Finding accredited nursing degree programs in Illinois at the bachelor’s level is simple thanks to the abundance of high-ranking academic opportunities available statewide. As the fifth most populous state in the United States, Illinois is often noted for being an educational hub for the Midwestern and Great Lakes region. Students in Illinois also benefit from a thriving diversified economy in which an emphasis has been placed on value-added services, including healthcare. After all, Illinois serves as the location for Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Loyola Medical Center, St. Alexius Medical Center, and other nationally ranked hospitals. If you’re ready to advance your nursing career for baccalaureate-level professional nursing practice, read on about accredited nursing programs in the “Land of Lincoln.” To see more accredited nursing degree programs in Illinois, visit Nursing Degree Programs in Illinois (J-N) and Nursing Degree Programs in Illinois (O-Z).

Aurora University

School of Nursing

First founded in 1893 by the Advent Christian Church, Aurora University is a comprehensive private non-profit liberal arts institution serving more than 4,900 students on its 37-acre urban campus within the mid-sized city of Aurora within 40 miles west of Chicago. Within its inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning, Aurora offers over 40 accredited academic programs in Aurora, Woodstock, Williams Bay, and online from anywhere. The School of Nursing is approved by the CCNE to prepare nursing students as healthcare providers, educators, researchers, managers, and advocates in state-of-the-art facilities.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

With small class sizes and a student-faculty ratio of 8:1 in clinical practicum, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Aurora builds on a strong foundation in the sciences to deliver meaningful professional training to students wishing to become registered nurses. In the 123-credit curriculum, students complete general education courses during the first two years before progressing to major nursing coursework, practical clinical experiences, and research projects. Graduates have achieved a very high first-try pass rate of 98 percent on the NCLEX-RN examination. Registered nurses who have already earned an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing can also follow the RN to BSN degree completion track.

Accreditations

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

2245 Sequoia Drive Suite 301
Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 844-5139
lockwood@aurora.edu
http://www.aurora.edu/academics/undergraduate/nursing/index.html#.VSfNoZPNKMA

Benedictine University

College of Education and Health Services

Since its inception in 1887 by the Benedictine monks of St. Procopius Abbey, Benedictine University has grown as a comprehensive private Roman Catholic liberal arts institution on a main 108-acre suburban campus on the western side of Chicago in Lisle. Named the seventh fastest-growing private non-profit master’s university in America by the Chronicle of Higher Education, Benedictine now serves more than 6,800 students in 56 academic programs. Within the College of Education and Health Services, students in the Department of Nursing and Health can receive values-centered preparation for a lifetime of service to others.

RN to BSN Program

Offered in a flexible format with convenient evening scheduling and web-enhanced courses, the RN to BSN Program at Benedictine is available for registered nurses with a diploma or associate’s degree in nursing who wish to advance their education while juggling multiple other life priorities. Over just 12 to 16 months, students complete at least 55 semester credits on the Lisle or Springfield branch campus to build upon their current knowledge as registered nurses. After a liberal arts foundation, students focus on becoming culturally competent, professional baccalaureate nurses to positively contribute to today’s evolving healthcare systems. Applicants must have an unencumbered Illinois RN license and carry a minimum college GPA of 2.5.

Accreditations

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

5700 College Road
Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 829-6637
jrichter@ben.edu
https://www.ben.edu/college-of-education-and-health-services/nursing-health/rn-bsn.cfm

Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing

College of Nursing

With a long, illustrious history tracing back to 1891 at Blessing Hospital, the Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing is a specialized independent health services teaching institution located on a suburban campus in Quincy atop the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi river within just 100 miles west from the state’s capital city. Offering exceptional clinical nursing experiences within Blessing Health System, BRNC delivers three distinct undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing for around 250 students. In addition to a retention rate of 81%, the College of Nursing has excelled by producing qualified nursing professionals with a 98% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN examination.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

In collaboration with Culver-Stockton College and Quincy University, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at BRNC provides a four-year curriculum for incoming freshmen who wish to become leaders and change agents in today’s dynamic global health environment with registered nursing credentials. After completing the general education requirements at one of the partner colleges, students spend their junior and senior year at the BRNC campus to receive hands-on learning in holistic nursing. Once students finish the 124-credit program, they’ll have the fundamental nursing knowledge needed to provide high-quality care that treats the whole individual for physiological, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual well-being.

Accreditations

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

P.O. Box 7005
North 11th Street
Quincy, IL 62301
(217) 228-5520
bbeshears@brcn.edu
http://www.brcn.edu/?id=643&sid=7

Eastern Illinois University

Nursing Department

Based on a 320-acre urban campus in the small city of Charleston within just 140 miles northeast of St. Louis, Eastern Illinois University is a comprehensive public senior teaching institution that offers accessible undergraduate and graduate education to over 8,900 students. Named a selective master’s university with an acceptance rate of 61.9 percent, EIU is currently ranked as the 31st best regional college, 4th top public school, and 13th best university for military veterans in the Midwest by the U.S. News and World Report. In the Nursing Department, undergraduate students can receive a baccalaureate degree to enhance their nursing practice and receive preparation for leadership roles.

