Best Nursing Schools in Illinois: Here is all you need to know about the best nursing schools in the US and the best nursing programs in the US that you can find in Illinois.
Chicago is home to many private schools that have developed a strong reputation for their nursing programs. A few state schools have also established themselves as regional and national leaders for nursing education.
To be able to have the required experience fit to practice nursing in Illinois, you must enroll in any of the best nursing schools in Illinois and get the appropriate training.
This guide shows you the best colleges for nurses in Illinois and other important information that will guide your choice.
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Let's get the ball rolling!!!
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Why Should I Study Nursing In Illinois?
Students that choose to study nursing in any of the colleges for nurses in Illinois are making good choices and priming themselves for a career in the state.
One of the reasons to study nursing in Illinois is that Illinois nursing schools structure their curriculum to meet Illinois' standards for nursing.
Secondly, many of the state's universities have close connections and affiliations with local hospitals and healthcare facilities which give students enough clinical practice experience.
List Of The Application Requirements To Apply To Nursing Schools In Illinois
When applying to nursing schools in Illinois, these are the basic requirements you need to apply to any of the colleges;
- ACT and/or SAT scores
- College entrance essay(s)
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- High school transcript (GPA).
Important Factors To Consider When Choosing A Nursing School In Illinois
Keep these in mind when you're about to choose the perfect school to train on how to become a nurse in Illinois;
- NCLEX pass rate
- Program outcomes
- Cost of living on-campus or in the area
- Type of program (BSN or associate degree)
- Distance from hospitals for clinical practice
- School and nursing program acceptance rate
- Annual tuition and total nursing program cost
- Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
- School accreditation (regional and national).
READ ALSO: Best Nursing Schools in Delaware 2023 | A Detailed Guide
Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Illinois
At this point, you've decided to study nursing in Illinois, Chicago.
Here is a list of the best nursing schools in Illinois with the best nursing programs in the US;
1. DePaul University
- Location: Chicago, IL
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 90%
- Tuition Per Year: $42,411 (All Nursing Students)
- Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (No), Online (Yes), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (Yes)
DePaul University is a private university and one of the largest Catholic schools in the US. The nursing program is also recognized as one of the best in the region.
However, DePaul University School Of Nursing does not offer the traditional 4-year nursing program. On the flip side, it offers a 5-year combined BS and MSN program as well as an RN-MSN program.
APPLY TO DEPAUL UNIVERSITY NURSING PROGRAM
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2. Saint Xavier University
- Location: Chicago, IL
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 77%
- Tuition Per Year: $34,640 (All Nursing Students)
- Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (Yes), and Bridge (Yes)
School of Nursing and Health Sciences @ Saint Xavier University is also a Catholic school in Illinois and home to a variety of accredited nursing programs.
Options for nursing students include the traditional BSN, an online RN-BSN, a second-degree BSN, and an MSN degree.
Keep in mind that Saint Xavier University School Of Nursing has earned the prestigious center of excellence in nursing education from the national league of nursing every year since 2007.
Nursing students have over 12 scholarships available to help foot the school's tuition and other needs. This invariably makes it a viable option based on affordability.
3. University of Illinois at Chicago
- Location: Chicago, IL
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 90%
- Tuition Per Year: $42,411 (In-state Students)
- Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (Yes)
UIC College of Nursing as it's popularly known is one of the best nursing schools in Illinois, Chicago.
Earning a traditional BSN degree is affordable for in-state students at UIC College of Nursing.
All nursing programs are carried out at the school's six campuses: Chicago, Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana. Making it optionable for students.
APPLY TO UIC COLLEGE OF NURSING
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4. Elmhurst College
- Location: Elmhurst, IL
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 77%
- Tuition Per Year: $39,862 (All Nursing Students)
- Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (Yes), and Bridge (Yes)
Elmhurst College Department of Nursing offers six main nursing programs: 3 undergraduate programs and 3 graduate programs.
The nursing programs at Elmhurst College include BSN (pre-licensure option), BSN (RN-BSN degree completion program), Online Distance ABSN program, MSN, Master's Entry in Nursing Practice, and Distance Master's Entry in Nursing Practice (Online).
Another good news about the Elmhurst College Department of Nursing program is the small class size which facilitates one-on-one coaching and mentoring.
