Nurse Salary And Job Outlook
- There were 129,530 registered nurses employed in Illinois in 2019 making it one of the top employers for nurses.
- Nurses in Illinois earned a median wage of $73,510, slightly lower than the national median of $77,300.
Students that choose to study in Illinois are priming themselves for a career in-state in two ways:
Also, many schools are in the Chicago area, easily the largest city in Illinois. Living in urban areas can make networking and finding a job much easier.
However, before starting a career in Illinois, nurses must first pass the NCLEX to become an RN. Also, many hospitals and healthcare environments are expecting nurses to have a minimum of a BSN.
Why Studying Public Health Education At Pacific College
The Pacific College of Health and Sciences Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education and Promotion offers students a pathway for becoming a certified health education specialist through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing .
Furthermore, Pacific Colleges PHEP program brings a unique perspective of how to improve community and individual health through the lens of holistic healthcare and Chinese medicine. Students can also further differentiate their skills by completing certificates in Medical Hemp and Health Coaching concurrently as electives within the bachelors degree.
EARN A CERTIFICATE IN CONTACT TRACING AND CASE INVESTIGATION IN YOUR FIRST SEMESTER, SO YOU CAN START WORKING.
As an added benefit, students start the program by studying the basics of contact tracing and case investigation. By placing these in demand skills up front, students can work on the front line of the pandemic while advancing their education.
Pick Your Nursing Degree Level
The nursing school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best Nursing Schools in Illinois.More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we’ve developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you.Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.
Read more about College Factual’s methodology.
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Cna Classes & Programs In Illinois
Certified nursing assistants , also referred to as “nursing assistants” or “nursing aides,” play an important role in the patient care team, assisting with daily activities such as feeding and bathing, taking vital signs, answering call lights and preparing patient rooms. CNA training programs are generally low cost and quick to complete, making this profession a great entry point to a career in nursing. In Illinois, CNAs make an average annual salary of $27,770 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, the Chicago/Naperville/Arlington Heights, IL metropolitan area is among the top metropolitan areas with the highest employment levels of CNAs, and CNAs in this area earn an average annual salary of $29,130 according to the BLS.
Nursing Schools Through Online Programs In Illinois
According to the Illinois Center for Nursing, there will be a shortage of over 21,000 registered nurses in Illinois by the year 2020. This means a significant need for registered nurses, particularly those in entry-level positions, for quite some time. If a nursing degree is something youre interested in, then attending an online nursing schools in Illinois will provide you with opportunities to reap the benefits of working in an occupation that is booming.
Advantages of Online Nursing Courses Illinois is a widespread state with many options for pursuing a nursing education. Selecting the best nursing program in Illinois doesnt have to involve searching only the campuses near you. In fact, many students have found unique benefits to earning their nursing degree online.
Online Nursing Degrees There are many ways to earn an online nursing degree in Illinois. For example, Illinois online nursing programs are available, not only to become a License Practical Nurse but LPN to BSN courses as well. There are other programs where you can earn an online nursing degree in Illinois to become a registered nurse as well as RN to BSN online nursing programs. In addition, the Illinois Board of Nursing lists accredited advanced nursing degrees that can be pursued in traditional nursing programs.
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Chicago Nursing Schools Spotlight
Student who are interested in attending nursing school in Chicago have their choice of over a dozen institutions that offer both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as nursing certificates. According to the Illinois Center for Nursing, Chicago has three accredited RN associates degree programs, seven RN bachelors degree programs, and five licensed practical nurse programs
The schools that offer nursing degrees in Chicago include public institutions, like the University of Illinois at Chicago, and private schools, including Loyola University, North Park University, and Resurrection University. Find details below about some of Chicagos leading nursing schools:
The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing has received many honorable distinctions over the years, including being ranked #1 in Illinois and #13 nationally by U.S. News & World Report for best nursing graduate schools. On the undergraduate level, the publication has also ranked UIC #2 for its online bachelors degree programs. In addition, for two consecutive years, the school was ranked #2 for research funds from the National Institutes of Health. Programs offered
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Ph.D. in Nursing
- Direct Entry Master’s
- MSN for RNs: Clinical Nurse Leader
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Ph.D. in Nursing
Best Nursing Schools In Illinois In 2020
Nationwide, there is a demand for nurses, and this demand is particularly evident in Illinois, where nursing jobs are growing in the double digits, and twice as fast as other industry jobs. While the demand for registered nurses remains high, the demand for BSN nurses is even higher. Attending one of the nursing schools in Illinois will get you started.
