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Nursing Schools in Illnois, IL

The Illinois Center for Nursing provides a convenient list of the hundred-plus programs offering various forms of nursing education within the state, from LPN programs to graduate degrees . Another interesting resource providing by the Illinois Center for Nursing is their list of pass rates on the NCLEX-RN organized by school , which can give you an idea of which programs produce students best prepared to take the test—a valuable resource when selecting which program to enter.

Nursing Schools Through Online Programs in Illinois

According to the Illinois Center for Nursing, there will be a shortage of over 21,000 registered nurses in Illinois by the year 2020.[1] This means a significant need for registered nurses, particularly those in entry-level positions, for quite some time. If a nursing degree is something you’re interested in, then attending an online nursing schools in Illinois will provide you with opportunities to reap the benefits of working in an occupation that is booming.

Advantages of Online Nursing Courses
Illinois is a widespread state with many options for pursuing a nursing education. Selecting the best nursing program in Illinois doesn’t have to involve searching only the campuses near you. In fact, many students have found unique benefits to earning their nursing degree online.

  • Location and relocation. Perhaps you don’t live near a nursing school campus, or you are planning on relocating to another city or even state during your nursing program. By enrolling in an online nursing course, you can still pursue your online nursing degree without interrupting your education.
  • Flexibility. Whether you are currently a registered nurse working at a doctor’s office in Illinois or are hoping to make a career change, you can go after your online nursing degree without quitting your day job.
  • Communication. In your online nursing courses, you’ll have ample opportunity to improve your written communication skills. Whether it’s with your instructor via emails about questions that arise or in online discussions with classmates, fine-tuning your communication skills will prove to be a valuable asset as a registered nurse.

Online Nursing Degrees
There are many ways to earn an online nursing degree in Illinois. For example, Illinois online nursing programs are available, not only to become a License Practical Nurse but LPN to BSN courses as well. There are other programs where you can earn an online nursing degree in Illinois to become a registered nurse as well as RN to BSN online nursing programs. In addition, the Illinois Board of Nursing lists accredited advanced nursing degrees that can be pursued in traditional nursing programs.

Online Nursing Schools
There are several steps to take when selecting and applying for online nursing schools in Illinois. Completing these steps will help you narrow down your school options to a more manageable number and allow you to find the best nursing program for you.

  • Research
    • Cost: Determine the costs for tuition, required equipment, books, and other fees for the different online nursing schools.
    • Financial Aid: Find out if there are opportunities for scholarships and/or financial aid for various online nursing programs.
    • Others’ Experience: Ask friends and relatives who have attended the online nursing school and see what their experience was like. Research online to what others have experienced as well.
    • Prerequisites. Ensure that you have fulfilled prerequisite nursing courses prior to applying for an online nursing program.
  • Compile Transcripts. You will likely need official transcripts from all colleges and high school programs when you apply for an online nursing school.
  • Narrow down your choices to 2 or 3 online nursing schools that most pique your interest.
  • Apply!

Career Expectations for Nurses in Illinois

There are 942 registered nurses in Illinois per 100,000 people, a number that surpasses the 860 throughout the United States.[2] This means that each of these nursing positions will need to be filled as Illinois nurses advance within their careers, retire, or relocate.

While researching traditional and online nursing schools in Illinois, it is helpful to know approximately how much you’ll earn as a nurse. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the annual median income for registered nurses in Illinois ranges from $46,340 to $69,850.[3] These amounts contrast so significantly, because the locations within Illinois vary. For instance, a registered nurse may earn less in Rock Island, Illinois because it isn’t a major area within the state. On the other hand, registered nurses in Chicago, Illinois would earn a higher wage because of the cost of living, as well as location to specialized medical facilities.

As in any career field, registered nurses in Illinois tend to earn more the higher education they have achieved. Interestingly, income reports do not separate the wages of individuals who are registered nurses with an Associate’s Degree and those who have earned their Master of Science in Nursing and become a nurse practitioner or other specialized nurse.
 

If you are hoping to obtain an advanced online nursing degree in Illinois, you should look at the wages of Illinois registered nurses who earned in the 90th percentile for the occupation. These individuals earn between $67,750 and $93,890.[3] It is obvious to see that an advanced online nursing degree generally does mean a significantly higher wage.To serve as a comparison, it helps to know that the annual median income for the entire state of Illinois is $53,413.[4]

[1] Illinois Center for Nursing
[2] statehealthfacts.org Registered Nurses Per 100,000 Population: Illinois
[3] BLS.gov Registered Nurse Earnings: Illinois

Cities in Illinois, IL Most Likely To Have Nursing School Programs:  Looking for a nursing school program or course in your area? Chances are there is a campus close by. If not, don’t give up too soon.  Nursing Degrees and Schools in Illinois can be available via online programs, which are accredited and very useful to enter the health care sectors in Illinois, IL.  Commonly nursing schools are available from or in the following cities:Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, Springfield, Peoria, Elgin, Waukegan, Cicero, Champaign, Bloomington, Decatur, Arlington Heights, Evanston, Schaumburg, Bolingbrook, Palatine, Skokie, Des Plaines, Orldand Park, Oak Lawn, Berwyn, Mount Prospect, Wheaton, Normal, Hoffman Estates, Oak Park, Downers Grove, Glenview, Belleville, Elmhurst, De Kalb, Moline, Lombard, Buffalo Grove, Urbana. Cities in Illinois, IL with Nursing School Campuses in Close Locations:  In smaller populated cities Nursing School Programs are not as widespread, therefore you may have to research nearby locations to find a nursing school course or be open to online nursing programs.  Online classes have been found to be a convenient route to attaining a nursing degree.