12 Best BSN to DNP Programs in Illinois – 2025
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Is enrolling in one of the BSN to DNP programs in Illinois the right career trajectory for you? It is if you’re attracted to advancement opportunities that will allow you to pursue leadership roles in the Land of Lincoln’s healthcare industry. Whether you’re interested in healthcare team management or advanced clinical roles, a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree can be your passport to more autonomy and an array of exciting and highly lucrative job opportunities. DNP-educated nurses in Illinois earn salaries that average $131,060 annually. Start finding out whether pursuing a BSN to DNP is the right path for you by reading our list below of the 12 best BSN to DNP programs in Illinois for 2025.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BSN TO DNP PROGRAMS IN ILLINOIS (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?
(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 12 Best BSN to DNP Programs in Illinois (Online & Campus).)1. University of Illinois at Chicago - Chicago
Specialties Offered: Advanced Population Health Nursing, Health Systems Leadership Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Nurse-Midwifery/ Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
UIC nursing school’s BSN to DNP specializations train you in various clinical and non-clinical roles, ranging from population health, health systems leadership, and nurse-midwifery to NP specializations such as adult gerontology acute care, family health, neonatal care, women’s health, pediatrics, and psychiatric mental health. Regardless of the specialization you choose, graduation requires you to complete around 77 credits in MSN and DNP core and specialization-specific courses. Additionally, each track requires you to fulfill clinical experiences in a variety of clinical settings.
Upon completion of this BSN-to-DNP program in Illinois, you’ll be well-versed in epidemiology & statistics for evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership, health policy, quality & safety, health equity, and nursing informatics.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for this BSN to DNP program, regardless of the specialization, you must have an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, the school requires you to have an unencumbered RN license in IL. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must submit your official transcripts, a resume, a personal goal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Illinois at Chicago BSN-to-DNP Students
• University of Illinois at Chicago’s BSN to DNP program reports an excellent pass rate on the national certification exams.• This BSN to DNP program is ranked among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• University of Illinois at Chicago BSN to DNP program’s accomplished faculty leaves no stone unturned to ensure you leave with a positive academic outcome.
2. Rush University - Chicago
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (NCNS), Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP), Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (AC PNP), Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (PCNS), Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PC PNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and Advanced Public Health Nursing (APHN)
This BSN to DNP program is offered through the hybrid format and takes 2 to 3.5 years to complete. The program can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. While most of the courses are offered online, you are required to make a few campus visits. The clinical training which forms an integral part of the curriculum takes place at sites across Chicago.
If you choose any of the NP tracks, you require completing around 68 credits, whereas the nurse anesthesia specialization comprises a total of 89 credits. On the other hand, if you choose the clinical nurse specialist track, your coursework will consist of 74 credits. If you are inclined towards a non-clinical role, then the college also offers an advanced public health nursing specialization that requires the completion of 62 credits.
Admission Requirements: To gain admission into this BSN-to-DNP program in Illinois, you must have an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, your RN license must be valid and active in the state you intend to practice. Also, you must submit three letters of recommendation, a resume, a personal essay, and all your official transcripts.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Rush University BSN-to-DNP Students
• The U.S. News & World Report ranks Rush University’s BSN to DNP program among the best in the nation.• If you are seeking affordability, then Rush University’s BSN to DNP program offers a competitive tuition rate compared to other such programs in the nation.
• Rush University’s nursing school offers you the advantage of studying at a top-notch medical center, where you’ll find plenty of opportunities to engage in interprofessional collaboration and innovative research.
3. Loyola University Chicago - Maywood
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with Oncology, Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner with Emergency, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with Substance Use & Addictions, Women’s Health/Gender Related Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist with Oncology, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
If you choose any of the NP tracks, you require completing around 71 credits, whereas the CNS tracks comprise around 63 credits. Both, the NP and CNS tracks are based on a strong core of topics that cover theories for advanced clinical practice, nursing research, population-focused health, social justice & ethics, leadership, statistics, and health care policy & economics. Further, the coursework also includes courses in advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and advanced quality & safety in health care. In addition to didactic training, each BSN to DNP track requires you to complete around 2000 hours of clinical practice.
