10 Best Online Nursing Programs in Illinois 2026

<h3 id="section---1.McKendreeUniversity">1. McKendree University</h3><p>McKendree University in Lebanon has many online nursing programs in Illinois, including its Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which teaches quality patient care. </p><p>The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Ethical Leadership offers a first-rate education that enhances decision-making. </p><p><b>The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program has the following concentrations:</b> </p><ul><li>nursing management and administration </li><li>nursing education </li><li>population health </li><li>school nurse endorsement </li></ul><p>These programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). </p><h3 id="section---2.BradleyUniversity">2. Bradley University</h3><p>Bradley University in Peoria is a highly-ranked private institution providing an integrated learning approach and a valuable education in nursing. </p><p>Its online Master of Science in Nursing program offers several options, helping students meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals in various areas. </p><p><b>Students can obtain an MSN in the following:</b> </p><ul><li>psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner </li><li>adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner </li><li>adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner </li><li>family nurse practitioner </li><li>nursing administration </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.SouthernIllinoisUniversityEdwardsville">3. Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville</h3><p>Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville has multiple chances for students to earn a nursing degree. </p><p>It has a Master of Science degree in healthcare and nursing administration that prepares nurse managers for executive-level roles in healthcare organizations. </p><p>Its Master of Science in Healthcare and Nursing Administration/Healthcare Informatics is a dual major program for nurses interested in pursuing management and executive jobs in the healthcare industry. </p><p>Both are delivered through 100% online learning. </p><h3 id="section---4.SouthernIllinoisUniversityCarbondale">4. Southern Illinois University, Carbondale</h3><p>Southern Illinois University in Carbondale provides different tracks to choose from through its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. </p><p>Its traditional four-year BSN degree is ideal for first-year students, sophomores, and transfers, where individuals also earn a minor in healthcare management. </p><p>The accelerated track is for students with bachelor's degrees or who have completed at least 70 credit hours. It also has an RN to BSN degree completion program for registered nurses with associate degrees. </p><h3 id="section---5.DePaulUniversity">5. DePaul University</h3><p>DePaul University in Chicago has several opportunities for students interested in an Illinois online nursing degree. </p><p>The Doctor of Nursing Practice program teaches essential leadership and research skills for collaborating with healthcare providers and administrators. </p><p>Its Registered Nurse to Master of Science program prepares students to become nurse administrators, family nurse practitioners, and nurse educators. </p><p>It also offers Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner certification programs through online education. </p><h3 id="section---6.LewisUniversity">6. Lewis University</h3><p>Lewis University is a private Catholic institution rooted in liberal learning. It offers a Master of Science in Nursing program teaching relevant strategies that enable students to navigate the ever-changing healthcare system successfully. </p><p><b>This MSN degree offers the following concentrations through distance learning:</b> </p><ul><li>healthcare systems leadership </li><li>psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner </li><li>nursing education </li></ul><p>A Doctor of Nursing Practice, which is a terminal practice degree in nursing, is also available through 100% distance education. </p><h3 id="section---7.WesternIllinoisUniversity">7. Western Illinois University</h3><p>Western Illinois University is a public institution in Macomb. It has a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree completion program available through flexible online education. </p><p>This RN to BSN degree is meant for registered nurses or working nurses with an associate degree and can be finished within two years. </p><p>The program is known for exceeding high pass rates for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). </p><h3 id="section---8.EasternIllinoisUniversity">8. Eastern Illinois University</h3><p>Eastern Illinois University in Charleston provides an interdisciplinary approach and student-focused education with its CCNE-accredited online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. </p><p>This program is taught by a faculty of experienced and supportive instructors who cover topics such as nursing values and research to enhance students' knowledge. </p><p>With accelerated coursework, students can finish it in about 14 months. It is an ideal program for registered nurses or individuals working toward RN licensure. The tuition cost is $8,685. </p><h3 id="section---9.NorthernIllinoisUniversity">9. Northern Illinois University</h3><p>Northern Illinois University offers various ways for individuals to earn an Illinois online nursing degree. </p><p>Its Doctor of Nursing Practice degree focuses on evidence-based practices to care for diverse populations. A Master of Science in Nursing offers specializations in nursing education or family nurse practitioner. </p><p>The Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing is for individuals with an associate degree looking to advance their education. A post-master's certificate of graduate study in nursing education is also available. </p><h3 id="section---10.DominicanUniversity">10. Dominican University</h3><p>Dominican University in River Forest ranks highly by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best colleges among midwestern institutions. </p><p>It has an online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree that reflects evidence-based ethical practices. </p><p>It is meant for working registered nurses, and they can finish this program within 12 months. The cost per credit hour is $350 plus book fees and other applicable charges. </p><h2 id="section---TypesOfNursingProgramsOfferedOnlineInIllinois">Types of Nursing Programs Offered Online in Illinois</h2><p>An Illinois online nursing degree can be obtained by students in various ways through leading accredited institutions. </p><p>These programs provide flexibility for working individuals who need the convenience of getting a degree around their busy schedules. </p><p><b>The types of nursing programs offered through online education in Illinois include:</b> </p><ul><li>Doctor of Nursing Practice </li><li>Master of Science in Nursing </li><li>Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing </li><li>Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing </li><li>Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education </li><li>Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate </li><li>Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Certificate </li></ul><h2 id="section---WhatAreTheEducationalRequirementsForANursingDegree">What Are the Educational Requirements for a Nursing Degree?</h2><p>The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">educational requirements for nurses</a> are different according to the college and specific program a student enrolls in. </p><p>An associate degree in nursing is usually two years and requires about 70 credits. A bachelor's degree in nursing can take four years, and students must complete around 120 credits. </p><p>A master's degree in nursing can take two to three years to finish and involves practicum hours. Clinical experience requirements vary depending on the program. </p><h2 id="section---LicensingRequirementsForNursesInIllinois">Licensing Requirements for Nurses in Illinois</h2><p>The licensure requirement to become a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse in Illinois begins with enrolling in approved nursing programs at accredited universities, which include about two years of study in the field. </p><p>Upon completing the program, individuals then apply and take the appropriate National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) or National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). </p><p>The time it takes to obtain licensure will vary per individual and their course of study. </p><h2 id="section---StartYourNursingDegreeOnline">Start Your Nursing Degree Online</h2><p>Students pursuing a meaningful healthcare career have several possible options for earning an Illinois online nursing degree. Read our articles and school profilkes to learn more about <a href="https://learn.org/articles/self_paced_rn_to_bsn.html">self-paced RN to BSN programs</a> and some of the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/easiest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">easiest RN to BSN programs online</a> offered nationwide. Our list of institutions makes it easy for individuals to start a nursing program through distance education today.</p>