Best Nursing Schools In Chicago

Rosalind Franklin University Of Medicine And Science

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science offers a nursing program in Illinois as well as other medical and science intensive course programs and degrees. Their tuition remains the highest priced on this list at $49,920 approximately per year of college at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. However, they have a 85.4 percent graduation rate. Compared to the other schools on this list, they rank fourth for graduation rates out of the 50 in this list for nursing schools.

• DNP degree and other health science degree options
• Online programs also available
• Information about NCLEX-RN pass rates N/A

Job Opportunities For Rns In Chicago

The Greater Chicago metropolitan area currently employs more than 95,000 registered nurses, making it the third-highest employment level for a metropolitan area. Data from the Chicago Jobs Council shows that new roles in nursing and residential care facilities will grow by nearly 8,000 positions by 2024, while jobs in hospitals are expected to expand by more than 4,000. If youre looking for a steady, secure job devoted to helping people, becoming a registered nurse in Chicago is a great long-term decision. Some of the biggest employers in the area for nurses include Northwestern Medicine, Sinai Medical Group, Health Care Service Corporation, and Chicago Hospital.

Masters In Nursing Vs Nurse Practitioner Programs

Both Master of Science in Nursing programs and Nurse Practitioner programs could prepare students to take the Nurse Practitioner certification exam. The difference is in the type of student each program is designed for. A masters degree is considered the entry-level education required to take any of the NP exams.i Therefore a Masters in Nursing program with a Nurse Practitioner emphasis may be a great option for those who have not yet earned their MSN degree. Others may consider a Nurse Practitioner program. These are a postmasterâs certificate programs for nurses who earn their masters degree in another area. Contact schools and certification bodies to confirm programs meet requirements if this is your goal.

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The University Of Illinois At Chicago Uic Extended Campus

The nursing program at University of Illinois at Chicago is an RN to BSN program thats 100% online. Students can earn their BSN without ever stepping foot on campus. The program has a 94% graduation rate and is ranked in U.S. News and World Reports in the top 3 schools for online bachelors programs and second for student engagement. Students who are registered nurses with an active license in the U.S. and recent ADN graduates are guaranteed admission into the program provided they meet requirements.

University of Illinois at Chicago is part of the states public university system and is also a public research university. It has a student population of over 33,000 students throughout 16 colleges on its campus. The school offers 86 bachelors degrees, 111 master degrees, and 66 doctoral degrees. UICs sports teams compete in the NCAA Division I Horizon League as the UIC Flames. Athletic programs include basketball, soccer, softball, swim and baseball.

Programs: BSN

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.

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Msn Programs In Illinois

Beyond the BSN, graduate degree programs can help nurses become leaders in their workplace or in a new role entirely. It’s only at the Master of Science in Nursing level that nurses can become Nurse-Midwives, advanced clinical nurses, or continue even further to a doctorate of nursing. Nurses who choose to begin their graduate course of study can choose from online, on-campus, and either full- or part-time options.

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

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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is the seventh overall ranked school between tuition and graduation rates. The tuition per year at this campus will cost around $15,360, making it #17 for tuition affordability, but its 74% graduation rate is #6 on this list, pulling it up to an impressive 7th place overall.

• 89% NCLEX-RN pass rates
• Undergraduate, graduate and international degree programs available
• Experiential learning

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
• Minimum time commitment: 123 semester hours
• Online availability: No
• Degree requirements: TEAS, GPA of 2.75 minimum, interview, TOEFL if applicable
• Programs: BSN
• School Site:Tuition and Financial Aid

The Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing offers a program in conjunction with two other schools. As such, a BSN graduate is educated not just by Blessing-Rieman, but also by Quincy University and/or Culver Stockton College. The college is responsible for the educational aspect of the degree, whereas Quincy provides liberal arts and general education. The BSN degree itself is achieved through Blessing-Rieman.

