In 2025, the demand for highly educated nurses continues to climb. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), nearly 80% of healthcare employers now express a strong preference for BSN-prepared nurses. Chicago, home to nationally recognized hospitals and healthcare systems, offers numerous pathways for registered nurses (RNs) to meet this demand. RN to BSN programs in Chicago provide the flexibility to advance nursing credentials while maintaining work and personal obligations.
Choosing the right RN to BSN program is a critical step toward long-term career growth. Chicago — home to the largest concentration of top-ranked hospitals in the Midwest, the historic Illinois Medical District, and world-renowned institutions like Northwestern Memorial and Rush University Medical Center — offers an exceptional environment for nursing advancement. This guide presents the top online RN to BSN programs in Chicago, IL, with detailed comparisons to help prospective students make informed decisions. Learn more about other nursing programs in Chicago.
2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Chicago, IL
2027 Browse Our List of Programs
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL - Private 4-year - lewisu.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Lewis University's RN to BSN completion program is designed for working registered nurses who want to advance their careers. The hybrid format blends synchronous online classes with a supportive, personalized learning environment. Coursework emphasizes holistic patient care, clinical judgment, and leadership skills, building on existing nursing knowledge. Students can receive up to 12 credit hours for prior nursing experience, and the program requires a minimum 2.5 GPA. Financial aid is available, and the faculty brings real-world expertise. Recognized regionally as one of the top RN to BSN programs, the university is Roman Catholic and military-friendly. The program does not mention requiring ACT or SAT scores, making it an accessible option for practicing RNs.
- Synchronous online classes
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Financial aid available
- Up to 12 hours nursing credit for experience
- Holistic approach to patient care
- Enhance clinical judgment and leadership skills
- Individual attention and friendly staff
- Designed for working RNs
- Faculty with real-world experience
Chamberlain University-Illinois
Addison, IL - Private 4-year - chamberlain.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN Online Option
Online Learning - Visit Website
Chamberlain University's RN to BSN Online Option is a 100% online bachelor's completion program designed for registered nurses holding an ADN or diploma. The curriculum totals 122 credits, with 77 proficiency credits awarded for prior nursing education, leaving 45 credits to complete. Full-time students can graduate in as few as 10 months. Tuition is $635 per credit, and with grants and transfers, total costs may be around $13,335. Admission requires an active, unrestricted RN license and a minimum 2.0 GPA; no ACT or SAT is required. Coursework is delivered entirely online with a direct care practicum. The program is CCNE accredited, supports military benefits, and offers rolling admissions.
- Complete in 10 months
- $635 per credit hour
- 122 total credit hours
- 77 proficiency credits awarded
- 45 credit hours remaining
- 100% online coursework
- Direct care component included
- Minimum 2.0 GPA required
- Active RN license required
- CCNE accredited
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - sxu.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN Online Option
Online Learning - Visit Website
Saint Xavier University’s RN to BSN Online Option offers working registered nurses a flexible pathway to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The curriculum covers professional nursing concepts, health assessment, informatics, evidence-based practice, and global population health, with emphasis on ethical, cultural, and spiritual care. Courses are 100% online in seven-week blocks, taken one at a time with scheduled breaks. The program requires a current RN license and a diploma or associate degree, along with a minimum 2.5 GPA. It includes 70 clinical hours and a capstone project. No ACT or SAT is required; however, TOEFL is required as the entrance exam for non-native English speakers. The program is CCNE accredited and designed for leadership and community health roles.
- CCNE accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TOEFL
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- 70 clinical hours
- Capstone required
- Courses 100 percent online
- Seven-week course blocks
- One-week break between courses
- Two courses offered per semester
Dominican University
River Forest, IL - Private 4-year - dom.edu
RN to BSN - RN-BSN Degree Completion Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
Dominican University, a Roman Catholic institution, offers a fully online RN-BSN Degree Completion Program tailored for working registered nurses. The accelerated curriculum can be finished in as little as 12 months, with flexible full-time or part-time enrollment. Coursework integrates liberal arts with nursing practice, building competencies in communication, critical thinking, and leadership, while exploring legal, ethical, and societal 'Big Questions' in healthcare. A relationship-centered teaching approach pairs students with experienced faculty in a collaborative virtual environment, and optional campus visits allow for personalized instruction. Graduates qualify for advanced roles such as clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator, or advanced practice nurse. This military-friendly program also supports higher earning potential and expanded job prospects in nursing.
