Overview
Illinois has a colorful and storied history which includes many notable names and events such as Abraham Lincoln, the Chicago fire of 1871, and Al Capone and his gang, among others. For nurses looking for a place to study and work, it offers a wide range of schools and employment opportunities. In 2006, the governor created the Illinois Center for Nursing to develop strategies to attract and retain nurses.
Nursing Education in Illinois
With nearly 100 nursing schools to choose from, nursing students looking at Illinois can find the program that’s right for them. Scholarship opportunities abound too, including some established by the state to entice students into the field..
Outlook for Nursing in Illinois
Facing a nursing shortage, Illinois is trying to take steps to make nursing an attractive career choice. The state has one of the highest mean hourly wage in the Midwest at about $32.00 and a student loan forgiveness program for nurse educators according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010 edition. Nurses can also choose their preferred working environment from urban to rural.
Some of the top employers of Registered Nurses in Illinois include Resurrection Medical Center, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and Advocate Christ Medical Center.
Nursing Degree Programs in Illinois
Transition programs for nurses:
Graduate programs for nurses:
- All Masters in Nursing Programs in IL
- All DNP and PhD in Nursing Programs in IL
- All Nurse Practitioner Programs in IL
Entry level nursing programs:




