Illinois is one of the best states in America to obtain a college education. Some of the best degrees that can be earned are nursing, and many schools offer accelerated nursing programs in Illinois for students seeking a career change. Accelerated nursing degree programs let students earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in a much shorter period of time than traditional degrees. Students in these programs must possess an undergraduate degree in a field of study other than nursing, and must complete several prerequisite classes prior to acceptance. These can be science classes such as Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology and Nutrition.
Both traditional and online universities offer accelerated nursing programs in Illinois. Illinois schools offering these degrees include Bradley University, Illinois State University, Lewis University and Loyola University of Chicago. All of these schools offer accelerated programs leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The degrees can be completed in 15-20 months of full-time study both in the classroom and in clinical settings. Students must possess not only a bachelor’s degree, but also complete up to 37 hours of prerequisite classes prior to acceptance.
Many students in Illinois need flexible schedules when returning to school and look to online colleges and universities to complete their education. Some of the best online schools that offer accelerated nursing degree programs include the University of Phoenix, Capella University and Arizona State University. These schools also require degrees in fields other than nursing, and have certain prerequisites that must be met prior to acceptance. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered at these schools, and financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans and tuition reimbursements from employers. Degrees at these schools can be earned in 12-18 months depending upon how much transfer credit is granted.
