Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs in Illinois (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Illinois teach nurses how to manage critically ill newborns, many of whom are cared for in specialized hospital units known as neonatal intensive care units. If you have a big heart, clinical dexterity, and an aptitude for technology, this may be an ideal job for you. NNPs average $136,300 a year in salary, and the preterm birth rate in Illinois is rising, which means employment opportunities for neonatal nurse practitioners are growing, too: In 10 years, there will be 41 percent more jobs for NNPs in the Land of Lincoln than there are today. Learn more about this professional track with the guide below to the best neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Illinois.
FOLLOWING ARE THE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN ILLINOIS (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs in Illinois.)
1. Rush University - Chicago
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, and Postgraduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: I remember the day my son was born as if it were yesterday. As joyous as the occasion was, it was also frightening because he had to be transported to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The week he spent there was emotionally gruelling. One of the people whose presence had the most impact on us during that time was the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner assigned to his care.
If you are a registered nurse interested in providing care to vulnerable newborns and children up to two years old, perhaps you have considered becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. Knowing which programs are available and choosing one that best fits your goals is essential, given the many options. For example, Rush University in Chicago offers three pathways for its neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Illinois. The program can be completed in 2.5 years if you enroll full-time or 3.5 years if you enroll part-time. Admission occurs in the fall and spring semesters.
The BSN-to-DNP program is presented primarily online, with two campus visits required. In this pathway, you will complete 68 credits. The curriculum features classes such as Neonatal Pharmacotherapeutics, Developmental Physiology for the Fetus/Neonate, and Neonatal Pathophysiology. You will also complete a minimum of 1,008 clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the post-baccalaureate DNP program, you must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution and have a current, unrestricted RN license in the United States. Applications are submitted via NursingCAS. You are required to submit a resume or curriculum vitae, three professional letters of recommendation, and answers to personal essay questions, and participate in an interview with program faculty. At least six months of Level III or Level IV NICU experience is required by the application deadline, and you must have at least two years of NICU experience before beginning any clinical course. Finally, you must provide official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you attended reflecting a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. If you did not previously take courses in Biostatistics/Epidemiology and Research, they will be included in your plan of study to earn the DNP.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: The MSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program is an excellent option for master’s-prepared RNs who wish to earn a clinical doctorate and specialize in neonatal care. The program admits students twice each year in the Fall and Spring. Part-time and full-time enrollment options are available, making it easier for you to accomplish your degree in a timeframe that suits your needs and goals.
The MSN-to-DNP program is a 56-credit pathway. The curriculum consists of the advanced practice nursing core, the DNP core, population/role cognates, and DNP practicum and project courses. Coursework is primarily online except for one three-day campus visit and final campus attendance for final defense presentations.
All DNP students are required to complete at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. Local students may complete clinicals at sites, including Rush University Medical Center and other clinical partner sites in the Chicago area. Distance students are responsible for identifying potential clinical sites and preceptors and connecting the Rush School of Nursing Clinical Placement Team with them to negotiate clinical contracts.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: If you have a master’s degree in nursing and a valid, unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse, you may apply for admission to the MSN-to-DNP program. In addition to submitting an application through NursingCAS, you need to provide three letters of professional recommendation, a current CV or resume, answers to personal essay questions, and copies of all college and university transcripts reflecting a minimum college GPA of 3.0. You need a minimum of six months of recent neonatal ICU experience in a Level III or higher NICU before the application deadline, and you must show proof of at least two years of experience before beginning any clinical course. All applicants are required to interview with program faculty before receiving an official offer of admission. Completion of Biostatistics/Epidemiology and Research courses is required before admission, or those courses will be added to your plan of study.
Post-graduate Certificate Program Details: Rush University also offers a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate option designed for APRNs who want to expand their knowledge and skills and provide care to neonatal patients. Applications for the program are accepted on a rolling basis, and new classes are admitted three times each year in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
The PGC program requires the completion of 28 credits and 588 clinical hours. A GAP analysis of your previous nursing transcripts will be used to determine a personalized plan of study. If you lack prerequisite courses in Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Physiology, and Transition to the APRN Role, those courses will be added to your plan.
