
Saint Anthony College of Nursing traces its origins to Saint Anthony School of Nursing, established in Rockford in 1915 to prepare nurses for patient care. It later developed into a degree-granting college, while retaining its focus on nursing education.
The college is associated with OSF HealthCare and the Catholic Franciscan tradition. Its history helps explain why it operates differently from a broad-based university: nursing is its central academic purpose, and clinical education is a defining part of its programs.
Saint Anthony College of Nursing is a specialized nursing institution rather than a university divided into many academic schools. Its offerings center on undergraduate nursing education and graduate study for nurses.
Prospective students should distinguish a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing pathway from options intended for already licensed registered nurses, as well as from graduate programs. Entry qualifications, clinical requirements, schedules, and eventual nursing roles differ. The current academic catalog is the appropriate place to confirm which pathways and concentrations are admitting students in a particular term.
Clinical courses are an essential part of nursing education. Applicants comparing programs should examine where placements take place, whether they can meet placement requirements, and how much in-person attendance is required even if some coursework is delivered online.
Saint Anthony College of Nursing is in Rockford, Illinois, a regional center in northern Illinois. Its location is especially relevant to students planning to commute to classes and clinical placements.
Rockford offers access to healthcare employers and services beyond the college itself. Students should plan transportation around both classroom attendance and clinical assignments, which may have different locations or start times. Chicago Rockford International Airport serves the area, although routine travel between home, campus, and clinical sites is likely the more important consideration for most students.
Saint Anthony College of Nursing describes its purpose in terms of nursing education, service, and care for patients and communities. Its Catholic Franciscan affiliation is part of its stated institutional identity and values.
Applicants can expect professional nursing preparation to be framed alongside ethical responsibilities and respect for patients. That describes the college's educational aims, not an independent measure of how any individual student will experience a course or clinical placement. Students interested in how the affiliation affects curriculum or campus activities should review the current catalog and student handbook.
Name of the institution
Saint Anthony College of NursingLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: MidsizeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
Under 1,000Religious affiliation
Catholic (Roman Catholic Church)School type
Upper-level higher education institution with graduate programsMain student body
Primarily WomenCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1915Saint Anthony College of Nursing is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - otherData last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.