The Best Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs in Illinois

Illinois, a state recognized for its lively urban centers and abundant cultural legacy, is also establishing itself as a front-runner in progressive healthcare education. In response to the evolving healthcare terrain, there is an escalating demand for highly proficient nurse practitioners (NPs). Acknowledging this necessity, various esteemed institutions in Illinois have formulated top-notch NP programs to equip the next wave of healthcare front-runners. From the bustling thoroughfares of Chicago to the peaceful grounds in Edwardsville, these universities provide a fusion of demanding scholastics, practical clinical involvements, and a pledge to comprehensive patient well-being.

Explore these NP programs in Illinois as we shed light on their offerings, endorsements, and distinctive characteristics.

Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Illinois

The subsequent educational institutions have been chosen based on online nursing writings’ approach of polling our audience to comprehend what they prioritize the most, incorporating graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, cost, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

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1. Rush University

Situated in Chicago, the College of Nursing at Rush University is distinguished for its dedication to advancing healthcare through high-caliber nursing education. The university not only underscores clinical proficiency but also fosters leadership, advocacy, and research in the nursing domain. With a storied past and a forward-looking strategy, the college readies its students to confront the shifting challenges of the healthcare sector.

Rush University provides various NP programs through its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree:

1. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
2. Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PAC-NP)
3. Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPC-NP)
4. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
5. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
6. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGAC-NP)
7. Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPC-NP)

Rush University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

2. University of Illinois at Chicago

UIC’s College of Nursing is acknowledged for its commitment to nurturing excellence in nursing education and exploration. The college extends a diverse array of programs tailored to meet the requirements of diverse nursing career paths, ranging from Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees to advanced doctoral studies.

Through its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, UIC offers various NP concentrations:

1. Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PAC-NP)
2. Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
3. Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPC-NP)
4. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGAC-NP)
5. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
6. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
7. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
8. Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPC-NP)

UIC is CCNE accredited.

3. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago’s Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing is acknowledged for its immersive programs, degrees, and certificates tailored for all levels of nursing students.

Through its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, Loyola offers various NP concentrations:

1. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGAC-NP)
2. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with Substance Use and Addictions specialty
3. Women’s Health/Gender Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
4. Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPC-NP)
5. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
6. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
7. Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with Oncology specialty
8. Family Nurse Practitioner with Emergency specialty

Loyola is CCNE accredited.

4. Lewis University

Lewis University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences is distinguished by its steadfast commitment to sympathetic care, accentuating the dignity of each patient. The college adopts a comprehensive approach to patient care, addressing not only physical symptoms but also the heart, mind, and soul. Scholars at Lewis gain from practical experiences in state-of-the-art simulation hospital rooms and acute care labs, practicing the latest techniques and honing their clinical judgment in a supportive milieu.

Through its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, Lewis University offers four NP concentrations:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGAC-NP)
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPC-NP)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Lewis University is CCNE accredited.

5. University of St. Francis-Illinois

The Leach College of Nursing at the University of St. Francis (USF) is celebrated for its commitment to producing highly proficient and empathetic nurses. Believing that nursing stands as one of the most adaptable and rewarding professions, USF has been at the forefront of nursing education for three generations. The college’s approach to nursing education underscores not only clinical adeptness but also advocacy for patients, ensuring that graduates are thoroughly prepared to serve in various healthcare settings.

Through its MSN and graduate certificates, the University of St. Francis-Illinois offers two NP concentrations:

• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

USF is CCNE accredited.

6. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Situated in Edwardsville, Illinois, the SIUE School of Nursing is a distinguished academic institution devoted to advancing the nursing profession. The school is acknowledged for its commitment to delivering top-notch nursing education, readying students for diverse roles in the healthcare sector. With a storied history and a forward-thinking approach, the SIUE School of Nursing extends a range of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs, catering to both aspiring nurses and seasoned professionals.

Through its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, SIUE offers two NP concentrations:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

SIUE is CCNE accredited.

7. Illinois State University

The Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University is dedicated to fostering excellence in nursing education and practice. The college has a rich legacy of producing competent and compassionate nursing professionals.

