BSN Programs Chicago, IL

If you want a rewarding career in the health care industry and help people of various cultures and ages, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program will provide the knowledge and technical skills needed to succeed in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and other health settings. The BSN will also provide a solid foundation for advanced study – a nursing graduate program – that will expand your credentials, broaden your scope of practice, and specialize a chosen area of practice.

Unlike the Associate Degree in Nursing, BSN students will have greater job opportunities as hospital and other employers are more likely to employ nurses with the baccalaureate degree. Many nursing roles today require the BSN as the point of entry. These include travel nurses, correctional nurses, school nurses, and public and community health. BSN graduates are better prepared to function in the role of nurse manager, research assistant, case managers, and educators. The push for increasing the percentage of the workforce with a BSN or above to 80 percent or greater is a response to the increasing complexities in the delivery of care that requires nurses with leadership, management, and collaboration skills and the knowledge of how to incorporate research, evidence-based practice, and critical thinking to improve patient outcomes. The BSN program includes modules on research, management, and leadership so graduates are capable of responding to the challenges of delivering care in communities and other non-traditional settings.

University of Illinois

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science degree program at the University of Illinois will learn through face-to-face instruction and hands-on learning from the beginning of the program. The mandatory clinical rotation is a critical part of the program that will give students the opportunity to develop skills in the real world. Clinical courses will include medical surgical nursing, women’s health, pediatrics, community health, and acute care. Rotations will be conducted in groups of eight for personalized training. Students must arrange their own transport to and from the clinical site, demonstrate professionalism at all times, dress appropriately, adhere to the guidelines of the clinical agency, and fulfill all the requirements and paperwork obligations. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX to become a Registered Nurse.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 120

Duration: 4 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Pre-nursing studies – Academic Writing I: Writing in Academic and Public Contexts, Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research, General Microbiology, General Chemistry I Lecture, General Chemistry Laboratory, Survey of Organic Biochemistry, Human Physiological Anatomy I, Human Physiological Anatomy II, Human Development Across the Life Span, Nutrition, Introduction to Statistics, Exploring World Cultures course, Understanding the Creative Arts Course, Understanding the Individual and Society course, Understanding the Past Course, Understanding U.S. Society course

Courses – Professional Nursing I, Health Assessment and Communication, Foundations of Nursing Practice, Concepts in Pathophysiology and Pharmacology I, Concepts in Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 2, Professional Nursing 2, Professional Nursing 3, Nursing Care of Adult Across the Life Span, Nursing Care of Childbearing Women and Families, Nursing Care of Children and Families, Nursing Care in Mental and Behavioral Health, Professional Nursing 4, Nursing Care of Populations, Acute Care Nursing and Care Management, Integrative Practice Experience, Senior Seminar

Admission criteria:

  • Complete 57 credit hours of pre-nursing courses
  • Attend a BSN Information Session
  • Submit a completed application online
  • Submit the non-refundable application fee of $60
  • Submit official high school transcript or GED
  • Attend a candidate interview
  • Submit answers to the essay questions
  • Upload a resume highlighting previous degrees, employment history, previous nursing courses, and English proficiency
  • Provide name and contact information for two recommenders
  • Submit official transcripts of any college courses completed

Program Cost:

The estimated cost of tuition is $5,292 per semester (12 credits). The student will also need to purchase textbooks, supplies, uniforms, CPR certification, and transport to the clinical sites. Financing is available for eligible students.

Website: https://nursing.uic.edu/

Address: 845 S. Damen Ave., MC 802, Chicago, IL 60612

Phone: (312) 996-7800

Email: con@uic.edu

NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90%

Chamberlain University

Chamberlain College of Nursing’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree prepares students for practice as a Registered Nurse in just three years by including summer-time classes. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and includes classroom theory and hands-on experiences at the SIMCARE Center and local health care facilities. Experienced faculty will emphasize conceptual learning, which enables students to translate classroom theory into practice. Students will work side by side with faculty, classmates, mentors, and members of the health care team to enhance their nursing skills. An evening option is available for Chicagoland area students, giving them the flexibility to complete the program outside the traditional schedule but including the same resources and support. The evening program can also be completed in three years and there are no wait lists and prerequisites for entry. The clinical sessions are scheduled for the weekend. Graduates will receive a BSN degree and will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 122

