Online RN to MSN Programs in Illinois
A healthy portion of Illinois colleges & universities in our school listings offer online or hybrid RN to MSN programs. But they all have their quirks. Here are some points to consider when making your choice:
- Chamberlain University: Chamberlain’s RN to MSN and RN-BSN to MSN pathways are online, but the FNP track includes a mandatory immersion experience. Be sure to talk to your State Board of Nursing if you’re interested in the FNP track.
- DePaul University: DePaul’s program is offered completely online, with the exception of clinical hours in your community. However, it’s not available to residents in certain states.
- Lewis University: Three of Lewis’s concentrations are offered in an online format: PMHNP, Healthcare Systems Leadership, and Nursing Education. The others involve campus components.
- Olivet Nazarene University: ONU’s online RN-MSN program has two program starts per year and its schedule takes advantage of accelerated classes. Read graduate reviews and talk to alumni before committing.
- Saint Xavier University: SXU is part of NC-SARA, which means its 100% online Special Entry Option MSN can be offered in all states except California. Students in certain states (e.g. Colorado) will need to verify clinical approval with individual practicum sites as special restrictions may apply.
- University of St. Francis: All of USF’s MSN programs are offered online, but due to State Board of Nursing requirements and a shortage of clinical placement sites, students who wish to enroll in the Nursing Educator or FNP specialties must reside in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico, or Wisconsin. Some restrictions apply to the Nursing Administration program.
Cheapest RN to MSN Programs in Illinois
This ranking of the most affordable Illinois RN to MSN programs is based on which university has the lowest per credit graduate tuition rate. But it’s just an estimate! Other cost factors will include the total number of program credits, additional fees, and undergraduate tuition rates for bridge coursework. Remember, too, that you may be able to transfer credits or ask for a portfolio review on specific bridge courses.
- Chamberlain University: View Tuition Rates
- Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing: View Tuition Rates
- Olivet Nazarene University: View Tuition Rates
- DePaul University: View Tuition Rates
- Elmhurst College: View Tuition Rates | Saint Xavier University: View Tuition Rates
Since all of the programs in our listings come from private universities with religious affiliations or for-profit schools (i.e. Chamberlain), you’ll be seeing base rates that are a little higher than public universities. Be sure to ask about School of Nursing discounts and scholarships.
Illinois’s Healthcare Landscape
Aspiring APRNs who have lived and worked in Illinois know that the state’s healthcare landscape can’t be summed up in one easy statement. Even a quick look at the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)’s Illinois Public Health Community Map bears witness to that. For example:
- Rural counties—especially those in southern Illinois—are grappling with a high prevalence of diabetes, high teen birth rates, and high percentages of children in poverty. Rural hospitals in these areas are financially constrained and especially reliant on Medicare.
- Areas such as Winnebago County (home of Rockford) are struggling to address non-fatal and fatal overdoses, especially those concerning heroin. The Opioid Data Dashboard shows just how tough the problem has become.
- Obesity rates in Illinois have been steadily climbing rapidly over the years and homicide deaths remain above the national average.
Meanwhile, Chicago is a world unto itself. In addition to opioids and HIV/AIDS, nurses are tackling issues such as gun violence, drug abuse among youth, and a mental health crisis that encompasses everything from severe housing problems to poor nutrition and neglect. You can explore the issues in more depth with the Chicago Health Atlas, which was created by City Tech Collaborative and the Chicago Department of Public Health. It has extremely detailed profiles of Chicago neighborhoods.
But there’s good news, too. Various organizations, including Southern Illinois University’s Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development (CRHSSD), are taking steps to address rural challenges. Continued healthcare investment in Chicago is driving research and innovation in healthcare technologies and studies (e.g. UIC’s Cancer Research Alliance with AbbVie). The city government is invested in its Healthy Chicago 2.0 plan. And collaborative efforts such as West Side United have brought together local healthcare providers (e.g. Rush University Medical Center, Amita Health, Cook County Health, etc.).
