Overview: CRNA Programs in Illinois
Illinois is home to 4 accredited Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist programs, three of which are concentrated in Chicago and one located in Edwardsville near the Missouri border. Tuition ranges from $85,000 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to $128,000 at Rush University, and the average CRNA salary in the state sits at $227,540 annually. For registered nurses seeking advanced practice careers, Illinois combines elite clinical training environments with strong long-term earning potential.
Chicago anchors the state's nurse anesthesia education pipeline. The city's medical corridor hosts Rush University Medical Center, University of Illinois Hospital, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Advocate Christ Medical Center, and Loyola University Medical Center, all of which serve as clinical rotation sites. Students gain exposure to Level 1 trauma, cardiac surgery, pediatric anesthesia, obstetric anesthesia, and regional techniques across a remarkably diverse patient population. The three Chicago programs (Rush, DePaul, UIC) each draw on these world-class facilities to deliver rigorous doctoral-level training.
Outside of Chicago, SIUE provides a compelling alternative for applicants who want strong preparation at a lower price point. Located in the Metro East region across the river from St. Louis, SIUE students rotate through BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, and other regional hospital systems. Graduates from all four Illinois programs have historically posted strong first-time pass rates on the National Certification Examination (NCE), and the state's job market readily absorbs new CRNAs in both urban and rural settings.
Key Advantages of Illinois Programs
- Chicago medical hub: Third-largest U.S. city with 60+ hospitals in the metro area, offering unmatched clinical diversity
- Elite rotation sites: Rush, Northwestern, U of I Hospital, Loyola, Advocate Christ for high-acuity training
- Above-average salaries: $227,540 statewide mean, with Chicago metro reaching $238,920
- Independent practice authority: Illinois does not require physician supervision for CRNAs
- Research opportunities: Major academic medical centers with active anesthesia research programs
- Affordable public option: SIUE offers in-state tuition at $85,000 total cost
- All DNP programs: Every Illinois program awards a Doctor of Nursing Practice, meeting current COA standards
- Strong job market: Demand in both the Chicago metro and underserved downstate communities
Program Considerations
- Cost of living: Chicago housing, parking, and transportation expenses are significant during a 36-month program
- Competitive admissions: Rush and UIC accept fewer than 15% of applicants; strong GPA, ICU experience, and CCRN certification are expected
- State income tax: Illinois levies a 4.95% flat income tax, which reduces take-home pay compared to states with no income tax
- Climate: Harsh winters with heavy snow can complicate clinical commutes across the metro area
- Property taxes: Among the highest in the nation, relevant for graduates planning to buy homes in Illinois
- Program rigor: Chicago programs are known for demanding schedules; clinical hours can exceed 2,500 across the curriculum
All Illinois CRNA Programs
Below are all 4 accredited nurse anesthesia programs in Illinois. Each program awards a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and spans approximately 36 months of full-time study, combining didactic coursework, simulation labs, and clinical rotations.
CRNA Career Outlook in Illinois
Salary and Compensation
CRNAs in Illinois earn well above both the state nursing average and the national CRNA average. The statewide mean salary is $227,540 per year, with significant regional variation. Chicago-area CRNAs command the highest salaries due to cost of living adjustments and competition among large hospital systems. Rural and downstate employers frequently offer signing bonuses, relocation stipends, and enhanced benefit packages to attract providers to underserved areas.
Entry-level CRNAs in Illinois typically start between $185,000 and $205,000, depending on the facility and location. Experienced providers with 5+ years in specialized areas such as cardiac anesthesia, obstetric anesthesia, or pain management can earn $250,000 to $280,000 annually. Locum tenens assignments in rural Illinois hospitals sometimes pay even higher daily rates, though they lack the stability of permanent positions.
