10 Best Direct-Entry MSN Programs in Illinois – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Are you an Illinois RN who earned a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field before you fell in love with nursing? Your lack of a BSN needn’t hold you back from professional development. Enrolling in one of the Direct Entry MSN programs in Illinois can help you become credentialed as a nurse practitioner, nurse leader, or nurse educator; their accelerated curricula let you earn your MSN in far less time than it would take to earn your BSN and MSN degrees sequentially. Graduates of Direct Entry MSN programs in the Land of Lincoln average annual salaries of $118,570. Curious to find out about the best Direct Entry MSN programs in Illinois? The following guide to the 10 best Direct Entry MSN programs in Illinois for 2025 will give you all the information.



RECOMMENDED ONLINE MSN PROGRAMS

WHAT ARE THE BEST DIRECT-ENTRY MSN PROGRAMS IN ILLINOIS (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 10 Best Direct-Entry MSN programs in Illinois (Online & Campus).


1. Rush University - Chicago


Specialties Offered: Clinical Nurse Leader


Rush University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Rush University's direct-entry MSN program is perfect for non-nurses keen on joining the nursing workforce in IL. Counted among the best direct-entry MSN programs in Illinois, the program is designed to prepare you for clinical nursing leadership.

The direct-entry MSN at Rush is a full-time program that takes two years to complete. Offered in a hybrid format, the curriculum builds on your past non-nursing baccalaureate education. The coursework includes rigorous didactic courses and diverse clinical experiences.

The 74-credit coursework, including foundational and advanced topics in nursing, teaches you concepts in pathophysiology, health assessment, nursing management, pharmacology, and epidemiology. This direct-entry MSN program in Illinois also covers topics such as psychiatric mental health nursing, nursing research, evidence-based care, palliative nursing, and public health nursing. In the final two semesters of the program, you’ll take classes in nursing management, and learn the principles of clinical leadership & case management for advanced nursing practice. Upon completion of this program, you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Graduates are also prepared for the Clinical Nurse Leader certification exam.


Rush University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To qualify for Rush University direct-entry MSN, you must foremost have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Further, applicants must have completed pre-requisite courses in general chemistry, human anatomy, human physiology, and microbiology. To complete the admission requirements, you must submit your transcripts, a resume, personal goals statement, and letters of recommendation.


Interesting Highlights For Rush University Direct-Entry MSN Students

• Rush University’s MSN is ranked among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report. What's more, Rush’s CNL program also ranks #1 in the U.S. News national ranking list.
• Rush University direct-entry MSN students report an excellent performance on the NCLEX-RN exam.
• Rush University direct-entry MSN students study in the environment of an academic medical center, where they explore a plethora of opportunities to collaborate with students of other healthcare disciplines.


2. University of Illinois-Chicago - Chicago


University of Illinois-Chicago Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Do you aspire to make a career switch to nursing? If so, obtaining your training from one of the best direct-entry MSN programs in Illinois such as the University of Illinois-Chicago’s MSN for non-nurses is an excellent idea. Here, within as little as 2.5 years, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to launch your career in nursing. Leading to the NCLX-RN, the program prepares you as a generalist registered nurse.

The program is offered in a hybrid format and requires completion of 77 credits. The core courses focus on epidemiology, theoretical foundations for evidence-based practice, leadership policy, quality & safety, and health equity & social determinants of health and their impact. The core courses also cover topics such as pharmacotherapeutics, health assessment, advanced physiological principles, and advanced pathophysiology. In addition, the program entails completing a three-credit practicum course in generalist registered nursing. Should you desire to obtain the Clinical Nurse Leader certification, then instead of three credits, you must complete a total of nine credit hours in your clinical practicum.


University of Illinois-Chicago Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: Applicants for the University of Illinois-Chicago direct-entry MSN, must have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field with a minimum GPA of 2.75. This direct-entry MSN program in Illinois also requires applicants to complete pre-requisites in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and statistics with a minimum grade of C.


Interesting Highlights For University of Illinois-Chicago Direct-Entry MSN Students

• University of Illinois-Chicago’s direct-entry MSN students gain a broad clinical learning experience. Because the school partners with many prominent health systems in the area, students leave the program, ready to face the complex challenges of nursing practice.
• University of Illinois-Chicago’s direct-entry MSN students do not go through the hassle of finding a clinical site for their clinical training as the faculty organizes clinical placements for them.
• University of Illinois-Chicago’s direct-entry MSN program offers ample learning experiences beyond the classroom. In addition to diverse clinical experiences, students receive ample training in its state-of-art simulation lab. Further, the school’s student organizations offer a plethora of professional development opportunities.
• University of Illinois-Chicago’s direct-entry MSN students can seamlessly complete their DNP by completing an additional 31 credits.


