With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the need for nurses in the United States is expected to grow significantly which is why nursing degree programs in Illinois will become increasingly important. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing positions are expected to grow by 19 percent over the next ten years, a significantly higher rate than for other industries. In 2012, the average annual wage for a registered nurse was $65.470 per year while nurses with advanced degrees earned significantly higher salaries.

In Illinois, 114,730 registered nurses employed as of May 2012. If nursing positions grow as expected, this could mean as many as 22,000 new nursing positions added in the state of Illinois alone by 2022. As the nursing profession grows, the need for individuals with advanced nursing degrees will also grow. Those nurses will be in high demand in the job market, especially since some areas of the country are already experiencing a nursing shortage.

If you have always wanted to enter a profession where you helped people, you may want to consider these nursing degree programs in Illinois. To see more accredited nursing degree programs in Illinois, visit Nursing Degree Programs in Illinois (A-I) and Nursing Degree Programs in Illinois (O-Z).

Lakeview College of Nursing

The Lakeview College of Nursing has been serving students for 120 years. The college is committed to values necessary to succeed in nursing, including adaptability, caring, excellence, integrity and service. The college takes pride in producing graduates who are nurturing and caring through an environment designed around those principles. Students are able to grow and flourish while developing the skills necessary to succeed in the changing world of nursing. The college focuses on educational excellence and is at the forefront of healthcare trends. Students are prepared to be leaders in the healthcare community.

BSN

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Lakeview is a four-year degree that not only provides nursing education but also a strong liberal arts and sciences background. Students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination for licensure and are the preferred candidate for entry-level nursing positions. In addition, the degree prepares students to be considered for management-level positions or to advance their education at the master’s or doctorate level. Students may choose from several nursing tracks after they have completed preliminary coursework and been admitted to the program.

Accreditation

  • Higher Learning Commission, A Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
  • National League for Nursing (NLN)
  • Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities
  • Council of Higher Education Association (CHEA)
  • The Vermilion Advantage
  • Illinois Coalition for Nursing Resources (ICNR)

Contact

Danville Campus
903 N. Logan Avenue
Danville, IL 61832
217.709.0920
Or
Charleston Campus
580 W. Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
217.345.1575
Website: http://www.lakeviewcol.edu/programs/bsn

Lewis University

College of Nursing and Health Professions

At the Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions, students develop a compassionate, holistic approach to the health profession. Students learn that for patients to have total health, they must not only care for physical symptoms, but also for the mind and soul as well. Students develop the skills to become innovative leaders in a growingly complicated health system. Students learn from faculty, one-on-one, who have real world experience. In addition, a new, state-of-the-art facility on the main campus provides new teaching spaces including patient examination rooms for nurses who wish to advance their careers into nurse practitioner fields. Students are exposed to clinical sites that allow them to work with diverse patient populations to promote the understanding that every patient must be treated with dignity and respect. The College of Nursing at Lewis University has been producing outstanding graduates from into the nursing profession for more than 40 years and they currently have the largest private, not-for-profit institution bachelor’s program in Illinois

Nursing, B.S.N.

Lewis University College of Nursing prepares students for a career in nursing leadership. Students are provided a challenging curriculum that includes natural sciences and humanities while gaining experience with evidence-based practice. Information technology is also covered in the curriculum so that students are prepared for the growing technology requirements in the nursing industry. Lewis University students recently achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the NCLEX-RN examination. The caring faculty works closely with students to help them develop skills in caregiving, managing and leadership. Students are also provided guidance in the changing world of healthcare as well.

Accreditation

  • Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Schools and Colleges
  • State of Illinois Department of Professional Regulation
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact

MAIN CAMPUS
One University Parkway
Romeoville, IL 60446-2200
(815) 838-0500
Website: http://www.lewisu.edu/academics/nursing/undergraduate/nursing/index.htm

Loyola University Chicago

Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing

The Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing at Loyola University Chicago prepares nurses to be clinicians, practitioners, leaders, executives, scholars and researchers through a wide range of nursing degrees. The Marcella Niehoff School became the first collegiate nursing school in Illinois to offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing in 1935 and has been a leader in nursing educations ince that time. U.S. News and World Report ranked the school in the top 12 percent of all graduate schools. Students are provided with exceptional educational opportunities through study abroad programs in countries like Rome, Belize and England.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing provides students with the knowledge and skills to be competent, caring professionals. Students learn to think critically, analyze complex situations and make sound clinical decisions that will lead to safe, effective nursing care. Students are provided the opportunity to learn clinical skills in a non-threatening environment before they enter the patient care setting in the Clinical Simulation Learning Laboratory. Students must complete seven clinical rotations in a variety of settings including:

  • Loyola University Health System and Adventist-Hinsdale Hospital
  • Advocate-Lutheran General, Good Samaritan and Illinois Masonic Hospitals
  • Ann & Robert H. Lurie Hospital; Cadence-Central DuPage Hospital
  • MacNeal Health Network
  • NorthShore University-Evanston; Northwest Community Hospital
  • Northwestern Memorial Hospital
  • Presence Health-Resurrection, St. Joseph and St. Francis Hospitals
  • Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
  • Rush North Shore Medical Center
  • Swedish Covenant Hospital
  • University of Illinois Hospital
  • University of Chicago Hospitals
  • Hines Veteran’s Administration Hospital
  • Long-term care facilities and senior centers
  • School-based health centers
  • Psychiatric settings and other medical facilities

Clinical placements are assigned at random based on their current theory course. Clinical groups are fluid and often change each semester. Students are responsible for transportation to and from their clinical sites.

Accreditation

  • Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges & Schools
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact

Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations
Loyola University Chicago Health Sciences Division
Health Sciences Campus
2160 S. First Ave.
Maywood, IL 60153
Telephone: 773.508.3249
E-mail: NiehoffAlumni@LUC.edu
Website: http://www.luc.edu/nursing/bsn/

MacMurray College

Division of Nursing

The Division of Nursing at MacMurray College provides real-world experience using modern simulation laboratories. Classes are kept small so that students are provided closer attention by faculty. Graduates have found positions in a wide range of nursing opportunities and the division is one of the few professional training programs in Central Illinois providing a strong liberal arts background along with the skills necessary to succeed in nursing.

Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at MacMurray College provides students with traditional classroom instruction as well as hands-on experience in their simulation labs. Students are able to practice the same procedures in the lab that will be performed in the field. In addition, students are provided 650 hours in a variety of clinical settings such as adult health, traditional care and psychiatric facilities. In addition, they are able to practice their skills in maternal-child care as well as home health. During their senior year, students must complete a leadership clinical experience. Graduates demonstrate the knowledge and skills to succeed in the nursing profession.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact

MacMurray College
Nursing
Putnam/Springer Center
447 East College Avenue
Jacksonville, IL 62650
Telephone: 217-479-7083
Website: http://www.mac.edu/oncampus_programs/majors/nursing.asp

McKendree University

School of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals

The School of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals at McKendree University is divided into to division and the nursing degrees fall under the Division of Nursing. The Division of Nursing has locations in both Illinois and Kentucky as well as an online option. The Division of Nursing offers an undergraduate and a graduate degree in nursing. The undergraduate degree builds on the skills learned during the Associate or diploma education while the master’s level degree is designed for nurses who wish to advance their careers in the nursing field to management level positions.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Students who are working in the nursing field who want more flexibility and independence or who want to take their careers to the next level would benefit from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program through the Division of Nursing. McKendree has offered the undergraduate degree in nursing since 1978 and it is designed for working nurses who want to advance in their chosen profession. The program is available in Illinois at the Lebanon and Radcliff campuses as well as the Louisville, Kentucky campus. Most courses are offered in traditional classroom settings while core courses are offered in an online format as are nursing electives. Day and evening courses are available and there is an entirely online degree program as well.

Accreditation

  • Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Schools and Colleges
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact

McKendree University
701 College Road
Lebanon, IL 62254
Telephone: 800-BEARCAT (800-232-7228)
Email: inquiry@mckendree.edu
Website: https://www.mckendree.edu/academics/info/nursing-health/nursing/bsn.php

Methodist College

Division of Nursing

The Division of Nursing offers several options for students who wish to enter the nursing profession. There is a pre-licensure track for students who want to earn their bachelor’s degree and take the licensure examination. One of those tracks is traditional for students who do not have a prior degree while the RN to BSN track is for students who have already completed their nursing diploma or associate degree who want to further their career.