Jobs for Illinois RN to MSN Graduates
Career Outlook for RN to MSN Graduates
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) keeps a close eye on job & wage data for Nurse Practitioners and Nursing Instructors & Teachers, Postsecondary.
- If you glance at the employment maps, you’ll notice that the Chicago metropolitan area has one of the highest employment levels of nurse practitioners and nursing instructors in the country.
- That’s no surprise, considering the number of hospitals and universities in the city! For example, the Illinois Medical District encompasses 560 acres of research facilities, labs, and other healthcare bodies, including four hospitals.
- Organizations such as Amita Health and Northwestern Memorial HealthCare employ thousands of healthcare professionals.
You’ll find more detailed insights at the Illinois Nursing Workforce Center, which often issues workforce survey reports from RNs and APRNs that dive into the state of nursing (e.g. geographic distribution, salary numbers, work settings, etc.). For instance, outside of Chicago and its neighboring counties, other job hotspots for Illinois APRNs include Rockford & Winnebago County, Springfield & Sangamon County, and Peoria County.
We also recommend you do a little on-the-ground research. In recent years, Illinois hospitals have faced growing expenses and a combination of issues related to costs (e.g. rise in Medicare populations, reduced payments from private insurers, bad debt, etc.). This has led to mergers, cuts, and job reductions. Chicago is still an almighty powerhouse when it comes to healthcare, but it’s not immune to market forces. Use the rankings of Best Hospitals in Illinois and the ANCC’s list of Magnet Facilities to compare options.
Career Resources for Future APRNs
Illinois Nursing Job Boards
- ANA-Illinois Job Search: Openings for Illinois nurses
- ISAPN Career Center: Job listings for Illinois APRNs
- IONL Career Center: Job listings for Illinois nurse leaders
Illinois APRN Salary & Wage Data
- Annual Mean Wages for Illinois Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations: Categories can include “Nurse Practitioners,” “Nurse Midwives,” and “Nurse Anesthetists”
- Annual Mean Wages for Illinois Nursing Instructors & Teachers, Postsecondary
- AANP National Compensation Survey: Available to AANP members
Illinois Nursing Organizations
APRN Licensing
IL Nursing Associations & Coalitions
- Chicago Bilingual Nurse Consortium (CBNC)
- Chicago Chapter National Black Nurses Association (CCNBNA)
- Illinois Association of Colleges of Nursing (IACN)
- Illinois Coalition of Nursing Organizations (ICNO)
- Illinois National Association of Hispanic Nurses (Illinois NAHN)
- Illinois Nurses Association (INA)
- Illinois Nurses Foundation (INF)
- Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing (ISAPN)
- Philippine Nurses Association of Illinois (PNAI)
IL Nursing Specialty Organizations
- American College of Nurse-Midwives – Illinois Affiliate (Illinois ACNM)
- American Psychiatric Nurses Association – Illinois Chapter (APNA Illinois)
- Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics and Neonatal Nurses – Illinois (AWHONN – Illinois)
- Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthetists (IANA)
- Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN)
- Illinois League for Nursing (ILN)
- Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders (IONL)
- Illinois Public Health Nurse Administrators (IPHNA)
- Illinois Society of Perianesthesia Nurses (ILSPAN)
- Student Nurses Association of Illinois (SNAI)
Illinois RN to MSN School Listings
8 Schools Found
Chamberlain University
College of Nursing & Public Health
Addison, Illinois
Nursing School Overview
Chamberlain is a for-profit university with an assortment of online and on-campus programs, and a large number of nationwide campuses. Although it's a for-profit healthcare and nursing school, it is CCNE-accredited and regionally accredited. Tuition rates are reasonable for a private school and military discounts are available. The university has also developed educational partnerships with all kinds of healthcare institutions. Having said all that, reviews of the MSN program are decidedly mixed, and no assistance is offered with clinical placements. Before making your decision, talk to recent alumni and check the Accreditation section of the school's website for information on state approvals.
