DNP Programs in Illinois

Lewis University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed for advanced nursing professionals aiming to lead healthcare innovation. Offering specialization tracks like Adult Gerontology, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health, the program blends rigorous coursework with clinical practicums. It focuses on developing leadership, clinical judgment, and strategies for enhancing population health. With competitive tuition, loan forgiveness options, and a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, it's a flexible choice for nurses pursuing doctoral expertise. The program is CCNE accredited and emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, requiring a scholarly project for completion.

• Online DNP program
• Multiple clinical specialty tracks
• BSN or MSN entry options
• 18:1 student-faculty ratio
• Tuition assistance available
• Immersion events at Oak Brook
• CCNE accredited program
• Interprofessional collaboration focus
• Scholarly project requirement
• Competitive average salary potential

The hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Lewis University specializes in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner training. It prepares nurses to deliver high-quality primary healthcare to adolescents and adults across various settings. The program emphasizes patient education, health promotion, diagnostics, and disease prevention, offering online coursework and immersion experiences for flexibility. With competitive tuition rates, scholarship opportunities, and a focus on interprofessional collaboration, it's tailored for career-driven nursing professionals seeking advanced practice expertise.

• Online DNP coursework
• Hybrid learning format
• Multiple entry levels
• BSN or MSN pathways
• Advanced primary care focus
• Competitive tuition rates
• 15% membership discounts
• 18:1 student-faculty ratio
• Accredited program
• Interprofessional collaboration emphasis

Lewis University's campus-based BSN to DNP program in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is a 76-credit doctoral program designed for nurses aiming to specialize in acute and intensive care for adult and geriatric patients. It combines theoretical coursework with clinical residencies, focusing on complex patient management, healthcare policy, research methodologies, and advanced clinical practice. Graduates are equipped to tackle critical healthcare challenges, with training in evidence-based practice, healthcare ethics, and advanced physiology, preparing them for leadership roles in acute care settings.

• 76 total credit hours
• Doctoral level nursing practice
• Advanced acute care focus
• Clinical residency included
• Comprehensive healthcare management
• Evidence-based practice training
• Policy and informatics courses
• Healthcare ethics component
• Research design training
• Advanced physiology curriculum

Illinois State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program provides a comprehensive post-master's educational pathway designed to elevate nursing professionals' clinical capabilities and leadership potential. Through a meticulously structured 34-semester hour curriculum, students develop advanced skills in evidence-based practice, healthcare system transformation, and scholarly research. The hybrid program uniquely balances online coursework with periodic on-campus intensives, accommodating working healthcare professionals seeking doctoral-level advancement. Graduates emerge with robust interdisciplinary collaboration skills, 360 clinical experience hours, and a scholarly project that demonstrates advanced practice expertise.

• 34 semester hour post-master's program
• 360 clinical experience hours
• Online with on-campus intensives
• Scholarly project requirement
• Leadership and systems transformation focus
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Interdisciplinary collaboration training
• Advanced nursing practice development

Illinois State University's BSN-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers an innovative educational journey for aspiring advanced practice nurses. The hybrid learning model strategically combines online coursework with on-campus experiences, enabling students to develop comprehensive skills in preventative care, diagnostic techniques, and complex health condition management. With an exceptional 99% national certification exam pass rate, the program stands out for its mid-program Family Nurse Practitioner certification opportunity. Doctoral-prepared faculty guide students through a transformative curriculum that prepares graduates for sophisticated healthcare roles, emphasizing holistic patient care and advanced clinical competencies.

• Hybrid learning format
• 99% national certification rate
• Advanced practice nurse preparation
• Mid-program FNP certification
• Doctoral-prepared faculty
• Comprehensive health management training
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• CCNE/ACEN accredited BSN required
• RN licensure mandatory
• Professional references needed

Illinois State University's fully online Doctor of Nursing Practice in Leadership and Management equips nurses with sophisticated skills for advanced healthcare leadership roles. Tailored for working professionals, the program emphasizes policy development, organizational leadership, and strategic healthcare management. Designed by experienced practitioners, the curriculum supports nurses balancing professional and educational commitments. Candidates develop comprehensive competencies for influential positions across clinical, educational, and administrative healthcare environments. The program provides a strategic pathway for nurses seeking to expand their professional impact and drive meaningful organizational transformation.

