Evening or Weekend Nursing Program in Chicago

Hello,

I currently work in a long term acute care hospital as an administrative assistant. I have been here for a year, and while I love my job, I have always wanted to work with patients. Spending a lot of time around the nursing staff has led me to dream day and night about becoming an RN. My only issue thus far, has been finding a program that will allow me to work full-time.

I am looking for a program that offers evening classes in Chicago, or nearby. I have found very few, and I have to admit, I am somewhat surprised. While I understand any nursing program will be intense, and that schools do not want to put time and resources into part-time students, as they feel they will not finish, I can't help but feel a little offended. Not all of us have just graduated high school and live at home with our parents. There is nothing wrong with doing that or being at that stage of life, but it is surprising to me, that with an industry as large and as in-demand as healthcare, and nursing specifically, that there are not more programs offered in that format.

So my question is, does anyone know of any programs in Chicago or nearby suburbs that can be completed on weekends or weeknights? I am currently enrolled in a Nursing Assistant course, as I have found it to be a prerequisite to many programs. I then have other prerequisite courses to attend. I already know about Ambria, although I have heard mixed reviews, and the tuition for the LPN program alone is $22,000, which I find to be a little too high without receiving a degree.

Thanks everyone! I love reading your thoughts and stories. Any advice is much appreciated.