Best Nursing Schools in Illinois

Western Illinois University offers a Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that stands out for its rigorous curriculum and exceptional NCLEX-RN pass rates, consistently surpassing state and national averages. This campus-based program in Macomb, IL, is tailored for aspiring nurses, blending academic excellence with extensive clinical practice under the guidance of experienced faculty. Admission is competitive, necessitating completion of pre-nursing courses and a separate application to the School of Nursing. While the program does not specify a concentration, it focuses on innovative teaching methodologies to equip students with the skills needed for RN licensure and a thriving nursing career. Entrance exams such as ACT or SAT are required for admission, aligning with bachelor's level program standards.

• Campus-based program
• Exceeds NCLEX-RN pass rates
• Dedicated faculty
• Hands-on clinical experiences
• Competitive admission
• Innovative teaching methods
• Prepares for RN licensure
• Located in Macomb, IL

Olivet Nazarene University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that blends nursing theory with practical skills, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam. This 4-year, campus-based program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and integrates a Christian perspective into nursing education. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, students receive personalized attention and hands-on clinical experience. The program emphasizes ethical and moral care, fostering a supportive community for aspiring nurses. Entrance requires ACT or SAT scores, aligning with the university's commitment to academic excellence and service in the nursing profession.

• Full-time, 4-year program.
• Campus-based learning.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Christian perspective integrated.
• Small class sizes.
• Experienced faculty.
• Hands-on clinical practice.
• Supportive community environment.
• Focus on ethical, moral care.

Olivet Nazarene University's RN-BSN program is an online pathway for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. Designed for flexibility, this 16-month program enhances leadership and integrates ethical practices into nursing, requiring an RN license and a 2.75 GPA for admission. With no entrance exams, it offers a seamless transition to higher education, including MSN degrees. The program focuses on professional development through 24 credit hours and 45 practicum hours, preparing graduates for advanced healthcare roles without the need for standardized testing.

• 100% Online
• 16 months duration
• 24 credit hours
• 45 practicum hours
• No exams in coursework
• Leadership skills development
• Ethical and professional integration
• RN license required
• Minimum 2.75 GPA
• Pathway to MSN

Methodist College in Peoria, IL, provides an Accelerated Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program tailored for individuals who have already completed their general education prerequisites. This intensive program is structured to fast-track students towards taking the NCLEX-RN exam, combining rigorous academic coursework with practical, hands-on training in advanced simulation labs. Students benefit from clinical rotations at leading hospitals in the Peoria area, offering invaluable real-world experience. The program emphasizes the development of professional nursing skills, with a curriculum that covers holistic patient care and prepares graduates to tackle contemporary healthcare challenges. Financial aid is available to eligible students, enhancing accessibility to this accelerated nursing pathway. Notably, the program boasts a strong NCLEX pass rate, reflecting its effectiveness in preparing students for licensure and professional practice.

• Accelerated BSN program.
• Prepares for NCLEX exam.
• State-of-the-art simulation centers.
• Clinical experiences in Peoria.
• Financial aid available.
• Focus on professional development.
• Holistic care curriculum.
• Adapts to healthcare challenges.
• Hands-on learning opportunities.
• Affiliation with Carle Health.

Richland Community College in Decatur, IL, provides an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) designed to equip students with the skills necessary for a successful nursing career. This program, completed in four semesters and 63 credit hours, focuses on essential nursing practices including patient care, medical documentation, and treatment implementation. Notably, the program boasts a 95% NCLEX pass rate, reflecting its effectiveness in preparing students for the licensure exam and beyond. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, students gain a solid foundation in nursing, readying them for diverse healthcare environments. The program's emphasis on hands-on learning and patient education ensures graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the nursing profession.

• Campus-based program
• Four semesters completion
• 63 credit hours
• High NCLEX pass rate
• Focus on patient care
• Hands-on experience
• Patient education emphasis
• Prepares for healthcare industry
• Associate Degree in Nursing
• Registered Nurse preparation

Southeastern Illinois College's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program stands out for its high first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates, a testament to its quality education and comprehensive clinical training. The program emphasizes hands-on experience across various specialties, including pediatrics and obstetrics, under the guidance of experienced faculty. With affordable tuition and robust support services, it's designed to equip students for immediate entry into the nursing field or further academic pursuits. No entrance exams are required, making it accessible to a broad range of aspiring nurses.

• High first-time pass rates.
• Hands-on clinical training.
• Specialties in pediatrics, obstetrics.
• Dedicated faculty mentorship.
• Affordable tuition options.
• Comprehensive support services.
• Prepares for RN licensure.
• Opportunities for further education.

Focusing on pediatric nursing, Southeastern Illinois College's ADN program offers specialized training that prepares students for the unique challenges of child healthcare. The program's 95% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate underscores its effectiveness. Students benefit from extensive clinical experiences in pediatric settings, preparing them for the growing demand in this specialty area. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with no entrance exam, and financial aid is available to help students manage costs.

• 95% licensure exam pass rate.
• Concentration in pediatrics.
• Hands-on clinical experience.
• 6% job growth by 2032.
• Financial aid available.
• High school diploma required.
• Comprehensive pediatric care focus.
• Dedicated faculty support.
• Varied clinical settings.
• Prepares for RN licensure.