• Fully online DNP program
• Leadership and Management focus
• Designed by practicing faculty
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• CCNE or ACEN accredited BSN needed
• Active RN license required
• Multiple healthcare career paths

Illinois State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers an advanced, comprehensive pathway for experienced nurses. The hybrid program integrates online learning with on-campus intensives, enabling students to develop sophisticated preventative care and diagnostic skills across diverse healthcare settings. Students complete an extensive 78 credit hour curriculum with 1,020 clinical practice hours, including a unique mid-program Family Nurse Practitioner certification opportunity. Doctoral-prepared faculty emphasize evidence-based scholarly projects, health policy understanding, and advanced clinical competencies, preparing graduates for complex healthcare leadership and practice roles.

• Partially online hybrid program
• 78 credit hours total
• 1,020 clinical practice hours
• 4-5 years part-time option
• Mid-program FNP certification
• Doctoral-prepared practicing faculty
• Evidence-based scholarly projects
• Fall term start date

The University of St. Francis offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program designed for advanced practice nurses aiming to lead healthcare innovation. This CCNE-accredited program, priced at $799 per credit hour, spans 24 months and is structured around eight-week course cycles for flexibility. It focuses on enhancing scientific research skills and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for leadership in health promotion and advanced clinical practice. Note that state restrictions may apply. Highlights include its online format, affordability, and top-ranking status among nursing programs.

• Online DNP program
• $799 per credit hour
• 24-month program length
• CCNE Accredited program
• State restrictions apply
• Eight-week course cycles

Bradley University's DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner program is an online pathway designed for BSN-prepared nurses aiming to elevate their practice. With a focus on evidence-based care and leadership, this program requires a 3.0 GPA and spans 3.7 years, including 1,000 clinical hours. Graduates are equipped for certification and leadership roles, emphasizing primary care and healthcare policy.

• 100% Online Program
• 3.7 Year Completion Time
• 1,000 Clinical Hours
• BSN Required for Admission
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• No Campus Residency
• Prepare for Certification Exams
• Advanced Nursing Leadership
• Evidence-Based Practice Focus

The online DNP Leadership program at Bradley University is tailored for master's-prepared nurses seeking to influence healthcare transformation. Over three years, students engage in 1,000 clinical hours, developing skills in policy, technology, and strategic management. A 3.0 GPA is required, with no campus residency, preparing graduates for administrative and research roles.

• 100% Online Delivery
• 9 Semester Program
• 1,000 Clinical Hours
• 3.0 Minimum GPA Required
• Master's Degree Prerequisite
• No Campus Residency
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Leadership Career Preparation
• Advanced Nursing Skills Development

Bradley University offers an online Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program, preparing nurses for advanced practice in primary care across adult and geriatric populations. The program includes 600 clinical hours and offers flexible entry paths for RNs and BSN holders, focusing on advanced clinical skills and certification readiness.

• 100% Online Program
• 600 Clinical Practice Hours
• Multiple Entry Paths
• Certification Exam Preparation
• Advanced Nursing Practice Focus
• Comprehensive Curriculum
• Specialization in Adult/Geriatric Care

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at Bradley University is designed for nurses aiming to specialize in acute care for adults and the elderly. Available online, it requires 600 clinical hours and prepares students for ANCC certification. Admission prerequisites include a 3.0 GPA and an unencumbered nursing license.

• Online AGACNP program
• Multiple entry pathways
• 600 clinical practice hours
• ANCC certification preparation
• 3.0 minimum GPA requirement

McKendree University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a concentration in Ethical Leadership is designed for experienced nurses aiming to lead with integrity in healthcare. This 30-credit, CCNE-accredited program emphasizes evidence-based practice, ethical decision-making, and leadership to improve patient and population health outcomes. The curriculum includes a 1,000-hour clinical practicum and an Advanced Nursing Project, preparing graduates for high-level roles. With a cohort-based format, two virtual immersions annually, and a requirement of five years of nursing experience, this program is tailored for professionals seeking to make a significant impact. Priced at $605 per credit hour, it's an investment in ethical healthcare leadership.

• Online DNP program
• 30 credit hour curriculum
• Two-year cohort format
• 1,000 clinical practicum hours
• $605 per credit hour
• Minimum 5 years nursing experience
• Advanced Nursing Project required
• CCNE accredited program
• Leadership concentration focus
• Two annual virtual immersions