Online ABSN Programs in IL: Your Resource to Top Degrees
As an Illinois resident, joining the nursing industry can be more accessible and quicker than you think thanks to the state’s top online accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs. On this page, you’ll discover vital details about ABSN programs that students like you can benefit from knowing, such as admission requirements, curriculum expectations, online learning formats, and clinical practice opportunities. Learn how to contribute meaningfully to your community’s healthcare in less time with this EduMed guide.
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Online ABSN Education in Illinois
For graduates who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree but want to make the pivot to the medical field, online accelerated BSN programs in Illinois offer a pathway for these professionals to earn their nursing credentials without having to restart their education. Accelerated online programs are generally faster than traditional RN to BSN program timeframes, with some students finishing in as little as 12 to 15 months. These courses tend to be more intensive, demanding a high level of time management and commitment. With flexibility in mind, these programs are designed to be built around students’ busy lives, allowing them to complete most of their coursework online while still adhering to in-person clinical experiences.
Online ABSN programs are typically hybrid formats, enabling students to gain hands-on experience without needing to be on campus full-time. The virtual components can include virtual lectures, assignments, and interactive discussions, while clinical experiences are completed at approved local healthcare facilities. These spotlight schools exemplify a good idea of what to expect from ideal Illinois ABSN programs.
Elmhurst University
Elmhurst University offers two accelerated degrees, an online Accelerated BSN and an Online Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice. Accelerated BSN students can transition to graduate study and do both on an accelerated timeline. For those interested in the accelerated BSN, all coursework can be completed online, though clinical and residency hours are in person. The school’s clinical team works with students to determine a healthcare site close to them to complete their hours, and the residency requirement must be completed on Elmhurst’s campus west of Chicago. The ideal applicant lives in the Chicago area since the program prepares students to become licensed nurses in Illinois after graduating. To apply for the accelerated BSN, applicants need a bachelor’s degree in another field.
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: ~ $833 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA in their prior academic coursework
- Complete certain prerequisite courses (e.g., biology, chemistry, human anatomy, and physiology)
- Submit a completed application form, transcripts from previous institutions, and a personal statement
- Provide recommendation letters and complete an interview as part of the admissions process
Curriculum:
- Foundational Nursing Courses
- Advanced Clinical Skills
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Healthcare Systems & Policy
- Nursing Leadership and Management
National Louis University
National Louis University’s Accelerated BSN Program covers the knowledge students need to successfully work as nurses and prepares them to sit for the NCLEX. All classes are offered online in an asynchronous format, so students can watch course modules and complete classwork whenever works for them instead of at set class times. Each asynchronous module is followed by a synchronous class session that answers any questions and reviews concepts. Students also complete clinical rotations, labs, and simulations, which take place in person. All in-person components must be completed at approved sites in downtown Chicago. Successful applicants must submit transcripts indicating that prerequisites like microbiology, general biology, chemistry, anatomy, introduction to psychology, nutrition, developmental psychology, college algebra, and statistics are completed.
Duration: 15 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $430 per quarter credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Have completed specific prerequisite courses, which may include subjects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and statistics (with a grade of C or higher)
- Possess a minimum GPA of 3.0 in previous academic coursework
- Submit an online application
- Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Write a personal statement explaining the applicant’s motivation for pursuing nursing and why they want to join the program
- Have letters of recommendation
- An interview may also be required for admission
Curriculum:
- Foundations of Nursing Practice
- Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Leadership and Professional Practice
- Clinical Rotations
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) offers an online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Program designed for individuals who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. This program combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences at various healthcare facilities. It generally takes 12 months to complete, providing an accelerated path to becoming a registered nurse.