Post-graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program, you must hold a graduate degree in nursing that qualifies you to sit for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certification. Two years of recent NICU experience is required.
To apply, you must complete an application via NursingCAS and a RUSH supplemental application. You are required to submit a current resume or curriculum vitae, three professional letters of reference, answers to essay questions, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities you previously attended. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is required. An interview with program faculty is typically required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs are demanding, and having access to faculty and support staff is crucial. At Rush University, the NNP programs have an average class size of 12 students with a faculty-to-student ratio of four or fewer students per faculty member. Small class sizes mean you have more individual attention, which can be instrumental in your success in the program.• Experience is the best teacher, and when it comes to nursing education, learning from experienced practitioners makes a difference in your success. At Rush University, you will learn from faculty who are practicing Neonatal NPs at top medical centers, including Rush University Medical Center. Their broad range of clinical experience and insight provides enriched learning opportunities to prepare you to become an exceptional leader in neonatal care.
• Rush University reports an exceptional first-time pass rate on Neonatal Nurse Practitioner certification exams, one of many reasons it is considered home to one of the best neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Illinois.
2. Saint Francis Medical Center - Peoria
Programs Offered: MSN and BSN-to-DNP
MSN Program Details: Another outstanding neonatal nurse practitioner program in Illinois is offered at Saint Francis Medical Center. The MSN Neonatal NP program admits students in the fall of each year and takes an average of three years to complete.
Online coursework makes this program an excellent option for busy professional nurses. Coursework may be synchronous or asynchronous, at the instructor’s discretion. The online learning management system facilitates easy interaction and collaboration with faculty and classmates while completing coursework and assignments in your preferred setting.
The 42-credit program features classes such as Advanced Pathophysiology of the Neonate, Advanced Pharmacology for the NNP, and Advanced Neonatal Assessment. The program also includes 600 supervised clinical hours. Clinical experiences are arranged by program faculty and occur in Levels III and IV Neonatal Intensive Care Units, ensuring you have exposure to critically ill and high-risk infants.
MSN Admission Requirements: Admission to the MSN program at SFMC requires completion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a nursing program that is regionally accredited and accredited by the ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA, and proof of a current, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse. You are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you attended. Transcripts should reflect a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale and evidence of completion of undergraduate Health Assessment and Nursing Research courses with a minimum grade of “C” in each course. Although you may begin theory courses without the required clinical experience, you must have the equivalent of two years of full-time experience as a Registered Nurse in a Level III or Level IV Neonatal ICU within the five years before beginning clinical courses. An interview with program faculty may be requested.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The post-baccalaureate DNP program offers a pathway to earning a clinical doctorate specializing in neonatal care with an in-depth focus on the management of critically and acutely ill neonates and their families. The program admits new cohorts in the fall and spring and is designed to be completed in three and a half years.
The BSN-to-DNP program is a 73-credit-hour pathway. The majority of didactic courses are delivered online, making it easier to balance personal and professional responsibilities. Periodic campus visits are required to attend on-campus intensives. Campus-based intensives include simulation exercises, advanced assessment labs, and faculty-led workshops and evaluations.