3. Elmhurst University - Elmhurst


Elmhurst University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: If you looking to fast-track your journey into becoming a nurse, then Elmhurst University is an excellent place to start. The school offers one of the best direct-entry MSN programs in Illinois and it’s for many reasons why its MSN for non-nurses stands out. Providing accelerated online coursework with unique learning experiences, the program is perfect for second-career professionals aspiring to become nurses.

Elmhurst’s direct entry can be completed within as little as 20 months. The full-time program is rigorous and it is preferred for students to refrain from employment during the program. While classes are offered completely online, students attend one on-campus residency to practice clinical skills in the school’s state-of-art simulation lab.

The program starts twice a year in the fall and spring. The program consists of 71 credits and over 850 hours of clinical training. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and the Clinical Nurse Leader certification. The curriculum is comprehensive and covers topics from nursing basics to advanced concepts. Some of the courses you take include Healthcare Systems Organization Policy & Finance, Foundations Of Nursing Practice, Family Health Nursing, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, and Healthcare Informatics.


Elmhurst University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for Elmhurst University direct-entry MSN, you must have a bachelor's in a non-nursing field with a GPA of at least 3.2. Similar to other direct-entry MSN programs in Illinois, this program also requires you to complete pre-requisite courses in anatomy & physiology, general chemistry, microbiology, psychology, and statistics. Also, to qualify for admission you must be a resident of one of the ten approved states.


Interesting Highlights For Elmhurst University Direct-Entry MSN Students

• Elmhurst University is ranked one of the leading universities in the Midwest region. The ranking comes in recognition of the excellent quality of didactic and practical training it provides.
• Elmhurst University direct-entry MSN students have the advantage of completing their training from the comfort of their homes, provided they reside in any of the approved states. The program is one of a kind in the nation, offering training through a 100% online format.
• Elmhurst University direct-entry MSN students enjoy the convenience of completing clinical placements within their home community.


4. Millikin University - Decatur


Specialties Offered: Nurse Educator


Millikin University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Among the best Direct-Entry MSN programs in Illinois, Millikin University’s MSN is an excellent option if you are considering a career change. The full-time program lays a strong foundation in nursing theory, evidence-based practice, nursing research, and the role of education in patient care.

The 26-month program requires the completion of 81 credits and over 800 hours of clinical practice. The curriculum not only prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam but also prepares the ground for an advanced practice nursing specialization or doctoral studies.

The program trains you in various topics, including the application of theory to practice, the care of women & newborns, mental health nursing, advanced health assessment, and the care of adults. Also, you take classes in advanced pharmacology, public health nursing, nursing leadership, and measurement, evaluation & learning outcomes.


Millikin University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: Millikin University's direct-entry MSN admission process is highly competitive, taking in only promising candidates. To qualify, your non-nursing degree must be from an accredited college and your GPA must be at least 3.0. Also, you must have completed prerequisites in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, lifespan development, and statistics. To complete your application, you must submit your transcripts, a written statement, and a current resume.


Interesting Highlights For Millikin University Direct-Entry MSN Students

• Out of all the direct-entry MSN programs in Illinois, Millikin University's direct-entry MSN stands out for positioning graduates for nurse educator roles. Graduates will be eligible to take the Nurse Educator certification exam.
• Millikin University direct-entry MSN students are allowed to apply critical concepts to practice in each of the terms. The progressive application of theoretical concepts to practice allows for optimum learning at every level of the program.
• Millikin University’s direct entry MSN graduates are desired by local employers, little wonder that the program reports a 100% placement rate.


5. DePaul University - Chicago


DePaul University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: DePaul University should be on your list if you are a non-nurse, seeking to enter the field of nursing. The nursing school’s direct-entry MSN program is a hybrid program that prepares non-nursing professionals for nursing leadership.

Leading to the NCLEX-RN and a career as a registered nurse, you can graduate within as little as two years of full-time study. This direct-entry MSN program in Illinois requires you to complete 107 quarter hours. Starting with the basic courses that introduce concepts in the art & science of nursing, the program progresses to teach you complex topics such as health promotion, maternal health nursing, community health nursing, critical care nursing, and nursing leadership. Further, you also learn about nursing research, biostatistics & epidemiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment.


