Illinois Nursing Colleges, Degrees & Licenses
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“The future of nursing is bright…Levels of respect, responsibility, and pay have started and will continue to rise.”
Matthew Welsch, MSN, Faculty, Chamberlain University
There are over 169,000 professionals working in the field of nursing in Illinois. They work in all aspects of healthcare, from hospitals to clinics, community centers, schools, government agencies, and long-term care centers. Over the next decade, much of the nursing workforce will retire, and there will be a high demand for new nurses in this state.
There are three primary levels of nursing in Illinois. A one-year certificate makes it possible to become a licensed practical/vocational nurse. This level of nurse must be under the supervision of a physician or a registered nurse. Students who complete at least an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) are eligible to be licensed as registered nurses. Other degrees students can earn to be registered nurses include a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or an entry-level master of science in nursing.
The last level of nursing in Illinois is that of an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and is reserved for registered nurses who have completed additional education and training to be able to provide independent care. They can specialize in anesthesia, midwifery, or family practice. Each level of nursing has its own licensing requirements overseen by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Details about the requirements for each license can be found below.
Continue reading to learn more about Illinois’s top undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Also included below are average wages for different nursing careers and licensing requirements for each.
Featured Online Nursing Programs
Meet the Expert: Matt Welsch, MSN, RN, NPD-BC
Matthew Welsch is an accomplished nursing professional with over 15 years of healthcare experience and an MSN from Grand Canyon University. Board-certified in Nursing Professional Development and a current faculty member at Chamberlain University’s campus in Addison, Illinois, Matthew is deeply passionate about educating and empowering future nurses.
Welsch has extensive experience in onboarding new hires, training nursing staff, and developing and implementing effective educational programs aimed at improving clinical competency and patient outcomes. His work in quality control and staff development reflects a strong commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and fostering a culture of learning within healthcare organizations.
NursingColleges.com: What do you wish people knew about nursing in Illinois?
Welsch: Illinois is a highly competitive market for hospitals. Many institutions have or are striving to achieve MAGNET designation, the ultimate credential for high-quality nursing. MAGNET empowers nurses and gives them a seat at the table to improve the care and conditions at their institution. It also requires increasing levels of education for nursing.
NursingColleges.com: Do you have any advice for aspiring nurses?
Welsch: Nursing is a challenging and rewarding profession. Having a passion for caring is an absolute must. The education is challenging and primarily science-based. It is not easy to become a nurse, and you must commit to learning.
Education will continue long after you graduate as well. If you want to make a difference in people’s lives, there is no better way to go than nursing.
NursingColleges.com: What does the future of nursing look like to you?
Welsch: The future of nursing is bright. Nurses are more empowered than ever. As the number of bachelor’s prepared nurses (BSN) increases, the value of a nurse will also increase. Levels of respect, responsibility, and pay have started and will continue to rise.
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Illinois
Aspiring nurses at Illinois Central College have several educational options. These include a certificate for licensed practical nursing or an associate’s degree for registered nurses. All paths take two years to complete. There is even a degree option for students with previous healthcare experience in a field other than nursing. Students will learn nursing theory alongside practical skills in each of these programs. Clinical experiences are required for all students.
Admission requirements vary by program but include a high school diploma or GED, ACT or SAT test scores, and prerequisite coursework. Class sizes in this program are limited to only 15 students to ensure a high-quality and personalized education.
- Location: East Peoria, IL
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Ambria College of Nursing offers students three education options for students pursuing a career in nursing. In as little as 12 months, students can complete a certificate for licensed vocational nurses. The registered nurse program takes 20 months to complete. All programs also offer part-time options for students who need to balance family or work alongside their studies. Students who already have an RN license can complete their bachelor of science in nursing through this school as well.
There are three application windows for fall, spring, or summer starts to allow students a high degree of flexibility in their studies. To be considered for admission, students must take a placement exam. The score needed will depend on the level of degree the student is applying to. Covid vaccinations are required for this program.
- Location: Hoffman Estates, IL
- Duration: 12 to 20 months
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
The associate’s degree in nursing at Black Hawk College is an entry-level nursing program for students who have no prior experience in healthcare. Graduates of this program are employed in all healthcare sectors, including hospitals, clinics, government agencies, community organizations, and long-term care. The curriculum for this program is career oriented and prepares students to find entry-level work and be highly successful.
