Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in Illinois

Bradley University's online MSN-FNP program offers three pathways for ADN, BSN, and MSN holders, focusing on advanced primary care skills like health assessment and pharmacology. It requires a 3.0 GPA and active nursing license, with no entrance exam mentioned. The program includes clinical practicums and addresses healthcare shortages.

• Online MSN-FNP program
• Three educational pathways
• 74 credit hours for ADN track
• 65 credit hours for BSN track
• 44 credit hours for MSN certificate
• 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
• Active nursing license needed
• Five clinical practicums
• Addresses healthcare population needs
• Accredited nursing program

Bradley's AGPCNP program offers online training for adolescent to geriatric care, with multiple entry points and 600 clinical hours. It prepares for certification, requires a nursing license and GPA, and does not specify an entrance exam.

• Online AGPCNP program
• Multiple entry pathways
• 600 clinical practicum hours
• Multiple degree options
• Advanced nursing preparation
• Certification exam eligibility
• Comprehensive patient care focus

This MSN with a concentration in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care at Bradley University is online, requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, and nursing license, with 600 clinical hours. It prepares for ANCC certification and does not mention an entrance exam.

• Online MSN specialty track
• 600 clinical practice hours
• ANCC certification eligible
• Acute care nurse focus
• Advanced patient management skills

This online RN to MSN-FNP program at Bradley University is tailored for ADN, BSN, and MSN holders, focusing on family nurse practitioner skills. It requires a valid RN license and 3.0 GPA, with no entrance exam specified.

• Online program format
• Flexible pathways for ADN, BSN, MSN
• Focus on Family Nurse Practitioner
• Clinical practicums included
• Requires valid RN license
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Accredited program degrees required
• Advanced Pathophysiology course
• Advanced Pharmacology course
• High-demand career field

Bradley University's online RN to MSN Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program is designed for registered nurses aiming to advance their careers. This program offers a flexible, 100% online format with no campus residency, allowing students to balance work and studies. It prepares graduates for the ANCC certification exam, focusing on acute care for adult and elderly patients. With a curriculum spanning 56 credit hours over approximately 3 years, it includes bridge courses for ADN or diploma holders. Clinicals can be completed locally, offering practical experience. This program is ideal for those seeking to specialize in acute care settings, enhancing their skills in critical care and complex patient management.

• 100% online format.
• No campus residency required.
• 56 credit hours.
• Approximately 3 years duration.
• Bridge courses available.
• Local clinicals option.
• Prepares for ANCC exam.
• Focus on acute care.
• Flexible for working nurses.
• Adult and elderly care focus.

• Three program entry pathways
• Fully online MSN-FNP
• 65-74 credit hours
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• Advanced clinical practicums
• Accredited nursing program
• Covers multiple patient populations
• Addresses healthcare delivery strategies
• Research-focused curriculum
• Supports career advancement

• 32 total credit hours
• 1.7 years program length
• 100% online format
• 5 semester completion
• Advanced acute care focus
• Prepares for certification exams
• Flexible clinical hour selection

• 32 credit hours required.
• Graduate in 1.7 years.
• 100% online coursework.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Prepares for ANCC/AANPCB exams.
• Focus on chronic condition management.
• Enhances health assessment skills.
• Designed for MSN degree holders.
• Flexible online learning environment.
• 5 semesters to complete.

• 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

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

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

• Online program format.
• 70 semester hours required.
• 1,000 clinical hours.
• Focus on acute care.
• BSN entry requirement.
• 3.0 GPA for admission.
• Unencumbered license needed.
• Advanced health assessment.
• Pharmacology included.
• Diagnostic reasoning focus.

• 100% online learning
• No campus residency required
• 3.7 years to complete
• 11 semesters duration
• 1,000 clinical hours
• Focus on family nurse practice
• BSN and RN license required
• Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission
• Prepares for AANP/ANCC exams
• Leadership in healthcare policy

The University of Illinois Chicago's Doctor of Nursing Practice offers a specialized Neonatal Nurse Practitioner track for advanced practice nurses seeking expertise in newborn and infant healthcare. Designed for experienced RNs, this rigorous program prepares professionals to provide comprehensive, high-quality care in neonatal settings, addressing complex medical needs with advanced clinical skills and evidence-based interventions.