DePaul University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: Among the best direct-entry MSN programs in Illinois, DePaul University direct-entry MSN is open to applicants with an accredited non-nursing bachelor's degree. Further, to qualify, applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. and must have completed the prescribed list of pre-requisite courses. To complete the application, the submission of transcripts, a personal statement, two letters of reference, and a resume is required.


Interesting Highlights For DePaul University Direct-Entry MSN Students

• DePaul University has proudly earned the distinction of being the state’s first to offer a master's degree in nursing to non-nursing professionals.
• DePaul University direct-entry MSN students gain an unparalleled advantage by practicing clinical skills in more than 75 clinical sites throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Students not only go through the most immersive clinical experiences in the city’s leading hospitals, but they also get a chance to build strong professional connections along the way.
• DePaul University’s direct-entry MSN program boasts an excellent placement rate, having more than 90% of graduates find desirable jobs within six months of graduation.


6. Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences - Rock Island


Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Another of our featured direct-entry MSN programs in Illinois is offered by Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Through rigorous didactic lectures and clinical training, the school prepares career changers for the nursing workforce.

The program spans two years of full-time study and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. Also, if desired students can complete optional courses in nursing education and gain the eligibility to take the nurse educator certification exam.

The curriculum comprises 74 credits and covers a wide range of topics, including pharmacology, health assessment, pathophysiology, adult health nursing, and nursing theories & evidence-based practice. This direct-entry MSN program in Illinois also includes courses in maternal newborn nursing, nursing leadership & management, community health nursing, population health, and healthcare policy, trends & issues. In the last semester of the program, students complete a graduate seminar and a master’s thesis.


Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To qualify for Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences direct-entry MSN, you must foremost have a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field. Further, you must have completed pre-requisite courses, including, anatomy & physiology, microbiology, nutrition, human growth & development, statistics, and research. As this direct-entry MSN program in Illinois offers a rigorous curriculum, in your application you must demonstrate your ability to be successful, by highlighting your academic and professional achievements.


Interesting Highlights For Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences Direct-Entry MSN Students

• Because Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences maintains agreements with several other community colleges, direct-entry MSN students may be allowed to transfer credits from their non-nursing baccalaureate degree.
• Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences direct-entry MSN students are well-prepared to work in a variety of healthcare settings. Equipped with professional skills, graduates work in hospitals, clinics, community-based healthcare centers, pediatrics, med-surgical nursing units, emergency department, nursing schools, and mental health clinics.
• Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences direct-entry MSN students can choose to complete an additional 18 credits in nursing education after which they can explore leadership roles in nursing education.


7. Aurora University - Aurora


Aurora University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: If you find your calling in nursing but are from a non-nursing field, then Aurora University can be an excellent place to begin. Aurora University offers one of the most well-known direct-entry MSN programs in Illinois that can take you from a non-nursing professional to a competent advanced nurse.

The program is a two-year intensive coursework that builds on your previous undergraduate education. The two-year accelerated program blends online and on-campus classes. The program comprises 75 credits and requires you to take classes in the principles of nursing, advanced physiology, pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and mental health nursing. This direct-entry MSN program in Illinois also teaches you about concepts in scientific inquiry & research, nursing informatics, med-surgical nursing, and leadership & professional role development. Also, the program includes classes in health care policy & ethical principles and nursing care of individuals and families across the lifespan.


Aurora University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: As an applicant for Aurora University direct-entry MSN, you must have any baccalaureate with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Further, you must have completed pre-requisite courses in anatomy & physiology, chemistry, statistics, microbiology, and psychology. To apply, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume.


Interesting Highlights For Aurora University Direct-Entry MSN Students

• Aurora University direct-entry MSN students practice skills in some of the top hospitals in Chicago, including Lurie Children’s Hospital, Mount Sinai, and Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, to name a few.
• Aurora University’s direct-entry MSN students practice clinical skills under the close supervision of expert faculty members. With a 1:6 clinical practicum ratio, students can make the most of their clinical training.
• Aurora University’s direct-entry MSN students are provided with ample clinical training in the school’s state-of-art simulation lab. The lab replicates a hospital environment and is equipped with high-fidelity patient simulators.


8. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science - North Chicago


Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: The Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science direct-entry MSN program is a perfect ladder to a rewarding career in nursing. The program offers a well-rounded education, covering, both the fundamentals and advanced concepts in nursing. With the constantly evolving needs of the nursing field, the program is in tune with the changing trends and accordingly equips graduates with multifaceted skills in nursing.

