DNP Programs in Illinois

UIC's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care program is a cutting-edge hybrid curriculum preparing advanced nurses to excel in complex pediatric critical care. Specializing in acute care, students develop comprehensive skills for diagnosing and managing high-acuity pediatric conditions across diverse healthcare settings. The program's strategic design ensures graduates become board-certified practitioners capable of delivering evidence-based, patient-centered interventions for infants, children, and adolescents experiencing critical health challenges. Clinical training emphasizes advanced diagnostic reasoning, intervention strategies, and specialized acute pediatric care techniques.

• Hybrid program format
• Board certification eligible
• Practice in all 50 states
• Comprehensive pediatric acute care focus
• Clinical sites arranged by faculty

University of Illinois Chicago's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care program offers a comprehensive hybrid curriculum focusing on wellness, prevention, and holistic pediatric healthcare. Students gain advanced skills in performing well-child examinations, developmental screenings, and comprehensive health management for children from infancy through young adulthood. The program's innovative approach prepares practitioners to work seamlessly across diverse pediatric environments, including clinics, schools, and emergency departments. Graduates develop robust clinical competencies in primary care pediatric interventions, emphasizing patient-centered and preventative healthcare strategies.

• Hybrid program format
• Clinical sites arranged by faculty
• Comprehensive pediatric care training
• Multiple practice setting options
• Patient-centered care approach

UIC's Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers an exceptional hybrid educational pathway for nurses seeking advanced primary care expertise. Designed for working professionals, this part-time curriculum prepares students for independent practice across patient lifespans. The program distinguishes itself with a remarkable 100% certification exam pass rate and strategically arranged clinical sites. Students receive comprehensive training in comprehensive healthcare delivery, with a particular emphasis on serving underserved communities. The curriculum aligns with national nursing competency standards, positioning graduates as highly skilled, versatile primary care providers.

• Part-time blended learning format
• 100% certification exam pass rate
• Faculty-arranged clinical sites
• Prepares for independent practice
• Lifespan primary care focus

UIC's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program provides a transformative doctoral-level education for advanced nursing professionals specializing in mental health. This comprehensive hybrid curriculum equips students with sophisticated skills in diagnostic reasoning, psychotherapy, and pharmacological interventions across patient lifespans. Graduates develop expertise in assessing, diagnosing, and treating complex mental health disorders through rigorous academic preparation and advanced clinical training. The program prepares practitioners for diverse professional settings, including hospitals, community health centers, private practices, and educational institutions, emphasizing holistic mental healthcare approaches.

• Lifespan-focused mental health curriculum
• Hybrid program format
• National certification preparation
• Multiple practice settings available
• Preference for clinical psychiatric experience

The Women's Health Nurse Practitioner program at University of Illinois Chicago offers an innovative hybrid curriculum dedicated to comprehensive women's healthcare. Students receive extensive training in well-woman care, reproductive services, and prenatal interventions, with a strong emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention. Clinical practicum experiences with specialty preceptors ensure graduates develop advanced skills in gynecology, urogynecology, and family planning. The program prepares primary care providers capable of delivering holistic, patient-centered healthcare across women's entire lifespans, addressing critical health needs with expertise and compassion.

• Primary care for women
• Comprehensive healthcare focus
• Practicum sites arranged
• Specialty practices training
• Health promotion emphasis

• Comprehensive Women's Health Care
• Diverse Practice Settings
• UI Health Clinical Placements
• Nationally Accredited Program
• Lifespan Care Approach
• Collaborative Clinical Training

• Part-time hybrid program
• 77 credit hours total
• 1,000 clinical practicum hours
• Faculty-arranged clinical sites
• 100% board certification pass rate
• Care across adult lifespan
• Online and on-campus courses

• Part-time hybrid program
• 77 credit hours total
• 1,000 clinical practicum hours
• 675 AGACNP specialty hours
• 100% board certification pass rate
• Clinical sites in hospitals/outpatient settings
• Medicine and surgery specialties

• Hybrid program format
• Comprehensive women's healthcare focus
• Nationally accredited by ACME
• Prepares for dual certification

Loyola University Chicago's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Systems Leadership transforms registered nurses into strategic healthcare leaders. This innovative post-master's program cultivates advanced skills in systems thinking, quality improvement, and health policy. With a flexible two to three-year part-time format combining online learning and immersive campus weekends, students develop critical competencies to drive meaningful healthcare transformations. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices, strategic decision-making, and leadership development. Graduates emerge prepared to address complex healthcare challenges, promote patient safety, and implement system-wide changes across diverse professional environments.

