Registered Nursing

Our registered nursing program is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

• We'll prepare you for a career as a registered nurse. 
• The National Career Clusters Framework created a tool to help you find a career that suits your interests and skills. Our nursing program is part of the Health Science career cluster.

What began as a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program in 1970, evolved into an accredited associate degree program leading to Registered Nurse licensure in 1975. Each year, Kishwaukee accepts 80 (40 per semester) students into its Nursing program. In January 2020 an additional 10 students were admitted into a pilot program in a weekend and evening section.  After two years of theoretical and clinical coursework in both general and specialty areas in Nursing, the student graduates with an Associate in Applied Science degree and is eligible to sit for licensure examination.

Kishwaukee's Nursing Program has always had one of the highest overall NCLEX-RN (State Board Examination) pass rates in Illinois and in the country. For 2020 Kishwaukee's overall average is 82% compared with a state & national average of 88%.  The Pandemic contributed to the decrease in pass rates from 2019.

• Completion Rate: 62% of students graduated in 2 years; 78.5% of students graduate in 3 years. National comparison groups for degree completion is 15% in 2 years and 25% in 3 years. (2020 data).
• NCLEX Pass Rate: In 2020, the graduating class achieved an 82% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Exam for Nurses (NCLEX) nursing exam; State of Illinois 88% and National Average 88%. Graduates from our program have consistently exceeded the state and national pass rates on the National Council Licensure Exam-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).  The decline is partially related to the negative impact of the COVID Pandemic.
• Job Placement: 95% of Kishwaukee College nursing graduates are employed as a registered nurse within six months of graduation. Guidance for job placement is offered with the curriculum, and resources exist at the College to assist with this process. (2020 data).

• Students can expect plenty of hands-on experiences in our modern classrooms, nursing labs and a high-fidelity simulation lab which mimics real-world experiences. 
• Clinicals are held at regional healthcare facilities so students can practice their skills while working with real patients.

• Graduates from our program have exceeded the state and national pass rates on the National Council Licensure Exam-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).
• We’re ranked #17 out of the 77 RN programs in Illinois by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN pass rates.
• Students who opt for our innovative RN to BS program may increase their job opportunities by taking on leadership positions in the workforce and getting ahead of the curve by preparing for the future of nursing.

• Along with applying to Kish, students seeking admission into this program must meet special program requirements and complete a separate application. 
• Students interested in this program are invited to an information meeting to understand the admission criteria and curriculum in detail. 
• The program student handbook and our FAQs overview the program in more detail.
• A variable tuition rate applies to this program.