Illinois Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Current registered nurses (RNs) that want to advance their career opportunities and improve their salary have several options for completing an Illinois Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing program.

Some schools offer limited options, while other Illinois colleges and universities offer several post-graduate certificate in nursing programs, giving students the opportunity to pursue their desired track and specialization.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Admission Requirements in Illinois

Students must complete admission requirements for each school and program before starting classes in an Illinois Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing program. The admission requirements for the post-graduate certificate in nursing programs at the University of St. Francis is the same as those for graduate degree-seeking students. Admission requirements include submitting:

• An application and admission fee

• Admission essay

• Official transcripts documenting the graduate degree and prerequisites

• Verification of a graduate G.P.A. of 3.0 on a 4-point scale

• Two letters of recommendation from professional colleagues or former professors

• Current license

Contact the school for additional admission requirements.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Classes and Courses

Northern Illinois University requires students to complete prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of ‘B’ within the last three years prior to admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate of Graduate Study, with the student's choice of the Family Nurse Practitioner or the Nursing Education track.

Course requirements for the post-graduate certificate in nursing programs include:

• NURS 603 – Nursing Education Practicum: Direct Care (If not completed in the past three years)

• NURS 621 – Foundations in Nursing Education I

• NURS 622 – Foundations in Nursing Education II

• NURS 623 – Nursing Education Practicum

• NURS 698 – Capstone: Program Synthesis

Some courses vary by school, and according to the specific program specialization.

Program Length

The length of a post-graduate certificate in nursing program sometimes varies by school, and by program.

An example of differences in program length comes with the comparison of the post-graduate certificate in nursing program, and Family Nurse Practitioner track at Lewis University, and at Illinois State University. Although both schools offer the same certificate program, the FNP track at Lewis University is 30 credit hours, while the Illinois State University FNP program is 26 credit hours.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Registered nurses (RNs) that pursue an Illinois Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing need to know that tuition covers the cost of instruction, and not the cost of required fees, books, or transportation.

The tuition per credit hour at Loyola University Chicago is $1,130 for students enrolled in a post-graduate certificate program, the same tuition rate for all graduate nursing programs. Compare this tuition rate to Governors State University, where tuition is $353 per credit hour.

Online Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates in Illinois

Most Illinois schools that offer an online post-graduate nursing certificate option offer the program in a hybrid format. This means that although students complete most requirements online, there are some on-campus or on-site requirements. This could include, for example, an on-campus orientation, or a practicum at a local medical facility.

Featured Online School

One Illinois school offering a combination of online and campus requirements is the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University. Students complete an onsite orientation and then complete courses online.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Career Pathways in Illinois

An Illinois nurse with a post-graduate nursing certificate has many career pathways options. Consider these potential career options:

• Nurse Educator 

• Family Nurse Practitioner 

• Clinical Nurse Specialist 

• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

• Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner 

There are other options, such as the Oncology Nurse Certificate offered to post-BSN and post MSN students attending Loyola University Chicago.

Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Salary and Job Outlook

The salary for nurse practitioners in Illinois is among the highest in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists an annual salary range of $103,200 to $106,200, with some Illinois areas paying nurses with post-graduate certificates more than the state salary range.

The BLS projects that the job outlook for nurse practitioners, and other specialized nurses that have advanced degrees and certificates is much faster than average when compared to all other occupations reviewed by the BLS.

List of Illinois Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

These Illinois Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing programs prepare RNs for exciting career opportunities, and an improved salary.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.