DNP Programs in Illinois

Bradley University's DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program provides a cutting-edge online educational pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. Meticulously designed for professionals with a BSN, the curriculum spans 3.7 years and encompasses 1,000 comprehensive clinical hours. Students engage in evidence-based learning that emphasizes primary care, healthcare technology integration, and sophisticated policy development. The program strategically prepares nurses for leadership roles and professional certification, offering a flexible online format that accommodates working healthcare professionals while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

• 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 delivers a transformative online educational experience for master's-prepared nurses targeting high-level healthcare administration roles. Spanning nine semesters, the curriculum cultivates advanced leadership competencies focused on strategic healthcare management, innovative technology implementation, and systemic policy transformation. Students develop sophisticated skills to drive organizational change, with 1,000 clinical hours providing practical leadership experiences. The program's comprehensive approach equips nurses to navigate complex healthcare environments, influence strategic decision-making, and implement evidence-based practices across diverse medical settings.

• 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 a comprehensive online pathway for nurses specializing in comprehensive patient care across adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. The curriculum incorporates 600 clinical hours, enabling students to gain extensive hands-on experience with qualified preceptors. Advanced coursework covers intricate pathophysiology, pharmacological interventions, diagnostic reasoning, and professional practice standards. Designed with flexible entry options for RN-MSN and BSN candidates, the program prepares graduates for specialized certification through ANCC or AANP, emphasizing holistic and nuanced healthcare delivery.

• 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 specialized training for advanced practice nurses focusing on critically ill adult and geriatric patient management. Offering multiple entry pathways, the online curriculum emphasizes complex patient care strategies and advanced clinical interventions. Students complete 600 clinical hours in acute care settings, gaining intensive practical experience that prepares them for specialized certification exams. The program's comprehensive approach integrates sophisticated clinical knowledge with practical skills, enabling graduates to excel in high-intensity healthcare environments and provide sophisticated, patient-centered acute care.

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

Rush University's online Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner DNP program prepares nurses to deliver comprehensive care for children. This top-ranked program focuses on evidence-based practice and leadership, offering full-time or part-time options with minimal campus visits. Graduates are prepared for Pediatric Nursing Certification. Tuition is $1,384 per credit hour, and the field projects 40% job growth with average salaries around $115,600.

• 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 nurses to lead systemic change. This two-year online program enhances leadership skills for systems-level transformation, care delivery model development, and health policy influence. At $1,384 per credit hour, the part-time format suits working professionals aiming for executive healthcare roles with salaries 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 hybrid Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program advances registered nurses' careers. This program blends online and on-campus learning, emphasizing clinical expertise, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Applicants need a BSN, a 3.0 GPA, and RN licensure. The GRE is not required.

• 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 online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program prepares nurses for comprehensive mental healthcare delivery. The program offers flexible online learning (2-4 years) at $1,384 per credit hour. It boasts a high certification exam pass rate, preparing graduates for independent practice.

• Ranked #2 nationally
• 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, ranked third nationally, prepares nurses to care for adults of all ages. This online program emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and advanced clinical skills. The program takes 3-3.5 years, with tuition at $1,384 per credit hour. Graduates are prepared for diverse healthcare settings and strong career growth.

• Nationally ranked program
• 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

Rush University's nationally ranked Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a hybrid learning experience. Students gain expertise in critical care for adult patients, focusing on advanced decision-making and complex patient management. The program offers flexible part-time and full-time options at $1,384 per credit hour, taking 2-3.5 years to complete.

• Nationally ranked nursing program
• 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

Rush University's online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program prepares advanced practice nurses for comprehensive mental healthcare. With a tuition of $1,384 per credit hour, this 3-4 year program suits nurses with bachelor's or master's degrees. It emphasizes autonomous practice, research, and leadership, addressing mental healthcare workforce needs.

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

Rush University's Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner DNP program provides comprehensive pediatric healthcare training. This top-ranked online program emphasizes evidence-based practice and leadership. Offered in full-time and part-time formats (2-3.5 years) at $1,384 per credit hour, graduates are eligible for Pediatric Nursing Certification.

• 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

Rush University's Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP program prepares advanced practice nurses in specialized pediatric healthcare. This program develops advanced clinical skills, leadership, and evidence-based practice for infant and child care. Students learn to mentor, innovate, and enhance patient safety. The flexible online program offers full-time and part-time options at $1,384 per credit hour.