Students in the DNP program must have a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate practicum hours. Students who live locally complete clinicals at Rush University Medical Center and other partner sites in the Chicago region. Distance learning students collaborate with the Clinical Placement Team to secure clinical sites and preceptors closer to home.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, you must have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited and regionally accredited nursing program and have a current, unencumbered RN license. Candidates with evidence of one year of professional nursing experience are preferred. Additionally, before enrolling in any clinical course, you must have at least 2 years of full-time work experience as an RN in a Level III or Level IV NICU. This experience must have occurred within the past five years. You must hold and maintain a current Neonatal Resuscitation Program certificate throughout the program. You are required to submit official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended and have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Completion of an undergraduate Health Assessment and an undergraduate Nursing Research course, each with a minimum grade of "C," is required. The School of Nursing may request that you interview with program faculty as part of the admission process.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• One of my favorite parts of teaching nursing is seeing students' confidence grow as they develop new skills and competencies. The school is located on the campus of OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center, which is the fifth-largest medical center in the state. What that means for you as a student is that you will have access to rich clinical experiences in a 600-bed medical center that features state-of-the-art skills and simulation labs designed to help enrich your learning experience.• As a nurse educator, I encourage prospective students to consider nursing programs carefully before committing to one. A few important things to think about are how long the school has offered nursing education programs and the success rate of program graduates. For example, Saint Francis Medical Center has a history of more than 120 years of nursing education. Graduates of the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program are well-equipped to lead the charge in providing high-quality, patient-centered care to neonatal patients and their families.
• At SFMC, you will gain diverse clinical experience across settings, including Level III and Level IV Neonatal ICUs. The clinical practicums focus on critically and acutely ill neonates and are supervised by experienced Neonatal Nurse Practitioners and Neonatologists. With dedicated faculty and preceptors to guide your learning experiences, you will be prepared to step into your new role as a Neonatal NP with confidence!
HOW MUCH DO NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER GRADUATES MAKE IN ILLINOIS?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN ILLINOIS EXPECT?
| Hourly | $48.32 |
| Weekly | $1,933 |
| Monthly | $8,380 |
| Annual | $100,500 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN ILLINOIS EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $48.32 | $1,933 | $8,380 | $100,500 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $54.67 | $2,187 | $9,480 | $113,710 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $64.53 | $2,581 | $11,190 | $134,230 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $71.87 | $2,875 | $12,460 | $149,480 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $85.88 | $3,435 | $14,890 | $178,640 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ILLINOIS?
| Hourly | $65.67 |
| Weekly | $2,627 |
| Monthly | $11,380 |
| Annual | $136,600 |
HOW MUCH DO NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONERS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF ILLINOIS?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Bloomington | $64.62 | $2,585 | $11,200 | $134,410 |
| Carbondale-Marion | $59.96 | $2,398 | $10,390 | $124,710 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $67.03 | $2,681 | $11,620 | $139,430 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $66.90 | $2,676 | $11,600 | $139,150 |
| Decatur | $59.50 | $2,380 | $10,310 | $123,750 |
| Kankakee | $64.74 | $2,589 | $11,220 | $134,650 |
| Peoria | $65.23 | $2,609 | $11,310 | $135,670 |
| Rockford | $64.47 | $2,579 | $11,170 | $134,090 |
| Springfield | $63.13 | $2,525 | $10,940 | $131,300 |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ILLINOIS VS. OTHER SALARIES
