Is Chamberlain College of Nursing Worth it? Nurses Review

With 23 campuses across 15 states, Chamberlain College’s nursing program 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!

Most importantly, Chamberlain College’s BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Stats 

• Private or Public: Private

• Tuition: $590-$800 per credit hour

• Acceptance Rate: 100% - there are no waitlist or pre-requisite courses. Students must have the following for acceptance into the program:

  • Proof of high school graduation, with a 2.75 GPA or above; or a GED equivalent

  • A minimum score of 73 on the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) Exam

  • Drug screen or background and fingerprint checks within 120 days of your start date to gain clinical clearance.

• NCLEX Pass Rate: 90.91% (2020)

• Application Deadlines: Rolling/programs start three times per year

• Accreditation: CCNE and Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

• Diversity: Diversity is dependent on the campus location. However, for one campus in Illinois:

  • Women: 90% of the student population

  • White: 1,409 students 

  • Black or African American: 623 students

  • Hispanic: 567 students

  • Asian: 277 students

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Contact Information

• Address, main campus: 500 W Monroe St #28, Chicago, IL 60661

• Email: Complete the request form

• Phone Number: 877-751-5783

• Social platforms

  • Facebook

  • Instagram

  • LinkedIn

  • Twitter

 

Additional Information

• Rankings:  #645 in the US, according to US News and World Report

• Graduation rate: BSN: 45%

• Student/faculty ratios: As low as 1:10, but ratios depend on the campus

• Featured employers of alumni: 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.” 

Degrees Offered

3-year BSN

• Tuition: Tuition ranges between $699 and $725 per credit hour, depending on the campus. Additional student fees also apply.

• Program Length: As little as three years

• Online Options Available? Yes (clinicals are in-person)

 

RN to BSN 

• Tuition: $590 per credit hour. Additional student fees also apply.

• Program Length: About two years

• Online Options Available? Yes (clinicals are in-person)

 

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

• Tuition: $675 per credit hour

• Program Length: As little as two years

• Online Options Available? Yes (clinicals are in-person)

 

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

• Tuition: $675 per credit hour. Additional student fees also apply.

• Program Length: Less than three years (if full-time)

• Online Options Available? Yes (clinicals are in-person)

 

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

• Tuition: $800 per credit hour.  Additional student fees also apply.

• Program Length: As little as two years

• Online Options Available? Yes (clinicals are in-person)

Specialties Offered

 

MSN Non-clinical Tracks:

• Healthcare Policy

• Nurse Educator

• Nurse Executive

• Nursing Informatics

• Population Health

 

Nurse Practitioner Tracks:

• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Track

• Family Nurse Practitioner Track

• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

 

DNP Elective Focus Areas:

• Healthcare Systems Leadership

• Educational Leadership

• Advanced Practice Leadership

 

Is Chamberlain College a Good Nursing Program?

Chamberlain has an excellent nursing program. However, students who do not take the work seriously are much less likely to complete the program. 

Chamberlain College 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.

What Do You Need to Get Into Chamberlain's Nursing School?

They have a 100% acceptance rate for students who complete the required application and education requirements. There are no waitlist or pre-requisite courses. Students must have the following for acceptance into the program:

• Proof of high school graduation, with a 2.75 GPA or above; or a GED equivalent

• A minimum score of 73 on the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) Exam

• Drug screen or background and fingerprint checks within 120 days of your start date to gain clinical clearance.

How Hard is the Nursing Program at Chamberlain?

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

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.

What Kind of Support Does Chamberlain College of Nursing Offer Their Nursing Students?

• Small class sizes that can offer individualized success

• Opportunity to practice nursing skills and receive feedback in a safe, simulated environment before you treat a patient

• Hands-on clinical experiences with an experienced nursing BSN instructor by your side in many diverse health care settings.

• Financial aid in federal and private loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study is also available to those who qualify.

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

• Large and small hospitals

• Long-term care facilities

• Community and public health agencies

• Faith-based service organizations

• Independent practices

• Ambulatory care centers

• Public health agencies

• Military services (Army, Navy, and Air Force)

• Veteran’s Administration Medical Centers

• Schools

How Much Is the Nursing Program at Chamberlain College of Nursing?

Tuition ranges between $590 and $800 per credit hour, depending on the campus and degree.

Additional fees apply (may be variable by campus):

• Background check/drug screening/fingerprinting (varies by campus): $200-$225

• Student services charge: $200 per session

• Student activity fee (campus-based): $10 per session

• Books & supplies: $150 per session

• Course resource fee (BSN online option only): $75 per course

• Health screening & immunizations: $500-$1,400

• Student injury and sickness insurance plan: $4,004

Is Chamberlain College of Nursing Worth It?

Many students want to know if the cost of Chamberlain College’s nursing program is worth the expected salary. But 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 U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses earn a median annual salary of $77,600/hr or $37.31/hr. However, the range and vary widely depending on many of the factors mentioned above. 

According to ZipRecruiter, nurse salaries range from $35,500 to $123,500. 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. 

What is Chamberlain College of Nursing's Transfer Policy?

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

Chamberlain College of Nursing is a CCRN 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.

Chamberlain College of Nursing School Reviews

“Getting through this program! My classmates and clinical instructors are my favorite part. Lots of hard work but I'm learning everyday.” - Jennifer N Kerley on Facebook

“They talk the talk and walk the walk as far as students and student success at Chamberlain College of Nursing, Phoenix Campus.” - LeAnne Prenovost on Facebook.

Image Source: Louisblack, CC BY-SA 4.0