Admission Requirements: Admission into this BSN-to-DNP program in Illinois, regardless of the specialization is a competitive process. Also, applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so, you can apply anytime throughout the year. To qualify for admission, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, you must submit your official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a current resume, and a copy of your current RN licensure.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Loyola University Chicago BSN-to-DNP Students
• Loyola University Chicago’s BSN-to-DNP program is quite affordable compared to other BSN-to-DNP programs in Illinois. In addition, the nursing school offers several financial resources to further help reduce tuition costs.• Loyola’s nursing school boasts more than 85 years of excellence in producing competent nursing professionals who serve diverse patient populations across the nation. The BSN to DNP program is built on this rich history of educational excellence.
• The BSN to DNP education you receive at Loyola University’s nursing school is grounded in Christian values of service and compassion. Also, because the school emphasizes care for the whole person, you will grow not only professionally but also personally.
4. DePaul University - Chicago
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Anesthetist
Regardless of the specialization your choose, to graduate, you’ll require completing core courses, specialization-specific courses, and a DNP project. While the DNP core courses comprise 40 credits, the specialization-specific courses range from 52 to 64 credits.
The doctoral core courses prepare you for nursing leadership by educating you on topics such as healthcare finance, healthcare economics, leadership & organizational behavior, program evaluation, healthcare informatics, and biostatics & nursing research. In addition, you also obtain proficiency in evidence-based practice. Further, the track-specific courses make you proficient in the healthcare management of your chosen population focus. Toward the end of the coursework, you’ll complete a DNP project.
Admission Requirements: This BSN-to-DNP program in Illinois admits registered nurses who have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Besides, to fulfill the admission requirements, you must submit two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a resume, and all your official transcripts.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential DePaul University BSN-to-DNP Students
• DePaul University’s BSN to DNP graduates report finding suitable placements within six months of graduation. This is because the school’s graduates are desired by employers for the exceptional skillset they possess.• DePaul nursing school offers a range of scholarship options to fund your education.
• With a robust alumni network, having more than 3000 nursing graduates working through Chicago, DePaul nursing school offers BSN to DNP students a ready platform for professional networking.
5. Millikin University - Decatur
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia
Both the BSN to DNP tracks are offered with part-time and full-time enrollment options. The DNP-FNP coursework requires the completion of 70 credits, whereas if you opt for the nurse anesthesia track, you’ll complete a total of 88 credits. Some of the common core courses that you take include healthcare policy & economics, evidence-based practice, healthcare informatics, principles of pharmacology, nursing assessment, advanced physiology, and pathophysiology.
Also, this BSN-to-DNP program in Illinois, regardless of the specialization, comprises core topics such as healthcare leadership, and management in healthcare.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission, regardless of the specialization, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, the school requires you to have completed courses in statistics with a minimum grade of C. Aside from this, to fulfill the admission requirements, you must be prepared to submit your official transcripts, resume statement of purpose, and a copy of your valid RN license. Also, you must have at least one year of work experience as a nurse.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Millikin University BSN-to-DNP Students
• Millikin University BSN to DNP graduates have consistently reported excellent performance on the national certification exams. Little surprise that they are desired by prominent employers in the region.• The U.S. News & World Report ranks Millikin University’s BSN to DNP program among the best in the nation.
• Millikin University nursing school secures the clinical placement for you. So, you need to go through the hassle of finding a clinical placement and rather focus on your coursework.
6. Illinois State University - Normal
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Leadership & Management
While the DNP-FNP specialization emphasizes primary care of individuals across the lifespan, the leadership and management specialization is designed to equip you with skills to play leadership and management roles.
The FNP track is partially online, whereas the DNP leadership specialization is 100% online. To complete your DNP in family health you’ll require completing 78 credits, whereas the DNP-leadership track comprises 64 credits. Also, you must complete at least 1000 hours of clinical training. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the national certification exam within your chosen area of focus.