Illinois definitely has a nursing shortage many nurses are retiring and there are not enough new nurses to fill those job positions. Not only do hospitals needs nurses, but so do home care companies and long-term care facilities.
An average nursing salary in Illinois is between $60,000 and $65,000, so you can earn a great living in this career. With a formal nursing education, many nurses hold prominent positions within community hospitals and other settings and usually work their way up to hold important leadership roles. Whether youre looking for BSN programs in Illinois or another type of nursing program, youll be sure to find an option below.
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Becoming A Nurse Practitioner In Illinois
Advanced practice registered nurses , including NPs, must hold either an accredited master of science in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice and obtain national certification in a specialty area. APRN licensure varies by state. In Illinois, the state board of nursing handles NP licensure and approves specializations from national certification agencies.
NP Program Requirements:
- Application Requirements: BSN with 3.0 GPA current RN license
- How Long To Complete: Two years for MSN four years for DNP
- Accrediting Bodies: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Illinois Licensure Requirements:
- Education: MSN or DNP
- Exams: Varies by NP certification specialty administered through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board
- Renewal Frequency: Two years
Rn To Bsn Salary Comparison In Illinois
Many are surprised to learn that the earnings range for a registered nurse can vary wildly. Things like experience, location of practice, and education level undoubtedly impact the amount an RN can earn. Payscale lists the wage range for an RN in Chicago, IL at between $57,000 and $90,000 annually. It stands to reason that nurses with more education will have the ability to reach the higher end of that range.
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How Much You Could Make As An Rn In Chicago
As of 2020, registered nurses working in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area earned annual mean wages of $77,970, or $37.48 per hour. These figures sit far above the national median pay of $36.22 per hour. When considering your earning potential as an RN living in Chicago, remember that factors such as your level of experience, degree level, type of employer, and location all play significant roles in determining your salary package. Also remember that while nurses in Chicago earn slightly more than the national average, the cost of living is also higher than other suburban and rural areas.
Earnings for Registered Nurses in Chicago
| Median Hourly Wage |
Financial Aid Opportunities For Nursing Students In Illinois
With the cost of higher education rising each year, Illinois nursing students should take advantage of any and all financial aid opportunities. While you may first think of loans, you can also find plenty of scholarships and grants. Prioritize these when you can since they dont require repayment. Loans should be your last option after exhausting all other possibilities.
In addition to nursing scholarships provided by individual schools, you should also see if your state or local government offers awards. The Illinois Department of Public Health offers a scholarship, as does the Illinois Nursing Workforce Center. Professional associations can also provide support, as evidenced by the Illinois Nurses Foundation. For more information, check out our nursing scholarship guide and financial aid guide.
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Are There Any 100% Online Rn To Bsn Programs In Illinois
Absolutely. In fact, almost all of the offerings in our Illinois RN to BSN listings are run on a 100% model. All classes & tests will be online there will be no campus visits required. Better yet, coursework is often asynchronous .
One thing to noteyou may still have to travel to local sites for BSN-level clinical practicums & fieldwork . Youll work with the school to arrange convenient sites & preceptors.
Tuition And Cost Of Attendance
Tuition and fees across schools in the state can vary, so it’s always a good idea to compare thoroughly before deciding on the right program for you. As an example, the University of Illinois at Chicago charges approximately $330 per credit for tuition plus an $18 per credit IT and library fee for its 30-credit RN to BSN program. This figure does not include additional expenses such as textbooks, fees, or other course materials.
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How Do I Become A Nurse In Illinois
If you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in the state of Illinois, you will need to complete a Practical Nurse training program. Practical Nursing programs generally last 1 to 1.5 years. Upon completion of your Illinois practical nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-PN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you will apply for a Practical Nurse license from the Illinois Board of Nursing.
If you want to become a Registered Nurse in the state of Illinois, you will need to complete a Registered Nurse training program. Registered Nurse programs generally last 2 to 4 years. Upon completion of your Illinois registered nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-RN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you will apply for a Registered Nurse license from the Illinois Board of Nursing.
Online Dnp Program Requirements
An could take three to five years to complete, depending on the applicants experience and whether they enroll on a full or part-time basis. Applicants to online doctoral programs in nursing generally need an accredited BSN or MSN degree, along with a valid nursing license. Some programs also require a year or more of professional nursing experience.
- Online BSN to DNP programs could help students who have a BSN degree enter a DNP program and earn their MSN along the way.