Southeastern Illinois College provides an ADN program with a concentration in obstetrics, tailored for those passionate about maternal and newborn care. The program boasts a 95% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, reflecting its strong curriculum and practical training. With a projected 6% increase in RN jobs by 2032, graduates are well-positioned for employment. The program requires a high school diploma or GED for admission, with no entrance exam, and offers financial aid options to eligible students, combining classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience.

• 95% first-time licensure pass rate.
• Concentration in obstetrics available.
• Campus-based program.
• Hands-on clinical experience.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Financial aid options available.
• Growing demand for RNs.
• Blend of classroom and practical training.

The College of Lake County offers an affordable Nursing A.A.S. program designed to equip students with the skills needed for a successful RN career. Noted for its high NCLEX pass rates, which consistently surpass state and national averages, the program emphasizes foundational nursing knowledge, patient care, and clinical decision-making. Full-time students can graduate in two years, benefiting from financial aid options and small class sizes for personalized learning. Accredited by ACEN and approved by the IL Board of Nursing, the program includes hands-on clinical experiences across diverse settings. Admission requires prerequisite completion and a screening form submission by set deadlines, with no ACT or SAT requirement mentioned.

• Affordable tuition rates.
• High NCLEX pass rates.
• Full-time completion in 2 years.
• Financial aid and scholarships available.
• Approved by IL Board of Nursing.
• ACEN accredited.
• Hands-on clinical experiences.
• Small student-faculty ratios.
• Career degree with in-demand skills.
• PATH Grant stipends available.

Rend Lake College's Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program stands out for its comprehensive curriculum aimed at preparing students for the NCLEX-RN, with a recent pass rate of 75%. This campus-based program requires a CNA certification and completion of prerequisite courses with a 'C' or better, alongside a mandatory background check. Spanning four semesters, it covers essential topics like health concepts, pharmacology, and anatomy, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Accredited by ACEN, the program is designed for full-time study, offering financial aid and scholarships to eligible students, making it an accessible option for aspiring nurses in Illinois.

• Campus-based program
• Requires CNA certification
• Prerequisite courses needed
• Background check mandatory
• Four-semester duration
• Emphasizes critical thinking
• Includes clinical work
• NCLEX-RN preparation
• Recent pass rate 75%
• Financial aid available

Chamberlain University-Illinois in Addison provides an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, enabling students to complete their degree in three years without the need for prerequisites to start nursing classes. This CCNE-accredited program stands out for its immediate immersion into nursing coursework, complemented by practical experiences in the SIMCARE CENTER™ and clinical environments. It's designed to equip students with the skills needed for the NCLEX-RN and beyond, offering financial aid, flexible scheduling, and small class sizes for personalized learning. The program also emphasizes NCLEX preparation, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for licensure. No ACT or SAT is required for admission, making it accessible to a wide range of aspiring nurses.

• 3-year BSN program
• No prerequisites needed
• CCNE-accredited
• Hands-on SIMCARE CENTER™
• Financial aid available
• Evening/weekend options
• Small class sizes
• Personalized support
• High-tech nursing labs
• Experienced faculty

Dominican University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in River Forest, IL, stands out for its comprehensive approach to nursing education, blending high-tech simulation labs with a liberal arts curriculum to foster well-rounded professionals. With a remarkable 97% NCLEX pass rate, the program emphasizes compassionate care, small class sizes, and extensive clinical experiences. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it offers direct entry for qualified undergraduates, requiring specific admission criteria without mandating ACT or SAT scores. This program prepares graduates for diverse healthcare environments, supported by experienced faculty dedicated to student success.

• High-tech simulation labs
• 97% NCLEX pass rate
• Small class sizes
• Hands-on clinical experiences
• Liberal arts curriculum
• Direct entry admission option
• Accredited by CCNE
• Experienced nursing faculty
• Focus on compassionate care
• Prepares for diverse healthcare settings

Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, IL, provides an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Nursing program, meticulously crafted to equip students with the skills needed for a successful nursing career. This program stands out by integrating comprehensive general education with in-depth nursing coursework and practical clinical experiences, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam. Unique to Prairie State, the program mandates a Nurse Assistant Training course as a prerequisite, emphasizing hands-on healthcare experience early on. With options for LPNs to bridge into the program, it offers a pathway for career advancement. Notably, the program is military-friendly, welcoming veterans and active service members into its fall-start cohorts.

• Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure.
• Combines classroom and clinical learning.
• Requires Nurse Assistant Training completion.
• LPN bridge options available.
• Starts fall only.

The University of Illinois Chicago's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program stands out for its hybrid learning format, blending online coursework with in-person clinical experiences to accommodate diverse student needs. This program is tailored for high school graduates, transfer students, and RNs aiming for career advancement, offering three distinct pathways to accommodate varying educational backgrounds. Notably, the program boasts a high NCLEX-RN pass rate, reflecting its rigorous curriculum and comprehensive preparation for nursing licensure. While ACT or SAT scores are required for high school applicants, transfer and RN students may have different admission criteria. Located in Chicago, the program leverages its urban setting to provide rich clinical opportunities, enhancing students' readiness for the nursing profession.

