9 Online RN to BSN Programs in Illinois 2026

If you are a licensed RN looking to grow your clinical skills or prepare for leadership roles, online RN to BSN programs in Illinois offer a flexible way to continue your education. These programs can help you expand your qualifications, improve patient care, and position yourself for long-term career advancement.

Many nurses worry about balancing coursework with busy shifts, family responsibilities, and life outside the hospital. Choosing one of the best online RN to BSN programs in Illinois can make the process more manageable by giving you an accessible, fully online format that fits your schedule.

Illinois RN to BSN Programs Online

Illinois offers a variety of online RN to BSN programs designed with working nurses in mind. These schools provide strong academic support, generous transfer-credit policies, and flexible course formats to help you finish your degree efficiently. The options below include some affordable online RN to BSN programs in Illinois.

1. University of Illinois Chicago

The University of Illinois Chicago offers an online RN to BSN program through its well-regarded College of Nursing. The curriculum focuses on leadership, population health, and professional practice, giving you a broad foundation for advancement.

Students can complete coursework while continuing to work in clinical settings, and academic advisers help you plan a schedule that fits your goals. This program is a strong option if you want a respected university with a long-standing commitment to nursing education.

2. Illinois State University

Illinois State University’s Mennonite College of Nursing provides an online RN to BSN pathway with flexible pacing options. You can attend full time or part time depending on what works best with your work schedule.

Faculty focus on preparing nurses for leadership roles in community and clinical environments. If you want a program that emphasizes professional growth and lifelong learning, Illinois State offers a supportive environment to help you reach that next level.

3. Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers an online RN to BSN completion program designed to build on your existing nursing experience. You will take courses that explore ethics, evidence-based care, and complex health needs.

Although coursework is online, clinical components take place in your local area and are designed to fit your work schedule. This program works well for nurses who want small classes and personalized support as they complete their BSN.

4. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago’s RN to BSN program offers a flexible online format with asynchronous classes. This structure lets you complete assignments when it works best for you, which can make balancing work and school much easier.

The curriculum covers topics such as health policy, community health, and ethical decision-making. Loyola may be a good match if you prefer a school with a strong reputation and an emphasis on reflective, patient-centered learning.

5. St. John’s College

St. John’s College provides an online RN to BSN pathway that lets you focus on one course at a time through short, concentrated terms. This format may appeal to nurses who prefer a structured but manageable pace.

Students learn concepts related to client care, population health, and the nursing profession. This program can be a strong choice if you want supportive faculty and straightforward degree planning.

6. McKendree University

McKendree University offers an online RN to BSN program that prioritizes communication, ethics, and clinical leadership. Courses are designed to help you strengthen your decision-making skills in patient care settings.

The program uses a short-term course format that allows you to move steadily through your requirements. If you want a school that offers a personal, student-centered experience, McKendree may be a strong fit.

7. Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University’s (EIU) RN to BSN pathway provides an online format tailored to registered nurses seeking career advancement. You’ll work through courses that examine evidence-based practice, contemporary health issues, and care coordination.

With several start dates each year, you can begin the program at a time that works for your schedule. This flexibility makes EIU a practical option for nurses balancing full-time work with academic goals.

8. Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University (NIU) offers an online RN to BSN program that prepares you to serve in community health, acute care, and leadership roles. The curriculum emphasizes health assessment, research, and population-focused nursing.

Generous transfer-credit policies help shorten your path to graduation, and online learning allows you to log in from anywhere. NIU is a helpful choice if you want a program that supports both new and experienced RNs.

9. Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University’s online RN to BSN program provides a flexible course structure that allows you to study around your shift schedule. The fully online design helps working nurses take classes when it is most convenient.

Faculty with real-world clinical experience guide your learning and help you apply course concepts to your current role. This program can work well if you want a fast-paced option supported by faculty who understand today’s healthcare environment.

How We Rank Schools

Our rankings highlight Illinois colleges that support working nurses with flexible course formats, generous transfer-credit policies, and strong academic outcomes. The goal is to help you compare programs that fit your schedule, education needs, and long-term goals.

• Accreditation: We include only accredited nursing programs to ensure each option meets recognized quality standards.
• Flexibility: Schools that provide online learning, multiple start dates, or part-time pathways receive higher consideration.
• Student Support: Programs that offer advising, accessible faculty, and clear guidance for transfer credits stand out in our evaluations.

What Is an RN to BSN Program?

An RN to BSN program is designed for licensed registered nurses who previously completed an associate degree or diploma program. These programs help you earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing by building on the education and clinical experience you already have.

Most RN to BSN programs are offered in flexible formats that allow you to continue working while you study. You may also receive credit for your prior coursework or professional experience, which can shorten the time it takes to graduate.

Requirements for RN to BSN Programs in Illinois

To enroll in an RN to BSN program in Illinois, you must have an active RN license earned through an accredited associate degree or diploma program. Schools often require proof of licensure, transcripts, and a minimum GPA before admission.

Some programs include prerequisite coursework, though many allow you to complete these requirements during your BSN studies. If you need an accelerated path, fast-track RN to BSN programs online may offer more flexible admission policies.

FAQs About Online RN to BSN Programs in Illinois

If you’re comparing online RN to BSN programs in Illinois, you may have questions about costs, program length, or how clinical requirements work. Below are answers to help you choose the pathway that supports your goals.

Are Online RN to BSN Programs in Illinois Fully Online?

Many RN to BSN programs in Illinois are offered entirely online, giving you the ability to complete coursework on your own schedule. This format can make it easier to juggle classes with rotating shifts and personal responsibilities.

Some programs may include project-based or community clinical experiences that you complete locally. These assignments are typically flexible and designed to integrate smoothly with your current employment.

How Long Does It Take To Finish an RN to BSN Program?

Most RN to BSN programs can be completed in about one to two years, depending on your transfer credits and whether you attend full time or part time. Many schools also offer accelerated options if you want to move faster.

If you prefer a more flexible pace, you can spread out your coursework to accommodate work and family needs. Online formats give you the freedom to study when it’s most convenient for you.

Can You Apply to an Illinois RN to BSN Program With an Out-of-State RN License?

Many Illinois schools accept applicants who hold an RN license from another state as long as it is active and unencumbered. Admissions teams review your credentials to determine eligibility before you begin the program.

You may need to provide verification of your license and documentation of your previous nursing education. Talking with an adviser early can help you understand any program-specific requirements.

Begin Your Online RN to BSN Program Today

Earning your BSN online in Illinois can open doors to leadership roles, career growth, and new opportunities in patient care. Visit Learn.org to compare programs, review admission guidelines, and choose the RN to BSN pathway that fits your schedule and long-term goals.