2023 Best Online Nursing Programs in Illinois

Becoming a Nurse in Illinois

There are over 129,000 registered nurses working in the Prairie State. In order to keep up with the demand of new hires, online nursing programs in Illinois offer a plethora of study options. Regardless of what type of nursing career or nursing degree a student chooses to pursue, Illinois requires extensive healthcare training as well as a state-sanctioned nursing license.

Nursing licenses are distributed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The department awards licenses to registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and advanced practice nurses (APRNs). Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are registered by the Health Care Worker Registry of the Illinois Department of Public Health. 

Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs in Illinois may also offer licensure tracks. But students should ensure that a program specifies this before enrolling.  

There is a wide range of colleges and universities to consider when it comes to finding a nursing program in Illinois. The Illinois Board of Nursing has approved a number of pre-licensure nursing education programs to help students.

Nursing Degrees by State

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

How To Get CNA Certification in Illinois

A CNA is responsible for helping nurses with their patients. In addition to medical care, a CNA helps patients eat, dress, and bathe. Job opportunities aren't limited to hospitals, either; a CNA can also find work in settings such as long-term nursing homes and home health agencies. 

There are several ways to obtain an Illinois CNA license: 

• An individual can become a CNA in Illinois after completing a state-approved training program from online nursing schools in Illinois and passing a CNA competency test. 
• Another option exists for nurses who have qualified as CNAs through the United States military or through an equivalent program in another state or foreign country. The state can issue an equivalent certificate in these cases. 
• Finally, applicants who have previously worked as CNAs in the state but have allowed their registry to lapse may qualify for reinstatement. Once they're approved, CNAs can be added to the Health Care Workers Registry maintained by the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry.

One viable career path for registered Illinois CNAs is that of a medication aide. If candidates hold current CNA licensure and have completed 2,000 hours of practice in the field, they may qualify for this role. Interested applicants will also have to pass the Medication Aide Certification Examination (MACE). Medication aides distribute medications and ensure that patients don't suffer any adverse reactions.

How To Get an LPN License in Illinois

LPNs are medical professionals who perform their duties under an RN or physician. Becoming an LPN requires completing training in nursing techniques to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to work in a clinical setting. Students can achieve this through online nursing programs in Illinois. 

Prospective LPNs have two options when it comes to acquiring a license: 

1. The first is to apply for licensure by examination and take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for practical nursing, known as the NCLEX-PN. This mandatory test is scored on a pass/fail basis. 
2. The second option is to apply for licensure by endorsement. If an applicant was granted LPN licensure in another state, they may be eligible to apply under these parameters. These applications are online. 

In both cases, candidates are expected to submit proof of education, verification of fingerprint processing, and an application fee.

An Illinois LPN license is valid for two years. The renewal date occurs every even-numbered year. Licensed practical nurses who want to work in the state should remember that Illinois does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). As a result, a nursing license specific to Illinois is required for anyone who wants to work as an LPN in this state.

How To Get an RN License in Illinois

The first step to becoming a registered nurse is to acquire the appropriate level of education through online RN programs in Illinois. To become a registered nurse in the state, candidates must earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. 

Once prospective RNs have finished their education, they can apply for licensure. There are two ways to obtain an Illinois RN license: 

1. The first is to receive a passing score on the NCLEX-RN. 
2. The second method is to obtain licensure by endorsement. This applies to nurses who are already registered to practice in another jurisdiction.

Regardless of the licensure method an applicant pursues, an Illinois RN license application requires several accompanying documents: proof of graduation from a nursing school in Illinois or an endorsement from another state, verification of fingerprint processing, and payment of an application fee.

An Illinois RN license is valid for two years at a time. Renewal takes place every even-numbered year. It's also important to note that Illinois does not belong to the NLC, so anyone wishing to practice nursing in the state must obtain an RN license specific to Illinois.

How To Get an APRN License in Illinois

In Illinois, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are called APNs. To earn an APN license, candidates must start with an Illinois RN license. Because an APN employs more sophisticated diagnostic skills in performing their duties, this level of license has a few additional requirements.

The first extra criterion is education. An aspiring APN must hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in nursing. They must also be nationally certified in one of the following specialties: nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist. An Illinois APN license requires applicants to submit proof of graduation, an application fee, and verification for any licenses obtained from another state. 

Because obtaining an APN license may take some time, applicants receive a temporary permit to practice advanced nursing work while an application is pending. These temporary permits are typically valid for six months or until the final APN license is granted. An applicant can finish their application at their convenience.

FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in Illinois