Nursing Schools in Illinois
Illinois offers more than 80 accredited nursing programs anchored by Chicago's massive healthcare industry, one of the largest in the Midwest. The city is home to renowned institutions including Rush University Medical Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and the University of Illinois Hospital. Downstate programs at universities in Champaign-Urbana, Springfield, and Peoria round out the state's offerings. Illinois nursing students benefit from exposure to a wide range of clinical settings, from Level I trauma centers to community health organizations serving underserved populations on Chicago's South and West sides.
Accredited Nursing Programs in Illinois
Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
Maywood, IL
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Carle Illinois College of Medicine — Nursing
Urbana, IL
Illinois Nursing License Requirements
Illinois is not currently a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so travel nurses must obtain a separate Illinois RN license to work in the state. Graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN and apply through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Processing times are typically 4 to 8 weeks. A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required for all applicants.
From Nursing School to Travel Nursing in Illinois
Illinois is one of the top states for travel nursing assignments, and graduating from a nursing program here gives you a strong head start. Local clinical rotations familiarize you with the healthcare systems, patient populations, and facility protocols that you will encounter as a travel nurse working in IL.
After earning your degree and passing the NCLEX-RN, most travel nurse agencies recommend gaining one to two years of bedside experience in a hospital setting before taking your first assignment. High-demand specialties like ICU, ER, and Med-Surg offer the most travel opportunities and the strongest pay packages.
Many Illinois nursing graduates start their travel nursing careers within their home state before branching out to new locations. This approach lets you build confidence, develop your clinical skills in familiar territory, and establish a track record that agencies and facilities trust when considering you for assignments across the country.
Start Your Travel Nursing Career from Illinois
Compare travel nurse agencies hiring in Illinois and find your first assignment.
Illinois Nursing Updates
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