Nursing


  • Health, Public Safety & Human Services

The nursing program of Joliet Junior College has a rich history, with the first nursing class of 11 having graduated in 1971.

Today, more than 100 students graduate from both the practical nurse program and the registered nurse program annually. Our students have the benefit of a state-of-the-art simulation center in the Health Professions Center. High-fidelity simulation enhances our students' education and adds to the realism of the learning experience.

The 2022 figures from the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) show the rates for candidates who have completed the registered nurse (RN) and licensed practical nurse (LPN) tests for the past five years. It is based on their completion of the licensure examinations for the first time upon graduating from an Illinois-approved nursing education program.

JJC’s first-time pass rate in 2022 for the NCLEX-RN was 87%. That’s well above the national average of 80%. 

As for the NCLEX-PN, JJC’s first-time pass rate in 2022 was 100%. By comparison, the national rate was 80%.

Note to Nursing Applicants

CNA Requirement: Beginning with the June 1-15, 2024, application period and all future application periods, all applicants must complete a CNA course at JJC or elsewhere with a grade "C" or better, be eligible on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry, and have passed the CNA certification exam.

One-Time Exception - June 2024 Application Only: Students enrolled in NA 101 CNA course at JJC or elsewhere prior to the June 1-15, 2024, will be allowed to apply with the understanding that they will complete the course with a grade "C" or better and be on the CNA Registry prior to entering the Nursing program in spring 2025. Failure to obtain the CNA certification prior to the spring 2025 semester will result in the candidate's removal from the nursing program.

Clinical Agency Policy Requirements: Students in the nursing program must follow each clinical agency’s policy regarding tattoos that are not hidden by clothing. All tattoos must be covered unless covering poses an infection control issue (i.e., hand tattoos).

Jewelry must reflect professionalism and asepsis and must be limited to a watch, a single pair of small post-type earrings and a plain wedding band. Students with ear gauges must wear a solid, skin-tone plug in the stretched lobe(s); gauges must be no larger than a nickel. Nothing can be dangling or hanging below the ear including, but not limited to, jewelry or ear tissue.

Vaccine Requirements: All nursing programs (CNA, LPN, RN, LPN Transition) strongly recommend that all students be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 prior to entrance into the program in order to complete the clinical requirements of the program. Proof of other immunity and/or vaccination, a drug screen and criminal background check are also required and will be communicated to applicants when provisionally accepted into the program. If a student is accepted into the program and fails the criminal background check and drug screen and/or does not have the mandatory vaccinations, the student will be removed from the program. 

TEAS Testing: TEAS is the admission test required for the RN, LPN, and LPN Transition pathways. TEAS must be taken in-person at Joliet Junior College. More information can be found here: https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/testing-services/tests-administered.


Registered Nurse (R.N.)

The Associate Degree Nursing program is designed for persons who wish to become registered nurses (R.N.). The program combines classroom experience on Main Campus with clinical experience in community health facilities.

Practical Nurse (P.N.)

The Certificate of Achievement program is designed for persons who wish to become Practical Nurses (P.N.). The program combines classroom experience on Main Campus with clinical experience in community health facilities.

Licensed Practical Nurse Transition Program

This program is designed to assist the non-collegiate Licensed Practical Nurse in the role changes necessary for transition to the ADN (RN preparation) curriculum at JJC.

Certified Nurse Assistant Training Course

The Certified Nurse Assistant Training course (NA 101) prepares students to administer patient care as a member of a nursing team in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other extended care facilities.

Nursing Students Exceed National Standards on the NCLEX

Nursing Program Information Sessions

Learn more about our Nursing program by viewing one of our virtual information sessions or attending an in-person session.

Additional Information