12-Month ABSN Programs in Illinois: Accelerated Nursing Online

The accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is a top option for students with non-nursing backgrounds. Instead of spending four years in a traditional program, learners can gain the skills to become registered nurses (RNs) in less than two years.

Are you looking for 12-month accelerated nursing programs? In Illinois, you'll find fast track nursing programs online and on-campus that students complete in as little as one year.

What Is a 12-Month ABSN Program?

A 12-month ABSN is often the fastest way to become a nurse. This accelerated program allows students to use previously earned credits to meet prerequisite courses (general education and science) and other educational requirements. When earning these fast-track nursing programs online, learners often take short courses that they can access from any location.

Are There Any Online ABSN Programs in Illinois?

Yes, Illinois is home to online ABSNs for the aspiring certified registered nurse. Elmhurst University offers an accredited ABSN with fully online coursework and in-person clinicals and residency requirements. At Loyola University Chicago, learners can pursue an ABSN on-site or in a hybrid format. Students complete both programs in 16 months.

Top Accelerated BSN Programs in Illinois

Are you a student with a non-nursing background interested in becoming an RN in Illinois? Keep reading. Below, we'll highlight top schools offering ABSN programs in the state.

1. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

At Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, students with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field can earn the school's post-baccalaureate accelerated BSN in nursing in three semesters and one summer session. Curriculum and clinical training prepare enrollees for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Courses in this program, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), explore clinical pharmacology, adult health, and nursing research. To qualify for enrollment, applicants need a 3.0 GPA (prerequisite and final) and official transcripts from all previous colleges.

• Estimated tuition cost: $328.50 per credit
• Program length: 15 months
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, student employment, and loans make learning more affordable.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Illinois State University

The accelerated BSN from Illinois State University is a 65-credit, campus-based degree accredited by the CCNE. This program starts in one summer term and finishes the following summer. Students complete their studies in 15 months when attending full-time.

The curriculum explores contemporary professional nursing, pathophysiology, mental health nursing, and beyond. Learners gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment, including high-fidelity manikins. In this program, students also provide patient care in hospitals and clinics.

• Estimated tuition cost: $402.19 per credit hour (in-state); $804.38 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Program length: 15 months
• Financial aid: Nursing students can apply for over 100 private scholarships and pursue federal aid to reduce costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Lewis University

Lewis University's ABSN is a CCNE-accredited hybrid degree offering accelerated eight-week courses, delivered in the daytime with evening and weekend options. Students who enroll full-time complete their studies in six semesters � the first semester is pre-term and the other five semesters consist of clinicals.

Faculty teach healthcare trends, pharmacotherapeutics, health assessment across the lifespan, and psychiatric nursing. To gain admission to this nursing program, applicants must have a 3.0 admission GPA and the appropriate minimum score on the ACT or SAT.

• Estimated tuition cost: $675 per credit
• Program length: Less than two years (six semesters)
• Financial aid: Most Lewis students (98%) receive financial aid through scholarships, grants, work programs, and more.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing

Learners seeking 1-year accelerated nursing programs can pursue the ABSN program at the Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing. Coursework in this three-semester, CCNE-accredited program explores healthcare ethics, accelerated pathopharmacology, community and psychiatric mental health nursing, and leadership in nursing.

Enrollees participate in most on-campus clinical experiences at the OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center, located next door to the College of Nursing. Upon completion, learners will be prepared to sit for the NCLEX.

• Estimated tuition cost: $681 per semester hour
• Program length: 12 months (three semesters)
• Financial aid: Enrollees can use federal grants and loans, scholarships, and veterans' benefits to save.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Elmhurst University

Elmhurst University offers an accelerated BSN that students can complete in as little as 16 months. Nursing majors work alongside registered nurses in the school's Simulation Lab, which provides a state-of-the-art, hands-on learning environment.

Students enrolled in this CCNE-accredited program complete all coursework online, except clinicals and residency hours. Elmhurst's Clinical Placement Team helps enrollees meet clinical requirements close to home. Residency hours are completed at the Elmhurst campus (west of Chicago). Upon completion, learners can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

• Estimated tuition cost: $833.33 per credit
• Program length: 16 months
• Financial aid: Elmhurst doesn't offer scholarships or grants; however, federal loans and private scholarships can reduce costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Bradley University

Bradley University is home to a 15-month ABSN that students complete from May to August of the following year. Accredited by the CCNE, the program teaches the fundamentals of nursing, adult health, and nursing leadership, preparing students for a rewarding career in nursing practice.