Duration: 3 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Courses – Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, Algebra for College Students, Transition to the Nursing Profession, Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, Culture & Society, English Composition, Anatomy and Physiology III with Lab, Advanced English Composition, Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology IV with Lab, Lifespan Development, Health & Wellness, Intro to General, Organic & Biological Chemistry with Lab, Fundamentals of Microbiology with Lab, Critical Reasoning, Interpersonal Communication, Health Assessment I, Pathophysiology, Health Assessment II, Fundamentals – Skills, Fundamentals – Patient Care, Pharmacology for Nursing Practice, Adult Health I, Nutrition, Health & Wellness, Adult Health II, Mental Health Nursing, Information Systems in Healthcare, Pediatric Nursing, Applied Managerial Statistics, Maternal Child Nursing, Political Science, Complex Adult Health, Evidence-Based Practice, Community Health Nursing, Principles of Ethics, Collaborative Healthcare, Humanities Elective, Capstone Course, History Elective

Admission criteria:

  • Complete an application for admission
  • Attend an interview with a Chamberlain admission representative
  • Provide proof of graduating from high school with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 on the 4.0 scale
  • Obtain a minimum score of 73 on the A2 Admission Assessment test
  • Clear a drug screen
  • Submit to a background check and fingerprint check
  • Maintain liability insurance throughout the program

Program Cost:

Tuition for the BSN program costs $675 per credit hour. The application fee is $95. Other costs include background check, drug screen, fingerprinting, student services charge, books and supplies, health screening, immunizations, injury and sickness insurance, and clinical related fees.

Website: https://www.chamberlain.edu/nursing-school/illinois/chicago

Address: 3300 North Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Toll Free: 877-751-5783

NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84%

Loyola University Chicago Health Sciences Division

The Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing’s BSN program prepares adults to function as competent nursing professionals in various health care settings. They will develop skills to think critically, deliver safe care, analyze problems, and make sound clinical decisions. The program includes learning in a Clinical Simulation Learning Laboratory (CSLL) to develop technical skills in a simulated environment before entering the real-world environment. Experienced faculty will use video and computer teaching tools to aid understanding. The clinical rotations are another critical component of the program. Students will participate in seven clinical rotations at facilities such as Rush North Shore Medical Center, NorthShore University-Evanston, Loyola University Health System and Adventist-Hinsdale Hospital, and selected long-term care facilities, schools, and senior centers. The final clinical rotation is a Clinical Role Transition that serves as a capstone course. The intensive experience prepares students to assume an entry-level role as a registered nurse under the guidance of a professional mentor.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 125

Duration: 4 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I: Lecture and Lab, Elementary Physiological Chemistry A: Lecture and Lab, General Psychology, College Writing Seminar, Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice, Human Anatomy and Physiology II: Lecture and Lab, Development Psychology or Statistics, College Writing Seminar, Clinical Microbiology, Developmental Psychology, Individual, Family, Community Wellness and Health or Clinical Nutrition for Nursing Practice, The Foundations of Clinical Practice in Nursing , Pathophysiology, Foundations of Pharmacology, Medical Surgical Nursing” Theory and Clinical, Older Adult, Research, Family Health Patterns I, Theory and Clinical, Family Health Patterns II: Care of the Child and Family, Mental Health Patterns: Theory and Clinical, Community Health, Nursing Ethics, Mental Health Patterns II, Family Health Patterns I: Theory and Clinical, Family Health Patterns II, Care of the Child and Family, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing Theory, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing Clinical, Leadership for Professional Nursing Practice, Leadership for Professional Nursing Practice Clinical

Admission criteria:

  • Complete an application for admission
  • Attend an interview with an admission representative
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Must complete one unit of chemistry and biology, two units of math, four units of English, one unit of social science, and four units in other courses in high school
  • Clear a drug screen
  • Submit to a background check and fingerprint check
  • Maintain liability insurance throughout the program

Program Cost:

Tuition for the BSN program costs $21,825 per semester for 12 to 21 credit hours. Other billable fees include student development fee, technology fee, student health insurance, course supplies and fees, orientation fees, and first-year program fee. Students must also purchase books, uniforms, background check, insurance, health screening, and supplies.

