Top Online RN to BSN Programs Near Chicago, IL
- 2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Chicago, IL
- The Growing Demand for BSN-Prepared Nurses in Chicago
- What to Look for in an Online RN to BSN Program
- Core Curriculum Topics in RN to BSN Programs
- Career and Salary Outlook for BSN-Prepared Nurses in Chicago
- Financial Aid Options and Tuition Assistance
- Is an Online RN to BSN Program the Right Choice?
- Sources
- Latest Articles & Guides
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
University of St Francis
Joliet, IL - Private 4-year - stfrancis.edu
RN to BSN - BSN Completion
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of St. Francis offers an online BSN Completion Program for registered nurses with associate degrees or diplomas. This bachelor's-level program does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. Focused on advancing experienced RNs' careers, it develops leadership skills through evidence-based curriculum covering research, informatics, and healthcare policy. The 100% online format provides flexibility for working professionals to enhance patient care capabilities while maintaining employment. As a nationally ranked program with Roman Catholic affiliation, it prepares nurses for diverse healthcare settings without requiring campus visits.
- 100% Online Program
- For Experienced RNs
- Leadership Skills Development
- Evidence-Based Curriculum
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 program provides registered nurses with a flexible hybrid pathway to advance their careers. This adult-focused curriculum blends online coursework with synchronous learning sessions, designed specifically for working professionals. The program allows students to earn up to 12 nursing credit hours while developing advanced clinical judgment and leadership skills. As a bachelor's level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. Recognized as one of the top 5 RN to BSN programs in the Midwest, it emphasizes holistic patient care and personalized learning environments within a Roman Catholic institution.
- Online and blended classes
- Up to 12 nursing credit hours
- 2.5 GPA admission requirement
- Personalized learning environment
- Holistic patient care approach
- Leadership skill development
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 a fully online bachelor's-level program designed for registered nurses with diplomas or associate degrees. This 100% online program offers flexible scheduling with full-time or part-time options, allowing completion in as little as 12 months. The CCNE-accredited curriculum enhances critical thinking and leadership skills without requiring ACT or SAT entrance exams. At $550 per credit hour, it provides affordable career advancement for working professionals. The program focuses on boosting earning potential and preparing nurses for higher-level healthcare roles through experienced faculty and financial aid availability.
- 100% online program
- $550 per credit hour
- Complete in 12 months
- Full-time or part-time
- Maximum 3 classes per term
- Financial aid available
- Experienced nursing faculty
- CCNE accredited program
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's fully online RN to BSN Completion Program provides registered nurses with a flexible pathway to advance their credentials without requiring ACT or SAT entrance exams. This ACEN-accredited program focuses on developing healthcare leaders through a curriculum that integrates current industry standards and emphasizes holistic patient care. Designed for working professionals, it offers affordable tuition and prepares graduates to address emerging healthcare challenges while expanding career opportunities in a field with strong employment growth projections.
- Fully online RN to BSN program
- ACEN accredited nursing program
- Prepares nurse leaders
- Affordable public school option
- Career advancement pathway
Benedictine University
Lisle, IL - Private 4-year - ben.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Benedictine University's online RN to BSN program provides registered nurses with a 12-month accelerated pathway to earn their bachelor's degree. This flexible program, designed for working professionals, emphasizes leadership development, evidence-based practice, and holistic patient care through synchronous and asynchronous course formats. With competitive tuition and personalized academic support, nurses can complete 86 semester credits while maintaining their current RN license. The program requires a minimum 2.5 GPA and does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. Rooted in Roman Catholic Benedictine values, it prepares nurses to advance their clinical expertise and become innovative healthcare leaders.
- Fully online program
- 12-month accelerated format
- Competitive private university tuition
- Personalized academic support
- Up to 3 years to complete
- Synchronous and asynchronous options
- Minimum 2.5 GPA requirement
- Current RN license required
- 86 semester credit hours needed
- Multiple course delivery formats
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)
Latest Articles & Guides
One of the keys to success as a registered nurse is embracing lifelong learning. Our articles and guides address hot topics and current events in nursing, from education to career mobility and beyond. No matter where you are on your nursing journey, there’s an article to help you build your knowledge base.
Browse our latest articles, curated specifically for modern nurses.