APPLY TO ELMHURST COLLEGE NURSING PROGRAM
5. University of St. Francis
- Location: Joliet, IL
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 86%
- Tuition Per Year: $36,000 (All Nursing Students)
- Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (Yes)
University of St. Francis nursing school is best referred to as Leach College of Nursing. USF Leach College of Nursing has a unique BSN program that boasts an impressive NCLEX pass rate.
Students get experiential learning and get connected to long-term care or mental health Clinical practices.
Also, USF Leach College of Nursing focuses more on specific nursing niches which makes it a viable option if you're interested in an aspect of nursing.
APPLY TO USF LEACH COLLEGE OF NURSING PROGRAM
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6. Loyola University Chicago
- Location: Maywood, IL
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 89%
- Tuition Per Year: $48,100 (All Nursing Students)
- Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (Yes), and Bridge (Yes)
Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing is one of the best nursing schools in Illinois.
Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing is a private school thus its tuition is on the high side.
An outstanding difference between Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing and other nursing schools in Illinois is the connection it has with various local hospitals and healthcare facilities for students to get clinical experience.
APPLY TO LUC MARCELLA NIEHOFF SCHOOL OF NURSING PROGRAM
7. Illinois State University
- Location: Normal, IL
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 96%
- Tuition Per Year: $15,416 (In-state Students)
- Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (Yes), and Bridge (No)
Illinois State University school of nursing is referred to as the Mennonite College of Nursing. Mennonite College of Nursing is one of the best nursing schools in the US.
Although a public school, the student population is quite small and as such creates a one-on-one coaching environment for all students still at an affordable tuition price.
The nursing programs include BSN, online RN-BSN, online Master's in Nursing Systems Administration, or online DNP.
APPLY TO ISU MENNONITE COLLEGE OF NURSING PROGRAM
8. Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
- Location: Peoria, IL
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 82%
- Tuition Per Year: $20,430 (All Nursing Students)
- Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (Yes), and Bridge (Yes)
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing offers a vast range of nursing degrees starting from the traditional BSN program.
Its nursing program requires you to complete all of its pre-requisite courses at a different accredited institution for two years and then transfer to SFMC to complete a comprehensive nursing degree.
READ ALSO: Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Maryland
9. Lewis University College of Nursing and Health Professions
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 97%
- Location: Romeoville, IL
- Tuition Per Year: $36,320 (All Nursing Students)
- Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (Yes)
The College of Nursing and Health Professions at Lewis University is one of the best nursing schools in Illinois and is also rated high as one of the best nursing programs in the US.
Lewis University College of Nursing and Health Professions is a private school and has a class size of 13:1 which facilitates personalized education.
Nursing programs at the college include the traditional BSN which allows students to tap into Chicago's extensive network of healthcare facilities for clinical practice.
APPLY TO LEWIS UNIVERSITY NURSING PROGRAM
10. Illinois Wesleyan University
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 74%
- Location: Bloomington, IL
- Tuition Per Year: $53,610 (All Nursing Students)
- Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (Yes), and Bridge (Yes)
Illinois Wesleyan University is a private school that offers incredible nursing programs in the US. It is one of the best nursing schools in Illinois, USA.
As a private school, it's without surprise that the school has a high tuition fee, however, there are scholarships available.
The school's BSN program is one of the most applied programs structured in a way that nursing students have access to minors in health, human services management, and Hispanic studies.
READ ALSO: Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Kentucky
FAQs on The Best Nursing Schools In Illinois
How Many Nurses Are Working In Illinois?
Which Nursing Schools in Illinois Offer ADN Programs?
– Kishwaukee College – Malta
– Joliet Junior College – Joliet
– Kaskaskia College – Centralia
– John A. Logan College – Carterville
– Heartland Community College – Normal
– Southeastern Illinois College – Harrisburg
– Oakton Community College – Des Plaines
– William Rainey Harper College – Palatine
– Lincoln Land Community College – Springfield
– Illinois Valley Community College – Oglesby
How Do I Get a License To Practice Nursing in Illinois?
To get your nursing license in Illinois, here are the steps to take;
– Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
– Pass a criminal background check
– Apply to become a nurse in Illinois
How Much Are Nurses Paid In Illinois?
ALSO READ: Best Nursing Schools in Georgia 2023 | A Detailed Guide
Summary
There you have it, the top 10 best nursing schools in Illinois, USA. It's now up to you to make good use of this information and choose from the best colleges for nurses in Illinois, USA.
References
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5 comments
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There you have it, the top 10 best nursing schools in Illinois, USA. It’s now up to you to make good use of this information and choose from the best colleges for nurses in Illinois, USA.
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