Best Nursing Colleges In Chicago

University Of Illinois At Chicago

The University of Illinois at Chicago is a well-respected local university offering outstanding nursing training. The nursing program here is consistently rated highly year after year. The school offers a number of different campuses and a variety of opportunities for intensive training at area affiliated hospitals and medical centers.

The College of Nursing at the University of Illinois at Chicago offers several nursing options including an RN program, RN to BSN, MS, DNP, and PhD program. Students will be focused on a curriculum-based program that uses cutting-edge technology within it. The faculty has awards and a high level of training. This is very much a student-focused school. It works hand-in-hand with students to offer exceptional training and guidance while also supporting students with financial aid and evening and weekend options.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 75%
• Program Length or Credit Hours: 120 credit hours
• Admission Requirements: Students must apply for and gain admittance into the University of Illinois at Chicago as a first step, complete prerequisites and meet testing requirements.
• Tuition: $9,543 per semester
• School Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Rank: #28

Best Nursing Schools In Chicago

Since Chicago is a big city and a great place to start a nursing career, it makes sense that there are so many excellent schools in Chicago for nursing. While its fantastic that there are so many nursing schools in Chicago, that also means that it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to narrow down your choices.

If you want to become a nurse in Chicago, Illinois, you have to chooose an accredited school. Accredited schools have proven that they provide relevant, up to date educations. This is especially important when it comes to nursing, a profession that puts other peoples health and wellness directly into your hands. Once you only have accredited schools on your list, you can take other steps to narrow your options. Look for schools that match up with your priorities. For most working nurses and new nursing students, those priorities will probably center around a balance of quality, reputation, and job market opportunity exactly the factors Nursing School Hub is interested in.

Moraine Valley Community College

A fast paced educational program that keeps nursing education affordable is the Moraine Valley Community College. This is a fully accredited nursing program that offers an intense level of study for students. It also offers a great deal of flexibility with both online and local education, in-class training, and clinical at area hospitals. The school also has some of the most advanced technology for a community college.

Most students complete their AAS program and enter directly into the workforce after passing the NCLEX-RN program. Evening and weekend hours are available. The school also offers an optional LPN licensure program.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 77%
• Program Length or Credit Hours: 64 credit hours
• Admission Requirements: Students must have a high school diploma or GED and complete entry level testing to ensure proficiency in math, reading and writing.
• Tuition: $119 per credit hour
• School Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Rank: #27

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Job Outlook For Rns In Illinois

Its an excellent time to become a registered nurse in Illinois, as the government projects that roles for these professionals will grow an astonishing 12.4% between 2018-2028, leading to the creation of nearly 17,000 new roles. Whether you aspire to work in a hospital, residential care facility, clinic, or physicians office, jobs in each of these settings should grow in the coming years. As you can see, Illinois employment projection numbers slightly beat the national average, but its a good sign that roles for RNs are set to grow all across the country in the coming years.

Employment Projections for RNs in Illinois

Lpn To Rn Programs In Illinois

An increasingly popular pathway to registered nursing is the LPN to RN program. This allows Licensed Practical Nurses to take a specialized curriculum designed to expand upon their prior knowledge and experience in order to become registered nurses. Enrolled students enjoy shorter program times than traditional RN pathways and are able to choose which type of RN degree they wish to obtain.

The first option nurses have for the LPN to RN pathway is an LPN to Associate’s Degree in Nursing . These LPN to ADN programs are the fastest route to an RN degree, often taking just a few months to complete. Lincoln Land Community College, for example, offers an LPN to ADN program to transition students into a rewarding RN career.

LPN to BSN programs also exist for those who are interested in the popular baccalaureate route, though they tend to require a few more semesters than the ADN pathway. Chicago’s Saint Xavier University offers an LPN to BSN, combining classroom study and clinical practice to bridge the student’s learning.

No matter the pathway, LPN to RN programs typically require the following for admission:

• Graduate of an approved LPN program
• Current, unencumbered Illinois LPN license
• Completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA

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Important Considerations When Comparing Schools:

A high NCLEX pass rate may be tempting, but that doesnt guarantee that any graduates will pass the NCLEX the following year. Its tempting to judge schools exclusively on one or two factors, but you need to spend time looking at each schools benefits. Some factors to consider include:

• The total cost of the program
• Acceptance rate
• How much financial aid youre getting
• Length of the program
• Benefits of each specific nursing program
• Accreditation

The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs In Illinois

Lydia Moss Bradley founded Bradley University in 1897. Today, more than 5,000 students currently attend the institution and benefit from a 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. The university boasts over 70,000 graduates from its eight schools and colleges. Bradley holds Carnegie Classification and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Bradley’s master of science in nursing – family nurse practitioner program offers two paths. The 74-credit RN-to-MSN-FNP option targets associate-holders and requires 800 clinical hours. Bachelor’s-holders can choose the BSN-to-MSN-FNP path, which mandates 65 credits and 750 clinical hours. Program courses address concepts in health informatics, evidence-based practice, and pathophysiology.