Admission Requirements: This BSN-to-DNP program in Illinois is open to BSN graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0. To qualify, you must have completed pre-requisite courses in statistics, nursing research, and physical assessment with a minimum grade of C. Aside from this, the school requires you to have submitted your official transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Illinois State University BSN-to-DNP Students
• If you choose to complete your doctorate in nursing leadership, then you must know that this BSN to DNP program was the first such program in the Prairie State to have earned the “Quality Matters” recognition.• In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, Illinois State University also offers graduate assistantships through which you can earn and learn.
• Illinois State University nursing school prepares BSN to DNP students for success and their excellent pass rate on the national certification exams only further testifies this fact.
7. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science - North Chicago
Specialties Offered: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia
The doctorate in psychiatric mental health which is offered in the hybrid format leads to the PMHNP certification. Similarly, the nursing anesthesia specialization is also offered with a blend of online and on-campus classes. While the PMHNP track takes 33 months to complete, the CRNA specialization requires 36 months of study.
Regardless of your chosen area of focus, the coursework comprises core topics such as advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, and advanced physiology & pathophysiology. In addition, you’ll also take courses in translational research, health policy, economics & finance, leadership, quality/safety and outcomes management, and the foundations of interprofessional practice.
Admission Requirements: Admission into this BSN-to-DNP program in Illinois, regardless of the specialization, requires you to have an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, the school requires you to have an active and unencumbered RN license in your state of practice. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must submit your official transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science BSN-to-DNP Students
• Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science’s BSN to DNP program offers plenty of clinical experiences at its state-of-art simulation lab and later through a variety of clinical experiences at partner sites across the state.• Because this nursing school emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, you’ll be provided opportunities to work alongside other healthcare professionals. This Interprofessional education prepares you to work as part of a healthcare team where you improve overall patient outcomes.
• With the maximum possible number of years of accreditation granted to Rosalind Franklin University’s DNP program, it certainly stands out among other BSN-to-DNP programs in Illinois for the high-quality education it offers.
8. Bradley University - Peoria
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Regardless of your area of focus, you’ll complete your coursework through 100% online classes that easily fit into your busy work life. The BSN to DNP curriculum comprises around 68 credits and 1000 hours of clinical practice. On average, most students complete this program within 3.3. years.
For all the tracks, the curriculum starts with core courses, continues with specialty courses, and ends with a capstone course. The core courses teach you vital concepts in advanced pathophysiology, healthcare economics & finance, advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, and diagnostic reasoning. Also, you learn about the theoretical foundations of nursing science, health promotion, research design, methods of evidence-based practice, nursing leadership, nursing informatics, and health policy.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission, you must have an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, your RN license must be active and unencumbered in your state of practice. To fulfill the admission requirements, be prepared to submit your official transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Bradley University BSN-to-DNP Students
• Bradley University nursing school ranks among the top in the nation for its doctoral education, as per the U.S. News & World Report.• Bradley’s BSN to DNP is one of the few online BSN-to-DNP programs in Illinois that do not require a campus residency.
• The nursing school’s small-sized classes and dedicated faculty make your online learning experience rather effective. The dedicated support of its faculty members goes beyond class hours and is there for you even after you graduate.
• The clinical experiences that form an integral part of your BSN to DNP curriculum can be conveniently completed at a clinical site of your choice.
9. Governors State University - University Park
Specialties Offered: Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Executive & Innovative Leadership, and Family Nurse Practitioner
To complete your BSN to DNP coursework, you’ll require completing around 86 to 89 credits. While the CNS and FNP tracks educate you on topics such as advanced clinical pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and healthcare policy, the leadership track emphasizes healthcare quality improvement, human resource management, nursing administration, and nursing financial management.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, the school also requires you to have completed a course in statistics with a minimum grade of C. Aside from this, you are required to submit your official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a copy of your RN license.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Governors State University BSN-to-DNP Students
• This BSN-to-DNP program in Illinois is offered by experienced faculty who bring their vast real-world practice experience to the online classroom.• Governors State University BSN-to-DNP program’s interdisciplinary approach offers several opportunities to collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare professionals.
• The nursing school not only offers a student-friendly learning environment but also provides several funding opportunities to make your education rather affordable.