• Part-time and full-time options
• 30 semester hours total
• Two annual immersion weekends
• Online program format
• Post-master's curriculum
• Requires master's nursing degree
• Competitive admission process
• Jesuit educational values
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Practicum and DNP project required

Loyola University Chicago's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive pathway for advanced nursing professionals seeking to address critical mental health needs. This blended DNP track spans four to five years, providing flexible part-time and full-time study options. Students gain extensive skills in mental health evaluation, pharmacological treatment, and therapeutic interventions with a distinctive focus on social justice and underserved populations. The 72-credit program prepares students for ANCC certification, emphasizing holistic, ethical care delivery and advanced clinical competencies in mental health treatment across patient lifespans.

• Blended online/in-person format
• 72 credit hour program
• Part-time and full-time options
• ANCC certification preparation
• Jesuit mission-driven approach
• Clinical rotations in Chicago
• Substance use addiction specialty
• RN license required
• 2000+ clinical hours needed
• Competitive admissions process

Loyola University Chicago's Women's Health/Gender Related Nurse Practitioner program equips advanced nursing professionals with comprehensive skills in women's healthcare. The hybrid program offers flexible learning with 70 credit hours and a minimum of 2,000 clinical practice hours. Students develop advanced expertise in reproductive health, sexual and gynecological care, physical assessment, and patient education. Emphasizing evidence-based practice and social justice, the program prepares nurses to deliver holistic, compassionate care across women's lifespans. Designed for working healthcare professionals, the curriculum combines online and in-person instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs.

• Hybrid learning format
• 70 total credit hours
• Minimum 2,000 clinical hours
• Competitive admission process
• RN license required
• Advanced women's health focus
• Online and in-person instruction
• Full and part-time options

Loyola University Chicago's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program addresses the evolving healthcare needs of aging populations. This 69-credit DNP track prepares advanced nursing professionals to excel in primary care settings, from hospitals to community centers. Students develop comprehensive skills in patient assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and population health management. The program's competitive admission process ensures high-quality education, with a focus on evidence-based care and leadership training. Clinical partnerships in the Chicago metropolitan area provide hands-on experience, enabling graduates to deliver sophisticated, compassionate care across adult life stages.

• 69 total credit hours
• Minimum 2,000 clinical hours
• Clinical settings: hospitals, community centers
• Competitive admission process
• Focuses on aging population care
• Advanced nursing leadership training
• Evidence-based care approach
• Small class sizes
• Interprofessional education practicums
• Chicago metropolitan clinical partnerships

Loyola University Chicago's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares experienced nurses for high-intensity medical environments. This 71-credit hybrid doctoral track equips advanced practice nurses to manage complex adult and geriatric patient care in critical settings. Combining online learning, simulation experiences, and customized clinical placements, students develop advanced skills in interpreting diagnostics, prescribing treatments, and addressing comprehensive patient needs. The program offers flexible part-time and full-time options, enabling working professionals to enhance their expertise in intensive care, trauma, neurology, and specialized hospital units.

• 71 total credit hours
• Hybrid learning format
• Minimum 2,000 clinical hours required
• Customized clinical placements
• Part-time and full-time options
• Chicago area healthcare partnerships
• Competitive admission process
• RN license prerequisite
• Advanced practice nurse preparation

• 72 semester hour DNP program
• Oncology nursing specialization
• Minimum 2,000 clinical hours
• Competitive admission process
• Chicago metropolitan clinical placements
• Registered nurse prerequisite
• Advanced clinical skills training
• Underserved community focus
• Low student-to-faculty ratio

Rush University's Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a specialized pathway for nurses committed to pediatric healthcare. Focused exclusively on primary care, this comprehensive online program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care for children from infancy through young adulthood. Students benefit from flexible full-time and part-time options, with minimal campus visits and a competitive tuition of $1,384 per credit hour. The program emphasizes leadership development and clinical expertise, positioning graduates for certification by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board and promising career opportunities with projected 40% job growth.

