The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports Illinois nurses should experience a 30 percent job growth rate between 2008 and 2018. With 6 medical schools, 31 teaching hospitals, and many private physicians' offices, nurses have plenty of job options in the Prairie State. Furthermore, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2009 mean annual salary for nurses in Illinois is:
- Registered Nurses (RNs): $65,440
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: $41,240
- Nursing Aides: $24,690
Why Choose Online Nursing Schools in Illinois?
Due to the growing difficulty of entering on-campus nursing programs, you should consider Illinois online nursing schools. Depending on your career plans, you may decide to earn your diploma, associate's degree in nursing (ADN), or bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). Online nursing schools in Illinois can help you acquire valuable skills via classes in:
- Nutrition
- Chemistry
- Psychology and behavioral science
- Anatomy
- Physiology
Illinois online nursing schools have several advantages over traditional nursing schools. Your flexible online class schedule could let you keep your full-time job, since you may finish classwork in your free time. Also, you can tackle homework from anywhere with an internet connection. You might even pursue hybrid RN programs in Illinois, which combine the convenience of online education with the physical interaction of on-campus classes.
Remember, even after earning a degree, nurses often need to take continuing education units (CEUs) to continue working, so make sure to check your state's guidelines to learn what those requirements might be for you.