Rockford University Nursing Department
Empowering Tomorrow’s Healthcare Leaders
Welcome to the Rockford University Nursing Department, where we are dedicated to preparing professional nurses who make a meaningful impact on individuals, families, groups, and communities with diverse health needs. Rooted in the values of Nobel Peace Prize winner and university alumna Jane Addams, our nursing students are encouraged to think critically, act compassionately, and engage with their wider community through community-based learning projects.
Deciding to pursue a nursing degree empowers every student to choose their own career path. With a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you are more than a care provider. You are also a patient advocate, an educator, and a difference-maker in your community.
Students who graduate from Rockford University with nursing degrees have the knowledge, preparation, and experience necessary to contribute to their field immediately. We go beyond the basics, providing a broad base of skills that can be practiced at every step of your nursing career.
Two Types of Nursing Cohorts
BSN
The standard BSN cohort is a four-year, full-time program for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN). Students complete approximately 2 years of prerequisite and degree requirement courses followed by 2 years in the nursing program if the student stays on track with full-time course completion. This program is intended for students who do not hold an LPN license or an RN license.
LPN to BSN
The LPN to BSN cohort is designed for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who want to advance their careers by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Students receive advanced standing for prior nursing education and complete any remaining prerequisite and degree requirement courses before beginning the LPN to BSN nursing cohort. This streamlined pathway allows LPNs to build on their existing knowledge and clinical experience while preparing to become registered nurses (RNs) with a BSN. Learn more about the LPN to BSN Bridge Program here.
Licensure
Upon completing the BSN or LPN to BSN program, graduates may be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam (Registered Nurse [RN] exam). Requirements for licensure vary by state: Professional Licensure by State.
Ready to Make a Difference? Apply Today!
Step 1: Apply to Rockford University
Are you ready to take control of your career and make a real impact in your community? Apply to Rockford University today and embark on your journey towards becoming a nurse.
Step 2: Apply to the Nursing Program
After receiving admission to the University, your next step is to submit your Nursing Program application. Please note, there are two types of Nursing Program applications.
Standard BSN Application
• Current RU students who have completed/will soon complete the prerequisites.
• Incoming Transfer students who have completed/will soon complete the prerequisites.
• Prerequisite information can be found in the “Nursing Program Admission Paths” section below.
LPN to BSN Application
• LPNs with an active, unencumbered license who seek to advance their career in healthcare.
• More information and admission requirements can be found here.
Early Action BSN Application
• High School Seniors who meet the Early Action qualifications.
• Early Action requirements can be found in the “Nursing Program Admission Paths” section below.
Questions?
Our Admission Team is here to assist you with any questions you may have about the Nursing Program and application process:
- Phone: (815) 226-4050
- Email: admissions@rockford.edu
Nursing Program Admission Paths
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
- Designed for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) ready to advance to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- Applicants must hold an active, unencumbered LPN license.
- Upcoming LPN to BSN Cohorts start terms: Spring 2027, Spring 2028
- Deadline for priority application consideration: December 1st
- Apply Today! LPN to BSN Application
Transfer Students:
- Tailored for students transferring from other institutions (without an LPN license).
- Minimum cumulative GPAL 2.75, science prerequisite GPA: 2.70
- TEAS exam proficiency within 3 months of the Nursing Cohort start date.
- Upcoming BSN Cohorts start terms: Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Fall 2027
- Deadline for priority application consideration: February 1st
- Apply Today! BSN Application
First-Year Standard RU Students:
- For students already enrolled at Rockford University, aspiring to join the nursing program.
- Minimum overall GPA of 2.75 and science prerequisite GPA of 2.7 required for admission.
- TEAS exam proficiency within 3 months of the Nursing Cohort start date.
- Deadline for priority application consideration: February 1st
- Apply Today! BSN Application
Early Action for High School Seniors:
- Ideal for high achieving seniors with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50. High school coursework should include Biology, Chemistry, English (4 years), and Math (2 semesters, including 1 semester of algebra).
- Deadline for Early Action application: March 1st of high school senior year
- Apply Today! Early Action Application
Additional Information:
- LPN to BSN Cohorts are capped at 40 students.
- BSN Cohorts are capped at 40 students.
- Regardless of entry path to Nursing Program, all applicants must meet specific GPA requirements and conduct stipulations, including background checks and drug testing.
- Maintaining requisite GPAs and ethical standards throughout the program is essential.
- To view the complete prerequisite course list and details on admission requirements such as the TEAS exam, please see the Admission and Prerequisite Requirements page.
Student Involvement
At Rockford University, we believe in providing students a community in which they can learn, grow, and develop.
First and foremost, we encourage all nursing students to join the Nursing Student Organization or NSO during their time at RU. This organization brings together nursing students and others interested in a healthcare-based career to offer support and fellowship. They organize activities, community events, and educational opportunities that bring together a diverse student population.
Beyond the NSO, Rockford University also offers student organizations that encourage campus involvement. These groups turn the campus into a community while allowing for the exchange of ideas and cultures across demographics.
Explore Nursing Internships & Careers
Expanding Career Horizons in Nursing
In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, nursing careers offer many exciting opportunities. The aging U.S. population coupled with a shortage of nurses has created a surging demand for skilled professionals in the field. Nursing has evolved beyond traditional roles, propelling nurses to the forefront of healthcare delivery thus opening up expansive career prospects.
With a 4-year nursing degree, you embark on a rewarding career and position yourself for one of the highest starting salaries in any field. Furthermore, as you continue your education, your earning potential can soar, potentially exceeding $100,000 annually.
Diverse Career Paths
A nursing career is both challenging and diverse. Nurses have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and extended-care facilities. Alternatively, you might collaborate with private practice healthcare providers, contribute to community health agencies, work in federal nursing agencies, enter the corporate world, join educational institutions, or even serve in the military. Over the course of your career, you can explore various client populations and settings as your interests evolve.
Nursing specialties include medical-surgical, cardiac, pediatrics, neonatal, women’s health, critical care, forensic, community, psychiatric nursing and many others. Nurses may also go on for graduate degrees to become nursing practitioners, midwives, nurse educators, and nurse anesthetists, to name a few. Employment opportunities abound in the Rockford area’s local hospital systems, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, school systems, and other community settings.
Entrepreneurial Nursing
Innovative nurses are exploring entrepreneurial avenues by combining their nursing expertise with other specialty skills to establish new businesses. Possibilities range from nursing informatics (melding nursing with technology) and legal nurse consulting (merging nursing with law) to various home healthcare ventures. With creativity and determination, the possibilities in nursing are virtually limitless.
Explore the diverse world of nursing, where opportunities abound and your journey to making a significant impact begins!
About Our Nursing Faculty
The nursing faculty at Rockford University are experienced nurses who possess the skills and dedication to educate future members of the nursing community. These faculty members are not just nurses. They are also authors, researchers, and leaders in their areas of specialty. Their depth of knowledge includes over a century of real-world nursing experiences, and their willingness to impart their learned lessons allows students to begin their career with a head start.
Nursing Department
Starr Science Building
5050 E. State St.
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4152Malina Campos, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Nursing Department, Chair
mcampos@rockford.edu
815-226-4126