• Online DNP program
• 2-3.5 year completion time
• Full-time or part-time options
• $1,384 per credit hour
• 40% job growth expected

Rush University's Transformative Leadership: Systems DNP program empowers master's-prepared nurses to revolutionize healthcare delivery through advanced systems-level strategies. This innovative two-year online curriculum cultivates sophisticated leadership skills, enabling professionals to develop transformative care models, influence health policy, and lead interprofessional teams. Designed for working nurses, the part-time format offers strategic learning with minimal campus disruption. With a per-credit tuition of $1,384 and a focused systems concentration, graduates are prepared for high-level executive roles in healthcare organizations, with potential salaries ranging from $110,000 to $250,000.

• Online, part-time program
• Two-year completion time
• $1,384 per credit hour
• Leadership systems focus
• 24-student cohort model
• Expert nursing faculty
• Top 5 DNP leadership program
• Minimal campus visits
• Encourages workplace project implementation

Rush University's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program delivers comprehensive advanced nursing education through a flexible hybrid learning model. Tailored for registered nurses seeking professional advancement, the curriculum emphasizes clinical expertise, evidence-based practice, and leadership development. Prospective students require a bachelor's in nursing, minimum 3.0 GPA, and active RN licensure. The program notably does not require GRE scores, instead focusing on clinical experience and professional recommendations. Graduates are strategically positioned to provide high-quality primary care services across diverse healthcare settings.

• Hybrid learning format
• 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
• RN licensure mandatory
• No GRE scores needed
• Three recommendation letters
• Personal interview required
• Preference for clinical experience

Rush University's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program provides a rigorous online pathway for nurses seeking advanced mental health specialization. Ranked second nationally, the program prepares practitioners to deliver comprehensive psychiatric care across the lifespan. Students engage in dynamic online coursework, learning from active practitioners at a premier academic medical center. With a competitive $1,384 per credit hour and program flexibility spanning 2-4 years, graduates are equipped with autonomous clinical skills and positioned for high-demand career opportunities in mental health services.

• Online part-time program
• Two to four years length
• $1,384 per credit hour
• Prepares for national certification
• Lifespan psychiatric care focus
• Small 34-student class size
• Faculty are active practitioners

Rush University's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a comprehensive approach to healthcare for adults across their lifespan. Nationally ranked third, the curriculum emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and advanced clinical decision-making. The flexible online program accommodates both part-time and full-time students, completing in 3-3.5 years at $1,384 per credit hour. Students develop expertise in healthcare policy, leadership, and patient-centered care, preparing for diverse clinical roles with promising employment projections indicating a 40% growth in nurse practitioner positions by 2031.

• Online coursework available
• Part-time and full-time options
• 3-3.5 year program length
• $1,384 per credit hour
• Tracks for bachelor's/master's nurses
• Preparation for certification exam
• Clinical sites in Chicago area
• Small class size of 21
• Taught by practicing practitioners

• Hybrid learning format
• Part-time and full-time options
• $1,384 per credit hour
• 2-3.5 year program length
• 75% online coursework
• Clinical sites in Chicago area
• Expert practitioner faculty
• Advanced nursing specialization

• Online part-time program
• $1,384 per credit hour
• 2-4 year completion time
• Prepares for PMHNP certification
• Faculty are active practitioners
• Campus orientation recommended
• Multiple entry pathways
• DNP terminal degree only

• Online DNP program
• 2-3.5 years completion time
• $1,384 per credit hour
• Full-time and part-time options
• Minimal campus visits
• Pediatric Nursing Certification eligible
• Diverse career opportunities
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Leadership skill development
• Experienced practicing faculty

• Online/Hybrid Program
• 2-3.5 Years Program Length
• Full-Time or Part-Time Options
• $1,384 Per Credit Hour
• Small 5-Student Class Size
• Faculty from Rush Medical Center
• Clinical Sites in Chicago
• Tracks for Bachelor's/Master's Nurses