While enrolled, learners gain hands-on nursing experience in a mix of urban and rural healthcare settings, including nursing homes, social service agencies, and health clinics. Upon completion, nearly all Bradley nursing students pass the NCLEX exam on their first attempt.

• Estimated tuition cost: $45,000 total
• Program length: 15 months
• Financial aid: Students can lower costs with help from scholarships and federal student aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Saint Xavier University

Saint Xavier University's campus-based ABSN, accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), can be completed in 15 months via courses taken full-time with no breaks between sessions. Cousework, which explores pharmacology, disease prevention, health promotion, and more.

In the Simulation and Integrated Learning Center (SILC), students gain hands-on experience in a safe learning environment. The program also offers clinical experiences that enable students to work with patients of all ages in acute care, hospice, and other healthcare settings.

• Estimated tuition cost: $50,900 total
• Program length: 15 months
• Financial aid: Scholarships and federal, state, and institutional aid are available to increase affordability.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. St. John's College of Nursing

Students with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field can pursue the ABSN at St. John's College of Nursing and complete their studies in four semesters. The program starts in the fall, and learners take classes during the summer to graduate in December of the following year.

To gain permission to enroll in courses in this CCNE-accredited program, learners must show proof of completion of 56 semester hours of designated lower-division transferable college credit with a 2.75 cumulative GPA.

• Estimated tuition cost: $54,116 total
• Program length: Four semesters
• Financial aid: Nursing scholarships, grants, and other student aid can significantly reduce costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences

At the Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the second degree ABSN helps learners with a bachelor's degree in another field qualify for a nursing career in two years. In this CCNE-accredited program, learners take courses in nursing care and nutrition fundamentals, leadership, and maternal and child nursing.

The college's state-of-the-art Simulation Center offers clinical experience opportunities. To gain admission, applicants need a prerequisite GPA of 2.7. The same grade point average is required for program progression and graduation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $31,050 per year
• Program length: Two years
• Financial aid: Loans and over a million in grants and scholarships help enrollees lower tuition costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Loyola University Chicago

The ABSN from Loyola University Chicago's Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing is an intensive program for aspiring RNs committed to social justice and equity in healthcare. This top program, nationally recognized with a high first-time NCLEX pass rate of 93.7%, provides hybrid online and on-site options.

Alongside nursing coursework, this CCNE-accredited program provides clinical experiences through virtual reality and simulation. Learners also gain real-world experience through clinical roles in healthcare facilities in the Chicago area.

• Estimated tuition cost: $17,270 per term
• Program length: 16 months
• Financial aid: Enrollees reduce the cost of tuition with help from scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

Our team thoroughly vetted the schools in this rank list to confirm each provides a high-quality learning experience:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by the HLC, a nationally recognized organization.
• Program reputation: These colleges have quality reputations with nursing programs accredited by the CCNE and the ACEN.
• Program cost: The schools in this list have low tuition rates or offer financial aid to lower school costs.

FAQs About Accelerated Online ABSN Programs

Want to learn more about accelerated ABSN programs with online learning options? Review the following frequently asked questions.

How Much Does an Online ABSN Program Cost in Illinois?

The online ABSN at Elmhurst University costs $833.33 per credit hour for enrollees, regardless of where they reside. Though the school doesn't offer scholarships or grants to lower costs, it is one of many accredited online colleges that accept financial aid to increase affordability.

Who Should Consider a 12-Month ABSN Program?

A 12-month ABSN program is a great option for students who have earned a bachelor's degree in another field and want to quickly begin a nursing career. These short-term programs typically offer accelerated coursework and accept dozens of credits from previous schools to help enrollees complete nursing requirements in one year.

Learn More: Can You Get A BSN Without An RN?

What Are the Admissions Requirements for Online ABSN Programs?

Educational requirements for nurses are different for each program. However, schools generally require applicants to have a bachelor's degree with a specific cumulative and prerequisite GPA for admission. To graduate, learners complete mandatory nursing courses and clinical experiences while maintaining a required grade point average.

Find an Online Nursing Degree

Take the next step toward a rewarding nursing career by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools directly to find out how they can help you reach your career goals.