The road to a rewarding career in nursing begins with a certificate or degree from an accredited nursing school. The Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area of Illinois is home to a number of schools that fit the bill. For example, Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University offers five accredited nursing programs, including a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Illinois Wesleyan School of Nursing has a BSN program as well, and Heartland Community College has a certified nursing assistant (CNA) certificate program.
The most common nursing roles in this metropolitan area are registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and certified nursing assistant. RNs make up the nation’s largest healthcare occupation, with a growing population of more than 2.75 million nationwide. The Bloomington-Normal metro area is home to approximately 1,450 RNs. They earn $58,880 per year on average, with salaries for top performers ranging as high as $68,820-$76,500. Expected employment growth for RNs is 16% over the coming decade.
LPNs belong to a group of nearly 720,000 professionals across the United States. The Bloomington-Normal metro area has approximately 240 LPNs. They average $46,330 in annual salary; experienced and strong performers can earn $50,260-$58,980 annually. Expected employment growth for LPNs is also 16% over the coming decade.
With a population of more than 1.4 million nationwide, CNAs comprise the second-largest healthcare occupation. The Bloomington-Normal metro area is home to about 730 CNAs who earn $24,180 per year on average. The top local performers earn $26,810-$29,640 annually. Expected employment growth for CNAs is a robust 18% over the coming decade.
Besides a promising employment outlook and competitive salaries, graduates of Bloomington’s and Normal’s top nursing programs have the opportunity to work at prestigious local hospitals. Some prominent local healthcare employers are OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, and IU Health Bloomington Hospital.
To help you get your foot in the door, below is a list of schools in the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area that offer accredited nursing programs at several degree levels.