10. Saint Anthony College of Nursing - Rockford
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AG- PCNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Clinical Leadership
Regardless of the track you choose, you’ll complete the program within four to six years, depending on whether you enroll full-time or part-time.
The adult-gerontology specialization comes with two focus areas that prepare you for primary or acute care. On the other hand, if you choose the FNP specialization, you’ll be equipped with excellent skills to provide care to individuals and families across the lifespan. Whereas the clinical leadership track prepares you for management roles in clinical environments.
Each DNP track combines a fine blend of didactic and clinical training. The DNP core courses that are common to all tracks cover topics such as leadership, healthcare policy, population health, and quality improvement.
Admission Requirements: Similar to other BSN-to-DNP programs in Illinois, to gain admission, you must foremost have an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, your RN license must be current and unencumbered in IL. Besides, to fulfill the admission requirements, you must submit your official transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Saint Anthony College of Nursing BSN-to-DNP Students
• The clinical training that forms an integral part of Saint Anthony’s BSN-to-DNP takes place at a variety of clinical affiliates across the region. You will be provided with a range of options to choose from that match your career goals.• Saint Anthony College of Nursing offers several financial aid opportunities to help you save on education costs. Besides, if you are from the military, then you may be eligible for additional benefits.
• Saint Anthony College of Nursing’s BSN to DNP program is grounded in faith-based values of lifelong learning, service, and health equity.
11. Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing - Peoria
Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (P-MHNP), and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
With four NP specializations, you can choose to complete your doctoral education either in adult gerontology acute care, family health, psychiatric mental health, or neonatal care. Regardless of the DNP track you choose, you will graduate within four to six years, depending on whether you enroll full-time or part-time. Some of the topics that are common to all tracks teach you analysis of evidence-based practice, healthcare informatics, healthcare law & ethics, organizational leadership, and principles of epidemiology. You also learn about advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacotherapeutics, and differential diagnosis.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for this BSN-to-DNP program in Illinois, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, your RN license must be valid and unencumbered in the state you intend to practice. Further, to complete the admission requirements, you must submit three letters of recommendation, your official transcripts, and a personal essay. Aside from this, you must have completed undergraduate courses in health assessment and nursing research.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing BSN-to-DNP Students
• Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing’s BSN to DNP program is built on 100 years of nursing education, producing the nation’s most compassionate nursing professionals.• As a Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing BSN-to-DNP student, you’ll be able to explore rich learning experiences in the 600-bed major medical center which is housed on campus.
• Graduates of this BSN-to-DNP program in Illinois report having an overall satisfying learning experience, no wonder the program reports a high graduation rate. Small-sized classes, rigorous clinical training, and financial support are some of the reasons to make this program a popular choice among BSN to DNP students in IL.
12. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville - Edwardsville
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Anesthesia
Regardless of the BSN to DNP track you choose, you’ll complete the program either on a part-time or full-time basis. Besides, with the majority of the coursework being offered online, you’ll only make a few visits to the campus for intensives.
If you choose any of the NP tracks, you require completing around 66 credits, whereas the nursing anesthesia curriculum comprises around 80 credits. Some of the core topics that are common to all the DNP tracks cover topics such as advanced physiology, pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, pharmacology, nursing leadership, and nursing laws and ethics. In addition, all tracks comprise rigorous clinical experiences and a DNP project that you must complete towards the end of your BSN to DNP program.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for this BSN-to-DNP program in Illinois, you must be a registered nurse who has an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, you must have at least one year of work experience as a nurse. Aside from this, you must submit your official transcripts, a resume personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville BSN-to-DNP Students
• Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville nursing school is a military-friendly school, so if you come from a defense background, you can expect financial benefits to make your BSN to DNP education affordable.• The nursing school offers competitive tuition costs. Therefore, you’ll be able to complete this BSN-to-DNP program in Illinois without breaking the bank.
• The nursing school’s BSN to DNP faculty is highly accomplished and have several years of practice experience. Their insightful teaching not only makes classroom learning fruitful but also enhances learning outside the classroom.
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