- Online MSN to DNP programs are intended for students who have their MSN degree and experience.
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Faqs About Online Nursing Programs In Chicago
Can I earn my nursing degree in Chicago completely online?
It depends on the type of nursing degree you plan to pursue. Nursing programs that dont include a clinical component, such as RN to BSN or traditional MSN programs, often exist online. While you may come across hybrid versions of other nursing degrees, they will still mandate face-to-face practicum experiences.
Will my online Chicago nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?
Attending a properly accredited and state-approved nursing program is the most important step you can take, whether enrolled online or on campus. So long as you check those boxes, employers wont care what format you used to further your education.
Are online nursing programs in Chicago more affordable than campus programs?
Most schools charge the same tuition regardless of learning format. Still, as an online student you can often avoid campus-based expenses like parking and facilities fees. Rather than living in student accommodation, you can live in a more cost-effective part of the city while also avoiding transportation costs.
Salary Hospitals And Job Outlook In Illinois
The bulk of staff RNs that work in Chicago earn a salary between $60,000 and $71,000. But staff RNs in a nursing home environment consistently take home about $10,000 less. This is an illustration of factors that can figure prominently into your job track. Salary is often affected by zip code, level of education, practice specialty , type of care facility and level of experience.*
What you need to remember is this: nursing is a solid career with excellent opportunities for career movement. Optimize your salary by signing on for extra shifts, overtime and holidays, even a stint of per diem work. Travel nurses earn big bucks when they are willing to go where the demand is absolutely the highest, which could mean Phoenix in July, though smaller hospitals nearer to home in rural Illinois may need temporary help which allows you to see the natural beauty the state has to offer without traveling as far.
For information on state nursing licensure requirements visit the State of Illinois Professional Nurse website.
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Rn Salaries In Illinois
Nurses who have completed a RN to BSN program are commonly sought out by prospective employers and offered a wider range of career choices. Both hospitals and non-hospitals positions in Illinois for nurses with BSNs include:
- RN educators for faculty, academic advising, and clinical preceptors
- Labor and delivery, intensive care, and OBGYN
- Intervention catheter labs, emergency department, and PACU
The complexity of care for an increasingly older population requires advanced training for effective nursing care. The nurses in Illinois earn an average salary of $66,730 annually.
How Long Is Nursing School In Illinois
The amount of time you spend in a Illinois nursing school will vary based upon the career path you choose. You can become a Certified Nursing Assistant in as little as 6 to 12 weeks. Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1 to 1.5 years, a Illinois Registered Nurse in 2 to 4 years, or stay in nursing school longer to become a Nurse Practitioner in 6 to 8 years.
Above on this page we created a tabular image which summarizes how long nursing school is in Illinois. That image includes the number of nurses employed in the state of Illinois, along with the average wages earned at each education level.
Notice that in the state of Illinois, far greater numbers are employed as a Registered Nurse compared to a Licensed Practical Nurse . Notice also that a Licensed Practical Nurse in Illinois earns far more in wages compared to a Certified Nursing Assistant .
Use the nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD to help identify which Illinois nursing schools offer the length of program you desire.
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Online Nursing Certificate Requirements
The length of time it takes to complete a certificate will vary depending on the type of certificate you work towards. For instance, a post-masters certificate in a subject such as family nurse practitioner could take about a year and a half to complete, while a nurse educator certificate may take less than a year. Admission requirements will depend on the level of certificate sought, as well as school specific material.
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
| Employment |
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Online Education Specialist: Nursing Education
An online Education Specialist degree program with a focus in nursing education is an advanced degree for teachers who want to enhance their knowledge. It is not the same academically as an online doctorate in nursing degree. Students do spend time in scholarly research. However, an EdS typically involves an integrated capstone project instead of doctoral study or a dissertation.
Curriculums may vary, although in some schools, students may need to complete about 33 credits. EdS online learners might study current developments through interactive case studies and real-life scenarios. Also, they could learn to leverage new research and technology to navigate complex educational, organizational and societal issues for nursing students.
Core EdS courses could help students establish the basis for research design. For the Nursing Education emphasis, courses cover key theories, challenges and concepts. Other courses instruct students on how to teach with technology tools, plan lessons and measure outcomes.
Admission to an online Education Specialist program may require an earned post-baccalaureate masters degree and/or doctoral degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution. Examples of acceptable doctoral degrees could include doctor of philosophy , and doctor of education . Applicants may also need a valid RN license that has been issued from a U.S. state.