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).

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3390 Peachtree Road NE Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA, 30326
(404) 975-5000

• 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. Kishwaukee College accepts 90 students into its Nursing Program each year — 40 students in the Fall semesters and 50 students for the Spring semesters. The Spring admission includes 10 additional students accepted for an evening and weekend section, which was first piloted in January 2020. 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.

Student achievement outcome data for 2021

• First-time NCLEX-RN Pass Rates — 83%
• 100% (on-time) completion rate — 53.6%
• Job placement rate six months post-graduation — 86%

• 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 #39 out of the 79 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.