6 Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Chicago, IL (Online & Campus) – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

The provision of healthcare is one of the economic engines that drives Chicago, so it’s small wonder that The Windy City’s professional healthcare schools are among the finest in the nation. As a student at one of the accredited nurse practitioner schools in Chicago, you’ll learn to handle every challenge that’s likely to come your way when you practice as a professional. Should you choose to embark upon a career in Chicago, you’ll be joining a workforce of nearly 5,800 other nurse practitioners and earn $126,020 a year on average. The following info should bring you up to speed on the best nurse practitioner programs in Chicago for 2025.



WHAT ARE THE BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN CHICAGO, IL (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 6 Best NP programs in Chicago, Illinois (Online & Campus) for the year 2025.)

1. Rush University


Programs Offered:

DNP, Postgraduate Certificate, and Postdoctoral Certificate

If you are keen on enrolling in any of the evidence-based nurse practitioner programs in Chicago, Illinois then you might want to learn about Rush University. The university’s nursing school has received national acclaim for clinical excellence, little wonder its NP graduates are preferred by employers not only in Chicago but also throughout the country. As an aspiring nurse practitioner, depending on your current credentials and career goals, you can enter Rush’s DNP, post-graduate certificate, or post-doctoral certificate programs and be prepared to play the role of a nurse leader.

DNP Concentrations:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

This DNP program is meant for BSN or MSN graduates who aspire to achieve the highest nursing degree along with specialized knowledge and skills in a specialty of their choice. Available in seven concentration options, after a BSN you will typically take 3.5 years to complete this program, whereas as an MSN graduate the duration depends on the previous coursework completed as the final requirements are individualized after performing a gap analysis. Regardless of how you enter, the coursework is offered in a hybrid format, with both part-time and full-time schedules. The Neonatal concentration, in particular, is the only track that is offered completely online and can be completed only on a part-time basis.

Postgraduate Certificate Concentrations:

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

This certificate is ideal for you if you have completed your MSN and want to specialize in either neonatal care, acute pediatric care, or psychiatric mental health. While the neonatal track requires two years of study, the other two tracks can be completed within a year.

Postdoctoral Certificate Concentrations:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care

If you are DNP or Ph.D. prepared nurse and are keen on offering care to adults and the aged with critical health conditions, then this track will serve you well. To qualify for admission, you must have completed at least two years of work experience in critical care. Offred in a hybrid format, classes are offered only on a full-time basis, with the coursework spanning across 1.5 years. In addition to the didactic coursework, the curriculum includes 504 direct clinical hours of hand-on experience at various sites, focusing on patients with critical conditions.


2. University of Illinois at Chicago


Programs Offered:

Post-Master’s DNP and Post-DNP Certificate

Are you exploring nurse practitioner schools in Chicago offering the widest range of specialization options? If yes, then your search may end with the University of Illinois at Chicago that offers a broad spectrum of nurse practitioner concentrations through its two pathways. This top-ranking nursing school which received recognition from the US News & World Report trains nurse leaders who are prepared to transform healthcare delivery, thereby improving health outcomes for a diverse patient population. Whichever pathway or specialty you enroll in, the college’s location right in the middle of Illinois Medical District opens up unapparelled learning opportunities that equip you with advanced nursing skills required to excel in the dynamic healthcare environment.

Post-Master’s DNP Concentrations:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery / Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Whether you choose the track in the care of newborns, infants & children, or enter the adult-gerontology track, or for that matter chose to specialize in women’s health, psychiatric-mental health or in the healthcare of families and individuals across the lifespan, to enter this post-master’s certificate nurse practitioner program in Chicago you must have completed your master’s in nursing. All tracks comprise of didactic courses and clinical training, with specific program requirements individualized based on the courses you have completed in your MSN. At the end of your coursework, you also complete an evidence-based DNP project that is in alignment with your population focus.

Post-DNP Certificate Concentrations:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner,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

If you are a Doctorally prepared nurse who is keen on further expanding your role as a clinical leader then this nurse practitioner program in Chicago will prepare you in a specialty of your choice from a broad range of concentration options. As a DNP graduate, this additional credential will not only help you gain specialized knowledge and skills but with a deeper understanding of caring for specific patient populations, you will be able to greatly impact and transform healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes. Regardless of the track you enter, your coursework will be a combination of online and on-campus learning, requiring you to complete didactic and clinical courses.


3. Depaul University


Programs Offered:

RN to MSN, DNP and Post-Master’s Certificates

Do you see yourself as a nurse practitioner in Chicago, capable of leading healthcare projects immediately after graduation? Well, by enrolling in any of the well-known Depaul University’s practitioner programs in Chicago, you will be prepared to work as an evidence-based nurse, who can manage projects in the development, implementation, and evaluation of health policies. Also, if you strongly feel for the cause of accessible healthcare and health equity, the college’s faculty which engages in research projects on the underserved and vulnerable populations can help you gain a closer understanding of issues, and solutions in tackling the challenges of our healthcare system.