• Hybrid learning format
• Three pathways available
• Competitive cost
• Financial aid options
• Flexible for RNs
• Chicago campus location
• Focus on student engagement
• Prepares for nursing career
• Admission requirements vary

Northern Illinois University's Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to B.S.) program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional qualifications. This fully online, CCNE-accredited program emphasizes critical thinking, health assessment, and evidence-based practice, with the flexibility to graduate in just 12 months. It stands out for its affordability, the option to transfer up to 30 credits, and a local practicum component that supports hands-on learning without the need for campus visits. Notably, the program does not require ACT or SAT scores for admission, making it accessible to a broader range of nursing professionals aiming to advance their careers.

• 100% online
• Accredited by CCNE
• Complete in 12 months
• Flexible schedule
• Affordable tuition
• Transfer up to 30 credits
• Local practicum option
• Enhances critical thinking
• Focus on evidence-based practice
• Scholarship opportunities available

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program stands out for its comprehensive approach to nursing education, offering three distinct pathways: a traditional four-year track, an accelerated option for individuals with prior degrees, and an online RN to B.S.N. completion. The program is distinguished by its inclusion of a Healthcare Management minor, state-of-the-art learning facilities, and accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. With a focus on hands-on clinical experience and preparation for the NCLEX exam, students are equipped for a successful nursing career. Scholarships and a dedicated faculty further enhance this program's appeal. Entrance exams such as ACT or SAT are required for admission.

• Three degree pathways available.
• Includes Healthcare Management minor.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• State-of-the-art learning facilities.
• Scholarships for nursing students.
• Online option for RN to B.S.N.
• Hands-on clinical experience.
• Accelerated track for degree holders.
• Prepares for NCLEX exam.
• Dedicated nursing faculty.

The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Health Care Management at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is tailored for registered nurses seeking career advancement. This program offers the flexibility needed by working professionals, combining rigorous nursing education with leadership training in healthcare management. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it includes a built-in minor in Health Care Management, preparing graduates for leadership roles in acute care settings. Competitive tuition and financial aid options make it accessible. Admission requires an associate’s degree in nursing, with no mention of entrance exams, emphasizing its accessibility for RNs looking to further their education.

• Online RN to BSN program.
• Health Care Management minor included.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Flexible for working nurses.
• Competitive tuition costs.
• Financial aid available.
• Prepares for diverse nursing roles.
• Focus on acute care settings.
• Requires associate’s degree in nursing.
• Enhances leadership skills.

Millikin University in Decatur, IL, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that stands out for its 100% placement rate post-graduation. This campus-based program is ideal for high school graduates and transfer students, requiring a minimum ACT composite score of 20 or SAT composite score of 1030 for first-year applicants, alongside a 3.0 GPA for transfers. With small class sizes and direct admission into the School of Nursing, students enjoy personalized academic advising and Performance Learning opportunities that provide hands-on clinical experience. The curriculum focuses on professional behavior and timely academic progress, preparing students for success in the nursing field.

• 100% placement rate
• Direct admission guarantee
• Small class sizes
• Personalized academic advising
• Performance Learning opportunities
• Campus-based program
• ACT/SAT score requirements
• 3.0 GPA for transfers
• Hands-on clinical experience
• Professional behavior emphasis

Rasmussen University-Illinois offers a Professional Nursing (ADN/RN) hybrid program designed for those aiming to become registered nurses efficiently, with the possibility to complete the program in as few as 21 months. This program uniquely blends online coursework with essential on-campus labs and clinical experiences, ensuring students are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam. Notably, the program does not require prerequisite coursework and boasts no waitlists at many campuses, making it an accessible option for aspiring nurses. With a focus on patient care, critical thinking, and building professional confidence, the program's total cost is approximately $53,478 for full-time students. Admission requires passing an entrance exam or holding a conferred degree with a minimum 2.25 GPA. The program is accredited by ACEN and approved by state boards, offering financial aid and accepting transfer credits, with a laptop provided for qualified students.

• Hybrid program format
• No prerequisite coursework
• Completion in 21 months
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Total cost $53,478
• 8 start dates yearly
• 25 courses required
• On-campus labs included
• Clinical experiences provided
• Focus on patient care

Saint Xavier University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that stands out for its CCNE accreditation and commitment to preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam through a comprehensive curriculum. The program integrates health promotion, risk reduction, and illness management, equipping students with the skills needed for various healthcare environments. With small class sizes, students receive personalized guidance from faculty, enhancing their learning experience. The program's focus on critical thinking and professional development aligns with current nursing standards, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of the nursing profession. Entrance requires ACT or SAT scores, reflecting the program's rigorous academic standards.

• CCNE accredited program.
• Small class sizes.
• Hands-on clinical experiences.
• Focus on critical thinking.
• Prepares for diverse healthcare settings.
• Experienced faculty.
• Aligns with latest nursing standards.
• Emphasizes lifelong learning.
• Rigorous yet supportive environment.
• Fosters personal and professional growth.