Website: https://www.luc.edu/nursing/bsn/

Address: 2160 S. First Ave., Maywood, IL 60153

Phone: 708-216-8531

NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96%

Resurrection University

The baccalaureate nursing program offered by Resurrection University seeks to develop professional nurses capable of filling a vital role on the health care team. The program includes theory and hands-on experience in the lab and clinical sites. Program graduates will be able to communicate effectively with patients and healthcare providers, use the critical thinking proves in practice, collaborate with patients, families, and communities to improve the delivery of care, demonstrate professional behaviors that adhere to legal and ethical standards, and plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic interventions for diverse clients. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure as a Registered Nurse. The university offers a flexible evening/weekend option to meet the needs of adults who want to prepare for a career in nursing without affecting their weekday obligations. The day program can be completed in 16 months. New students are admitted three times a year for both tracks. The program admits new pre-licensure students as well as RNs who want to complete the BSN degree.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 120

Duration: 3 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education and Nursing Support courses – English Communication, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Humanities and Fine Arts, College Math/Statistics, Physical and Life Sciences, General Electives, General Chemistry (with lab), Human Anatomy and Physiology I (with lab), Human Anatomy and Physiology II (with lab), Microbiology (with lab), Statistics, Lifespan Development

Nursing Major Courses – Health Assessment, Pathophysiologic Mechanisms, Foundations of Nursing Practice, Pharmacotherapeutics in Nursing, Adult Health Nursing I, Women & Newborn Health Nursing, Ethics in Nursing, Pediatrics Health Nursing, Research in Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Gerontological Health Nursing, Community and Population Focused Health, Leadership and Management in Nursing, Adult Health Nursing II, Professional Role Transition, Nursing Electives or Service Learning

Admission criteria:

  • Have a cumulative, undergraduate college GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale
  • Have a cumulate GPA of 2.75 for science courses – Chemistry, Microbiology, and Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II
  • Score a minimum of 68% on the TEAS
  • Must be in good standing with all colleges attended
  • Submit a completed online application and non-refundable application fee of $50
  • Submit official transcripts for all prior college courses completed
  • Complete all the general education and pre-nursing courses before beginning the nursing program

Program Cost:

The flat-rate tuition for full-time students is $13,292 per semester (12 credits). Other costs will include a background check, textbooks, health insurance, liability insurance, uniforms, CPR certification, and nursing supplies.

Website: https://www.resu.edu/bsn-eveningweekend-program/

Address: 1431 N. Claremont Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Phone: 773-252-6464

Fax: 773-227-3838

Email: admissions@resu.edu

NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 73%

Saint Xavier University

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Saint Xavier University provides a supportive learning environment for students to acquire the skills to practice as registered nurses. Experienced advisors will support students in the achievement of their goals throughout the program. The school also provides an NCLEX coach to help students prepare for the licensing test. Hands-on experiences in state-of-the-art laboratories on-campus will reinforce the knowledge gained in the program. Students will learn how to make full assessments, examine patients, and practice in the birthing center. The nursing major covers 55 credit hours. Candidates for admission must complete the general education and support courses before applying to the program.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 55 plus general education courses

Duration: 2 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Nursing Major Courses – The Professional Nurse: Roles and Concepts, Pathophysiology, Concepts in Professional Nursing, Holistic Assessment, Introduction to Clinical Practice, Concepts in Professional Nursing, Nursing Pharmacology, Holistic Care in Nursing Practice I, Clinical Practice I, Concepts in Professional Nursing, Holistic Care in Nursing Practice II, Clinical Practice II, Special Topics in Nursing, Nursing Pharmacology II, Holistic Care in Nursing Practice III, Clinical Practice III, Senior Seminar, Advanced Concepts in Nursing Practice, Clinical Practice IV: Capstone