ISU offers a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration through its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) track. The hybrid program takes two to three years for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) completion and four to five years for MSN with DNP completion. Stand-alone MSN is 44 credit hours with 660 clinical hours, and the DNP is 78 credit hours with 1020 clinical hours.

ISU is CCNE accredited.

8. Depaul University

DePaul University’s School of Nursing, located in Chicago, is known for its compassionate and individualized approach to nursing education. The school extends a spectrum of undergraduate and graduate degree programs tailored to both practicing nurses and individuals aspiring to enter the nursing profession.

Through its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and graduate certificates, DePaul offers two NP concentrations:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)

DePaul University is CCNE accredited.

9. Saint Xavier University

Saint Xavier University’s School of Nursing, located in Chicago, is

renowned for its commitment to excellence in nursing education. The school has been acknowledged by the National League for Nursing as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education, attesting to its high-quality programs and dedication to student success.

Through its MSN degree, Saint Xavier University offers a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration, designed to equip graduates to undertake the national certification exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Saint Xavier is CCNE accredited.

10. Bradley University

Bradley University’s Department of Nursing is committed to nurturing competent and compassionate caregivers. The department extends a variety of nursing degrees, from direct-admit undergraduate programs for those without a college background, registered nurses (RNs), and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), to graduate nursing degrees available both on campus and online. Students gain from Peoria’s thriving medical community, with access to two major hospital systems, multiple public health facilities, and several nursing homes, allowing them to explore various medical niches during their clinical experiences.

Through its MSN, DNP, and graduate certificates, Bradley University offers several NP concentrations:

1. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
2. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGAC-NP)
3. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
4. Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPC-NP)

Bradley University is CCNE accredited.

11. Saint Anthony College of Nursing

Saint Anthony College of Nursing, affiliated with OSF HealthCare, is dedicated to nurturing individuals who aspire to make a difference in the world through the nursing profession. The college underscores the potency of love, kindness, and compassion in healthcare.

Through its MSN degree, Saint Anthony College offers three NP concentrations:

1. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGAC-NP)
2. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
3. Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPC-NP)

Saint Anthony College of Nursing is CCNE accredited.

12. Northern Illinois University

The School of Nursing at Northern Illinois University equips students with the essential skills to excel as leaders in patient care across diverse settings. Through its MSN degree, Northern Illinois University offers a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration, preparing graduates to sit for the national examination and for advanced practice.

Northern Illinois University is CCNE accredited.

The Easiest Nursing Schools to Get Into

Nurse Practitioner Overview

In the state of Illinois, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) assume a prominent role in advanced practice nursing, contributing a wealth of clinical expertise across various care settings, from acute care hospitals to primary care clinics. The journey of an NP in Illinois typically commences with obtaining an RN license, followed by advanced academic pursuits culminating in either an MSN or DNP degree.

Upon completion of their NP studies, graduates in Illinois must successfully navigate a rigorous national certification exam to attain their advanced practice license. Their clinical skills undergo regular scrutiny, and they engage in periodic peer assessments to ensure adherence to the highest patient care standards.

NPs in Illinois enjoy high esteem in diverse healthcare landscapes, including emergency departments, urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, hospitals, and private medical offices.

Primary NP Responsibilities:

1. Conduct thorough physical health examinations.
2. Initiate and analyze diagnostic procedures, such as X-rays and lab analyses.
3. Diagnose and manage a spectrum of health concerns, both acute and chronic.
4. Authorize medications and curative treatments.
5. Educate patients about disease prevention, potential treatment pathways, and self-care strategies.