Pre-Licensure BSN

Students may enter the pre-licensure Bachelor of Science Nursing program directly from high school or as transfer students from an accredited college or university. It is a four-year program where students take general education and nursing courses but students enter Methodist College as nursing students their first year and do not have to apply after taking other courses. Students who take summer semesters may finish the degree in three years. It is also possible to attend on a part-time basis or online. The program requires completion of 122 credit hours and students who complete the program are qualified to sit for the NCLEX examination.

RN-BSN

The RN to BSN program at Methodist College is for students who have already obtained their RN diploma or associates degree. All work for this program is completed online so that students have flexibility while advancing their education. Practicums may be arranged to match the schedule of the student and the program can be completed anywhere.

accreditation

  • Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact

Methodist College
415 NE St. Mark Ct.
Peoria, IL 61603
Telephone: (309) 672-5513
Email: admissions@methodistcol.edu
Website:
Pre-Licensure – http://www.methodistcol.edu/four-year-pre-licensure-bsn.aspx
RN-BSN – http://www.methodistcol.edu/rn-bsn.aspx

Millikin University

School of Nursing

The School of Nursing offers traditional BSN track as well as an RN-BSN track. In addition, the school collaborates with the School of Education to create bachelor’s level programs for nurses who wish to obtain positions in the nurse-teacher fields. Students are provided with skills and knowledge that help them grow both professionally and personally. Students are prepared for professional success and graduates have demonstrated a 100 percent placement rate in the nursing field. The curriculum is evidence-based and ethically grounded. Graduates are prepared to become integral members of their community and demonstrate leadership, service and community outreach.

BSN Programs

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs offered at the School of Nursing at Millikin University are structured with a strong background in both liberal arts and nursing. Students are encouraged to develop their professional career. There are both traditional and accelerated programs available, providing working nurses with the flexibility they need to achieve their professional and personal goals.

Accreditation

  • Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact

Millikin University
1184 West Main Street
Decatur, IL 62522
Telephone: 800-373-7733
Website: https://www.millikin.edu/academics/cps/nursing/programs/bsn/pages/default.aspx

North Park University

School of Nursing and Health Statistics

The North Park University School of Nursing and Health Statistics offers nursing students a curriculum grounded in science, ethics and compassion with excellent opportunities for growth. Students are not only provided traditional classroom learning but are also provided instruction in their Simulation Lab as well as sites in the community so that they learn in a truly hands-on environment. The School of Nursing and Health Sciences has been preparing nurses since 1965 and offers a wide range of nursing degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

Undergraduate Nursing

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program that is academically rigorous and provides a unique blend of hands-on learning and the attention of a highly-qualified faculty. The curriculum is grounded in Christian commitment to service and students are provided instruction with a belief that all lives have value. The school has a reputation of graduating nurses who are ethical leaders with highly technical skills necessary in today’s changing healthcare world.

Accreditation

  • Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact

North Park University Chicago
3225 West Foster Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625-4895
Telephone: 800-888-6728
Email: admissions@northpark.edu
Website: http://www.northpark.edu/academics/school-of-nursing/undergraduate-nursing

Northern Illinois University

School of Nursing and Health Studies

The School of Nursing and Health Studies combine three programs to form a school focused on research and teaching opportunities. Students may choose from nursing, public health or health education in order to achieve their career goals in the health industry. The school’s geographical location provides students with excellent hands-on learning opportunities through internships and practicums. The school offers a Bachelor of Science, RN to Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in nursing program.

Nursing B.S.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program prepares students for roles in professional nursing. Students are provided the skills and knowledge to be leaders in patient care in a variety of healthcare agencies. Students are prepared to deliver nursing care and assist in the improvement of the healthcare system as a whole. Students develop skills in physical and social sciences that will further enhance their nursing competency. The program requires 61 to 65 credit hours taken at the School of Nursing and 31 to 33 credit hours in liberal arts studies that are taken at other colleges at Northern Illinois.

Accreditation

  • Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact

Nursing
1240 Normal Road
DeKalb, IL 60115
Telephone: 815-753-1231
Email: nursing@niu.edu
Website: http://www.chhs.niu.edu/nursing/

With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the need for qualified nurses is expected to grow significantly over the next decade in Illinois and around the country. Individuals who have successfully completed accredited nursing degree programs in Illinois will find that they have more opportunities in the nursing field than those that do not complete such programs.