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

#1

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 degree completion program is thoughtfully designed for working registered nurses ready to advance their careers. Classes are offered online synchronously or in a blended format, allowing you to balance coursework with your professional and personal life. The curriculum builds on your existing nursing knowledge, focusing on holistic patient care, clinical judgment, and leadership skills. You will learn from faculty with real-world experience in a supportive, personalized environment. The program also recognizes your nursing experience by granting up to 12 hours of nursing credit. Graduates are prepared to meet the increased demand for BSN-prepared nurses and take on expanded roles in healthcare. Lewis's program has been ranked among the top RN to BSN programs in the region, reflecting its academic quality and reputation.

  • 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
#2

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 program allows registered nurses to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree online. The program requires 122 total credits, but RNs with an associate degree or diploma receive 77 proficiency credits, leaving 45 credits to complete. Students can finish in as few as 10 months with full-time enrollment. Tuition is $635 per credit hour, with potential total costs around $13,335 after grants and transfer credits. Admission requires a nursing diploma or ADN, a 2.0 minimum GPA, and an active, unrestricted RN license. The program features 100% online coursework with a direct care practicum component and is accredited by CCNE.

  • 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
#3

Saint Xavier University

Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - sxu.edu

RN to BSN - RN to BSN Online Option

Online Learning - Visit Website

The RN to BSN Online Option at Saint Xavier University is built for working registered nurses who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing without putting their careers on hold. The curriculum moves from professional nursing concepts and policy to health assessment, informatics, evidence-based practice, and global population health. Students explore ethical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of care, then apply their learning through leadership and quality-improvement coursework. Classes run 100 percent online in seven-week blocks, with one course at a time and breaks built in, making it easier to balance job and family. The program culminates in a capstone project, preparing graduates for roles in leadership, community health, and advanced nursing practice.

  • 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
#4

Dominican University

River Forest, IL - Private 4-year - dom.edu

RN to BSN - RN-BSN Degree Completion Program

Online Learning - Visit Website

Dominican University's RN-BSN Degree Completion Program is designed for working registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. This 100% online program can be completed in as little as 12 months, with full-time or part-time options to fit your schedule. The curriculum blends liberal arts education with nursing practice, focusing on communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills. You'll explore legal and ethical issues in healthcare and engage with 'Big Questions' that impact society. Graduates are prepared for roles such as advanced practice nurse, nurse educator, and clinical nurse specialist. The program emphasizes a relationship-centered approach, with experienced faculty and collaborative online learning. Optional campus visits provide opportunities for one-on-one instruction. A BSN opens doors to higher earning potential and increased job opportunities in a growing field.

  • 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
#5

Governors State University

University Park, IL - Public 4-Year - govst.edu

RN to BSN - RN to BSN Completion Program

Online Learning - Visit Website

The RN to BSN completion program at Governors State University provides a pathway for registered nurses to earn a bachelor's degree. Grounded in a mission to foster professional values, leadership, and advocacy, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based nursing practice and prepares nurses to address challenges in healthcare reform. Students develop skills to promote quality care for diverse and underserved populations. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), ensuring high educational standards. Designed for working RNs, the program offers an affordable and accessible route to career advancement. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles and further graduate study. With a focus on holistic care and creating healing environments, the program equips nurses to meet the dynamic needs of the healthcare system.

  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
  • Addresses healthcare reform challenges
  • Prepares for career advancement
  • Affordable and accessible pathways
*Citation: IPEDS 2025, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. DOE.

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:

CourseDescription
Evidence-Based Nursing PracticeApplication of research to improve patient care outcomes.
Nursing Leadership and ManagementSkills for managing teams and healthcare operations.
Community/Public Health NursingHealth promotion and disease prevention in diverse populations.
Healthcare Policy and EthicsExamination of legal, ethical, and policy issues in nursing.
Health Assessment for RNsAdvanced patient assessment techniques.
Nursing InformaticsUse of technology in patient care and health data management.
Research Methods in NursingPrinciples of nursing research and data analysis.
Population HealthStrategies 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:

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

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