NP Concentrations:

1. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): FNPs provide comprehensive health services for all age groups, focusing on promoting wellness, preventing illnesses, and managing chronic ailments. They often act as the primary health providers for entire families.
2. Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP): WHNPs specialize in addressing the distinct health requirements of women, spanning from teenage years to post-menopause. Their services encompass reproductive wellness, gynecological treatments, and support during and after pregnancy.
3. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP): AGNPs cater to the health needs of adults, ranging from early adulthood to the elderly phase. Their expertise includes managing both sudden and long-term health issues, emphasizing personalized health guidance and patient education.
4. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP): NNPs excel in providing care for newborns, particularly those born prematurely or with severe health challenges. Their primary workspace is neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), collaborating with a multidisciplinary medical team.
5. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP): PNPs focus on ensuring the health and development of children, from infancy to teenage years. They address typical pediatric health issues, conduct routine health assessments, and offer advice on dietary choices and growth benchmarks.
6. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): PMHNPs possess specialized skills to manage mental health challenges. They provide evaluations, therapeutic solutions, and holistic care for various psychiatric disorders.

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Illinois:

To pursue a career as an NP, individuals must follow a series of steps, with variations based on individual circumstances. Here are the general steps:

1. Achieve RN Licensure:
– Graduate from an approved nursing program, whether it’s an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
– Successfully clear the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain a registered nurse license in Illinois. Many advanced nursing programs prefer candidates with a BSN.

2. Undertake Advanced Studies:
– Enroll in an MSN or DNP program offering a nurse practitioner track. Choose a program accredited by reputable organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
– Fulfill all academic and clinical requirements set by the program.

3. Achieve National Certification:
– Upon graduation, choose a desired NP specialty (e.g., Family, Pediatric, Adult-Gerontology) and sit for the national certification exam administered by organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

4. Secure NP Licensure in Illinois:
– Apply for NP licensure through the Illinois Board of Nursing.
– Submit required documentation, including proof of RN licensure, advanced degree credentials, and national certification.
– Undergo a state-required criminal background check.

5. Uphold Licensure and Certification:
– Stay informed about current nursing practices and state regulations.
– Participate in ongoing professional education to meet renewal criteria for both state licensure and national certification.
– Regularly renew the license and certification, ensuring compliance with continuing education and clinical practice hours stipulated by the Illinois Board of Nursing and the certification agency.

It’s crucial to periodically consult the Illinois Board of Nursing or related entities to stay updated on any changes in requirements or processes.

Salary Expectations:

The most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides essential insights into NP salaries in Illinois. However, individual circumstances and employer structures play a significant role in determining earnings. In Illinois, the average NP salary is $122,310 or $58.81 per hour, slightly lower than the national average of $124,680.

The top-paying states for NPs are:

• California: $158,130
• New Jersey: $143,250
• Massachusetts: $138,700
• Oregon: $136,250
• Nevada: $136,230

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: How is the scope of practice for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) defined in Illinois, and is it mandatory for them to establish a collaborative agreement with a physician?

A: In Illinois, the Nurse Practice Act outlines the parameters of practice for NPs. Recognized as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), NPs possess the authority to conduct comprehensive health assessments, formulate medical diagnoses, request and interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate treatment plans.

• Collaborative Agreement: Historically, NPs in Illinois were obligated to have a written collaborative agreement with a physician to prescribe medications and engage in practice. Recent legislative modifications have broadened NP autonomy. NPs with over 250 hours of continuing education or training and more than 4,000 hours of clinical experience are eligible to seek full practice authority, enabling them to practice without a written collaborative agreement. It is imperative to stay informed about any legislative changes through regular updates from the Illinois Board of Nursing.

Q: What are the primary distinctions between Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Illinois?

A: Both DNP and MSN programs are designed to prepare Registered Nurses (RNs) for advanced clinical roles, yet they differ in terms of duration, depth, and focus.

• Duration and Depth: DNP programs typically have a longer duration and delve more profoundly into clinical practice, leadership, and healthcare policy. While both programs equip nurses for clinical roles, the DNP places additional emphasis on translating research into clinical practice and effecting system-wide healthcare improvements.
• Curriculum: MSN programs concentrate on advanced clinical training within a chosen specialty, while DNP programs encompass advanced clinical training along with subjects such as healthcare policy, leadership, and evidence-based practice at a more comprehensive level.
• Career Opportunities: Both degrees equip graduates for advanced clinical roles, but NPs with a DNP background may find more opportunities in leadership, academia, and policy-making owing to the comprehensive nature of their education.