RN to BS in Nursing Program

Founded with the goal of producing professional nurses with the essential knowledge to deliver high-quality care to individuals, families, groups, and communities, the RN to BS in Nursing Program at EIU is available for current nurses with valid registered nursing licensure in Illinois who want to advance their education. In a convenient online format, the program allows nurses to receive real-time teaching at a distance through Blackboard Collaborate. For clinical practicum, students will be assigned a qualified preceptor in their region for one-on-one observation. Admitted students will pay an affordable tuition rate and receive a “loaner” laptop computer for completing their studies.

Accreditations

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 581-7049
nursing@eiu.edu
http://www.eiu.edu/nursing/index.php

Elmhurst College

Department of Nursing and Health Sciences

Affiliated with the United Church of Christ, Elmhurst College is a comprehensive private non-profit liberal arts institution offering service-oriented education to more than 3,600 students on its 48-acre suburban campus within just 16 miles west of Chicago. Named among the Princeton Review’s “Best in the Midwest” for its intimate academic experience and excellent internships, Elmhurst is currently ranked as the 11th best regional college and 10th top value school in the Midwest by the U.S. News and World Report. The Department of Nursing and Health Sciences is dedicated to providing a collaborative learning environment that trains students to serve diverse individuals in a dynamic, complex health system.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

As a pre-licensure option for aspiring nurses with no formal training, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Elmhurst is focused on preparing graduates for building successful careers as professional nurses after passing the NCLEX-RN examination. In the first two years, students will take general education courses in biology, chemistry, English, communication, psychology, and other related sciences. Then, students will work closely with a faculty advisor to create a schedule of relevant nursing courses that aligns with their chosen specialty area. Juniors and seniors will spend time each week immersed in clinical practicum at local healthcare settings across Chicago.

Accreditations

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

190 South Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126
(630) 617-3400
admit@elmhurst.edu
http://www.elmhurst.edu/nursing/1303247.html

Illinois State University

Mennonite College of Nursing

Established in 1857 as the first comprehensive four publicly supported teaching and research institution statewide, Illinois State University is now serving the academic needs of over 19,900 students on its spacious 490-acre urban campus in the college town of Normal within just 130 miles southwest from Chicago. According to the U.S. News and World Report, ISU is currently ranked as the 142nd best national university, 74th top public school, and 41st top college for military veterans in the United States. Also recognized for the 93rd best online nursing programs, the Mennonite College of Nursing has maintained a reputation for innovative, future-oriented nursing education for nearly a century.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Achieving an above-average NCLEX-RN pass rate of 94 percent, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Illinois State is focused on providing a variety of classroom, simulation laboratory, and clinical experiences to prepare competent nursing professionals for service. The traditional BSN program is available to junior-level undergraduate students over four semesters of full-time study following the completion of general education courses. An accelerated BSN program is offered for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another subject to receive their nursing credentials in just 15 months. Plus, there’s an online RN to BSN option for current registered nurses to advance their leadership opportunities.

Accreditations

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

100 North University Street
Normal, IL 61761
(309) 438-7400
mcninfo@ilstu.edu
http://nursing.illinoisstate.edu/academics/

Illinois Wesleyan University

School of Nursing

As a highly selective four-year private undergraduate liberal arts institution, Illinois Wesleyan University is located on a beautiful tree-filled 80-acre suburban campus in Bloomington within a two hour’s drive from both Chicago and St. Louis to educate more than 2,000 students. Boasting one of the highest freshman retention rates in the nation at 90 percent, Illinois Wesleyan is ranked as the 73rd best national liberal arts college in America by the U.S. News and World Report. In particular, the School of Nursing is highly regarded for its small class sizes, personalized attention, experienced faculty, and variety of clinical nursing specialties.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Building upon the university’s liberal arts tradition, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Illinois Wesleyan is designed to help undergraduates transform from students into exceptional thinkers, compassionate nursing professionals, and healthcare leaders in today’s dynamic medical field. Within a specific framework called the theory of self-care, students progress through a four-year curriculum of 120 credit hours with clinical practicum starting in the sophomore year. Nursing students have the unique chance to minor in Hispanic Studies, Human Services Management, or Health as well as complete a study abroad trip over the May Term. Nearly 50 percent of the senior nursing class also chooses to complete an internship for academic credit.

Accreditations

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

1312 Park Street
Bloomington, IL 61701
(309) 556-3529
kschultz@iwu.edu
https://www.iwu.edu/nursing/

Although it’s still possible to practice in nursing with a diploma or associate’s degree, nurses in Illinois are being encouraged to further their journey in higher education by receiving a bachelor’s degree. In fact, a large number of hospitals in Illinois and across the United States are now requiring their nursing staff to possess a BSN degree to ensure high-quality patient care. Whether you’re already licensed as an RN, are returning to school for a career change, or are just started out in the nursing profession, it’s guaranteed that there’s accredited nursing degree programs in Illinois suited to your unique learning needs.