Chicago Nursing Schools

wildorchid · Jan 10, 2006

Hi,

I'm in a similar situation. There are several schools in Chicago and the Chicago area that have BSN programs which include UIC, Rush, West Suburban, Northpark Universty, and Loyola. I don't know much about the latter 3. All I know that UIC is super competetive. I've applied before and was put on the wait list with no luck, so I am just gonna finish my degree in something else, then pursue a BSN afterwards. UIC is probably more a little more competitive than Rush because it is a public school while Rush is private. But Rush is just as competitive. UIC and Rush have similar requirements but Rush also require statistics. Also, UIC and Rush may differ in what their organic and inorganic chemistry requirements depending on the school you are taking the course. So you should definitely look on their websites for their transfer guides to make sure you take the correct classes.

Depending on how many schools you want to apply for, you may need to take a few more hours.

Good Luck!!!

WildOrchid

Jolie, BSN · Jan 10, 2006

There are also a number of BSN programs on the "outskirts" of the city, such as NIU in DeKalb, Univ. of St. Francis in Joliet, and Lewis Univ. in Romeoville.

Good luck in choosing a program!

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jan 10, 2006

Good luck to you.

prinsessa · Jan 11, 2006

I am going for my BSN and I live in the chicago suburbs. I would love to go to UIC, but I am going to apply to a few just in case I don't get in (everyone tells me that I will get in, but I'm not so sure....don't want to put all my eggs in one basket if you know what I mean). UIC has one of the best nursing colleges in the U.S. And it is also much cheaper than some of the private colleges (like Rush). The schools I plan on applying to are UIC, Rush, St. Xavier and maybe one more. Have you started taking classes yet? Some schools won't take anyone with a gpa under 3.6 or so, so try to keep your gpa as high as possible. Which community college are you going to go to? You can look on the school websites (for the colleges you want to transfer to) and they will tell you exactly what classes you should take. You can also talk to a admission counselor at the schools you want to go to. Good luck!

Gompers, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2006

I graduated from Loyola about eight years ago. Their program seemed pretty easy to get into, at least back then. I just applied when I was a HS senior and got in. You need to apply to their school of nursing in particular, not just the university. The admission requirements are more strict. If you enter as a nursing student, you have a guaranteed spot. If you enter the university as an "undecided" student, you have to transfer into the nursing program and for that there is a waiting list. So definitely go for the nursing school for the beginning! Once in the program, it was fine. Not extremely competitive between students, but of course there are always those few people who get like that. Very tough program - I had many a crying breakdown during those few years!

The first two years are mainly general education. The first year I had an "intro to nursing" class, and the second I had the first actual nursing class with clinicals where we learned vitals, bathing, assessment, bed making, med passing, etc. The last two years are almost totally nursing classes and clincials. You usually need to take a couple of evening classes those two years to finish up in four years, but only one per semester so that's really easy. It was very well-organized. You knew from freshman year on what you would be taking each year. You only got a few choices in your non-nursing classes, so be prepared to have most of your courses mapped out for you already.

Loyola is Jesuit, so you do have to take 3 semesters of theology and 3 semesters of philosophy in addition to everything else. I actually liked these classes and they really opened up my mind to a lot of things.

Overall, I really liked it there. Gorgeous location right on the lake, north part of the city so you get the city-living feeling, free shuttle bus downtown, El stop right on campus, small enough that you can make it to any class in five minutes, yet not all in the same boring building.

Expensive though!

Angels' · Jan 15, 2006

olannurse2be

Welcome to the All Nurses Forums.

:) I wish you the best in your nursing career. :)

A Pre-Nursing Student,

Angels’

"Footsteps In The Sand"

Kathyz · Jan 15, 2006

I live in Chicago and am going to Oakton right now for my pre-reqs. Because I have a BSN I'm applying to the ABSN program at Loyola. I think Loyola's an excellent school. I know DePaul does not have a nursing program. You may want to look into Rush but it's a pain to get to. I've heard there's 100% turnover at West Suburban every year. You may want to check it out. UIC would be a good choice as well.

Good luc. :wink2:

Samuraininja · Apr 3, 2006

Depaul does have a nursing program, actually a really excellent one. I went to the open house. Esp if you choose to get your BSN in the School for New Learning (Depaul). Check it out!!