- Complete in as little as 12 months
- Full-time and part-time options
- 100% online with optional visits
- Earn degree in as few as 12 months
- Relationship-centered nursing education
- Qualifies for advanced practice nurse
- Faculty with years of experience
- Liberal arts build leadership skills
- Higher earning potential
- Collaborative online community
Governors State University
University Park, IL - Public 4-Year - govst.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN Completion Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
Governors State University offers an online RN to BSN Completion Program designed for registered nurses seeking a bachelor's degree. The ACEN-accredited curriculum emphasizes evidence-based nursing practice, professional values, leadership, and advocacy, with a focus on addressing healthcare reform challenges and promoting quality care for diverse and underserved populations. Programs are structured for working RNs, providing affordable, accessible pathways to career advancement and graduate study. Holistic care and healing environments are central themes. No ACT or SAT entrance exam requirements are specified in the program description; prospective students should verify admission details.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Addresses healthcare reform challenges
- Prepares for career advancement
- Affordable and accessible pathways
The Growing Demand for BSN-Prepared Nurses in Chicago
Healthcare delivery is evolving, with a greater emphasis on patient safety, evidence-based practice, and complex care coordination. BSN-prepared nurses bring advanced skills in critical thinking, leadership, and public health, making them essential to Chicago’s leading hospitals and clinics.
Chicago’s major healthcare employers, such as Northwestern Memorial, Rush University Medical Center, and Advocate Health, increasingly seek nurses with bachelor’s degrees. Advancing to a BSN can lead to improved patient outcomes, expanded job opportunities, and higher salaries.
Learn about other nursing programs in Illinois.
What to Look for in an Online RN to BSN Program
Selecting an RN to BSN program requires careful consideration of multiple factors. Each program offers unique features that can impact the educational experience and career trajectory.
Accreditation
Accreditation ensures academic quality and eligibility for future graduate studies. Programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) meet rigorous standards.
Flexibility
Flexible scheduling, including asynchronous online formats, allows RNs to balance coursework with professional and personal responsibilities.
Affordability
Tuition rates vary widely. Understanding the full cost of attendance, including fees, materials, and potential financial aid, is essential.
Clinical Requirements
Many programs permit students to complete clinical hours within their current place of employment, minimizing disruptions to work schedules.
Local Partnerships
Affiliations with Chicago healthcare facilities can enhance clinical experiences and provide valuable networking opportunities.
Core Curriculum Topics in RN to BSN Programs
Each RN to BSN program in Chicago shares a common foundation of advanced nursing education. The following table summarizes typical coursework:
| Course | Description |
| Evidence-Based Nursing Practice | Application of research to improve patient care outcomes. |
| Nursing Leadership and Management | Skills for managing teams and healthcare operations. |
| Community/Public Health Nursing | Health promotion and disease prevention in diverse populations. |
| Healthcare Policy and Ethics | Examination of legal, ethical, and policy issues in nursing. |
| Health Assessment for RNs | Advanced patient assessment techniques. |
| Nursing Informatics | Use of technology in patient care and health data management. |
| Research Methods in Nursing | Principles of nursing research and data analysis. |
| Population Health | Strategies for improving community health outcomes. |
These courses build competencies in clinical reasoning, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Career and Salary Outlook for BSN-Prepared Nurses in Chicago
The Chicago metropolitan area offers robust opportunities for BSN-prepared nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for RNs in Chicago exceeds $84,000, with BSN-prepared nurses often commanding higher salaries and expanded roles.
Employment opportunities include leadership positions in hospital administration, clinical nurse leadership, community health coordination, and specialized care units. Top employers in the region include:
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- Rush University Medical Center
- University of Chicago Medical Center
- Advocate Health
- NorthShore University HealthSystem
Additionally, a BSN serves as a gateway to advanced practice roles such as Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), and Nurse Educator positions.
Financial Aid Options and Tuition Assistance
Pursuing an RN to BSN degree represents a significant investment. Fortunately, multiple financial aid resources can offset costs:
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Nursing scholarships
- Employer tuition reimbursement programs
- Public service loan forgiveness for qualifying roles
Many Chicago healthcare employers actively support nursing staff through tuition assistance, reflecting the industry’s commitment to workforce development.
Is an Online RN to BSN Program the Right Choice?
An online RN to BSN program offers a practical solution for registered nurses balancing work, family, and education. These programs provide the flexibility to complete coursework on individual schedules while acquiring advanced skills essential for modern healthcare environments.
Choosing an RN to BSN program is a pivotal step in advancing a nursing career. With multiple accredited online options in Chicago, registered nurses have the opportunity to enhance clinical knowledge, increase earning potential, and open doors to leadership roles in 2025 and beyond.
Researching program specifics, contacting admissions advisors, and exploring financial aid options can help identify the best fit for individual career goals. The journey to a BSN degree offers lasting professional rewards and positions nurses for success in Chicago’s dynamic healthcare landscape. Learn more about diverse nursing careers and specialties to explore long-term possibilities.
Sources
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Registered Nurses
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
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