Is Chamberlain College of Nursing Worth it? Nurses Review

With 23 campuses across 15 states, the Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a more accessible and convenient program than most other traditional nursing programs. There is no waitlist at most locations, and students can begin the nursing curriculum as early as the end of their first year of study.

Nursing students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as few as three years of year-round study. But students with a bachelor's degree in another field might be able to transfer qualifying credits and earn their BSN even faster!

• Private or Public: Private
• Tuition: $635-$806 per credit hour
• Acceptance Rate: 93% - there are no waitlists or pre-requisite courses
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 84.68% (2022)
• Application Deadlines: Rolling with 3 start dates annually

Requirements

• Proof of high school graduation, with a 2.8 GPA or above, or a GED equivalent
• Completion of the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) Exam
• Clinical clearance, including drug screen and fingerprint check

Accreditation

• University: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Nursing Programs: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Distance DNP Program: National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)

Diversity

Chamberlain's diversity statistics differ by campus location. However, the undergraduate demographics for Chamberlain University-Illinois are as follows:

• Women: 89% of the student population
• White: 49% of students
• Black or African American: 19% of students
• Hispanic: 17% of students
• Asian: 9% of students
• Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0% of students
• State Residency: Residents - 84% | Nonresident - 16% | International - 0%

Source: College Navigator

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• Main Campus Address: 500 W Monroe St #28, Chicago, IL 60661
• Website: https://www.chamberlain.edu/
• Email: Complete the request form
• Phone Number: (877) 751-5783
• Social Platforms
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• Rankings:  #651-656 Nursing, according to US News and World Report
• Graduation rate: BSN: 50-57% (College Navigator)
• Student/faculty ratios: As low as 1:10, but ratios depend on the campus

Meris, a Chamberlain College of Nursing ‘21 Columbus campus alumni, states, "I interviewed for three jobs, and I was offered three positions. Each interviewer told me specifically that they have had really good experiences with Chamberlain-prepared graduates. It's important to know that your degree is respected in your community." 

3-year BSN

• Tuition Per Credit: $705-$735, campus dependant
• Program Length: As little as three years
• Online Options Available? Yes (with in-person clinical)

Online BSN

• Tuition Per Credit: $705
• Program Length: As little as 3 years
• Online Options Available? Yes (with in-person skills evaluation)

RN to BSN

• Tuition Per Credit: $635
• Program Length: As little as one year (full-time)
• Online Options Available? Yes (with in-person clinical)

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

• Tuition Per Credit: $695
• Program Length: As little as two years
• Online Options Available? Yes (with in-person clinicals)

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

• Tuition Per Credit: $710
• Program Length: As little as three years (full-time)
• Online Options Available? Yes (with in-person clinicals)

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

• Tuition Per Credit: $800
• Program Length: As little as two years
• Online Options Available? Yes (in-person clinicals)

Chamberlain College of Nursing offers many MSN specialties, both clinical and non-clinical or non-bedside. The school also has three DNP elective focus areas that culminate in a 5-part final project and practicum.

Nurse Practitioner Tracks:

• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Track
• Family Nurse Practitioner Track
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MSN Non-clinical Tracks:

• Healthcare Policy
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Executive
• Nursing Informatics
• Population Health

DNP Elective Focus Areas:

• Healthcare Systems Leadership
• Educational Leadership
• Advanced Practice Leadership

Yes. The Chamberlain nursing program is well-rounded, with several specialization options at the graduate level. However, students who don't take the work seriously are much less likely to complete the program.

The Chamberlain Nursing School is accredited by CCNE, which evaluates all nursing schools and programs in the US. The CCNE assesses the quality of academic programs at higher education institutions and establishes criteria for professional certification and licensure.

The Chamberlain College of Nursing has a 93% overall acceptance rate. However, 100% of students who complete the required education and application requirements are accepted.

The university has no waitlists or pre-requisite courses. Students must have the following for acceptance into the program:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• 2.8 cumulative high school GPA
• Pass the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) Exam
• Drug screen or background and fingerprint checks within 120 days of your start date for clinical clearance

Chamberlain’s nursing program is rigorous, and like all accredited nursing programs, it requires hard work and dedication to graduate. 

Students report that their graduation date is immediately pushed back if they fail a class. They added that students only had two fails and two withdrawals before being dropped from the program.

Chamberlain University's nursing program offers robust services and support to help students achieve their academic and professional goals, including:

• Small Class Sizes: Chamberlain's low student-to-teacher ratio helps ensure individualized success. 

• Clinical Simulation Labs: Sims provide students the opportunity to practice nursing skills and receive feedback in a controlled environment before treating real-life patients.

• Student Services: Chamberlain students have access to several services, including course planning, academic advising, career counseling, and more.
  
  

• Diverse Clinical Locations: Chamberlain's variety of clinical preceptors allow students to gain hands-on experience under the direct supervision of a BSN instructor in several healthcare environments.

At Chamberlain College of Nursing, students may have an opportunity to practice their clinical skills at various types of healthcare facilities, such as:

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Tuition ranges between $635-$806 per credit hour, depending on the campus and degree.

Additional fees apply (may be variable by campus):

• Background check/drug screening/fingerprinting: $150-200
• Student services charge per session: BSN - $220 | RN-BSN & MSN - $200 | DNP - $640
• Student activity fee (campus-based): $15 per session
• Books & supplies: $75-$175 per session
• Course resource fee (BSN online option only): $75 per course
• Health screening & immunizations (campus-based): $500-$1,400
• Student injury and sickness insurance plan: $4,316

Many students want to know if the cost of Chamberlain College’s nursing program is worth the expected salary. However, each student must make this determination based on several different factors. Some of these factors include:

• The type of healthcare institution where you will be employed
• The city and state will you live
• The nursing specialty you pursue
• Whether you work part-time or full-time
• Whether you pick up overtime shifts or weekends (for a higher hourly wage)?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses earn a median annual salary of $86,070 or $41.38/hr. However, the range varies widely depending on many of the abovementioned factors. 

According to ZipRecruiter, nurse salaries range from $65,500 to $104,000. Nurses who live in cities and states with a higher cost of living typically earn much higher salaries than nurses who work in more rural areas. 

Chamberlain University’s website reports that it welcomes transfer students from other institutions. Transfer students must follow Chamberlain University admission guidelines and procedures.

Chamberlain College of Nursing is a CCNE-accredited program, so outside schools might accept transfer units. Check with the university you plan to transfer to first and ensure your credits are transferable before making any changes. Every nursing program has its own policy on transferring credits.

“If you're ever considering an online-only type of college, this is the one for you. I was worried about how doing all online would work with homework and professors, but they are top-notch. I have a question, I post to them and they are quick at getting back to me. I have been amazed at how supportive each professor has been on this journey... I will recommend Chamberlain to anyone who is thinking of college." - Becky Leeth on OnlineU

“I have been a nurse for 30+ years... I woke up a few weeks ago and decided at that time I was going back to school. Chamberlain University online feels like you are actually in a classroom. You have opportunities to have discussions with other students. The resources are great. I will learn the APA format also. I have recommended Chamberlain University to a lot of my peers. So far, it is a great experience.” - Denise Onopa on OnlineU

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