Bachelor of Science - Registered Nurse

Northern's nursing program is designed to meet the needs of the registered nurse who wishes to complete a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing. The amount of time required for a registered nurse to fulfill the requirements of the baccalaureate degree completion program varies depending upon the amount of transfer credit. Most of the nursing courses are available online. Face to face courses are held at a number of convenient locations: Elgin Community College, Harper College, Illinois Valley Community College, Rock Valley College, Waubonsee Community College, Oakton Community College, Kishwaukee College, NIU DeKalb, NIU Naperville, and NIU Rockford.

The BS degree with a major in nursing prepares the professional nurse for leadership roles in patient care in the total spectrum of health care agencies and settings. Graduates are prepared to function with baccalaureate competencies in the delivery of nursing care, and assisting in the improvement of health care delivery systems. They are also skilled in utilizing the knowledge of the physical and social sciences as integral aspects of nursing, and in entering graduate programs that will further increase their nursing competencies and skills.

• RN Degree Completion Schedule of Courses
• Community College Partnerships

Why select the NIU R.N.-B.S. completion program?

• Face-to-face, distance, and on-line course work.
• Face-to-face and distance classes meet back-to-back one evening a week for most courses.
• Class sections for R.N. students only .
• A curriculum based on the input from alumni, students, employing agencies, and national guidelines.
• Nursing classes can be taken prior to completion of general education requirements.
• Credit given for previous nursing education.
• Clinical experiences designed for the individual needs of the R.N. student.
• Clinical experiences may be arranged close to home
• Full or part time study
• Fall, Spring, and Summer admission.
• Academic advisor with expertise in assisting the R.N. student in planning their program of study.
• One of the lowest tuition rates in the State of Illinois making work related tuition reimbursement plans cover a major share of education costs.
• Dual Admissions programs
• Course articulation information

Fast Fact: Registered Nurse is one of the "50 best careers of 2011"
(U.S. News & World Report)