To be considered for admission to this program, applicants will need a minimum HESI RN Admission Assessment Exam test score of 70. Other requirements include a high school diploma or GED, ACT test scores, completion of Prospective Nursing Student Orientation, and prerequisite coursework in anatomy and physiology.
- Location: Moline, IL
- Duration: Four semesters
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Carl Sandburg College offers students the opportunity for a fulfilling career as a registered nurse, by completing their two-year associate degree in nursing program. During this program, students will spend time in the classroom completing their theoretical nursing education and time in labs and clinicals to gain hands-on experience. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed registered nurses in Illinois.
As with most nursing programs, admission to this degree is highly competitive. Factors the admission staff consider include a TEAS, ACT, or SAT test score and performance in prerequisite coursework. All admitted students must pass a thorough background check and drug screening before starting classes.
- Location: Galesburg, IL
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Lincoln Land Community College
The three education options for nurses at Lincoln Land Community College include a certificate for licensed practical nurses, an associate’s degree in nursing for first time nursing students, and LPN to ADN transition program for students already working in this field. All programs include classroom, lab, and clinical education to ensure graduates have the skills and knowledge necessary to work in this field. Consistently this program boasts over 90 percent pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam.
To be considered for admission to this program, students will need to have a high school diploma or GED, have a TEAS score of basic or higher, be a current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or LPN, depending on the degree, and give evidence of satisfactory physical and emotional health to work in this field successfully.
- Location: Springfield, IL
- Duration: One to two years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in Illinois
Chamberlain University – College of Nursing
The Addison, IL campus of Chamberlain University College of Nursing offers several nursing degree options at the graduate and undergraduate level. For students who are already working as licensed registered nurses, there is a bachelor’s of science or master’s of science in nursing degree. Students who have already completed a BSN can earn their MSN or doctor of nursing practice through this school. Most programs are offered online with in-person clinical experiences.
The online format of these degrees allows students a high degree of flexibility in completing their studies. Many students continue to work or care for family while advancing their education and career. The experiential learning coordination team members help students find a clinical placement within 100 miles of their homes.
- Location: Addison, IL
- Duration: One to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Northern Illinois University – College Of Health And Human Sciences School Of Nursing
The master’s of science in nursing at Northern Illinois University College Of Health And Human Sciences School Of Nursing is an online program that is typically completed in three years of part-time study. Students can choose a family nurse practice specialization or one in nurse education. The FNP specialization will prepare graduates to work as advanced practice registered nurses, whereas the nurse education specialization trains nurses to teach the next generation of nursing students.
The online nature of this program allows for a high degree of flexibility when completing this program. Many students will continue to work while earning their master’s degree. Clinical experiences and internships are required for both specializations to ensure graduates have honed their theoretical skills into practical ones.
- Location: DeKalb, IL
- Duration: Three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Illinois College offers a one-year online master’s of science in nursing for students looking to step into a nursing leadership or educator role. Classes are offered in eight-week terms in an asynchronous format, allowing students to complete their coursework at their own pace and when it is convenient for them. Most students in this program continue to work while earning this advanced degree.
Topics covered include how to deliver direct patient-centered care, effective communication, and teamwork. All students will also receive extensive training in evidence-based practices as well as advanced assessment techniques.
To be considered for admission to this program, students must have a bachelor of science in nursing and at least two years of work experience as registered nurses. In total, students must earn 36 credits to be awarded this degree.
- Location: Jacksonville, IL
- Duration: One year
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Loyola University Chicago – Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
There are three graduate degree options for nursing students at Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing. Students can complete either a master’s of science in nursing, a doctor of nursing practice, or a PhD. While the DNP and PhD require applicants to have at least a bachelor’s of science in nursing, the MSN degree is an option for registered nurses without a bachelor’s.
Specializations vary by degree level pursued but include leadership, nurse practitioner concentrations, and healthcare administration. All programs include general education classes that emphasize leadership and clinical competencies. Clinical experience is also a key component of all degrees offered here.
