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!
Calendar
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.
Value of a UIS Degree
UIS is in the Top 20 for students graduating with the least amount of debt, Midwest Region (2026).
Top 25 best value school (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026).
More than $20 million in scholarships awarded during the 2024-25 academic year.
The average graduate from UIS will see an increase in earnings of $31,700 - $69,000 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Illinois.
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 Opportunities
Exploring the following career paths can help you see how your degree opens up a wide range of exciting and rewarding opportunities in various fields.
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