Admission criteria:

  • Have a minimum 2.75 cumulative high school GPA – official transcripts required
  • Submit ACT or SAT scores that meet the minimum requirements
  • Have a grade B or higher in high school biology and chemistry
  • Submit an essay outlining “why you want to be a nurse and how you plan to succeed at SXU”
  • Submit a completed application online
  • Submit a signed Nursing Essential Abilities and Behaviors Forms
  • Meet the health requirements – a physical exam and immunization records (Tetanus, influenza, and annual TB screen)
  • Have current BLS certification for Health Care Providers
  • Provide documentation of Comprehensive Health Insurance
  • Must test negative for drugs in a 12-panel drug screen
  • Must complete and clear a criminal background check

Program Cost:

The yearly cost of tuition is $34,250 for students enrolled in 12-18 credits per semester. Course fees will apply. Students must also expect to pay for textbooks, uniforms, nursing kit, transport to the clinical site, criminal background check, health insurance, immunization, and CPR certification.

Website: https://www.sxu.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/nursing/index.asp

Address: 3700 W. 103rd Street, Chicago, IL 60655

Phone: 844-468-6798

NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87%

Lewis University

The baccalaureate in nursing program at Lewis University uses a holistic approach that will enable graduates to use critical thinking and research to make decisions in practice. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and be prepared to meet complexities in the delivery of care in various medical settings. The mandatory clinical experiences will be conducted in facilities such as Edward Hospital, Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, Loyola Medical Center, MacNeal Hospital, Hines VA, Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, and Silver Cross Hospital. The BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Program Outline

Semester credits: 131

Major credits: 64

Duration: 2 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Non-nursing support courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology I Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II, Anatomy and Physiology II Lab, Microbiology, Microbiology Lab, Introductory Organic and Biochemistry, College Writing I, College Writing II, General Psychology, Theories of Personality, Diversity and Social Justice, Pathophysiology, Ethics, Statistics for Social Sciences

Nursing Major Courses – Professional Development I: Foundations, Fundamentals of Safety and Quality in Patient-Centered Care, Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, Adult I: Beginning, Pharmacotherapeutics, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Across the Lifespan, Evidence Based Practice and Nursing Research, Professional Development II: Health Care Trends, Children, Adolescents, and Families, Childbearing Families, Adult II: Advanced, Professional Development III: Leadership, Collaboration, and Teamwork, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Adult III: Critical Care, Community Health Nursing, Professional Development IV: Role Transition

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a high school diploma – official high school transcripts required
  • Submit ACT or SAT scores that indicate potential to succeed in the program
  • Have at least 18 high school units – 3 units in English and 15 units chosen from a college preparatory curriculum
  • Submit a completed application and the non-refundable application fee
  • Must obtain a grade C or better in the required science courses
  • Must complete a disclosure form
  • Submit a completed physical exam report indicating the required immunizations
  • Complete yearly drug screens and background check

Program Cost:

Tuition for full-time students is $16,635 per semester for 12 to 18 credit hours. The annual rate is $33,270. Additional costs include uniforms/scrubs, nursing kit, insurance, physical exam, immunizations, criminal background check, drug screen, and CPR certification.

Website: https://www.lewisu.edu/academics/nursing/accelerated.htm

Address: One University Parkway, Romeoville, IL 60446-2200

Phone: (815) 838-0500

Toll-Free: (800) 897-9000

NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96%

North Park University

The BSN program at North Part University prepares students to provide patient-centered care in various health care settings. The curriculum requires completion of eight clinical rotations that run simultaneously with the theoretical courses. There will be clinical rotations in obstetrics, pediatrics, community health, fundamentals, advanced medicine, psychology, and residency conducted at hospitals and health care facilities that are recognized for excellence in care. Program graduates will earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree and will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination to become licensed as a registered nurse.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 120

