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With a third of RNs planning to retire soon in the state, it is the perfect moment to consider accelerated nursing programs in Illinois.
Luckily, with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you can join the Illinois nurse workforce in as little as 16 months via ABSN programs and 18 months via Direct-Entry MSN programs.
In this article, we list the best 16 accelerated nursing programs in Illinois. They include 10 accelerated BSN and 6 Direct-Entry MSN programs.
But first, here is a visual graphic for:
Best 10 Accelerated Nursing Programs in Illinois (ABSNs), Ranked by NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Best 6 Accelerated Nursing Programs in Illinois (Direct Entry MSNs), Ranked by NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
10 Best Accelerated BSN Programs in Illinois
1. Loyola University Chicago- Accelerated BSN
The Loyola University Chicago Accelerated BSN is a 16-month program, spread over 4 semesters.
Duration: 16 months
Format: Online or On-campus
Location: Downers Grove or Maywood, Illinois
Loyola’s ABSN program is flexible, offering two unique formats to align with your learning style- online & on-campus.
The online option is the ABSN track at Downers Grove. You’ll still regularly attend the site for hands-on nursing skills labs and nursing simulations.
The on-campus option is for those who thrive in a real-time, face-to-face learning environment. This ABSN program track is held at Maywood Health Sciences Campus.
Clinical Experience
From the 2nd semester, you delve into clinical rotations in various areas of nursing practice such as Adult Health, Community Health, Family Health, Medical/Surgical Nursing, and Mental Health.
You work alongside an instructor and 7 peers to hone your skills and gain invaluable experiences.
About Loyola’s Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
The Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing started its first bachelor’s nursing program in 1935. The school collaborates with top medical facilities in Chicago like Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and Northwestern Memorial Hospital, among others.
In the past four years, on average, an impressive 91.3% of its BSN students have passed the NCLEX-RN exam on their first try.
2. Methodist College- Accelerated Pre-Licensure BSN
Methodist College’s Accelerated Pre-Licensure BSN is an intensive full-time program that runs over four semesters, including summers. You’ll complete a total of 75 credit units.
Duration: Approx 15 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Peoria, Illinois
Clinical Experience
Courtesy of Methodist College’s partnerships, you’ll gain clinical experience across the Peoria region- particularly in the Carle Health hospitals and clinics.
About Methodist College Nursing
Methodist College is a private, four-year institution that focuses on healthcare coursework. The college is affiliated with Carle Health. Even though it started nurse training in 1900 with the help of the Methodist Episcopal church, it doesn’t have any religious affiliation now.
Over the last four years, the college’s BSN program has had an average pass rate of 84.8% on the NCLEX-RN exam.
3. Saint Xavier University- Accelerated BSN
The Accelerated BSN program offered by Saint Xavier University lets you complete your BSN in just 15 months. The program starts every May. It demands your full-time commitment with no breaks between sessions.
Duration: 15 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Clinical Experience
You’ll do clinical rotations in a variety of culturally rich communities and healthcare agencies across the Greater Chicago area.
These agencies include the Advocate Christ Medical Center, Comer Children’s Hospital, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Little Company of Mary Hospital, Palos Northwestern Hospital, and the University of Chicago Medicine.
About St. Xavier University
Saint Xavier University is a private Catholic university that was established in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy. The university started offering its accredited nursing program in 1935, which is based on the Mercy values of education, service, and compassion.
In the past four years, the BSN’s average pass rate for the NCLEX-RN exam has been 79.5%.
4. Olivet Nazarene University- Accelerated BSN
Olivet Nazarene University’s Accelerated BSN program is structured to be finished in 16 months. Within this timeframe, you’ll complete 59 credit hours.
Duration: 16 months
Format: Online
Location: Bourbonnais, Illinois
Clinical Experience
You’ll gain practical experience in hospitals and healthcare facilities across the bustling Chicagoland area.
About Olivet Nazarene University
Olivet Nazarene University is a private university that was founded in 1907. Its School of Nursing trains students to be excellent and skilled nurses, all while emphasizing a Christian perspective.
In the past four years, the BSN’s average pass rate for the NCLEX-RN exam has been an impressive 91.3%.
5. Illinois State University- Accelerated BSN
The Accelerated BSN program at Illinois State University (ISU) begins in the summer term and ends in the following summer. It allows you to earn your BSN in just 15 months. It’s an intensive, full-time program with 65 credit hours.
