Online ADN Programs in Illinois: Top Schools Compared

Popular Programs: Your Online ADN Options in Illinois

ADN programs in Illinois provide a flexible and accessible pathway to becoming a registered nurse (RN). While no programs are fully online due to the hands-on nature of clinical training, many offer hybrid options. These programs combine online coursework with in-person labs and clinical rotations, allowing you to balance education with other commitments.

Compared to CNA and LPN programs, ADN programs offer advanced training and higher earning potential. While BSN programs provide more opportunities for leadership roles, ADNs are shorter and more affordable, making them an ideal choice if you’re seeking quick entry into the nursing field. Check out our full RN vs AND vs BSN comparison guide to determine the right nursing degree path for you.

When choosing an ADN program in Illinois, consider the nursing program’s accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, and clinical placement opportunities. Programs with strong support services, high job placement rates, and partnerships with healthcare facilities can set you up for long-term success. Here are some great programs for you to consider:

FAQs About Online ADN Programs in Illinois

Beginning to research the right hybrid or online ADN program in Illinois may leave you with more questions than answers. That’s why we’ve collected and answered the most common questions we hear from prospective ADN students and addressed them here.

Keep reading for insights into the length and cost of online Illinois ADN programs, the job market for graduates, and more.

How long do Illinois ADN programs take to complete?

The length of an ADN program varies by school; for example, Lake Land College’s program can be completed in two years, while Rasmussen’s can be completed in just 21 months.

Other factors play into the length of programs. For example, you can complete programs part-time over the course of three to four years or enroll in an accelerated program and graduate in as few as 18 months.

How much do online associate nursing programs cost in Illinois?

The cost of an online ADN program will vary between institutions but depends primarily on whether the school is public or private. For example, Lake Land College is a public school and its per-credit tuition for in-district students is significantly lower than that at Rasmussen, a private school.

Your status as an in-state or out-of-state student can also drastically affect the cost of your online degree. For instance, out-of-district students at Lake Land College pay $237.96 per credit hour compared to in-district students, who pay $110.50 per credit hour.

Are there any certification and licensure requirements in IL?

Illinois is one of several states that requires nurses to earn continuing education (CE) credits to renew their licenses. The only time you will not be required to complete CE hours is the first time you renew your license, after which you will have to complete 20 credits every two years.

Of these 20 hours, Illinois specifies that nurses must complete the following:

• A one-hour course on the care, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia types
• A one-hour course on implicit bias awareness and training
• A one-hour course on sexual harassment prevention training

The Illinois Board of Nursing sits under the IDFPR. The IDFPR offers a registered nurse new application checklist that details everything applicants must submit to receive licensure. This includes their social security number, fingerprint clearance, and paying a fee.

Is financial aid available to help me fund my ADN program in Illinois?

Financial aid is available through nursing schools in Illinois. Both Rasmussen University and Lake Land College accept the FAFSA. Additionally, both Rasmussen University and Lake Land College offer several school-specific financial aid options.

Another option for financial assistance is RN scholarships. Many financial aid resources exist to mitigate the costs of your education, making your career path more attainable with minimal to no debt. See below for more information about other support available for students in Illinois.

Are there any resources to support ADN students in Illinois?

Applying to, completing, and finding work after nursing school can be challenging; fortunately, several resources exist to support prospective and current Illinois nursing students. These resources include scholarship and grant funds, professional associations for students and practicing nurses, and resources to help understand the licensure application process.

• American Nurses Association Illinois – The American Nurses Association (ANA) has a robust Illinois chapter. The group hosts quarterly meetings along with several events throughout the year. For example, student nurses can gather for a student nurse political action day. They also offer educational resources and awards for nurses, including student nurses.
• IDFPR Registered Nurse New Applicant Checklist – To help upcoming nurses obtain licensure, the IDFPR has a checklist for new nurses that includes instructions and qualifications, the fee structure, and detailed information about correctly completing the fingerprint requirement.
• Illinois Nursing Workforce Center – The Illinois Nursing Workforce Center keeps a list of several financial aid opportunities for students of nursing programs, including several Illinois-specific grants and scholarships. You can find more Information about these opportunities and links to apply on the website.
• Illinois Nurses Foundation – One of the primary goals of the Illinois Nurses Foundation is to award scholarships to new and returning nursing students. Links and details of how to apply are listed on their website.
• Student Nurses Association of Illinois – The Student Nurses Association of Illinois is run by and for nursing students. The association runs a print magazine and hosts two annual events for its members. There is also an active Facebook page where student nurses can stay up to date with the latest events and news.

ADN Nurses in Illinois: Salary & Career Prospects

ADN-educated nurses in Illinois earn competitive salaries, with the state average at $72,090 per year, according to the BLS. Salaries vary by region, with RNs in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area earning $75,570 annually, above both state and national averages. Meanwhile, areas like Davenport-Moline-Rock Island offer significantly lower wages, averaging $53,750 annually. Factors like location, employer type, and experience strongly influence earning potential.

While ADN nurses typically earn less than their BSN-prepared counterparts, they still enjoy robust opportunities in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and outpatient centers.

ADN graduates often begin as staff nurses, focusing on direct patient care, medication administration, and collaboration with healthcare teams. These roles provide critical experience and serve as a foundation for career advancement.

BSN-prepared nurses generally earn higher salaries, have access to healthcare leadership positions, and can specialize in nursing areas like pediatrics or critical care. Employers increasingly favor BSN graduates, reflecting trends like the “BSN in 10” initiative, which encourages nurses to earn a bachelor’s degree within 10 years of licensure.

Overall, the job market for Illinois nurses is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports an anticipated 6% growth in nursing jobs nationally through 2032. This growth is faster than the average for other occupations. The Illinois 2022 Registered Nurse Workforce Survey Report also indicates a strong job market outlook for nurses. Of the nurses who participated in the survey, a quarter indicated an intent to retire in the next five years; over 55% of respondents were over 55.

Given the steady influx of new graduate nurses, an aging workforce, and an increased demand for healthcare from an aging population in the United States, the job market remains strong for Illinois ADN program graduates and making continuing your education all the more crucial for your career longevity and job security.