Campus: Peoria, Illinois

Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Tuition: $910/hour

Admission Requirements

Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months

On-Campus Requirements: No

School Site:Tuition | Financial aid

SXU began in 1846 as an all-female school affiliated with the Sisters of Mercy and the Catholic Church. Today, SXU educates more than 3,600 co-educational students. The institution holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, and U.S. News & World Report ranks SXU 61st among regional universities in the Midwest.

After completing the program, graduates may take certification exams from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Campus: Chicago, Illinois

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Best Online Nursing Programs In Illinois

University of Illinois Chicago

If youre looking for an online RN-to-BSN bridge program, the University of Illinois at Chicago offers one comprising just 30 credits. With start dates in the fall, spring, and summer, you can select one that works best with your scheduling needs.The curriculum comprises eight courses taught entirely online, and students move through each as part of a cohort. Some of the topics you can expect include introduction to research and statistics for evidence-based practice, health assessment and communication, and concepts and processes in contemporary nursing. This program does not include a clinical component since accepted students already work as RNs.

Admission requirements include official transcripts, completion of prerequisite courses, 2.5 GPA or higher, letters of recommendation, and an updated resume. You may also need to possess an active and unencumbered RN license issued in Illinois. Students Pay $475 per credit plus an $18 library and IT fee per credit.

University of Northern Illinois

The University of Northern Illinois in DeKalb offers several different online nursing options at various academic levels. You can currently choose from an RN-to-BSN, an MSN, and a DNP all available online. The bridge program exists fully online and consists of as few as 21 credits, depending on how many courses you can transfer to UNI. Applicants must possess an associate degree or nursing diploma, active RN license, and minimum 2.75 GPA.

Rn License For Nurses Educated Abroad

Eligible foreign nurses may obtain licensing in Illinois as long as they are license in their country and met all other requirements. There must be a credential report for one or two approved agencies. Credentials or documentation that are not in English must be sent with a certified translation. Candidates who do not speak English as a first language must complete the TOEFL or IELTS Academic Module. This requirement may be waived for a nurse who completed a program or took a licensing exam in English.

Initial licensing fee, RN: $91License renewal , RN: $50

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How Much Do Nurses Make In Chicago

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average nursing salary in Chicago was $73,510. The salary increased by slightly less than 1% over 2018. The average nurse practitioner salary in Chicago was $107,860 and represents a little more than a 1% increase over 2018. The information shows that average nursing salaries in Chicago are stagnant, but the opportunity for overtime exists due to the shortage of nurses in the Chicago and surrounding area. A nurse can easily increase their average nurse salary in Chicago through overtime and advances in seniority as they gain experience and knowledge.

Bsn Programs In Illinois

When students consider their options for post-secondary school, often they think of a BSN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree when they consider nursing. Universities are found in larger centers and offer frameworks that are more theoretical for students who are interested in more than the practice of nursing. When their degree has been earned, however, BSN graduates must sit the same NCLEX licensure exam as their ADN counterparts – it’s only this license that determines eligibility for nursing.

BSN grads and faculty strive to provide effective and evidence-based ethics in practice to their patients. More than a degree, nursing is a worldview and full-time practice. Nurses at all levels practice integrity and evidence-based care as part of a team. Graduates look forward to sharing new ideas with doctors, colleagues, and patients.

Since 1971, the University of Chicago’s nursing program has continued to grow and expand. Faculty in the department provide experiences that meet the needs of student nurses to empower them and promote competence in all areas of their practice and professional development.

BSN programs have unique admissions criteria that vary between institutions. Here’s a selection of the most common requirements that you may see for your nursing program of choice:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Pre-requisite courses are complete with competitive marks
• Personal essay

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Adn Programs In Illinois

With a history of strong and proactive nursing schools dating back as far as 1889, the state of Illinois is prepared to meet today’s growing health care demands. With many students opting to graduate high school and begin their post-secondary path toward an Associate’s Degree in Nursing diploma at a college convenient to them, the ADN program offers evidence-based, hands-on training toward licensure exams for those students who need or want a quick path to the first steps in their nursing career.

