Nursing Program at Illinois College
Your nursing degree includes diverse clinical experiences within a holistic and caring framework to prepare you for professional practice. And there’s no waitlist. We offer guaranteed admission and free tuition for qualified applicants.
Nursing Program Highlights
Gain broad exposure to multiple clinical experiences, specialties and health systems at one of the best nursing colleges in Illinois. We prepare you for a successful nursing career that aligns with your passion for helping others.
A Hands-On, Accredited Nursing Program
Our accredited nursing program gets you “practice ready” and prepares you to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) — the exam that allows you to become licensed as a registered nurse (RN). You’ll earn your nursing degree from a program with a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate.
Classroom instruction is combined with hands-on experience in recently constructed, state-of-the-art facilities where simulation equipment helps you practice patient interactions.
In the second semester of your sophomore year, you will begin clinical placements in multiple settings that help you explore a variety of healthcare options while building your skill set.
Want to study abroad? We offer opportunities through our unique BreakAway program. The chance to study abroad in a nursing program is rare, but we make it possible. You’ll experience working within diverse teams, practice languages and explore cultures. Simply put, the global footprint available to you as you earn your nursing degree at IC will ultimately make you a better nurse.
Nursing College Scholarships
Qualified applicants receive free tuition, and we offer ample opportunities for all students to reduce the cost of tuition through scholarships.
The Illinois College Advantage Plus scholarship program offers admitted students a minimum scholarship of $20,000 and covers 100% of financial need for Illinois residents with at least a 3.0 GPA. This campus-wide scholarship means you get all the advantages of a nursing program at a private college for the same price as a state school.
Through our partnership with Memorial Health, 50 nursing students will receive additional scholarships. Scholarships cover the complete cost of tuition for eligible nursing students hailing from the 38 Illinois counties surrounding the Jacksonville campus during the first two years at IC.
In years three and four, students will continue receiving support while working part-time at any Memorial Health site, allowing them to gain hands-on experience while completing their education. Strong candidates typically have a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale and an 1100 SAT or 22 ACT score.
A Nursing Degree That Gets You Career READY
Our accredited nursing program gives you the support you need to succeed in our program and beyond. Your success team includes:
- An academic advisor — a nursing course professor —serves as a mentor and guide throughout the program.
- An academic “coach” helps you build a success plan
- Career advising through the Career Readiness and Experiential Learning (CREL) office gives you advice on resume writing, interview skills and your job search.
Outcomes
Illinois College nursing alumni have a 100% placement rate after graduation working as nurses in a variety of settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient settings, physician offices, clinics, insurance companies, schools and more. Our dynamic programs prepare you to Graduate READY for many paths in healthcare and ensure you're ready for promotions and advanced degrees. IC alumni are currently working as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical directors and nurse anesthetists.
Career Opportunities for Nursing Degree Graduates
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers for registered nurses are expected to grow faster than average — 6% from 2022 to 2032. The average annual salary for a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree is $81,220 per year.
Our dynamic nursing program prepares you for many paths in healthcare and ensures you're ready for promotions and advanced degrees. Our nursing degree alumni have a 100% placement rate after graduation and work as registered nurses (RNs) in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Outpatient settings
- Physician offices
- Clinics
- Insurance companies
- Schools
Nursing degree alumni who have gone on for advanced degrees are working as nurse practitioners, clinical directors, instructors, and nurse anesthetists.
“The state-of-the-art equipment in the nursing labs at IC really helps facilitate hands-on learning and prepares students for their clinical experiences in area hospitals.”
- Niko Scott '23
Nursing Courses and Requirements
Gain experience caring for clients throughout the lifespan. We offer nursing courses in maternal child, mental health, high acuity and population health.
Leadership skills — embedded in course materials — prepare you with critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills that strengthen your ability to provide excellent patient care and excel in a rapidly changing field.
Learn more about all our nursing courses with our four-year plan
Nursing College Faculty
Faculty are experienced and qualified practitioners who care about you and your educations. They are engaging and passionate about their areas of expertise, offer career guidance, and utilize their vast network to expand your career opportunities.
Programs Related to Our Nursing Degree
Get Started in IC's Nursing College
Ready to begin your path towards a rewarding career as a registered nurse (RN) at one of the best nursing colleges in Illinois?