Best Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs in Illinois

Nurses in Illinois looking to advance their careers or specialize in a particular medical field may find the nurse practitioner pathway to be a great option. Not only will it garner you more independence in your nursing role, but it will also give you the ability to seek higher-paying positions in the Chicago area or statewide. Learn about the many ways you can become a nurse practitioner in Illinois by taking a look at the sections below. Jump to program listings.

2025 - Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Illinois

Introducing RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 Rankings of the Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Illinois! Our rankings are designed to help future nurse practitioners discover the top online programs in the state. We evaluate each program based on key factors like completion rates, affordability, institutional reputation, program variety, and faculty expertise. For a detailed look at our ranking criteria, visit our methodology page.

1.

Bradley University

Peoria, IL

Bradley University's Department of Nursing offers top-tier nurse practitioner programs. These programs provide students with comprehensive theoretical and practical training in a variety of specialties, including family, adult-gerontology, and psychiatric-mental health. The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with advanced clinical skills and prepare them for success in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry.

DNP Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner Track Online/Hybrid
• Leadership Track Online/Hybrid

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Online Post Masters Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Online/Hybrid

MSN Programs

• MSN-FNP program Online/Hybrid

2.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) offers nationally accredited nurse practitioner programs through its School of Nursing. SIUE offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with specialties such as family, pediatric, and psychiatric-mental health. The MSN program also offers a dual degree option with a Master of Public Health (MPH). SIUE's nursing department has a strong emphasis on interprofessional education and hands-on clinical experiences.

DNP Programs

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Nurse Anesthesia DNP Online/Hybrid
• Post-Master's DNP Online/Hybrid

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Health Care and Nursing Administration Online/Hybrid
• Nurse Educator Online/Hybrid

MSN Programs

• Health Care and Nursing Administration Online/Hybrid
• Nurse Educator Online/Hybrid

3.

Rush University

Chicago, IL

Rush University's College of Nursing offers highly competitive nurse practitioner programs, including Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The nursing department at Rush University is consistently ranked as one of the top in the nation, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration.

DNP Programs

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Online/Hybrid
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) Online/Hybrid
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) Online/Hybrid
• Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) Online/Hybrid
• Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Online/Hybrid
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NP) Online/Hybrid
• Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) Online/Hybrid
• Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Online/Hybrid
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP) Online/Hybrid
• Online DNP - Transformative Leadership: Systems Online/Hybrid

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate Online/Hybrid
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate Online/Hybrid
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) Online/Hybrid

MSN Programs

• Clinical Nurse Leader for RNs Online/Hybrid

PhD Programs

• Nursing Science (PhD) Online/Hybrid

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

If you’ve already considered becoming a nurse practitioner, you may be thinking “I can’t afford to go back to school” or “I don’t have the time to take on a graduate degree program”. However, you may be happy to learn that Illinois has nurse practitioner options that shorten the amount of time that students will need to be enrolled, especially nurses who are already working in the field or who have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This will save you not only time but also money as you will potentially be able to drop certain credits.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

In most cases, students will find that a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) (as opposed to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree) will allow them to graduate in the shortest amount of time. On average, most MSN programs take between 2-4 years of full-time study, but in Illinois, there are some MSN programs that can take even less time, especially through the use of online learning or summer school. Here are some of Illinois’ cheapest NP programs:

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

If you’re looking to save money on your nurse practitioner education, Illinois is a great state to do your research, as there are many budget-friendly options to choose from. As you look through each one, consider the factors that affect tuition costs, such as program size, technology fees, cost of living, and whether you have residency status or not. Here are a few suggestions for schools that offer lower prices for their MSN programs.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

One of the final considerations you should make as you research potential nurse practitioner programs is whether or not they will include options to specialize. Depending on the program, you may be able to focus your studies in an exciting medical field such as family nurse practice or neurology. Here are a few examples of specialized nurse practitioner programs in Illinois.

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

Traditional MSNs may be one of the more common routes to becoming a nurse practitioner, but they are far from the only route. Depending on your credentials, licensure, and previous education, you may be able to graduate even faster and for less money than if you had enrolled in an MSN program. Here are the various types of NP programs available to you in Illinois.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

The traditional Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is one of the most common NP degrees. They are often available in a variety of NP specializations and take about two years to complete. Examples in Illinois include:

• Illinois College – Jacksonville, IL
• Northern Illinois University – DeKalb County, IL

RN to NP Programs

If you have been working as a nurse for at least a year and have an associate degree in nursing, you may be able to skip the typical degree requirement (BSN) and go straight to the MSN program (though it will be a little longer in length than a typically MSN program). Here are a few RN to NP programs available in the state:

• University of Illinois – Chicago, IL
• DePaul University – Chicago, IL

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

The highest level of degree that a nurse practitioner can achieve is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These programs require at least six years of study, but they will unlock many career opportunities and higher-paying salaries. Here are a few options for students in Illinois:

• University of Illinois – Chicago, IL
• Northern Illinois University – DeKalb County, IL

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Post-Master's Nursing Certificates are designed for MSN-educated nurses wanting to enter or switch to a new NP specialty. Post-master’s nurse practitioner certificates are not technically degrees. However, they can be a shorter and often more affordable way for eligible nurses to gain NP training, typically completed in a year or less. Examples in the state include:

• Illinois State University – Normal, IL
• DePaul University – Chicago, IL

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, allow non-nurses with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing area of study to enter directly into an MSN program. These programs essentially combine BSN and MSN coursework into one rigorous program, saving you both time and money. Here are some examples:

• DePaul University – Chicago, IL
• Aurora University – Aurora, IL

General Admissions Requirements

To apply to a nurse practitioner program, you’ll need to fulfill a number of general admissions requirements. These may be, but are not limited to:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

Illinois NP License and Certification Requirements

To fulfill the nurse practitioner licensing requirements, you’ll need a graduate nursing degree and a current RN license. To apply for licensure, candidates must submit supporting documentation, such as proof of their Illinois RN license, official academic transcripts, and evidence of clinical experience. In addition, candidates must complete an application form and pay the application fee, which usually costs around $125. More detailed information and guidance on the application process can be found via Illinois's licensing authority or the state’s online portal.

Certification is another critical step for NPs in Illinois, as it is required in most specialty areas. Certification can be obtained through agencies such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or other recognized boards. Typically, applicants must hold a valid RN license and have completed a graduate-level nursing program focused on an area of specialization. Certification exams are also necessary to demonstrate proficiency.

As of 2024, nurse practitioners in Illinois have reduced practice authority under specific conditions, allowing them to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients independently after completing a transition-to-practice period, during which they work under a collaborative agreement with a physician. This reduced practice authority enables NPs to deliver comprehensive care in various healthcare settings. For further resources, advocacy, and professional development opportunities, the Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing (ISAPN) offers support to NPs throughout the state.

List of NP Programs in Illinois