St. John’s College of Nursing in Springfield, Illinois offers baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral nursing programs built for career mobility. Pathways include a traditional BSN, LPN to BSN, fully online RN to BSN, master’s degree, and doctoral degree that prepare nurses to lead, innovate, and improve health in their communities.

Traci Krause, Chancellor

Welcome to St. John's College of Nursing

A message from Dr. Traci Krause, Chancellor of St. John’s College.

I am honored to serve as Chancellor of St. John's College, an institution with a rich legacy shaped by the courage and vision of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. Their remarkable journey in 1875—arriving in a new land, speaking only German, yet dedicated to serving others—continues to inspire our mission today. When they established this nurse training school on October 4, 1886, they created what would become the oldest Catholic nursing school in the United States, a distinction we carry with tremendous pride. 

That same spirit of compassion, excellence, and dedication to nursing education remains our foundation. At St. John's College, we prepare nurses who not only master clinical skills but also embody the values of holistic, patient-centered care that transforms lives and strengthens communities. 

Our unique integration with St. John's Hospital and the Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) provides our students with exceptional clinical experiences. From caring for vulnerable populations to training in a Level I trauma center, our students develop the adaptability and expertise needed for today's complex healthcare landscape. 

I believe nursing is both a science and a calling, requiring head and heart in equal measure. As the leader of an institution solely dedicated to nursing education, I'm committed to developing practitioners at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels who graduate ready to provide evidence-based, compassionate care while finding purpose and joy in their service to others.