RN to MSN Admissions & Curriculum
Chamberlain offers two online pathways to the MSN: an Accelerated RN to MSN and a longer RN-BSN to MSN. All candidates are expected to have an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited institution; a current, active, and unrestricted RN license (or its international equivalent); and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on undergraduate coursework (Chamberlain will consider applicants with a cumulative GPA of 2.75-2.99). The Accelerated RN to MSN program takes 3-4 semesters to complete, and includes an option to pursue CNL certification. No BSN is conferred. Instead, students tackle 500- and 600-level courses on a full-time schedule. The RN-BSN to MSN track includes one full year of undergraduate coursework, but students can take selected MSN courses in place of two required BSN courses. Be aware that Chamberlain's 16-week semesters are split into two 8-week sessions, with a fair number of courses per session.
DePaul University
College of Science and Health
Chicago, Illinois
Nursing School Overview
DePaul is the largest Catholic university in the country and its School of Nursing has plenty of recommend it. Graduate employment rates are excellent; nursing scholarships are available; and alumni find work in many Chicago area institutions (e.g. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, University of Chicago Medicine, etc.). In their reviews, graduate students praise the small class sizes and dedicated teachers. We also like the fact that nursing faculty often choose to focus their research on underserved and vulnerable populations. Finally, if you choose the Nurse Educator or Nurse Administrator track, you'll earn an extra certificate through DePaul's alliance with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.
RN to MSN Admissions & Curriculum
DePaul's convenient online RN to MS program is open to RNs of all kinds - those with a diploma, those with an associate degree, or those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. Candidates will need to have a minimum 2.75 GPA on any undergraduate work. RNs with a diploma or ADN must complete 6 bridge courses that count toward the BS and MS; those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree only have to take 3 bridge courses and don't need to earn a BS. The entire RN to MS program takes 2-4 years (depending on the specialty).
Elmhurst College
Deicke Center for Nursing Education
Elmhurst, Illinois
Nursing School Overview
Elmhurst's Department of Nursing is small and focused, with an average clinical student-faculty ratio of 8:1. Alumni often note that professors get to know you personally. The campus is located 16 miles west of downtown Chicago, and most courses meet on weekday evenings. Each MSN contains a residency and practicum, which you may wish to tailor toward service-oriented pursuits. Nearly all Elmhurst nursing graduates report being employed within 12 months of graduation.
RN to MSN Admissions & Curriculum
Elmhurst College is a private liberal arts college that's affiliated with the United Church of Christ. The on-campus RN to MSN program is available in leadership & education concentrations and it's especially designed for RNs who hold baccalaureate degrees outside nursing. Candidates should have a 3.0 GPA on their ADN. Prerequisite coursework includes credits in statistics, research, and health assessment. The MSN portion is 33 semester hours - it can be completed in 2 years, or students may adopt a slower pace to finish over a longer period.
Lewis University
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Romeoville, Illinois
Nursing School Overview
Looking to offset the cost? Lewis's College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a range of tuition breaks to nursing students. Employees of partner healthcare organizations can take advantage of special tuition pricing. IONL members can receive a discount. And Lewis alumni may qualify for a 20% tuition scholarship. In their reviews, graduates note that the online format is convenient, but programs aren't always coordinated. For example, you may be required to find your own clinical sites for NP practicums.
RN to MSN Admissions & Curriculum
Lewis University is a private Roman Catholic and Lasallian university that offers a wide range of specialties in its RN/MSN program. PMHNP, Healthcare Systems Leadership, and Nursing Education are offered in an online format; FNP and AGNP choices are on-campus. RNs must have a non-nursing bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA on the ADN and baccalaureate work in order to apply. Bridge coursework consists of ~15 credits/4 courses. The MSN portion is 34-49 credits; NP specialty tracks take the longest time to complete.