Duration: 15 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Normal, Illinois
Clinical Experience
ISU’s Mennonite College of Nursing prides itself on offering its students hands-on clinical experiences that prepare them to care for patients across various life stages.
You’ll also benefit from the Dedicated Education Unit (DEU). Here, you’ll be placed in a long-term clinical setting at a partner hospital, working one-on-one with a nurse preceptor.
About ISU’s Mennonite College of Nursing
The Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) was established in 1919 to train nurses as Mennonite Sanitarium Training School. It became Illinois State University’s sixth academic college in 1999. MCN promotes innovation and excellence in nursing education and aims to enhance global and local health through training top-notch nurses.
Over the last four years, the college’s BSN program has maintained an admirable 94.3% average pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam.
6. Bradley University- Accelerated BSN
Bradley University’s Accelerated BSN program provides you with comprehensive nursing theoretical knowledge and practical experiences within just 15 months. You will complete 59 credit hours, beginning in May to the following August.
Duration: 15 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Peoria, Illinois
Clinical Experience
Peoria is home to three major hospitals, including a Level 1 trauma center and a children’s hospital affiliated with the esteemed St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
But the experiences don’t stop at the hospital. Peoria also houses several nursing homes, social service agencies, and county health organizations, offering you a breadth of healthcare experiences.
Plus, you can get exposure to rural healthcare, with organizations located just a few minutes away from Bradley.
About Bradley University
Bradley University is a private institution founded in 1897. Its nursing programs benefit from its location within Peoria’s bustling medical community. This provides nursing students with the opportunity to explore different medical fields during their clinical rotations.
Over the past four years, the BSN program has had an average NCLEX-RN exam pass rate of 92.5%.
7. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville- Post-Baccalaureate Accelerated BSN
The SIUE Accelerated BSN program can be completed within three semesters and a summer session.
Duration: Approx 15 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Edwardsville, Illinois
Opportunities for Accelerated Graduate Credit
SIUE’s Accelerated BSN program allows you to apply for accelerated graduate credit in graduate nursing specializations such as Nurse Education, Healthcare and Nursing Administration, or Family Nurse Practitioner.
If you qualify, you can replace up to six credits of your nursing undergraduate courses with nursing graduate courses. This unique arrangement not only saves you time but also significantly reduces the cost of attaining a graduate degree.
About SIUE’s School of Nursing
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public university founded in 1957. SIUE’s School of Nursing aims to educate and support a diverse group of students to excel in nursing.
Over the past four years, the school’s BSN program has achieved an average pass rate of 87.5% on the NCLEX-RN exam.
8. Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences- Accelerated BSN
Trinity College’s Accelerated BSN program is designed to be completed in 15 months. During this period, you’ll complete 69 credit hours.
Duration: 15 months
Format: Hybrid
Location: Rock Island, Illinois
Clinical Experiences
Thanks to Trinity College’s affiliation with UnityPoint Health-Trinity, you’ll gain hands-on experience right in the thick of the action. You’ll also complete clinical sessions in other prominent healthcare systems in the area to broaden your exposure to diverse healthcare settings.
About Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Trinity College has a history dating back to 1898. It transitioned to awarding associate and bachelor’s degrees in 1996 and started the ABSN program in 2008. The college is associated with UnityPoint Health.
In the past four years, Trinity’s BSN program has recorded an average NCLEX-RN pass rate of 85%.
9. Lewis University- Accelerated BSN
The Lewis University Accelerated BSN program promises to transform you into a competent RN in 22 months- which is the longest of all accelerated nursing programs in Illinois on our list. You’ll earn 64 credits.
Duration: 22 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Romeoville, Illinois
Clinical Experience
You have access to more than 20 nursing clinical sites, offering a wide array of practical experiences.
These sites include AMITA Health Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Northwestern Central DuPage Hospital, Loyola Medicine Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, among others.
About Lewis University
Founded in 1932, Lewis University is a private university with a Lasallian tradition. It has been preparing nursing graduates for over 40 years. Lewis nursing graduates who work at Silver Cross Hospital after graduation can get up to $27,000 in student loan repayment help.
Over the past four years, its BSN nursing students have had an average NCLEX-RN pass rate of 95.3%.
10. Elmhurst University- Online Accelerated BSN
The Elmhurst University Online Accelerated BSN program can be completed in 16 months. The program is spread across 4 semesters and comprises 60 credit hours and more than 450 clinical hours.