Job Market and Demand
Illinois has a robust CRNA job market fueled by several factors:
- Chicago healthcare infrastructure: Over 60 hospitals in the metro area, including 6 Level 1 trauma centers, create constant demand for anesthesia providers
- Academic medical centers: Rush, Northwestern, University of Chicago, Loyola, and Advocate all employ CRNAs in care team and independent models
- Downstate shortage: Central and southern Illinois face a significant shortage of both anesthesiologists and CRNAs, particularly in critical access hospitals
- Ambulatory surgery growth: Suburban and exurban ambulatory surgery centers are expanding rapidly, creating new positions outside traditional hospital settings
- Retirement wave: A portion of the current CRNA workforce is approaching retirement age, opening positions across the state
- Independent practice: Illinois law does not require physician supervision, giving CRNAs full practice authority and expanding their employability in solo and small-group settings
Top Employers and Practice Settings
- Academic centers: Rush University Medical Center, Northwestern Memorial, University of Chicago Medicine, Loyola Medicine, UIC Health
- Large hospital systems: Advocate Aurora Health, OSF HealthCare, UnityPoint Health, AMITA Health, NorthShore University HealthSystem
- Ambulatory surgery centers: SCA Health, USPI, independent physician-owned surgery centers across suburbs
- Rural critical access hospitals: Facilities in southern and western Illinois offering competitive packages to attract CRNAs
- Anesthesia management companies: NorthStar Anesthesia, TeamHealth, US Anesthesia Partners maintain Illinois contracts
Illinois RN License Requirements
Before applying to any CRNA program in Illinois, candidates must hold an active, unencumbered registered nurse license. Illinois RN licensure is overseen by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation. Below are the key requirements and steps for obtaining or endorsing an Illinois RN license.
Requirements
- Graduate from a nursing education program approved by the Illinois Board of Nursing (ACEN or CCNE accredited)
- Pass the NCLEX-RN examination (or hold a valid score report)
- Submit a completed application to the IDFPR
- Undergo a criminal background check with fingerprinting
- Provide official transcripts sent directly from the nursing program to the IDFPR
- For endorsement (out-of-state RNs): verify current licensure through NURSYS or the issuing state board
- Meet continuing education requirements for renewal (20 hours per renewal period)
Timeline and Costs
- Application fee: $50 for initial licensure by examination or endorsement
- Fingerprinting: Electronic fingerprinting through an IDFPR-approved vendor; results typically processed within 2-4 weeks
- Processing time: 4-6 weeks after all materials are received, though delays can occur during peak application periods
- License renewal: Every 2 years; $40 renewal fee
- Temporary permit: Available for endorsement applicants while the full license is processed
Illinois Board of Nursing Contact
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Division of Professional Regulation - Nursing
Phone: (217) 782-4386
Website: idfpr.com/profs/nursing.asp
Applicants should check the IDFPR website for the most current fee schedule and processing timelines, as these may change between legislative sessions.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
CRNA program tuition in Illinois ranges from $85,000 to $128,000, and most students rely on a combination of federal loans, scholarships, and employer assistance to fund their education. The following resources can significantly reduce the financial burden.
Illinois-Specific Programs
- ISAC (Illinois Student Assistance Commission) grants: ISAC administers several state grant and scholarship programs for Illinois residents attending in-state institutions. While many are targeted at undergraduate students, some graduate-level aid is available. Check the ISAC website for current offerings that apply to doctoral nursing students.
- Employer tuition assistance: Many Illinois hospital systems offer tuition reimbursement or educational leave for employees pursuing advanced degrees. Major systems with known programs include Advocate Aurora Health, Northwestern Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, OSF HealthCare, and NorthShore University HealthSystem. Some require a post-graduation work commitment (typically 2-3 years) in exchange for partial or full tuition coverage.
- SIUE graduate assistantships: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers a limited number of graduate assistantship positions that provide tuition waivers and stipends. These are competitive but can dramatically reduce the cost of the program.
- Illinois Nurses Foundation scholarships: The Illinois Nurses Foundation awards scholarships to Illinois nursing students at various levels, including doctoral candidates. Awards vary in amount and require INF membership.
National Programs
- HRSA Nurse Anesthetist Traineeship (NAT): The Health Resources and Services Administration funds traineeships at accredited nurse anesthesia programs to increase the CRNA workforce, particularly in underserved areas. Participating programs distribute these funds to enrolled students as tuition support.
- AANA Foundation scholarships: The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Foundation distributes approximately $297,000 annually across roughly 100 scholarships. All AANA student members enrolled in accredited programs are eligible to apply. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 per recipient.
- Military educational benefits: Active-duty service members and veterans can apply GI Bill benefits, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, or Military Tuition Assistance toward CRNA program costs. Several Illinois programs accept VA education benefits.
- Federal student loans: Graduate PLUS loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to CRNA students. Complete the FAFSA each academic year to determine eligibility.
Loan Forgiveness Options
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program: The National Health Service Corps offers up to $50,000 in loan repayment for CRNAs who commit to working in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Several rural Illinois communities qualify as HPSAs.