• Campus: Elmhurst, IL
• Minimum time commitment: Four years
• Online availability: No
• Degree requirements: High school or GED
• Programs: BSN
• School Site:Tuition and Financial Aid

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Adn Program Admission Requirements In Illinois

While ADN programs are similar throughout the state, there remain some differences in the admission processes and criteria between each institution. Prepare for the following types of requirements, but don’t be afraid to contact your school directly if you’re not sure:

• Competitive GPA, verified by original transcript
• Verification of any college-level courses taken
• Have a TEAS score of 60% or greater
• Carry current CPR certification
• Have a grade of ‘B’ or better in core pre-requisite courses
• Complete all forms on time

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
• Accreditation

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 bachelor’s 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

Accelerated: No

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City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College

City Colleges of Chicago Malcolm X College tops our list of best schools for nursing in Chicago, IL. It is part of the City Colleges of Chicago System. The schools annual tuition comes in at only $4,858. That makes it tied with the most affordable college on this list. At a 75 percent graduation rate, the school on the west side of Chicago is ranked #5 for graduation rates on this list.

• Registered Nurse Program
• 94% NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Rn To Bsn/msn Programs In Chicago Il

Many ADN-educated nurses decide to go back to school to pursue a bachelors degree or masters degree in order to earn a higher salary and move into more senior nursing positions. The best option for these nurses is a special RN to BSN or RN to MSN bridge program that builds on their previous nursing coursework and experience to deliver a higher degree in less time.

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Ambria College Of Nursing

For students who need ample flexibility, Ambria College of Nursing is perhaps the best fit in the Chicago nursing school opportunities. This school offers a number of fast-pasted programs to encourage students to get into the workforce quickly. The flexible scheduling offered, including morning and evening courses, online programs, and fast-tracked programs allow students to go to school around their responsibilities. The LPN to RN bridge program is one of the highest rated in the region for its efficiency and quality. Students who obtain this program will obtain an associate of applied science degree in nursing and will then be able to sit for the NCLEX-RN state licensing exam.

With full and part time nursing degree programs, as well as an affordable educational track, students in Chicago looking for a school that is cutting-edge in terms of technology and equipment, but versatile and flexible to fit their lives will appreciate Ambria College of Nursing. Unlike other Chicago nursing schools, Ambria College of Nursing promises a short or no wait to enroll. Students can apply for the LPN, LPN to RN or RN to BSN programs currently available.

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95%
• Program Length or Credit Hours: 12, 14, 18, or 22-month programs
• Admission Requirements: Students who have completed their high school education or an equivalent can apply for the nursing program.
• Tuition: $33,819
• School Accreditation: Illinois Board of Nursing

Rank: #7

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.

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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.

Chamberlain College Of Nursing

Chamberlain College of Nursing falls at the mid-point when comparing tuition rates and graduation rates to similar nursing schools in the Chicago area. Theyre ranked #25 in tuition price and #21 for graduation rate on this list. Their in-state tuition for students will cost around $18,360 per year and the schools graduation rate rests at 57.3 percent.

• Undergraduate and graduate degree offerings
• 81% NCLEX-RN pass rates
• 3-year BS degree program available

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Masters In Nursing Programs

University of Illinois The University of Illinois features a Master of Science in Nursing at the universitys campuses in Chicago, Urbana, Peoria, Rockford, and Quad Cities. More than a dozen specializations are available, including adult gerontology, pediatrics, and womens health nurse practitioner. Graduate students may opt to pursue a dual MSN and a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Science in Health Informatics, or a Master of Public Health. The MSN program generally requires between two to four years to fulfill degree requirements depending on whether a student enrolls on a full-time or a part-time basis. Students typically take a mixture of on-campus, online, and video conferencing courses.

Northern Illinois University Northern Illinois University allows graduate students to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing on a full-time or a part-time basis. Students may specialize in one of several areas, including adult clinical nurse specialist, adult nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and nursing education. The program features both in-classroom coursework and online classes. In addition to core nursing classes and concentration-specific courses, graduate students must complete a mandatory internship, regardless of their specialization. Successful applicants to the program must possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and must have a current registered nurses license. New nursing students begin the program in the fall semester.