Duration: 4 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Non-nursing support courses – Introduction to Human Anatomy, Introduction to Cell Biology, Microbiology, Advanced Human Physiology, Survey of Organic Chemistry, Survey of Biochemistry, Cornerstone Seminar, Health Science Statistics, Math for the Nurse Generalist, Applied Nutrition, Pathophysiology, Introduction to Psychology, Lifespan Human Development, Introduction to Sociology

Nursing Major Courses – Survey of Professional Nursing and Healthcare, Introduction to Professional Practice, Health Assessment, Nursing of Adults, Pharmacology in Nursing, Nursing of Childbearing Families, Nursing of Children, Ethics in Health Care, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Nursing of Adults, Concepts in Gerontology, Concepts in Gerontology Internship, Nursing Research, Community Health Nursing, Synthesis of Nursing Practice, Health Care Policy, Leadership and Management in Nursing, Nursing Comprehensive Exam

Admission criteria:

  • Secure admission to North Park University
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher
  • Obtain a “Proficient” level on the TEAS exam
  • Submit a completed recommendation form – must be filled out by a faculty member or health care professional indicating your suitability for the nursing profession
  • Submit a completed application to the nursing program

Program Cost:

Full-time tuition (12 to 17 credits) is $30,360 per year or $15,180 per semester. Administrative fees, textbooks, and supplies are not included in the cost.

Website: https://www.northpark.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/school-of-nursing-and-health-sciences/undergraduate-studies/

Address: 3225 West Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625-4895

Phone: (773) 244-6200

Toll-Free: (800) 888-6728

NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87%

Robert Morris University

The BSN program at Robert Morris University prepares students for a professional career as a Registered Nurse in the high demand field of health care. The curriculum requires completion of the general education, career core courses, and sciences for the profession. The professional courses will cover the fundamentals of nursing care, mental health, pediatrics, adult care, maternal care, and critical care. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Graduates will earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and will be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain licensure from the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation. They will also be able to provide competent, patient-centered care to diverse individuals and populations, use critical thinking, research, and evidence-based practice with the stipulated legal and ethical guidelines, communicate effectively with patients and the health care team, and commit to lifelong learning. Students are expected to cover the costs of all administration fees and arrange transport to and from the clinical site locations.

Program Outline

Quarter credits: 192

Duration: 4 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Non-nursing support courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Chemistry for Health Sciences, Microbiology, Pharmacology I, Pharmacology II, Organic Bio Chemistry, Clinical Nutrition, Clinical Pathophysiology, Research Methods in Healthcare

Nursing Major Courses – Professional Nursing I, Professional Nursing II, Health Assessment, Nursing Fundamentals, Fundamental Nursing Assessment, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Nursing Assessment I, Adult Medical/Surgical Nursing I, Nursing Assessment II, Nursing of Childbearing & Childrearing Families, Nursing Assessment III, Adult/Medical Surgical Nursing II, Nursing Assessment IV, Adult Medical Surgical III, Nursing Assessment V, Adult Medical Surgical Nursing IV, Nursing Assessment VI, Nursing Management and Leadership, Community Nursing, NCLEX Review

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application and non-refundable application fee of $20
  • Submit high school transcripts with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Must have high school math and science with a grade C or above
  • Have a composite ACT score of 23 or higher (23 in science, 21 in reading) or SAT composite score of 1140 or a minimum score of 60% on the TEAS
  • Complete the student health form including verification of immunization and annual physical
  • Complete a urine drug screen with satisfactory results
  • Submit to a criminal background check and fingerprinting
  • Submit a negative two-step TB test
  • Take the required seasonal flu shot
  • Maintain CPR provider level care
  • Provide proof of health insurance

Program Cost:

Tuition for full-time students is $9,800 per quarter for completing 12 or more credit hours. Nursing students will also need to cover the fees totaling $1,430 per quarter.

Website: https://robertmorris.edu/healthstudies/nursing/

Address: 401 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60605

Phone: 312-935-5460

NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.