Evaluate Top Online RN to BSN Programs in IL

Inside Online RN to BSN Programs in Illinois

If you’re a registered nurse in Illinois looking to further your education with a bachelor’s degree, you probably know that graduating from an RN to BSN degree program can help you qualify for leadership roles and even command a higher salary. With more than 30 schools offering an RN to BSN program in Illinois, you may not be sure where and how to start your school search, but we’re here to help.

Below are three schools that stood out in terms of affordability, accreditation, and curriculum. Even if the spotlighted schools aren’t a good fit for you, they can be useful guideposts when comparing programs. Plus, they give you’ll get a better idea of what components can be completed online or in-person, since most bridge programs in Illinois are hybrid.

FAQs for Illinois RN to BSN Online Students

Reading about individual programs is a great way to familiarize yourself with online RN to BSN programs, but school spotlights won’t answer all your questions. To address any other pressing concerns you may have, our team rounded up the most frequently asked questions. Below are the answers, as well as free resources to learn more about financial aid, succeeding academically, and more.

What will I learn in an RN to BSN program in Illinois?

The BSN curriculum will cover many different topics designed to enhance the knowledge and experience you already have as a nurse. For example, a pharmacogenomics class is required in Eastern Illinois University’s curriculum to help students better understand human genetics and genomics, which is needed to enhance the management of illness and disease.

Other topics covered will include research, leadership and management, public health, influencing others through evidence-based healthcare, and effective communication. You will also learn how to use ethical decision-making frameworks and the Code of Ethics for Nurses to anticipate issues, guide your nursing practice, and resolve conflicts related to health care.

How long is an RN to BSN program in Illinois?

A RN to BSN program in Illinois can take anywhere from six months to over 18 months to complete. The length of time it takes to complete your program will depend on a variety of circumstances, including if you’re working while attending school, whether you’re attending full-time or part-time, and if you’re in an accelerated program. If you attend full-time, you can complete most RN to BSN programs in as few as 12 months. However, it’s not uncommon to see other RN to BSN programs in Illinois take closer to 18 months to complete.

How much do RN to BSN programs in Illinois cost?

Each university or college has different tuition prices, so the cost will depend on where you go. Tuition for RN to BSN programs typically costs between $10,000-$20,000. Most nursing programs have cost per credit or a set program cost vs a semester cost. Be sure to research tuition before you choose a school, and pay attention to financial aid opportunities offered by the school or state or federal organizations.

What requirements do I need to apply for admission to RN to BSN programs in Illinois?

Each program will have slightly different admission requirements, so be sure to check their websites. However, there are a few common requirements that almost every program has. They are:

• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Current, unencumbered RN license
• Transcripts from prior educational institutions

Some schools have special admission requirements or stipulations about their requirements. You may be required to pay admission fees, be employed as a nurse, have earned a specific GPA in previous work, or have taken specific classes before applying. Nursing programs can be competitive, so make sure you prepare everything you need so as not to delay your admission or education.

How Do I Become an RN with a BSN in Illinois?

Nurses need to be licensed to practice by the Illinois Board of Nursing. Each state has different licensing requirements, and the licensing requirements needed to work as an RN in Illinois include the following:

• Enrollment in at least two years of study in an approved program
• Passing the NCLEX-RN exam within three years of applying to the board

Once you have completed your education at an approved program, you must submit proof of graduation before you can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have received word that you have passed the exam, you may practice under supervision as a “pending license” nurse.

If you are from out of state and wish to become licensed as a nurse in Illinois, you will need to provide license verification from any state you have previously worked in as a nurse in the past five years. NCLEX-RN exam results can be provided by the state of licensure or the testing company. If you are endorsed, you may be issued a temporary license so you can work before all the paperwork is processed.

Ranking the Best Online RN to BSN Bridge Programs in Illinois

As you search for the right RN to BSN program for you, the following schools are worth considering. All schools in our rankings are accredited, had at least one online component, offered academic counseling services, and had career placement services for students and graduates. You can learn more about how we determined the order of the rankings in the “About the Rankings” pop-up below.

Salary & Career Comparison: RN vs. BSN

As of May 2023, the average RN-BSN salary in Illinois was $87,650 per year, while nurses with associate degrees earned about $64,630 per year. RNs who are paid hourly make, on average, $31.07 per hour, while BSN nurses make $42.41. Salaries vary depending on where you work in Illinois. RNs in Illinois are paid roughly the same as RNs in other states, depending on whether the area is considered a metropolitan.

Alongside healthy salaries, there’s high demand for BSN nurses in Illinois. The job market for nurses is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, which is about average compared to all other occupations. There are about 200,000 job openings for registered nurses annually in the United States. Of the nearly 130,000 RNs in Illinois, 52% work in acute-care settings such as hospitals, while 11% are employed in ambulatory care settings.

Another benefit of getting a BSN is that it can lead to more specialized work opportunities. Many employers prefer to hire nurses with a BSN, especially for specialized care roles and leadership positions. Either route can help you find more satisfaction and meaning at work.