Duration: 16 months
Format: Online
Location: Elmhurst, Illinois
Clinical Experience
The Elmhurst University clinical placement team ensures that you secure quality placement sites within your local community for your clinical rotations, adhering to university and national guidelines.
About Elmhurst University
Elmhurst University is a private non-profit university founded in 1871. It is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. It was known as Elmhurst College until 2020.
Over the past four years, Elmhurst BSN nursing students have passed the NCLEX-RN exam at an average rate of 81.3%.
Related: Pros and Cons of Accelerated Nursing Programs
6 Best Direct- Entry MSN Programs in Illinois
1. DePaul University- Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP)
DePaul’s Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) is a two-year program.
Duration: 2 years
Format: Online or In-person
Location: Chicago, Illinois
DePaul offers two options for your course delivery. If you prefer traditional in-person classes, you can join the program at the Lincoln Park Campus.
If you enjoy a blend of virtual and in-person learning, DePaul offers a new hybrid model at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science site in North Chicago. In this model, classes are held virtually, but labs and clinicals require your physical presence.
Clinical Opportunities
With a network of over 75 clinical sites across the Chicago metropolitan area, you’ll have ample opportunities for clinicals. DePaul guarantees a holistic clinical learning experience with access to full intensive-care clinical rotations and a clinical immersion internship.
About DePaul University
DePaul University is a private Catholic university, established by the Vincentians in 1898 and named after Saint Vincent de Paul. The School of Nursing is known for its large professional network, including over 1,800 alumni working in Chicago. Their goal is to use nursing science to improve health for individuals, families, and communities.
Over the past four years, the MENP program has an average NCLEX-RN pass rate of 89.8%.
2. University of Illinois Chicago- MSN for non-RNs
The UIC Direct Entry MSN program is a full-time program that spans 2.5 years, or 7 consecutive semesters, including summers. It consists of 77 credit hours. This program admits students in the fall only.
Duration: 2.5 years
Format: Hybrid
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Clinical Experience
You’ll engage in clinical experiences across a wide range of focus areas and care settings in the Chicagoland area. Faculty assign all students to clinical practicum sites; so, you’re not burdened with the task of finding your own clinical placements.
About UIC’s College of Nursing
The University of Illinois started offering formal nursing education in 1873, but the School of Nursing was officially established in 1951.
Over the last four years, the Direct Entry MSN program has achieved an average pass rate of 75.3% on the NCLEX-RN exam.
3. Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences- Direct Entry MSN
Trinity College’s Direct Entry MSN is a 2-year program with 74 credit hours. It is delivered in a hybrid model- with both in-person and online classroom instruction.
Duration: 2 years
Format: Hybrid
Location: Rock Island, Illinois
Clinical Experience
Trinity College’s connection with UnityPoint Health-Trinity allows you to complete your clinicals in a top-tier health system, as well as other facilities in the Rock Island area.
About Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Trinity College has a history dating back to 1898. It transitioned to awarding associate and bachelor’s degrees in 1996, the MSN in 2014, and the Direct Entry MSN program in 2018. The college is associated with UnityPoint Health.
In the past two years, Trinity College’s Direct Entry MSN program has recorded an average NCLEX-RN pass rate of 86%.
4. Elmhurst University- Online Direct-Entry MSN
Elmhurst’s Direct-Entry MSN program allows you to earn your MSN degree swiftly in just 20 months – while preparing you to sit for both the NCLEX-RN and the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) certification exam. The program comprises 5 semesters, 71 credit hours, and over 850 clinical hours.
Duration: 20 months
Format: Online
Location: Elmhurst, Illinois
Elmhurst Direct Entry MSN program offers two intake periods each year – one in August for the Fall term and the other in January for the Spring term.
From MSN to Nurse Practitioner
After completing this program, you’re eligible to bridge to a Nurse Practitioner role through post-graduate certification programs or a Doctor of Nursing Practice(DNP) program.
About Elmhurst University
Elmhurst University is a private non-profit university founded in 1871. It is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. It was known as Elmhurst College until 2020.
Over the past four years, Elmhurst Direct Entry MSN nursing students have passed the NCLEX-RN exam at an average rate of 90.3%.
5. Rush University- Direct Entry MSN
Rush University’s Direct Entry MSN program is a two-year full-time program, with a focus on clinical leadership.