RN to MSN Concentrations:

Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Out of all the nurse practitioner programs in Chicago, this is the only program that advances the career of an ADN prepared nurse, straight to an MSN. This pathway which seamlessly helps you earn a BSN and an MSN-NP, is customized based on your past nursing education and experience. The icing on the cake is you need not keep your current work commitments on hold to pursue this degree as except for the clinical portion of the program, the entire coursework is offered online. Depending on your interest, you can choose either to specialize in adult-gerontology or family health and complete the program anywhere between two to four years depending on whether you enroll for the part-time or full-time schedule. The number of credits required for graduation is anywhere from 42 to 44 credits.

DNP Concentrations:

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner

This DNP program is open to registered nurses with a BSN or an MSN degree. Also, for nurses who have earned the APRN credential, an advanced placement will be offered into the program. You can complete this program with a specialization in either adult-gerontology or family health. To earn your DNP in the specialty of your choice, you must complete credits ranging from 52 to 54, along with a DNP project. Depending on your preference, you can take classes either online or at the Lincoln Park campus.

Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations:

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner

This post-master’s certificate program in adult-gerontology and family healthcare is open to MSN prepared nurses. Available as an online or on-campus program, by completing the required 44 to 46 credits and around 600 clinical hours you will be eligible to take the certification exam and get certified in your chosen specialty.


4. Saint Xavier University


Programs Offered:

MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate

If you are searching for faith-based nurse practitioner programs in Chicago that educate nurses to serve compassionately, then you may want to look into Saint Xavier University. A private Catholic research university, its school of nursing has consistently been recognized as the National League for Nursing Center of Excellence for more than 10 years in a row. The school’s stellar reputation has led to building partnerships with some of the best hospitals, clinical, and healthcare organizations across the metropolis, facilitating diverse clinical experiences for NP students which often translate into employment opportunities, soon after graduation. As a registered nurse if you are ready for the next step in your career, the college offers an MSN and a post-master’s certificate program with a specialization in family health.

MSN Concentrations:

Family Nurse Practitioner

This 25-year-old nurse practitioner program in Chicago, Illinois has trained several FNP graduates who are effectively serving individuals and their families across the country. The evidence-based curriculum focuses on health promotion and disease prevention across all ages. The 100% online coursework can be completed in three years if taken on a full-time basis. To graduate, you must complete 27 core credits, in addition to the 20 credits in FNP specific courses. Additionally, core competencies are put to practice during the 600 hours of clinical experience that you must complete.

Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations:

Family Nurse Practitioner

This post-master’s certificate is a perfect add-on to your MSN. The program is tailormade and course requirements are based on your past nursing degree. To earn the FNP credential you must complete 20 credits after which you will be eligible to take the FNP certification exam.


5. North Park University


Programs Offered:

MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate

Founded in 1891, North Park University is known for its Christian liberal arts education across the country. Likewise, its nursing school has been consistent with faith-based values of compassion and service to humanity. As an NP student, apart from gaining excellence in clinical skills, you will be educated in treating the patient as a whole, caring for the mind, body & soul. The rigorous clinical training, you receive at the nursing school’s 3,000 square feet simulation lab which closely replicates a modern medical clinic allows for ample hands-on practice in a non-threatening environment. To become a nurse practitioner, depending on your goals and previous nursing education, here you can enroll in either one of its MSN or the post-masters’ certificate nurse practitioner programs in Chicago.

MSN Concentrations:

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner

This nurse practitioner program in Chicago comes with specialization options in adult-gerontology care and nursing care of individuals and families of all age groups. Regardless of the track you enter, you start your coursework with graduate nursing core courses, followed by advanced practice core courses and finally progressing to the specialty-specific courses. To graduate you must complete anywhere close to 54 credits and 585 clinical hours.

Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations:

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner

MSN graduates can pursue this post-master’s certificate and gain specialized skills either in adult-gerontology primary care or family health care. Upon completion of the 40-48 credits and 585-675 clinical hours in either of the program, you will gain the eligibility to take the certification exam in your chosen specialty.


6. Resurrection University


Programs Offered:

MSN

As a full-time working RN, going back to school to pursue higher education can get rather demanding. To earn a higher degree in nursing if you are looking at nurse practitioner programs in Chicago that offer convenient class schedules, then Resurrection University can come to your rescue. The nursing school offers its nurse practitioner program through evening classes and weekend clinicals, allowing you to take your nursing career to the next level without keeping your job on hold. As an NP student here, you will master theory along with real-world clinical experiences through the school’s unique Service-Learning elective. Through this optional opportunity, which requires you to travel and serve patients across Alabama to Honduras, you can enhance cultural sensitivity and critical thinking skills.

MSN Concentrations:

Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

This MSN program is designed for BSN graduates who are keen on acquiring a comprehensive skill-set in the care of individuals and families across the lifespan or the adult-elderly patient population. Whether you choose the FNP or the AGNP track, your coursework comprises of MSN core, APN clinical core, and specialty-specific courses. You must earn anywhere close to 48 credits and complete about 670 clinical hours after which you will be eligible to take the certification exam in your chosen specialty.


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