9 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Illinois

Many nurses who hold an RN certification find it beneficial to continue their education and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

There is a higher demand for nurses with a BSN degree, as well as greater job stability, higher salary, and better patient outcomes.

Some prospective BSN students feel concerned about being able to balance earning their degree with their work schedule.

Completing one of the best online RN to BSN programs in Illinois online can support working students by providing a flexible format for earning this important qualification.

Top Illinois RN to BSN Programs Online

Here are the best options for earning one of the cheapest online RN to BSN programs in Illinois. The programs on this list are the most affordable and provide great flexibility.

1. University of Illinois, Chicago

University of Illinois in Chicago has an online RN to BSN program that can be completed in as little as one year. This program is very affordable at only $9,900 for the entire degree.

Students who have not yet completed their RN certification may still start the program as long as they pass the NCLEX within their first semester.

Students will apply their classroom knowledge in real weird scenarios, studying topics such as lifespan health, leadership, and the socioeconomic issues in healthcare.

2. Illinois State University

Illinois State University's (ISU) online RN to BSN program can be completed on a part-time or a full-time basis, and students are accepted through a rolling admission process.

ISU does not require statistics or chemistry prerequisites. The program consists of 31 credit hours plus any outstanding general education requirements.

Graduates will be well prepared for leadership and management positions within the healthcare industry.

3. Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers an online RN to BSN completion program that builds upon the solid foundation of an RN program.

Classes are completed entirely online and the clinical experience must be completed in person. This program can be completed on a full-time or part-time schedule.

The program can be completed in two years when taken with a full-time class schedule. BSN students will learn about direct client care, care in specialty settings, and emergency room care.

4. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago's online RN to BSN program is perfect for students who want a flexible, online approach to earning a degree from a prestigious university.

Asynchronous courses allow registered nurses to continue working and complete the coursework in their own time.

This program will focus on:

• health policy issues
• evidence-based practice
• ethics in decision making
• community wide outcomes

5. St. Johns College

St Johns College's online RN to BSN program teaches one class per eight week block for a total of five semesters.

This program offers generous scholarships and reimbursement programs, making it an affordable choice.

Applicants must have completed 57 hours of pre-nursing classes and already be a registered nurse before enrolling in the program. Students must have practiced with their nursing license within the last two years.

6. McKendree University

Aspiring BSN students can submit a free application to McKendree University's (MU) online RB to BSN program.

This program focuses on improving the outcomes of patients by equipping nurses with the skills they need to provide the highest quality care.

Classes are taught in eight-week sessions and the program can be completed in just three semesters. MU offers $750,000 in endowed scholarships to nursing students.

7. Eastern Illinois University

Earn an accredited BSN degree from Eastern Illinois University (EIU) for only $8,685 in tuition costs. This affordable program is for students who have already completed their RN certification or have almost completed it.

The program offers an accelerated format so students can earn their degree in only 14 months. There are five start dates per year to accommodate busy schedules.

EIU offers many scholarships to online students on top of its already low cost. Caring faculty will support students through their educational and career journeys.

8. Northern Illinois University

Nothern Illinois University (NIU) has an online RN to BSN program created to meet the high demand for nurses with a bachelor's degrees in Illinois.

This 120 credit degree allows for a generous transfer credit policy, and only 28 credits have to be earned by NIU.

The program costs $360.80 per credit hour. Online instructors are the same faculty as the in person degree program.

9. Chamberlain University

Full time RN to BSN students at Chamberlain University can earn their RN to BSN degree in Illinois in only one year when studying full time, making it one of the quickest options for earning this important degree.

Classes can be completed entirely on your own schedule, and you will never be required to log in at a specific time.

All faculty have real experience in the nursing field, ensuring that the content taught is practical and applicable.

Other Online RN to BSN Programs

There are other colleges and universities that offer the easiest RN to BSN programs outside of Illinois.

Purdue Global

Purdue Global's online RN to BSN program costs only $315 per credit hour and can be customized with nursing electives within your areas of interest.

The program requires 15 to 18 hours of study per week and can be completed in less than two years.

Coursework is completed online while clinical experience can be completed in the area where students live.

96% of graduates from the RN to BSN program were either employed or started a graduate program less than two years after graduating.

What Is an RN to BSN Program?

An RN to BSN program is for nurses who already hold their RN certification, typically earned through an associate degree in nursing and after passing the NCLEX.

An RN to BSN program allows these nurses to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in an accelerated format, typically in one to two years.

Why Is RN to BSN Important?

It has been well documented that hospitals with a higher percentage of staff with a BSN have better patient outcomes. This is due to the higher level of training and skills that are taught in BSN programs.

RN to BSN programs are an excellent way to help registered nurses gain these key qualifications to provide the best care possible while also having better career progression.

Requirements for RN to BSN Programs in Illinois

In order to earn an RN to BSN degree in Illinois, applicants are required to already be a registered nurse. They must have passed the NCLEX and received their RN licensure.

Some BSN programs will have prerequisite class requirements, which can often be completed as part of the program. Students can find fast-track RN to BSN programs online that bypass these requirements.

Begin Your Online RN to BSN Program Today

Enrolling in an RN to BSN degree in Illinois has numerous benefits to both nurses and patients. If a BSN program is right for you, enrolling in an online degree is a flexible way to earn this important degree.