• Specialized Neonatal Nurse Practitioner track
• Advanced practice nursing doctorate
• Comprehensive clinical preparation
• Experienced RN pathway
• Evidence-based neonatal care focus

University of Illinois Chicago's Post-DNP Certificate for Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care offers advanced nurses a strategic pathway to specialize in pediatric primary healthcare. This innovative hybrid program blends online and on-site learning, ensuring comprehensive training with 675 clinical hours. With a perfect 100% certification exam pass rate, the program prepares DNP-prepared nurses to excel in pediatric care. Students benefit from faculty-arranged clinical placements and a curriculum designed to enhance advanced practice skills. Fall admission provides a structured entry point, with applications accepted from August through March.

• Hybrid online and on-site courses.
• 100% certification exam pass rate.
• Fall admission only.
• Applications accepted August-March.
• 23 semester hours required.
• 675 clinical hours needed.
• Arranged clinicals with preceptors.
• Additional courses for non-APRN certified.
• Tuition based on UIC professional rates.
• No financial aid for certificates.

The University of Illinois Chicago's Family Nurse Practitioner post-DNP certificate program empowers experienced nurses to expand their practice into comprehensive family healthcare. Designed for DNP-prepared professionals, this hybrid program combines flexible online and on-site learning with 585 clinical hours. Graduates consistently achieve national certification, supported by faculty-arranged clinical sites and preceptors. The curriculum emphasizes primary care management, offering a robust training experience that prepares nurses for diverse healthcare settings and advanced practice roles.

• Hybrid online and on-site format.
• 100% certification exam pass rate.
• Clinical sites arranged by faculty.
• Fall admission only.
• Applications accepted August-March.
• Total 25 semester hours.
• 585 clinical hours required.
• For DNP-prepared nurses.
• Prepares for FNP certification.
• Professional program tuition rates.

UIC's Post-DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate provides a transformative pathway for DNP-prepared nurses seeking specialized mental health expertise. This hybrid program delivers comprehensive training with 750 clinical hours, focusing on advanced psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Faculty-arranged practicum sites ensure practical experience across various mental health settings. With a stellar 100% certification exam pass rate, the program equips nurses to address complex mental health challenges and expand their professional capabilities.

• Hybrid online and on-site format.
• 100% certification exam pass rate.
• 750 required clinical hours.
• Fall admission only.
• Faculty-arranged practicum sites.
• No financial aid for certificates.
• Tailored for DNP-prepared nurses.
• Comprehensive mental health curriculum.
• National certification preparation.
• Hands-on clinical experience.

University of Illinois Chicago's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner post-DNP certificate offers a nationally ranked pathway for experienced nurses. This hybrid program combines rigorous online and on-site learning, providing 675 clinical training hours in acute care specialization. Ranked #8 nationally, the program boasts a remarkable 100% certification exam pass rate. Designed exclusively for DNP-prepared nurses, it enables practitioners to develop advanced skills in managing complex adult and geriatric health conditions.

• Hybrid learning format
• 100% certification exam pass rate
• 23 total semester hours
• 675 clinical training hours
• DNP preparation required
• Fall admission only
• Practicum sites arranged by faculty

• Hybrid program format
• 100% graduates' certification exam pass rate
• 675 total clinical hours
• DNP prerequisite required
• Fall semester admission only
• Online and on-site courses
• Faculty-arranged clinical sites

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

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

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

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

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

• 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

Lewis University's Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner hybrid program offers a dynamic pathway for advanced nursing professionals. With an impressive 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the program develops sophisticated skills in patient education, health promotion, and disease prevention. Designed for working nurses, the flexible format provides comprehensive training in primary care, supported by competitive tuition and potential employer assistance. Graduates can anticipate enhanced career opportunities with potential annual salaries around $120,000, positioning themselves as critical healthcare providers in adult and gerontological settings.