Olivet Nazarene University
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Bourbonnais, Illinois
RN-MSN - Education Track
Offered Online
Nursing School Overview
ONU's nursing programs are designed to be convenient. The RN-MSN program has two starts per year; class length is 6 weeks for BSN courses and 8 weeks for MSN courses. Per credit rate are also fairly affordable for a private school. Having said that, most faculty are adjuncts and graduate reviews can be less than complimentary. We recommend you talk to alumni and read up on the program before making a commitment.
RN to MSN Admissions & Curriculum
ONU is a Nazarene liberal arts university in Bourbonnais with a deep Christian base. Designed for associate degree or diploma-prepared nurses, this online program leads to a BS and an MSN. Applicants should have a minimum 2.75 GPA for BSN admission and 3.0 GPA for MSN progression. The entire program takes 30-36 months and it's made up of 54-76 credit hours (45 practicum hours during BSN coursework and 720 practicum hours during FNP coursework).
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
College of Nursing
Peoria, Illinois
Nursing School Overview
Being affiliated with the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center has its perks! The Medical Center is a teaching hospital for the UI College of Medicine, the largest hospital in Central Illinois, and one of the nation's largest Catholic healthcare facilities. SFMCCON itself tends to have high graduation rates and low student-to-faculty ratios. Per credit graduate tuition rates are the lowest we've seen among private Catholic schools in Illinois and installment payment plans are available.
RN to MSN Admissions & Curriculum
SFMCCON is a small nurse training academy that's located on the campus of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. The Accelerated Pathway to the MSN comes in many flavors and it's open to RNs who have an associate nursing degree or a diploma in nursing plus a non-nursing bachelor's degree. All candidates should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8. The bridge portion of the program consists of 4-5 courses (i.e. 23 semester hours) and takes around 1 year to complete. For the online MSN, most NP specialties take 4 years; other options will take 3 years.
Saint Xavier University
School of Nursing
Chicago, Illinois
Nursing School Overview
SXU's School of Nursing and Health Sciences is founded on bedrock. It often earns a top 3 U.S. News & World Report ranking for Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs. It has been an NLN Center of Excellence (COE) since 2007. It offers a variety of scholarships, alumni tuition breaks, and discounts to nurses employed by SXU clinical partner agencies. And it receives excellent reviews from graduate students. Folks often mention the great online experience, the availability of professors, and small class sizes. Feel free to contact online alumni for their unvarnished opinions.
RN to MSN Admissions & Curriculum
SXU is a private Roman Catholic university in Chicago. The streamlined online Special Entry Option (SEO) is tailored to RNs who have a non-nursing bachelor's degree and would like to earn the MSN without completing a nursing baccalaureate. Applicants should have a 3.0 GPA on their undergraduate work; those with less than 3.0 may be considered on an individual basis. You'll need to talk to the program coordinator to determine how many bridge courses are required. The 100% online FNP can be completed in 3 years; other concentrations are shorter (e.g. 2 - 2.5 years).
University of St Francis
Cecily and John Leach College of Nursing
Joliet, Illinois
Nursing School Overview
It may be small, but the Leach College of Nursing receives a lot of praise from its alumni. Graduate reviewers say that it provides a nurturing environment for students and adheres to stringent guidelines for professional development. Better yet, admissions rates are competitive - you'll need to prove your worth to get in. Plus USF offers a payment plan that staggers tuition over the year and a tuition reimbursement deferment plan for anyone receiving employer benefits.
RN to MSN Admissions & Curriculum
USF is a Catholic Franciscan university in Joliet. As the title would suggest, its online RN-BS-MSN program is designed for RNs with an associate degree or nursing diploma who wish to obtain a BS on the way to the MSN. Candidates should have a 3.0 GPA on any undergraduate work to apply. You'll need to talk to the program coordinator to find out what is required for bridge coursework. The length of the MSN portion varies by specialty: 47-56 semester hours for the FNP & PMHNP; 42-51 semester hours for Nursing Administration; and 37-46 semester hours for Nursing Education.