This direct-entry MSN program in Illinois spans 24 months and requires the completion of 99 credits and over 680 clinical hours. Emphasizing critical thinking and evidence-based practice, the coursework includes topics such as pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical assessment, adult healthcare, nursing informatics, epidemiology & biostatistics, and evidence-based practice & research. The program also includes classes in pediatrics, maternal & women’s health, ethics & social determinants of health, community health, and nursing advocacy & leadership. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to take the NCELX-RN exam.


Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science direct-entry MSN, you must have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program also requires you to have completed the prescribed pre-requisite courses with a minimum grade of C. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must submit your transcripts and professional & academic references.


Interesting Highlights For Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Direct-Entry MSN Students

• The Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science direct-entry MSN students study in an interprofessional healthcare environment where they regularly interact and collaborate with other healthcare students and faculty.
• Of all the direct-entry MSN programs in Illinois, the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science's direct-entry MSN stands out for its holistic approach to training students. Students practice skills in its simulation and empathy labs to leave as compassionate and competent caregivers.
• The Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science direct-entry MSN program boasts of an excellent pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam, indicating an excellent academic outcome.


9. North Park University - Chicago


North Park University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Are you keen on starting a new career in nursing? Do you want to join the nursing workforce in IL? If you’ve answered yes to both these questions, then applying to North Park University’s direct-entry MSN is an excellent idea. Through this program, the school helps non-nurses as they transition to a successful career in nursing.

No matter, whether you come from the field of engineering, psychology, or social work, this direct-entry MSN program in Illinois is designed to provide you with a solid foundation in nursing didactic and clinical courses.

The program comprises 73 credits and spans five semesters of full-time study. Some of the courses you complete include pathophysiology, holistic health assessment, evidence-based nursing practice & quality improvement, population health nursing, and nursing across the lifespan. The coursework also includes classes in organization & resource management in healthcare delivery systems, and nursing in an evolving healthcare environment. Upon completion of this direct-entry MSN program in Illinois, you’ll be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and practice as a generalist registered nurse.


North Park University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: North Park University's direct-entry MSN program is selective in its admission process. To qualify, you must have an accredited non-nursing baccalaureate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires applicants to have completed pre-requisite courses with a minimum grade of C. Also, applicants must possess the BLS certification from the American Heart Association. Further, the submission of transcripts, an essay, a resume, and two references are required.


Interesting Highlights For North Park University Direct-Entry MSN Students• North Park University direct-entry MSN students are trained for nursing leadership. Courses in the Development of a Microsystem Leader and Professional Communication & Collaboration prepare graduates for leadership roles within the healthcare system.
• North Park University direct-entry MSN students are taught by expert faculty members who bring their years of practice experience to the nursing classroom.
• North Park University direct-entry MSN students practice clinical skills at some of the region’s premier clinical sites, including, the Swedish Hospital, NorthShore University Health System, Lurie Children’s Hospital, and Lawndale Community Health Center, to name a few.


10. Methodist College - Peoria


Methodist College Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Methodist College’s direct-entry MSN can be an excellent choice for career changers. Designed to prepare students for a career as a generalist registered nurse, the program is a rigorous curriculum comprising 70 credits. Spanning five semesters of full-time study, the coursework blends on-campus & online didactic classes with clinical experiences.

This direct-entry MSN program in Illinois starts with foundational concepts, including courses in the theoretical foundations of nursing, health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, issues & public health policy, and advanced health assessment. The coursework also covers topics such as nursing leadership, nursing education, evidence-based practice, and nursing care of male & female patients across the lifespan. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.


Methodist College Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To apply for Methodist College’s direct-entry MSN, you must have a non-nursing bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. Further, submission of official transcripts, two letters of reference, and a resume is required. The program also requires applicants to complete pre-requisites in human anatomy & physiology, and microbiology.


Interesting Highlights For Methodist College Direct-Entry MSN Students

• Methodist College, being a private non-profit college, its direct-entry MSN program comes at an affordable tuition cost.
• Methodist College direct-entry MSN students practice clinical skills at prominent clinical sites throughout the Peoria region.
• Methodist College direct-entry MSN students complete 180 clinical hours in an internship. The internship not only provides excellent real-world training but also helps build professional connections. Often the internship may translate into a placement opportunity for promising direct-entry MSN students.


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