Start Your Path to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Your journey to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) begins with Pre-Nursing at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS). This four-year pathway allows you to complete your degree in Springfield, combining strong academic preparation with hands-on clinical experience.
Students complete their first two years at UIS, focusing on general education and nursing prerequisite courses taught by expert faculty. They then transition seamlessly into UIC Nursing Springfield, located on the UIS campus, to complete the final two years of professional nursing coursework.
A Seamless 4-Year BSN Pathway
The BSN program is designed to be completed in four years of full-time study and includes two phases:
- Years 1–2: Pre-Nursing and general education courses at UIS
- Years 3–4: Professional nursing coursework through UIC Nursing Springfield
Throughout the program, students remain on the UIS campus while gaining valuable clinical experience with Memorial Health, a leading regional healthcare system and major employer of nurses in central Illinois.
Personalized Advising and Course Planning
Pre-Nursing students receive one-on-one advising to help plan coursework and stay on track for admission into the BSN program. Advisors assist with:
- Selecting the right prerequisite courses
- Understanding transfer credits
- Ensuring courses meet UIC Nursing Springfield requirements
This support helps students build a strong academic foundation and confidently move into the professional phase of the program.
State-of-the-Art Simulation and Clinical Experience
UIS Pre-Nursing students benefit from hands-on, experiential learning through advanced simulation and clinical training.
Simulation-based education allows students to practice real-world scenarios in a safe, supportive environment. You’ll build confidence, improve decision-making and prepare for high-stakes healthcare settings.
Students have access to:
- On-campus simulation labs at UIS
- Clinical training facilities at local hospitals
- The clinical simulation center at Memorial Hospital in Springfield
These experiences help prepare graduates to deliver high-quality patient care from day one.
Accreditation
The University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing, which delivers the professional phase of the program, maintains multiple accreditations that ensure a high standard of nursing education and professional preparation.
Ready to Become a Nurse?
Begin with Pre-Nursing at UIS and stay on track for a seamless transition to UIC Nursing Springfield—all on one campus. Apply today!
Calendario
Don't miss an important date or deadline
Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar
Tuition & Aid
UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.
Tuition Estimates
Based on 0 credit hours over 2 years.
*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.
Ways to Save on Tuition
Admissions
Applying to UIS is simple
We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.
Review admission requirements
No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.
International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.
Complete your application
An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.
Send your official transcripts
Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Submit required statements/writing sample
If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.
Pay your application fee
You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.
Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;
International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.
Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
2020 - 2024
Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
Career Outlook & Potential Earnings
Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Nursing Assistants
Bright OutlookProvide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting,
Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.
Median Annual Wage
$42,260
Wage Range
$33,940 – $51,980
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate, Some college, no degree
Acute Care Nurses
Bright OutlookProvide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, inva
Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
Median Annual Wage
$97,550
Wage Range
$68,940 – $137,470
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
Bright OutlookDemonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median Annual Wage
$80,250
Wage Range
$48,800 – $129,500
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Doctoral degree, Post-doctoral training
Registered Nurses
Bright OutlookAssess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advis
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.
Median Annual Wage
$97,550
Wage Range
$68,940 – $137,470
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Post-secondary certificate, Associate’s degree
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision
Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.
Median Annual Wage
$64,400
Wage Range
$49,740 – $83,440
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Some college, no degree, Post-secondary certificate, Associate’s degree
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Bright OutlookDirect nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regula
Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.
Median Annual Wage
$97,550
Wage Range
$68,940 – $137,470
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Professional degree
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