• Hybrid program format
• 12:1 student-faculty ratio
• Employer tuition assistance
• Advanced patient care skills
• Potential $120K average salary

Lewis University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides a flexible educational pathway for working nurses. Designed for professionals seeking career advancement, the program emphasizes advanced skills in diagnostics, health promotion, and disease prevention. Admission requires a BSN, RN licensure, and a 3.0 GPA. With employer tuition discounts and a focus on ethical healthcare practices, the program prepares nurses to deliver comprehensive primary care across all age groups, enhancing their clinical expertise and professional opportunities.

• Online format available.
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• Flexible full-time or part-time.
• Employer tuition discounts.
• Requires BSN and RN licensure.
• 3.0 GPA for admission.
• Focus on diagnostics and prevention.
• Ethical healthcare practices.
• Designed for working professionals.
• Advanced nursing skills.

Lewis University's Master of Science in Nursing with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration offers comprehensive mental health training. Available online and on-campus, the program prepares nurses to diagnose, treat, and manage psychiatric conditions across the lifespan. Requiring a BSN, RN licensure, and 3.0 GPA, the curriculum provides advanced training in therapy and pharmacotherapy. With employer tuition discounts, scholarships, and CCNE accreditation, graduates are equipped to improve mental health outcomes in diverse clinical settings, addressing critical healthcare needs.

• Psychiatric Mental Health focus.
• Online and campus options.
• Flexible full or part-time.
• BSN and RN licensure required.
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
• Employer tuition discounts available.
• Scholarships for eligible students.
• Advanced diagnostics and therapy training.
• Prepares for diverse mental health settings.
• Accredited by CCNE.

Lewis University's Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate empowers experienced nurses to elevate their clinical expertise through a flexible hybrid program. Designed for advanced healthcare professionals, this non-degree pathway requires a master's degree from an accredited nursing program and a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA. Nurses can specialize in family healthcare delivery, gaining advanced skills to provide comprehensive patient care across diverse settings. The program offers competitive tuition, potential financial aid, and multiple learning formats, enabling nurses to enhance their professional credentials while maintaining current employment.

• Post-Master's Non-Degree Certificates
• Multiple Nursing Specialties Available
• CCNE Accredited Programs
• Minimum 3.0 Graduate GPA Required
• Competitive Tuition Rates
• Employer Tuition Assistance Options
• Alumni 20% Tuition Scholarship
• Graduate Assistantship Opportunities
• Online and On-Campus Options
• Advanced Practice Nurse Tracks

Lewis University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate provides advanced practice nurses a specialized pathway to mental health care. This hybrid program prepares nurses to diagnose, treat, and manage psychiatric conditions across patient populations. With CCNE accreditation and competitive tuition, the program offers flexible online and on-campus learning. Applicants must hold a master's degree, maintain RN licensure, and demonstrate a 3.0 graduate GPA. Graduates develop sophisticated skills in therapeutic interventions, pharmacological management, and holistic mental healthcare approaches.

• Multiple nursing specialty tracks
• CCNE accredited program
• Post-masters certificate options
• Employer tuition assistance available
• Online and on-campus formats
• 20% alumni scholarship
• Competitive graduate admissions
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Current RN licensure needed
• Professional recommendation required

• Post-masters non-degree certificate
• Hybrid program format
• Advanced acute care specialization
• CCNE accredited program
• Prepares for specialized nursing roles

• Campus-based certificate program
• Prepares NPs for multiple settings
• CCNE accredited nursing program
• Post-master's non-degree option
• Comprehensive patient care focus

• 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

• 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

• Hybrid program format
• 76 credit hours required
• Focus on acute care management
• Includes DNP residency
• Scholarly project required
• Covers healthcare policy
• Teaches financial management
• Emphasizes evidence-based practice
• Requires BSN for admission
• Prepares for leadership roles

Loyola University Chicago's Post-Graduate Certificate Program in Family Nurse Practitioner offers specialized clinical training for bachelor's or master's-prepared nurses, focusing on advanced practice roles. This hybrid program includes personalized study plans, emphasizes evidence-based care and ethical decision-making, and prepares for certification exams. It does not require an entrance exam, as it is designed for post-graduate advancement.

