DNP Programs in Illinois

Lewis University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares advanced nursing professionals to transform healthcare through innovative, evidence-based practices. Students can choose from multiple specialization tracks, including Adult Gerontology, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health. The comprehensive online program combines rigorous coursework with clinical practicums, enabling graduates to develop sophisticated leadership skills, advanced clinical judgment, and strategies for improving population health outcomes. With competitive tuition and potential loan forgiveness options, this program offers a flexible pathway for nurses seeking doctoral-level expertise.

• 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

Lewis University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offers an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced practice expertise. This comprehensive program prepares nurses to provide high-quality primary healthcare for adolescents and adults across diverse settings. Students develop advanced skills in patient education, health promotion, diagnostics, and disease prevention. With a flexible online coursework format and immersion experiences, the program allows practicing nurses to enhance their clinical knowledge while maintaining professional commitments. Competitive tuition and various scholarship opportunities make this advanced degree accessible for career-driven nursing professionals.

• 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 BSN to DNP Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program equips nurses with advanced skills to provide comprehensive healthcare for adult and geriatric patients in critical settings. This comprehensive 76-credit doctoral program prepares nurses to deliver high-quality, evidence-based acute care through rigorous academic training. Students develop expertise in complex patient management, healthcare policy, research methodologies, and advanced clinical practice. The program combines theoretical coursework with extensive clinical residencies, enabling graduates to become specialized practitioners who can address critical healthcare challenges in acute and intensive care environments.

• 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) is a comprehensive post-master's program designed to elevate nursing professionals' clinical expertise and leadership skills. The rigorous 34-semester hour curriculum develops advanced practice nurses capable of transforming healthcare systems through evidence-based practices, policy development, and scholarly research. Students complete 360 clinical experience hours, engage in a scholarly project, and learn to collaborate across interdisciplinary teams. The hybrid program offers online courses with occasional on-campus intensives, providing flexibility for working healthcare professionals seeking doctoral-level advancement.

• 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a transformative educational journey for aspiring advanced practice nurses. Designed by experienced doctoral-prepared faculty, this hybrid program blends online and on-campus learning for maximum flexibility. Students gain comprehensive skills in preventative care, diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic health conditions. A standout feature is the opportunity to become certified and licensed as a Family Nurse Practitioner midway through the program. With a remarkable 99% national certification exam pass rate, the program prepares nurses to excel in advanced healthcare 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice in Leadership and Management prepares nurses for advanced healthcare leadership roles. This fully online program enables working professionals to develop critical skills in policy development, healthcare management, and organizational leadership. Designed by experienced practitioners, the curriculum supports nurses balancing work, education, and personal responsibilities. Candidates must hold a BSN from an accredited program, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and possess an active RN license. The program provides comprehensive preparation for influential roles in clinical, educational, and administrative healthcare settings.

• 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 a comprehensive, flexible pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced practice roles. This hybrid program blends online and on-campus learning, enabling students to integrate preventative care, diagnose health conditions, and develop advanced clinical skills. Students complete 78 credit hours and 1,020 clinical hours, with a unique opportunity to become certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner midway through the program. Designed by practicing doctoral faculty, the program emphasizes research, health policy, and patient education across diverse healthcare settings.

• 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of St. Francis prepares advanced practice nurses to lead healthcare transformation. This rigorous online program equips nurses with cutting-edge scientific research skills and evidence-based practice strategies. Designed for working professionals, the 24-month program costs $799 per credit hour and offers flexible learning. Graduates develop expertise in health promotion, advanced clinical practice, and scholarly inquiry, positioning themselves for leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings.

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

Bradley University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner track offers a comprehensive online pathway for BSN-prepared nurses to advance their careers. This 100% online program transforms experienced nurses into advanced healthcare leaders, focusing on evidence-based practice and comprehensive patient care. Designed for nurses with a minimum 3.0 GPA, the program spans approximately 3.7 years and includes 1,000 clinical hours. Graduates gain advanced skills in primary care, healthcare technology, and policy development, preparing them for certification exams and leadership roles across diverse healthcare settings.

• 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 online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Leadership program empowers master's-prepared nurses to elevate their professional expertise and drive transformative healthcare change. Designed for experienced RNs with a 3.0 GPA, this 100% online program spans three years and includes 1,000 clinical hours. Graduates develop advanced leadership skills to improve healthcare delivery, influence policy, and implement innovative technologies. The curriculum prepares nurses for high-level roles in administration, research, and patient care, emphasizing evidence-based practice and strategic healthcare management.

• 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 (AGPCNP) program offers a comprehensive online pathway for nurses seeking advanced practice specialization. This robust program prepares healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive primary care for adolescents, adults, and geriatric populations. Students complete 600 clinical hours with qualified preceptors, gaining extensive hands-on experience. The curriculum covers advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, diagnostic reasoning, and professional practice, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for certification exams through ANCC or AANP. Designed for both RN-MSN and BSN entry paths, the program ranges from 47-56 semester hours, providing flexible educational opportunities for working healthcare professionals.

• 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 (AGACNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide specialized care for critically ill adult and geriatric patients. Students can choose from multiple entry points, including RN-MSN and BSN-MSN tracks, with comprehensive curriculum focusing on complex patient management. The program offers online flexibility, requiring 600 clinical hours in acute care settings and preparing graduates for specialized certification exams. Admission requires an unencumbered nursing license, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and an accredited nursing degree.

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

McKendree University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Ethical Leadership empowers nurses to become transformative healthcare leaders. This rigorous 30-credit online program prepares advanced nursing professionals to drive systemic improvements through evidence-based practice. Students develop critical thinking skills, ethical decision-making capabilities, and interprofessional collaboration techniques. With a curriculum focusing on leadership, quality improvement, and healthcare policy, graduates are equipped to champion positive health outcomes at individual and population levels. The program requires a competitive 3.5 GPA, five years of nursing experience, and offers flexible learning through cohort-based instruction and two annual virtual immersions.

• 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