Students typically complete the RN to BSN track in four semesters, with options to proficiency test out of certain courses.
Courses are available online and on-campus, providing flexibility for working nurses. Clinical hours may be substituted with professional nursing experience, pending approval from the Dean of Nursing.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Official transcripts from all previous colleges
- A current Illinois RN license
- GPA of 2.5
- Completion of general education prerequisites, including math, science, humanities, and social sciences
Curriculum
The RN to BSN curriculum includes courses in health assessment, evidence-based practice, population health, leadership and management, and pharmacology.
This course expands on anatomy and physiology knowledge to develop systematic assessment skills for adult patients. Students will learn through theoretical instruction and lab practice, focusing on patient-centered assessment and effective interviewing. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing normal from abnormal findings and integrating health promotion strategies.
Students will explore the evolution of professional nursing, emphasizing ethical and legal standards, professionalism, and evidence-based decision-making. The course highlights therapeutic communication, safe patient care, and the role of registered nurses in modern healthcare.
This course examines abnormal physiological processes and cellular adaptations related to common diseases. Students will learn about human responses to illness, disease etiology, and clinical manifestations to enhance their ability to provide informed nursing care.
Focusing on drug therapy, this course introduces pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and nursing interventions related to medication administration. Topics include dosage calculations, drug interactions, and safety considerations for patients across the lifespan.
An introduction to professional nursing roles, ethics, and legal considerations, this course prepares students for nursing practice. Key topics include therapeutic communication, professional behavior expectations, and patient-centered care principles.
This course explores the physical, psychological, and social aspects of aging, emphasizing the unique healthcare needs of older adults. Students will learn about health promotion, safety concerns, and nursing interventions for age-related conditions.
Students will develop skills in therapeutic communication and psychiatric nursing care through classroom and clinical experiences. The course emphasizes nursing interventions for mental health disorders, group therapy facilitation, and advocacy for behavioral health patients.
This course builds on previous adult health concepts, focusing on critically ill and emergent patients with multisystem conditions. Students will learn to collaborate in acute care settings, prioritize interventions, and use clinical judgment to prevent adverse patient outcomes.
Students will explore nursing leadership and management functions, including legal and ethical responsibilities, team-building, and quality improvement. A clinical component focuses on applying leadership theories to healthcare settings and developing change initiatives.
This course covers community and global health, disaster management, and working with vulnerable populations. Students will assess community health needs, analyze healthcare policies, and apply nursing roles in public health and global initiatives.
A capstone course that integrates theoretical nursing concepts into real-world practice, emphasizing professional socialization. Students participate in a clinical preceptorship, focusing on leadership, delegation, and critical thinking to manage patient care effectively.
More curriculum info here: https://lcn.edu/index.php/book/export/html/4012
Students will complete online coursework, clinical components, and capstone experiences to build on their nursing expertise.
Accreditations and Approvals
The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation’s Board of Nursing.
Lakeview College of Nursing is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition
Tuition is approximately $11,880 per year for full-time students.
Financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loan assistance, is available to eligible students.
More tuition info here: https://nl.edu/tuition-and-aid/tuition-and-fees/
Acceptance Rate and Admissions Process
Lakeview College of Nursing does not maintain a waitlist, and most qualified applicants are admitted each term.
Applications are accepted year-round, with recommended deadlines of April 1st for Fall and September 1st for Spring.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the RN to BSN program gain advanced clinical knowledge, making them more competitive for leadership roles, specialized nursing positions, and graduate nursing programs. Upon completion, students are well-prepared for higher-paying jobs and career advancement opportunities in healthcare.
Other Nursing Tracks Offered
In addition to the RN to BSN program, Lakeview offers:
- LPN to BSN Track
- Traditional BSN Track
- Accelerated BSN Track
More RN to BSN Programs in the Central Illinois Area
- Eastern Illinois University - Charleston, IL
- Illinois State - Normal, IL
- Methodist College - Peoria, IL
- St Johns College - Springfield, IL