- Location: Maywood, IL
- Duration: One to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Elmhurst College offers three types of master’s of science in nursing degrees as well as a doctor of nursing practice degree. The MSN tracks are open to registered nurses and students with no nursing experience but have earned a bachelor’s degree in another field. The latter program is known as a Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice (MENP) and is offered both online and on-campus. The DNP degree at this school is offered through distance learning as well.
Online classes for the DNP and MSN are offered asynchronously so students can complete their studies at their own pace. While most of the coursework is delivered online, both degrees require students to come to campus for a two-week residency. Clinical experiences can happen at Elmhurst or at a location near the student.
- Location: Elmhurst, IL
- Duration: 20 to 28 months
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
McKendree University – School of Nursing & Health Professions
With both doctor of nursing practice and master’s of science in nursing degree options, nurses will find a good fit for their graduate education at McKendree University School of Nursing & Health Professions. The DNP degree specializes in ethical leadership, while students in the MSN program can choose to concentrate on population health, nursing education, or nursing administration and management.
Both degree options are offered online so students can complete their studies without relocating. It is common for students completing this program to also work full-time. The DNP program does require two on-campus immersions for hands-experience and cohort networking.
- Location: Lebanon, IL
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Saint Xavier University – School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Graduate education options at Saint Xavier University School of Nursing and Health Sciences include a master’s of science in nursing or a graduate certificate; US News & World Report ranked its online MSN program as the second best in the nation. Both education options offer concentrations in clinical nurse leadership, family nurse practice, or nurse education. There is also an MSN/MBA dual degree option for nurses who want to pursue a business degree alongside their nursing education.
All education options are offered through online learning. This flexible format allows students to work or care for their families while earning their graduate degrees. At a minimum, students will complete 600 hours of clinical experience to gain hands-on experience. All faculty in these programs maintain an active clinical practice to stay abreast of advances in best practices.
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
North Park University – School of Nursing and Health Sciences
For more than 50 years, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at North Park University has been providing high-quality nursing education to the students in Illinois. They offer undergraduate and graduate degree options for students at all stages of their education and careers. At the graduate level, options include a doctor of nursing practice or a master’s of science in nursing degree. There are programs for students who already have a registered nursing license and those with no prior nursing experience.
All North Park graduate programs require applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree. If the bachelor’s degree is in nursing, a student can pursue a more advanced degree, such as that of an advanced practice registered nurse. If the bachelor’s is in a field other than nursing, a student can complete their master’s of science in nursing to be eligible for initial licensure as a registered nurse.
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Duration: One to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
DePaul University College of Science and Health
DePaul University College of Science and Health offers three innovative nursing graduate degree options. They offer a master’s entry to nursing practice (MENP) for applicants who aren’t already nurses, a doctor of nursing practice for nurses with a bachelor’s degree, and post-master’s certificates for students who already have a master’s degree in a field other than nursing.
Depending on the degree completed, students may choose from a concentration in clinical nurse leadership, family practice, nurse midwifery, nurse anesthesia, or adult-gerontology. The admission requirements will vary by program but are highly competitive, so students should ensure they have the necessary qualifications, including prerequisite coursework.
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Duration: One to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Nursing School Accreditation
Accreditation assures public health authorities and employers that nurses have current knowledge, competency, and proficiency in line with practice standards. It safeguards all stakeholders – future nurses, institutions, employers, staff, and patients.
All nursing programs, from undergraduate to graduate and doctoral degrees, must receive proper accreditation for nurses to be able to work legally.
There are two types of nursing school accreditation: programmatic and institutional.
Two main organizations provide programmatic accreditation for nursing schools:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Each organization has its own specific areas of approval. To gain nursing licensure in the United States and become eligible to sit the NCLEX exam, students must receive a nursing degree from a program that either CCNE or ACEN has approved. Obtaining this external validation guarantees nursing programs follow rigorous standards, allowing nursing graduates to enter clinical practice with confidence.
By comparison, institutional accreditation recognizes the quality of an entire college or university. In the United States, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), affiliated with the US Department of Education, recognizes seven regional organizations that review and grant institutional accreditation status. These independent bodies consider academic probity, fiscal solvency, faculty qualifications, and degrees awarded in assessing overall university standards.