Students participate in an intensive and fast-paced learning environment, which includes theoretical courses as well as practical training in clinical settings. To be admitted, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and complete specific prerequisite courses. SIUE’s program also prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN exam, enabling them to enter the professional nursing field.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $482.85
Admissions Requirements:
- Hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Complete prerequisite courses, including subjects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and statistics, with a grade of C or higher
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all previous academic coursework
- Submit the following materials as part of the application process:
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- A personal statement explaining the applicant’s desire to pursue nursing and why they are interested in the program
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV outlining relevant academic and professional experiences
- Applicants may also be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process
Curriculum:
- Foundations of Nursing
- Pathophysiology & Pharmacology
- Health Assessment
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternal and Child Health Nursing
- Leadership and Management
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Answering Your FAQs About Online Accelerated BSN Programs in Illinois
If you’re still feeling uncertain about certain aspects in applying to an online accelerated BSN program in Illinois, we’ve address some of the most frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision and choose the best option for your educational and career goals.
What are the benefits and challenges to the online accelerated BSN Programs in Illinois?
Online accelerated BSN programs in Illinois offer several advantages, including flexible scheduling that allows students to balance their studies with work and family commitments. These programs enable students to learn at their own pace and often provide access to a variety of learning materials and resources.
However, there are also challenges associated with online learning. Strong self-discipline and time management skills are essential, as students must remain motivated without the structure of in-person classes. Additionally, students are required to complete in-person clinical hours, which may involve travel and coordination with healthcare facilities, adding another level of complexity to the program.
What are the in-person clinical requirements are for the online accelerated BSN Programs in Illinois, and how are they scheduled?
In-person clinical requirements for online accelerated BSN programs in Illinois typically involve completing a specified number of required clinical hours in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities. These clinical experiences for online students enable students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world environments, gaining essential skills in patient care, assessments, and nursing procedures. Clinical hours are often scheduled to accommodate students’ availability, and many programs partner with local healthcare providers to facilitate placements. Students collaborate with program coordinators to arrange their schedules and ensure they meet the required clinical hours. Clinical rotations are carefully planned to provide a diverse range of patient care experiences.
What are the scholarship or financial aid opportunities available for the online accelerated BSN Programs in Illinois?
Online accelerated Bachelor BSN programs in Illinois provide a variety of scholarship and financial aid opportunities to support students. Many programs offer merit-based scholarships, which are awarded for academic excellence or achievements related to nursing. Additionally, eligible students can access federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which includes grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Some universities collaborate with healthcare organizations to offer specific scholarships or tuition assistance for students who are committed to working in underserved areas or certain nursing specialties. Furthermore, students may discover private scholarships through professional nursing organizations or foundations. Financial aid offices at these institutions typically provide guidance to help students navigate the application process and explore available financial aid options.
How does the online learning experience of the accelerated BSN Programs in Illinois compare to traditional classroom settings experience?
The online learning experience of accelerated BSN programs in Illinois offers flexibility but differs from traditional classroom settings. Students engage with course material through online lectures, discussion boards, and virtual simulations, which allows for self-paced learning. In contrast, traditional classroom settings provide direct interaction with instructors and peers, creating a more structured and collaborative environment. While online programs are more flexible in terms of location and scheduling, students in both formats must complete in-person clinical hours to gain hands-on experience, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
What technology or support services are offered to students in the online accelerated BSN Programs in Illinois?
Online accelerated BSN programs provide students with access to a variety of technology and support services designed to enhance their learning experience. These programs typically utilize learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas or Blackboard, which allow students to access course materials, submit assignments, and participate in discussions.
Students benefit from virtual labs, simulations, and video conferencing tools that facilitate real-time instruction. Technical support services are readily available to assist with any software or hardware issues. Additionally, academic advisors, tutors, and faculty are accessible through online platforms, ensuring that students receive the guidance they need to succeed both academically and professionally throughout their studies.
Why Career Changers in Illinois Are Choosing Nursing
Nursing is an appealing career choice for those looking to change careers or pursue a second degree, thanks to its strong job outlook, diverse opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. With the growing demand for healthcare professionals and the nursing shortage in Illinois, the field offers stability and job security.
In Illinois, registered nurses earn competitive salaries, typically ranging from $65,000 to $95,000 per year depending on their experience and location. With these salaries in mind, nursing offers strong financial stability and growth potential compared to many other professions.
Nursing in Illinois also provides the opportunity for both personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose as they play a vital role in patient care by providing comfort, support, and expertise. This profession invites new individuals to play an active role in improving health outcomes and enhancing the well-being of their communities.
