of how to become an RN in Illinois. Don’t try to apply before you receive your letter, because it will include specific instructions.
Essential items for RN licensure application include:
- Social security number
- RN acceptance of examination (submitted by CT)
- Application fee of $98
In Illinois, licensure is state-specific, so if you want to work in other states, you’ll need to apply for additional licensure through endorsement. Learn more about Illinois’ Nurse Practice Act.
Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt
Ready to launch your nursing career in Illinois? Many new grads start with residency programs in hospitals, which offer additional training and mentorship in specialties like med-surg, ICU, or pediatrics. On the other hand, you might prefer to work outside of the hospital, in roles like home health or hospice nursing.
Considering a move after you graduate from nursing school? Check out RN roles in the largest Illinois cities by population:
You might also lookup roles with major healthcare employers like the ones below:
Before applying, update your RN resume so that it includes your new license, your degree, relevant experience, and any additional training you have. A fresh cover letter can also help you get in the door. When it’s time for job interviews, review our tips here:
What is an RN’s salary in Illinois? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois RNs earn $87,650 per year on average. Earning additional credentials and specialty certifications could help you earn more.
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
You’ll need to renew your Illinois nursing license to continue practicing as an RN. Log back into your account to understand when renewals are due, and be sure to complete your continuing education requirements on time.
Seeking RN Roles in IL?
Now that you know how to become an RN in Illinois, you might want to know more about nursing jobs in your area. IntelyCare helps with your job search by sending you notifications when roles open up matching your location, specialty, and license. Learn more today.