• 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

Rush University's Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP program, designed for bachelor's and master's-prepared nurses, offers specialized neonatal healthcare training. This 2.5-3.5 year online program focuses on direct patient care, nursing practice, and healthcare systems. Tuition is $1,384 per credit hour, with a small class size for personalized learning.

• 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

Lewis University's DNP program empowers nursing professionals to revolutionize healthcare through cutting-edge, evidence-based methodologies. Offering specialized tracks in Adult Gerontology, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health, the comprehensive online curriculum blends advanced coursework with intensive clinical practicums. Students develop sophisticated leadership capabilities, critical clinical reasoning skills, and strategic approaches to population health improvement. The program's flexible design accommodates working nurses, providing opportunities for professional advancement while maintaining current clinical responsibilities. With CCNE accreditation and potential loan forgiveness, graduates emerge as transformative healthcare leaders prepared to address complex medical challenges.

• 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 Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track within the DNP program provides advanced practice nurses with specialized expertise in comprehensive patient care. The curriculum focuses on developing sophisticated clinical skills for managing healthcare across diverse adult populations, emphasizing diagnostic precision, preventative strategies, and holistic patient education. Through a flexible hybrid learning model, students can seamlessly integrate advanced academic training with professional commitments. The program's rigorous coursework prepares practitioners to navigate complex healthcare environments, implement evidence-based interventions, and address critical health challenges facing aging populations.

• 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 represents a comprehensive 76-credit doctoral pathway for ambitious nursing professionals. Designed to cultivate advanced practitioners specializing in critical care environments, the curriculum integrates sophisticated theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical residencies. Students develop expertise in complex patient management, healthcare policy analysis, advanced research methodologies, and specialized acute care interventions. The program's multifaceted approach prepares graduates to excel in high-intensity medical settings, addressing intricate healthcare challenges through evidence-based practice, strategic clinical reasoning, and innovative patient care strategies.

• 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

The University of St. Francis offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program designed for advanced practice nurses aiming to lead in healthcare innovation. With a focus on evidence-based practice and scientific research, this program is tailored for professionals seeking flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor. At $799 per credit hour, the 24-month curriculum is both accessible and intensive, fostering skills in health promotion and clinical excellence. Recognized for its quality, the program holds CCNE accreditation and operates on eight-week course cycles, though prospective students should note state-specific enrollment restrictions. This program is ideal for those looking to elevate their practice and impact in the healthcare sector.

• 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

Illinois State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) represents a comprehensive post-master's program engineered to elevate nursing professionals' clinical capabilities and leadership potential. Strategically designed, the 34-semester hour curriculum empowers advanced practice nurses to drive transformative healthcare improvements through evidence-based methodologies, policy innovations, and scholarly research. The hybrid program uniquely balances online coursework with periodic on-campus intensives, accommodating working healthcare professionals seeking doctoral-level advancement. Students complete 360 clinical experience hours and engage in a substantial scholarly project, developing interdisciplinary collaboration skills and systemic healthcare transformation 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 delivers an intensive educational pathway for ambitious advanced practice nurses. Through a sophisticated hybrid learning model, students acquire comprehensive skills in preventative care, complex health condition diagnosis, and holistic patient management. The program distinguishes itself with an exceptional 99% national certification exam pass rate and enables students to achieve Family Nurse Practitioner certification midway through their academic journey. Doctoral-prepared faculty guide students through a curriculum emphasizing advanced healthcare competencies, ensuring graduates are thoroughly prepared to excel in sophisticated clinical environments and deliver exceptional patient-centered care.

• 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 provides a comprehensive online program tailored for healthcare professionals seeking advanced administrative roles. The curriculum strategically develops critical skills in policy development, organizational leadership, and complex healthcare management. Designed by experienced practitioners, the program supports working professionals balancing academic and professional responsibilities. Candidates explore multifaceted leadership strategies across clinical, educational, and administrative healthcare settings, preparing for influential positions that drive systemic improvements and innovative healthcare delivery models.

• 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 intensive, flexible pathway for experienced nurses pursuing advanced clinical roles. The hybrid program integrates online learning with on-campus experiences, enabling students to develop sophisticated preventative care and diagnostic capabilities. Spanning 78 credit hours and encompassing 1,020 clinical practice hours, the program provides a unique mid-program Family Nurse Practitioner certification opportunity. Doctoral-prepared faculty guide students through a curriculum emphasizing research, health policy, and patient education, ensuring graduates are equipped to deliver exceptional care across diverse healthcare environments.

• 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