Top Accredited Nursing Schools in Chicago: Online & Campus
Learn about top nursing programs in Chicago, figure out which degree best serves your needs, and examine licensure requirements in this informative guide.
Nearly 100,000 professionals make up the Greater Chicago registered nurse workforce, and this number is only expected to grow in the coming years. Whether you’re just starting your nursing career or you’ve been in the field for decades and want to upgrade your credentials, Chicago has plenty of nursing programs to help you meet your goals.
To help you make an informed and confident decision, this page highlights top programs at every academic level, reviews job and salary projections, and connects you with meaningful resources. Start your Chicago nursing school search below by reading on to see which schools made our list.
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Public
DePaul University
Chicago, Illinois
Private
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Private
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Chicago
Finding a nursing program in Chicago, regardless of whether you’re looking for an RN or PhD program or something in between, is easy given the number of schools offering nursing degrees in the Windy City and its surrounding area. We look at some of the most common nursing degrees available in Chicago below.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Chicago
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
If you want to work as a registered nurse in Chicago, the ADN serves as your fastest option into the profession. Frequently offered by community colleges and vocational schools, AND degrees typically require two years of full-time study and prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN after graduation.
Examples of Chicago Nursing Schools with this Program
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Traditional BSN)
better jobs and increased pay. These programs typically consist of 120 hours and incorporate both classroom learning and clinical experiences. You can find them as in-person or hybrid learning options.
Examples of Chicago Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
These programs help students who possess bachelor’s degrees in unrelated subjects earn the skills and knowledge needed to transition into work as RNs. You can complete many of these programs in approximately 12-18 months.
Examples of Chicago Nursing Schools with this Program
Direct-Entry MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
Direct-entry MSN programs function similarly to accelerated BSN programs in that they support students who possess a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. If you want to bypass the BSN and move directly into a degree leading to advanced practice roles, a direct-entry MSN will meet your needs. They usually take between 15-30 months to finish.
Examples of Chicago Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Chicago for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
Because registered nurses earn higher salaries and take on advanced positions, many licensed vocational nurses decide to pursue the education needed to transfer to these roles. The LPN to RN results in an ADN and takes 1-2 years to complete. The LPN to BSN provides a bachelor’s degree and takes 2-3 years.
Examples of Chicago Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
Sometimes known as an and to BSN, these bridge programs allow you to upgrade your existing RN credentials to a bachelor’s degree. Many schools now offer these degrees entirely online since they don’t require any clinical components, and most take 12-24 months to complete.
Examples of Chicago Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
Suppose you already hold an associate degree but want to earn a master’s degree. An RN to MSN can shorten the time spent in school by cutting out some BSN requirements. In addition to general studies, many programs also allow you to select from several specializations. Most take 30-36 months to finish.
Examples of Chicago Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Chicago
Traditional MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
Designed for students who already hold BSNs, traditional MSN programs take about two years to complete and allow you to take on advanced practice RN roles. You can often select from specializations such as family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse leader. Many are available online.
Examples of Chicago Nursing Schools with This Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD Doctoral Programs
These terminal degrees allow you to practice at the top of the nursing field in different settings. The DNP supports nurses looking to continue their practice in medical settings, and most take about three years to complete. The PhD in nursing is designed for those looking to move into academia and/or research and usually takes four to five years to finish.
Examples of Chicago Nursing Schools with This Program
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
A post-graduate nursing certificate helps MSN-educated nurses expand their specializations or move into a niche area of the field. Most of these programs require about two semesters of study and include options like adult-gerontology, psychiatric mental health, women’s health, and neonatal care.
Examples of Chicago Nursing Schools with This Program
Understanding Online Nursing Programs in Chicago
Online nursing programs in Chicago recognize that many students who enroll have plenty of professional and personal responsibilities outside of school, so most create flexible programs that maximize time spent learning. While some colleges require you to log on at specific times to participate in live classes, many offer asynchronous options to help fit coursework into your existing schedule.
If you’re required to complete any clinical nursing requirements, know that these must take place in person. Program administrators will work with you to find a suitable location nearby, though. If your degree only comprises coursework, you may be able to graduate without any in-person obligations.
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in Chicago
Can I earn my nursing degree in Chicago completely online?
It depends on the type of nursing degree you plan to pursue. Nursing programs that don’t include a clinical component, such as RN to BSN or traditional MSN programs, often exist online. While you may come across hybrid versions of other nursing degrees, they will still mandate face-to-face practicum experiences.
Will my online Chicago nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?
Attending a properly accredited and state-approved nursing program is the most important step you can take, whether enrolled online or on campus. So long as you check those boxes, employers won’t care what format you used to further your education.
Are online nursing programs in Chicago more affordable than campus programs?
Most schools charge the same tuition regardless of learning format. Still, as an online student you can often avoid campus-based expenses like parking and facilities fees. Rather than living in student accommodation, you can live in a more cost-effective part of the city while also avoiding transportation costs.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Chicago
If you want to avoid leaving college with a substantial amount of debt, investigate scholarships and grants. Since these don’t require repayment, they tend to be popular options. Organizations like the Illinois Nurses Foundation, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and the Illinois Department of Public Health all provide nursing-specific scholarships. You can also look for other local and state opportunities and check into your school’s financial aid offerings. Fortunately, with the many resources available, finding nursing scholarships and creating a comprehensive financial aid plan doesn’t have to be complicated.
How to Become an RN in Chicago: Licensing Requirements
Becoming a registered nurse in Chicago requires you to first graduate from a state-approved and accredited ADN or BSN program and then take the NCLEX-RN exam. To take the NCLEX-RN exam, you must register with both Pearson VUE ($200) and Continental Testing Centers ($98). After passing the exam, you can apply for licensure. When applying to the Illinois Board of Nursing, plan to supply a certificate of education, official student roster, official transcripts, and proof of fingerprinting. Check out EduMed’s guide to nursing schools in Illinois for more information on licensing requirements.
How Much You Could Make as an RN in Chicago?
As a registered nurse (RN) in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area, you can expect a competitive salary compared to the state average for Illinois. RNs in this region have a median annual salary of $85,160, which is higher than the statewide median of $82,470. Entry-level nurses, who typically fall in the 10th percentile, earn around $67,560, while experienced RNs in the 90th percentile can make up to $107,980. This higher-than-average salary range reflects the demand for healthcare professionals in a large urban center like Chicago, making it an attractive area for those considering a nursing career in Illinois.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $63,900 | $82,470 | $105,140 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $67,560 | $85,160 | $107,980 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Additional Chicago Nursing Resources
Chicago Chapter – National Black Nurses Association
Joining the Chicago chapter of the NBNA provides access to collective action initiatives on policy, opportunities to complete continuing education, and regularly scheduled online and in-person membership events.
Chicago Bilingual Nurse Consortium
CBNA supports Hispanic and Latino nurses in the Greater Chicago area by providing assessments and counseling, supportive services, advocacy efforts, and educational programming.
Chicago Area Nurse Practitioner Networking Group
This active Facebook group has more than 1,500 members who work in Chicago and the surrounding areas as nurse practitioners. You can network with fellow NPs, talk about the job, and build important contacts. Students are welcome to join.
Greater Chicago Area Chapter – American Association of Critical Care Nurses
The Chicago chapter of AACCN provides access to local job opportunities, webinars and in-person programming, a career center, and opportunities to take on leadership roles within the group.
This Facebook group supports nurses working at all levels in Chicago and has more than 2,400 members. You can meet others in the field, get professional and educational questions answered, learn about local jobs, and stay connected.