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ILLINOIS VS. NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Illinois Neonatal NP Annual Salary | Average National Neonatal NP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $136,600 | $138,310 | -$1,710 | -1.24% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ILLINOIS VS. NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $173,890 | -$37,290 | -21.44% |
| Nevada | $160,030 | -$23,430 | -14.64% |
| Washington | $156,510 | -$19,910 | -12.72% |
| New Jersey | $156,110 | -$19,510 | -12.50% |
| Oregon | $156,030 | -$19,430 | -12.45% |
| Massachusetts | $155,020 | -$18,420 | -11.88% |
| New York | $153,750 | -$17,150 | -11.15% |
| Connecticut | $147,450 | -$10,850 | -7.36% |
| New Mexico | $147,220 | -$10,620 | -7.21% |
| Minnesota | $145,330 | -$8,730 | -6.01% |
| District of Columbia | $145,160 | -$8,560 | -5.90% |
| Rhode Island | $143,660 | -$7,060 | -4.91% |
| Hawaii | $142,740 | -$6,140 | -4.30% |
| Arizona | $142,690 | -$6,090 | -4.27% |
| Delaware | $141,130 | -$4,530 | -3.21% |
| Iowa | $140,820 | -$4,220 | -3.00% |
| New Hampshire | $140,730 | -$4,130 | -2.93% |
| Texas | $139,950 | -$3,350 | -2.39% |
| Wisconsin | $138,140 | -$1,540 | -1.11% |
| Maryland | $137,770 | -$1,170 | -0.85% |
| Utah | $137,590 | -$990 | -0.72% |
| North Dakota | $137,520 | -$920 | -0.67% |
| Pennsylvania | $137,190 | -$590 | -0.43% |
| Illinois | $136,600 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Alaska | $135,810 | +$790 | +0.58% |
| Vermont | $135,740 | +$860 | +0.63% |
| Montana | $134,170 | +$2,430 | +1.81% |
| Idaho | $134,070 | +$2,530 | +1.89% |
| Oklahoma | $133,830 | +$2,770 | +2.07% |
| Wyoming | $133,000 | +$3,600 | +2.71% |
| Indiana | $132,740 | +$3,860 | +2.91% |
| Maine | $132,340 | +$4,260 | +3.22% |
| Ohio | $132,260 | +$4,340 | +3.28% |
| Colorado | $131,310 | +$5,290 | +4.03% |
| Nebraska | $130,980 | +$5,620 | +4.29% |
| North Carolina | $130,880 | +$5,720 | +4.37% |
| Georgia | $130,410 | +$6,190 | +4.75% |
| South Dakota | $130,230 | +$6,370 | +4.89% |
| Virginia | $130,110 | +$6,490 | +4.99% |
| Michigan | $129,900 | +$6,700 | +5.16% |
| Florida | $128,860 | +$7,740 | +6.01% |
| Kansas | $128,390 | +$8,210 | +6.39% |
| Louisiana | $127,740 | +$8,860 | +6.94% |
| Mississippi | $126,470 | +$10,130 | +8.01% |
| South Carolina | $125,880 | +$10,720 | +8.52% |
| Missouri | $125,600 | +$11,000 | +8.76% |
| West Virginia | $122,120 | +$14,480 | +11.86% |
| Arkansas | $122,080 | +$14,520 | +11.89% |
| Kentucky | $118,810 | +$17,790 | +14.97% |
| Alabama | $118,430 | +$18,170 | +15.34% |
| Tennessee | $111,650 | +$24,950 | +22.35% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ILLINOIS VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN ILLINOIS
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $281,240 | -$144,640 | -51.43% |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $136,600 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $123,820 | +$12,780 | +10.32% |
| Registered Nurse | $87,650 | +$48,950 | +55.85% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $81,720 | +$54,880 | +67.16% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $64,630 | +$71,970 | +111.36% |
| Nursing Assistant | $41,300 | +$95,300 | +230.75% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ILLINOIS VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN ILLINOIS
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $165,760 | -$29,160 | -17.59% |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $136,600 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Pharmacist | $133,050 | +$3,550 | +2.67% |
| Optometrist | $129,440 | +$7,160 | +5.53% |
| Physician Assistant | $122,720 | +$13,880 | +11.31% |
| Veterinarian | $118,040 | +$18,560 | +15.72% |
| Physical Therapist | $104,640 | +$31,960 | +30.54% |
| Podiatrist | $99,400 | +$37,200 | +37.42% |
| Occupational Therapist | $96,160 | +$40,440 | +42.05% |
| Radiation Therapist | $95,020 | +$41,580 | +43.76% |
| Audiologist | $89,390 | +$47,210 | +52.81% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $87,910 | +$48,690 | +55.39% |
| Dental Hygienist | $82,470 | +$54,130 | +65.64% |
| Chiropractor | $69,480 | +$67,120 | +96.60% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs In Illinois?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Schools Are There In Illinois?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Hour In Illinois?
| $65.67 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Week In Illinois?
| $2,627 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Month In Illinois?
| $11,380 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Year In Illinois?
| $136,600 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For Neonatal Nurse Practitioners In Illinois?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +41.14% |
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.
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