Finally, state authorization status is integral to the process when researching online and hybrid programs. Careful examination of the state authorization, which is regulated by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), is critical, particularly for students looking to pursue degrees in nursing, which require licensing from state governing boards. Students must ensure their educational institution or agency has received state approval before accepting admission into any online or hybrid nursing program. Please do so to avoid costly challenges during state licensing tests or even being unable to receive credentials at all. Therefore, the research process must not overlook state authorization and NC-SARA status.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Illinois?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2024—the latest data available as of July 2025.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse Salaries
| United States | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 632,430 | 18,230 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $64,150 | $68,450 |
| 10th percentile | $47,960 | $51,150 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $62,340 | $66,030 |
| 90th percentile | $80,510 | $83,940 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,282,010 | 139,900 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $98,430 | $91,130 |
| 10th percentile | $66,030 | $64,930 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $93,600 | $86,410 |
| 90th percentile | $135,320 | $112,320 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 50,350 | 1,270 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $231,700 | $254,350 |
| 10th percentile | $137,230 | $113,380 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $223,210 | >$239,200 per year |
| 90th percentile | >$239,200 per year | >$239,200 per year |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 8,280 | 310 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $128,110 | $107,280 |
| 10th percentile | $74,670 | $52,660 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $128,790 | $114,420 |
| 90th percentile | $177,040 | $143,630 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 307,390 | 9,560 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $132,000 | $128,880 |
| 10th percentile | $97,960 | $102,280 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $129,210 | $128,620 |
| 90th percentile | $169,950 | $158,680 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licensure in Illinois
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation | In order to be eligible for an LPN license in Illinois, candidates must:
| Illinois requires LPNs to renew every two years. The requirements include:
|
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in Illinois
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation |
Registered Nurses applying for licensure in Illinois must:
|
Illinois requires registered nurses to renew every two years. Candidates must:
|
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure in Illinois
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
In the state of Illinois, a CNS must meet the following criteria to be licensed:
| CNS licenses in Illinois need to be renewed every two years. To renew, the applicant must complete 80 hours of continuing education. In addition, applicants must renew their RN license in order to renew the advanced practice registered nurse license. At the time of renewal, APRNs shall attest to continued national certification in their specialty (CNS). The renewal fee depends on when the original license was issued. |
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Licensure in Illinois
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| State of Illinois Nursing Department | In the state of Illinois, CNMs must meet the following criteria to be licensed:
|
CNM licenses in Illinois need to be renewed every two years. To renew, the applicant must complete 80 hours of continuing education. In addition, applicants must renew their RN license in order to renew the advanced practice registered nurse license. At the time of renewal, APRNs shall attest to continued, current national certification in their specialty (Nurse Midwife). |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in Illinois
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
In the state of Illinois, NPs must meet the following criteria to be licensed:
|
NP licenses in Illinois need to be renewed every two years. To renew, the applicant must complete 80 hours of continuing education. In addition, applicants must renew their RN license in order to renew the advanced practice registered nurse license. At the time of renewal, APRNs shall attest to continued national certification in their specialty. |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA) Licensure in Illinois
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
In the state of Illinois, CRNAs must meet the following criteria to be licensed:
|
CRNA licenses in Illinois need to be renewed every two years. In order to renew, the applicant must complete 80 hours of continuing education. In addition, applicants must renew their RN license in order to renew the advanced practice registered nurse license. At the time of renewal, APRNs shall attest to continued, current national certification in their specialty (Nurse Anesthetist). |
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterThanks to her experience writing in healthcare, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth articles on timely topics for NursingColleges.com since 2022. Her aim is to assist both students and professionals in navigating the intricate process of selecting a nursing program and understanding the ever-evolving realm of nursing education.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.
Matt Zbrog
WriterMatt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about the modern nursing workforce, conducting hundreds of interviews with nurse leaders, nurse educators, and nurse advocates to explore the issues that matter to them most. His Advocates to Know series focuses on nurse practitioners (NPs) who go above and beyond in changing policy and practice in important areas like veteran’s care, human trafficking prevention, and telehealth access. He regularly collaborates with subject matter experts from the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) to elevate issues that empower nurses everywhere.