RN to MSN and BSN to MSN Programs

Currently in Illinois, there are two academic pathways to an MSN. The first is open to ADN graduates – this is known as an RN to MSN degree. The other is a BSN to MSN degree. The former takes longer to study and is more intense due to the extra work required to bring the students up to speed on what the BSN graduates covered in their degrees – otherwise they cover the same content; students will come out with equal MSNs at the end. Choices include both traditional campus study and fully online learning, while some may give you the choice to mix it up.

Typical Program Length

  • A BSN to MSN degree takes four semesters
  • An RN/ADN to MSN degree takes six semesters

Typical Admission Requirements

  • A current RN license in good standing
  • A full regionally accredited BSN or ADN
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Three letters of recommendation, or a resume detailing your clinical nursing experience
  • CPR certification
  • Complete any required prerequisite courses

Accelerated & Master's Entry Nursing Programs

Accelerated Nursing Programs sometimes called Master's Entry Nursing Programs are specifically for people who do not have a background in nursing to convert their qualifications for either practice, or decision-making, and other related roles. DePaul College of Science and Health in Chicago offers this type of program presently. Through DePaul, bachelor's graduates in other programs can work towards specializations, find a career in health using, their primary bachelor's degree or simply apply for an RN license to practice.

Typical Program Length:

You will complete this rapid and intense program at DePaul College of Science and Health in around one year when studying full-time.

Typical Admissions Requirements:

  • Official transcripts from all educational establishments 
  • Mandatory personal statement – details including specific questions asked, are in the online application
  • Two reference letters – may be professional or academic
  • Curriculum Vitae or resume
  • Details of professional activities and community service (if any)
  • GRE scores – not mandatory but could aid your submission
  • If English is not your primary language, TOEFL or IELTS scores are required. However, if your undergraduate or postgraduate degree came from a U.S. institution or country where English is the main language, this may be waived

2024 List of MSN Programs in Illinois

Whether online, traditional, or a combination of the two methods you could earn your degree in one of the RN to MSN programs offered throughout the state in at least 12 different colleges. A nurse with their MSN degree has the opportunity to take specialty department opportunities; you could find yourself working in areas of health care such as urgent care, midwifery, etc., all of these careers can also offer a higher earning potential.

MSN Programs By City:

Chicago, IL

1032 W Sheridan Rd
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 274-3000

1431 N Claremont Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(630) 537-9600

MSN Programs
1431 N Claremont Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 252-6464

600 S. Paulina St
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 942-7100

845 South Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 996-7800

845 South Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 996-7800

DeKalb, IL

1425 W. Lincoln Hwy.
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 753-1000

Decatur, IL

1184 W. Main St.
Decatur, IL 62522
(800) 373-7733

Downers Grove, IL

MSN Programs
3005 Highland Parkway
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(877) 751-5783

Edwardsville, IL

1 Hairpin Dr
Edwardsville, IL 62025
(888) 328-5168

Joliet, IL

Lisle, IL

5700 College Road
Lisle, IL 60532
(866) 295-3104

Normal, IL

Campus Box 4040
Normal, IL 61790
(309) 438-2583

Peoria, IL

MSN Programs
1501 W Bradley Ave
Peoria, IL 61625
(309) 676-7611

Rockford, IL

Romeoville, IL

Springfield, IL

One University Plaza
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 206-6600

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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