• Multiple nursing certificate tracks
• Advanced practice clinical experiences
• Taught by Loyola faculty
• Post-graduate APRN focus
• Specialized healthcare roles
• Personalized study plans
• Online Oncology Nursing option
• Interprofessional collaboration emphasis
• DNP needed post-2022
• Certification exam preparation

Loyola University Chicago's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is a 72-credit DNP track with a blended format, preparing nurses for ANCC certification. It focuses on mental health evaluation, pharmacological treatment, and serving underserved populations with a social justice emphasis. No entrance exam is required, but competitive admissions and an RN license are prerequisites.

• 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 is a hybrid offering with 70 credit hours and 2,000 clinical hours. It provides comprehensive care training in reproductive and gynecological health, emphasizing evidence-based practice and social justice. No entrance exam is needed, though competitive admission and an RN license are required.

• 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 is a campus-based 69-credit DNP track focusing on care for aging adults in primary settings. It includes 2,000 clinical hours, advanced assessment skills, and leadership training, with partnerships in Chicago. No entrance exam is specified, but competitive admission and an RN license are required.

• 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 is a hybrid DNP track with 71 credit hours and 2,000 clinical hours, preparing nurses for high-intensity environments. It offers flexible study options and customized placements in Chicago. No entrance exam is mentioned, but competitive admission and an RN license are prerequisites.

• 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

North Central College's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a 47-credit hybrid curriculum with 525 clinical hours, focusing on primary care across all life stages. It prepares graduates for diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions, with competitive tuition and up to 25% scholarships. Admission requires a BSN, RN license, and 3.0 GPA; no entrance exam is mentioned.

• 47 credit hours, 9 semesters
• Online program with 2-3 campus visits
• 525 clinical practice hours
• Tuition potential scholarships 25%
• Holistic admission approach
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• BSN from accredited program
• Current unencumbered RN license
• National certification eligibility
• Independent practice potential

North Central College's online MSN with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration focuses on evidence-based mental health care, cultural inclusivity, and social justice. Accredited by CCNE, it requires a BSN, RN license, and 3.0 GPA for admission, with scholarships reducing costs. No entrance exam is specified in the program details.

• Online program format
• Psychiatric Mental Health focus
• Accredited by CCNE
• Requires BSN and RN license
• 3.0 GPA for admission
• Interprofessional collaboration
• Evidence-based practice
• Cultural inclusivity emphasized
• Social justice principles
• Scholarships available

The Post-Graduate APRN Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner at North Central College is a hybrid program emphasizing comprehensive primary care skills over 47 credits and 525 clinical hours. It includes training in diagnosis, treatment, and prescription, with tuition from $16,080-$21,708 annually and scholarship opportunities. Admission requires a BSN, RN license, and 3.0 GPA; no entrance exam is specified.

• 47 credit hours, 9 semesters
• Hybrid online/on-campus program
• 525 clinical practice hours
• Covers primary care lifespan
• Advanced diagnostic skills
• Prescription authorization training
• Holistic admission process
• Multiple scholarship options
• Potential 25% tuition reduction

North Central College's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate program is hybrid, covering 47 credits and 525 clinical hours to assess and manage mental health conditions. It features evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration, with tuition ranging $37,830-$51,133 and potential scholarships. Admission requires a BSN, RN license, 3.0 GPA, and undergraduate statistics; no entrance exam is noted.

• 47 credit hours online program
• 525 clinical practice hours
• 2-3 on-campus immersions
• Unencumbered RN license required
• 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
• Prescription and therapy authorization
• Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
• Certification exam eligible
• Interprofessional approach
• Holistic admission process

The online MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track at North Central College prepares nurses for licensure and certification in mental health care across the lifespan, with 47 credits and 525 clinical hours. It emphasizes holistic and cultural care, with financial aid available. Admission requires a BSN, RN license, 3.0 GPA, and additional materials; no entrance exam is mentioned.

• Online MSN program
• PMHNP track
• 47 credit hours
• 9 semesters
• 525 clinical hours
• 2-3 campus visits
• National certification
• Illinois licensure
• Financial aid available
• Fall 2025 start