• Online and hybrid learning
• Full or part-time options
• 2.5-3.5 years program length
• $1,384 per credit hour
• Small 5-student class size
• AACN curriculum approved
• Clinical experience at RUSH
• Career growth potential
• Multiple healthcare settings

Bradley University's DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers a cutting-edge online educational experience for advanced nursing professionals. This rigorous curriculum transforms experienced BSN-prepared nurses into comprehensive healthcare leaders through a meticulously designed 3.7-year pathway. Students complete 1,000 clinical hours while mastering evidence-based practice, advanced patient care techniques, and healthcare technology integration. The program emphasizes preparing graduates for national certification exams and leadership roles across diverse clinical environments. Designed for nurses maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA, the program offers complete online flexibility without campus residency requirements.

• 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

Bradley University's DNP Leadership program strategically equips master's-prepared nurses to drive transformative healthcare innovations. This comprehensive online curriculum spans three years, empowering experienced registered nurses to develop advanced administrative and strategic management skills. Students explore sophisticated healthcare policy development, technological implementation, and evidence-based practice methodologies. The program prepares nurses for high-level executive roles by focusing on systemic healthcare improvement, policy influence, and cutting-edge leadership strategies. With 1,000 clinical hours and CCNE accreditation, graduates emerge as sophisticated healthcare change agents ready to elevate organizational performance.

• 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's Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program offers an innovative online pathway for nurses seeking specialized advanced practice credentials. This comprehensive curriculum prepares healthcare professionals to deliver nuanced primary care across adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. Students complete 600 clinical hours with expert preceptors, developing sophisticated diagnostic reasoning and professional practice skills. The program supports multiple entry paths, accommodating both RN-MSN and BSN backgrounds, and comprehensively prepares students for ANCC and AANP certification examinations. Graduates emerge as highly skilled practitioners equipped to address complex healthcare needs in diverse clinical settings.

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

Bradley University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program provides an advanced online educational experience for nurses specializing in critical patient management. This meticulously designed curriculum prepares practitioners to deliver sophisticated care for critically ill adult and geriatric populations. Students navigate multiple entry pathways while completing 600 clinical hours in acute care environments. The program emphasizes complex patient intervention strategies, preparing graduates for specialized certification through ANCC. Admission requirements include an unencumbered nursing license, minimum 3.0 GPA, and an accredited nursing degree, ensuring a high-caliber professional development experience.

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

Illinois State University's post-master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program transforms nursing professionals through a rigorous 34-semester hour curriculum. By emphasizing evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary collaboration, students develop advanced clinical expertise and leadership capabilities. The hybrid program offers unparalleled flexibility with online coursework and periodic on-campus intensives, enabling working healthcare professionals to pursue doctoral advancement. Students complete 360 clinical experience hours and engage in a scholarly project, preparing them to drive systemic healthcare improvements and implement innovative practice strategies.

• 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 offers an innovative pathway for aspiring advanced practice nurses. With a remarkable 99% national certification exam pass rate, this hybrid program combines online learning and on-campus intensives. Students gain comprehensive skills in preventative care, acute and chronic condition management, and can become certified as Family Nurse Practitioners midway through their studies. Doctoral-prepared faculty guide students through a transformative curriculum that emphasizes holistic healthcare approaches and prepares graduates for complex clinical leadership roles.

• 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 DNP in Leadership and Management prepares nurses for influential healthcare roles. Designed for working professionals, the program develops critical skills in policy development, organizational leadership, and strategic management. Candidates must possess an accredited BSN, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and hold an active RN license. The curriculum supports nurses in balancing professional responsibilities while advancing their careers across clinical, educational, and administrative healthcare domains. Experienced practitioners provide mentorship and guidance throughout the transformative learning experience.

• 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 provides a comprehensive pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced practice roles. This hybrid program integrates 78 credit hours and 1,020 clinical hours, enabling students to develop sophisticated preventative care and diagnostic skills. Unique program features include mid-program FNP certification and opportunities to become certified early. Doctoral-prepared faculty emphasize research, health policy, and patient education, preparing graduates to excel across diverse healthcare settings and drive meaningful clinical innovations.

• 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