Duration: 2 years
Format: Hybrid
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Clinical Nurse Leader Certification
On completing the program, you’ll be fully prepared to successfully take the NCLEX-RN and the Clinical Nurse Leader certification exam. This double certification opportunity could set you apart in the job market.
Clinical Experience
Rush’s Direct MSN program provides clinical rotations at different sites across the Chicago metro area.
Bridge to DNP and PhD Programs
The program doesn’t limit your growth to an MSN degree. You can simultaneously apply for one of the 5 DNP programs or the PhD in Nursing Science program through the Direct Entry pathway.
The 5 DNP options include Adult Health and Gerontology Primary Care NP, Advanced Public Health, Family NP, Primary Care Pediatric NP, and Psychiatric-Mental Health NP programs.
About Rush University
While Rush University is a private institution established in 1972, it has roots in nursing education dating back to 1885. The university is the academic part of Rush University Medical Center. Rush’s College of Nursing aims to be a leader in healthcare transformation and promotion of health equity.
Rush’s Direct MSN program has shown strong performance, with a 96.8% average pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam over the past four years.
6. Methodist College- MSN Pre-licensure
Methodist College’s MSN Pre-licensure program can be completed in just five semesters, helping you transition swiftly into the nursing profession. It consists of 70 credit hours.
Duration: Approx 18 months
Format: Hybrid
Location: Peoria, Illinois
Clinical Experience
The program ensures you receive plenty of practical experience by organizing clinical placements both at the Methodist College campus and in local healthcare facilities in Peoria.
About Methodist College of Nursing
Methodist College is a private, four-year institution that focuses on healthcare coursework. The college is affiliated with Carle Health. Even though it started nurse training in 1900 with the help of the Methodist Episcopal church, it doesn’t have any religious affiliation now.
Over the last two years, the Methodist college MSN Pre-licensure program had an average pass rate of 78% on the NCLEX-RN exam.
General Admission Requirements for Accelerated Nursing Programs in Illinois
- Bachelor’s Degree: A non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Prerequisite Courses: Typically includes Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Nutrition, Psychology, Statistics, and potentially other science and humanities courses. Each program will have its own specific list of prerequisite courses.
- Minimum GPA: Often around 3.0, but this can vary from program to program. Some schools will look at your overall GPA while others may focus more on your GPA in your prerequisite courses.
- Entrance Exam: Some programs require an entrance exam, such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or the HESI Admission Assessment Exam.
- Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation from academic advisors, professors, employers, or health professionals are typically required.
- Nursing Personal Statement or Essay: Most programs require a personal statement or essay explaining the applicant’s interest in nursing, career goals, and why they’re a good fit for the program.
- Interview: Some programs require an interview as part of the application process.
- Clinical Experience: Not always mandatory, but some programs prefer applicants to have some healthcare or clinical experience.
- Background Check: A criminal background check is typically required due to the nature of nursing work.
- Health Requirements: Programs may require up-to-date immunization records, a physical examination, and proof of health insurance.
Final Thoughts- Accelerated Nursing Programs in Illinois
As the aging ‘baby boomer’ population increases in Illinois, the demand for healthcare services rises. The state is also seeing many experienced nurses nearing retirement, which could lead to a severe shortage of nursing staff.
Back in 2007, it was predicted that by 2020, Illinois could face a shortage of more than 21,000 nurses. Now, the state is not only experiencing a statewide shortage but also a regional one. Plus, about a third of registered nurses are planning to retire soon.
To tackle these issues, the state established the Illinois Nursing Workforce Center. The goal is to ensure that the state has the necessary resources to train more skilled nurses in Illinois.
It’s also a valuable resource for current and prospective nursing students, offering information on cost-effective education options, scholarship opportunities, and improvements in nurses’ working conditions.
With these challenges and opportunities, it’s the perfect time to consider accelerated nursing programs in Illinois. These programs aim to address the nursing shortage and provide excellent career opportunities.
If you’re looking for a fulfilling career where you can significantly contribute to society, nursing in Illinois could be a perfect fit.
Disclaimer:
- Information on these programs may change without notice. So, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and accuracy. You’d have to check with the school and do further research. Our review list is simply for guidance and cannot be relied upon exclusively without research on your part.
- Before enrollment, check with your state regarding licensing rules or whether your desired program meets your home state’s certification requirements and licensure.
- If you are an administrator/staff for one of the schools listed in this article, and you would like to issue corrections or updates on your program’s information, please contact us here.
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