- NURSE Corps Loan Repayment: Provides up to 85% of qualifying nursing education debt repayment (60% for 2 years of service, additional 25% for a third year) for nurses working at eligible Critical Shortage Facilities.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): CRNAs employed by qualifying nonprofit hospitals or government facilities can have remaining federal loan balances forgiven after 120 qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan.
- Illinois-specific repayment programs: The Illinois Board of Higher Education periodically offers loan repayment assistance for healthcare providers working in designated shortage areas. Check current program availability through the IBHE website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do CRNA programs cost in Illinois?
Illinois CRNA programs range from $85,000 (SIUE) to $128,000 (Rush University), with an average total cost around $113,250 across all four schools. The three Chicago-based programs fall between $115,000 and $128,000, reflecting both the prestige of their clinical training sites and the higher operational costs of running programs in a major metropolitan area. SIUE stands out as the most budget-friendly option, with in-state tuition advantages that save Illinois residents tens of thousands of dollars compared to the private Chicago programs. Keep in mind that total cost of attendance is higher than tuition alone when you factor in living expenses, books, certification exam fees, and clinical supplies. Chicago students should budget an additional $25,000 to $40,000 per year for housing and living costs, while Edwardsville's cost of living is considerably lower.
What is the average CRNA salary in Illinois?
The average CRNA salary in Illinois is $227,540 per year, which exceeds the national average by a meaningful margin. Within the state, compensation varies by region and practice setting. Chicago metro CRNAs earn the highest at approximately $238,920, driven by competition among major hospital systems and the higher cost of living. Central Illinois (Springfield-Peoria corridor) averages $221,650, and southern Illinois averages $218,430. New graduates typically start between $185,000 and $205,000, while CRNAs with 5 or more years of experience in specialized settings can earn $250,000 to $280,000. Rural facilities and locum tenens agencies sometimes offer premium rates and signing bonuses to fill hard-to-staff positions downstate.
Which Illinois CRNA program is most affordable?
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is the most affordable Illinois CRNA program at $85,000 total tuition, roughly $30,000 less than DePaul and $43,000 less than Rush. Beyond tuition savings, SIUE students benefit from a significantly lower cost of living in the Edwardsville/Metro East area compared to Chicago. Rent, food, and transportation costs are substantially reduced. SIUE also has a slightly higher acceptance rate (20%) than the Chicago programs, making it a practical choice for qualified applicants seeking strong training at a manageable price. The program rotates students through reputable clinical sites in the St. Louis metropolitan area, providing diverse anesthesia experience despite the lower sticker price.
How competitive are Illinois CRNA programs?
Illinois CRNA programs are highly competitive, with an average acceptance rate of approximately 15% across the four schools. The University of Illinois Chicago is the most selective at 9%, followed by Rush University at 12%, DePaul University at 18%, and SIUE at 20%. Successful applicants typically present a BSN with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, at least 1 to 2 years of adult critical care (ICU) experience, current CCRN certification, competitive GRE scores (where required), strong letters of recommendation from ICU charge nurses or CRNA mentors, and a well-articulated personal statement. Shadowing CRNAs before applying is strongly recommended, and some programs view CCRN certification as a near-requirement rather than a preference.
Is Illinois a good state for CRNAs?
Yes. Illinois ranks among the better states for CRNA practice and career development. The $227,540 average salary exceeds the national mean, and the job market is supported by Chicago's massive healthcare infrastructure (over 60 hospitals in the metro area) and persistent shortages in downstate rural communities. Illinois grants CRNAs full practice authority without mandatory physician supervision, which expands employment options and professional autonomy. The state's concentration of academic medical centers creates opportunities in both clinical practice and education. The main drawbacks are the 4.95% state income tax, high property taxes, and Chicago's elevated cost of living. For CRNAs willing to practice in central or southern Illinois, the salary-to-cost-of-living ratio becomes particularly favorable.
Does Illinois allow independent CRNA practice?
Yes. Illinois does not require physician supervision for CRNAs. Under Illinois statute, CRNAs are authorized to administer anesthesia independently, which places the state among those with the most favorable practice environments for nurse anesthetists. This full practice authority means CRNAs in Illinois can work in solo practice, staff rural hospitals without an anesthesiologist on site, and contract directly with ambulatory surgery centers and office-based practices. The practical effect is a broader range of employment options and stronger negotiating leverage on compensation. Many rural Illinois hospitals and critical access facilities rely exclusively on CRNAs for anesthesia coverage, and independent practice authority makes these positions legally straightforward.
Related State Programs
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