There are more than 40 ADN programs in the state, and program entry is offered one or more times per year for a two-year diploma.

With the sheer number of programs that are available and reasonably priced for in-state students, how do you decide which one is right for you? Data-based decision-making on some important student outcomes can help you make the right choice for your learning style and lifestyle.

Accreditation is a voluntary, non-profit measure that protects students as consumers. With accreditation in place, you’re guaranteed that the degree you’re buying with your money, time, and dedication is of a comparable standard throughout the state. Colleges are accredited through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools as designated by the federal government, whereas ADN programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing .

Trinity College Of Nursing

With a diverse set of nursing program options, Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences provides an extensive level of training and prep for real-world situations. The program is fast-paced and designed to allow students to specialize their education. Students not only work and learn in the classroom but also through local programs, hospitals, and doctors offices.

The school offers a wide range of nursing offerings including a Military medic to BSN program, designed to help support veterans returning from duty who want to pursue a degree in this field. Those who enroll in these programs will be able to gain one-on-one education and training through UnityPoint Health at various hospital locations throughout the region. Students can then enter registered nursing positions , as well as attend graduate school or a baccalaureate completion path.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
• Program Length or Credit Hours: 121 credit hours
• Admission Requirements: High school graduate or equivalent Meet physical and aptitude requirements upon application.
• Tuition: $687 per semester hour
• School Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Rank: #4

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Best Ranked Rn Programs In Illinois

To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Illinois and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.

To create our rankings, we evaluated 41 ADN degree programs and 29 BSN degree programs in Illinois. We obtained each institutions first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Illinois to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.

Choosing A Great Nursing School

Your choice of nursing school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. We derive our Best Overall Nursing School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

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The Best Nursing Schools In Illinois For Rn

Aurora Universitys BSN degree program delivers an excellent foundation in the art of nursing through clinical experiences and professional training. The faculty to student ratio is 1:32, which means there is the advantage that classes are quite small. During practicum experiences, the ratio is 1:8, which is even better. This means that the faculty, who are truly dedicated, will give you all the personal attention you need. Indeed, students often take part in regional and national conferences with faculty staff. Students also take part in various real-life practice situations where they will work alongside various highly experienced professionals.

• Campus: Aurora, IL

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Top 10 Best Nursing Schools In 2021

With nearly 1,000 baccalaureate programs and plenty of ADN programs, picking the best of the best is no simple task. When selecting the top 10 nursing programs in the U.S., we considered factors including:

• Program outcomes

Based on this methodology, these are the top 10 nursing programs in the nation:

Annual Tuition: $60,408 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 98.39%

Traditional: Yes

Accelerated: Yes

Bridge: No

Recognized as one of the best research schools in the world, Duke University offers some of the top nursing programs. The School of Nursing at Duke only offers only one degree choice for undergraduate nurses: an accelerated BSN.

To enroll in this program, applicants first need to complete a non-nursing bachelors degree. However, the program requires only 58 credits to complete, and students gain 800 hours of clinical experience before graduating. Outcomes for the program are highly positive, too.

Duke is perhaps best known for its graduate programs, including multiple MSN and doctoral programs. Nurses interested in becoming nurse anesthetists would be interested in knowing that Duke boasts one of the top programs for nurse anesthesia in the nation

Annual Tuition: $58,503 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%

Traditional: Yes

Accelerated: No

Bridge: No

As one of the oldest private institutions in the nation, Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. has an established, well-respected nursing program.

Annual Tuition: $55,350 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 92.31%

Traditional: No

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Best Nursing Schools In Chicago For 2020

Since Chicago is a big city and a great place to start a nursing career, it makes sense that there are so many excellent schools in Chicago for nursing. While its fantastic that there are so many nursing schools in Chicago, that also means that it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to narrow down your choices.

If you want to become a nurse in Chicago, Illinois, you have to chooose an accredited school. Accredited schools have proven that they provide relevant, up to date educations. This is especially important when it comes to nursing, a profession that puts other peoples health and wellness directly into your hands. Once you only have accredited schools on your list, you can take other steps to narrow your options. Look for schools that match up with your priorities. For most working nurses and new nursing students, those priorities will probably center around a balance of quality, reputation, and job market opportunity exactly the factors Nursing School Hub is interested in.