Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Illinois (Online & Campus) – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Could working with children and adolescents offer you the fulfillment you're looking for as an APRN in Illinois? Graduating from one of the pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Illinois will prepare you to treat children and adolescents whose illnesses and chronic health conditions manifest differently than they do in adults. Specialize in pediatric acute care or pediatric primary care! Benefits of the PNP career track in Illinois include a lucrative salary and job security: PNPs in the Land of Lincoln make $124,610 a year on average, and in 10 years, their employment opportunities will be 41 percent higher than they are now. Find out more in this guide to the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Illinois.
FOLLOWING ARE THE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN ILLINOIS (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs in Illinois.)
1. Rush University - Chicago
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP (for APRNs), MSN-to-DNP (non-APRNs), and Post Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP (for APRNs) Specialties Offered: Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP (non-APRNs) Specialties Offered: Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Post Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Not long after graduating from nursing school, I had the opportunity to work as a pediatric nurse at a university hospital. Of all my experiences in nursing, caring for infants and children was one of the most rewarding. If you are a nurse who loves pediatric care, and you are considering pursuing an advanced degree to broaden your scope of practice and have more autonomy, becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner could be the perfect path.
There are several schools that offer PNP programs to choose from, like the pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Illinois offered at Rush University. At Rush University, baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurses can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, choosing to specialize as an Acute Care or Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
The BSN-to-DNP program is offered part-time and takes three and two-thirds years to complete. New classes begin each fall. All courses are offered online, making this an excellent option if you need flexibility with scheduling due to work or other obligations. You will be required to complete two campus-based simulation experiences, one per trimester during the spring and fall terms of clinical courses. Simulation experiences typically last one full day.
Both the Acute Care and Primary Care PNP pathways require the completion of 68 credits and at least 1,008 practicum and residency hours. The curriculum plans consist of graduate nursing core, advanced practice nursing core, DNP core, and population/role cognate courses.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at Rush University, you must have a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited institution and a current RN license in the United States. Applications are completed through NursingCAS. You are required to submit three professional letters of recommendation from individuals in leadership positions, a resume or curriculum vitae, answers to Personal Essay Questions, and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you previously attended. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required.
Additionally, if you wish to pursue the Pediatric Acute Care pathway, you need a minimum of six months of recent acute care pediatric nursing experience by the application deadline. Preference is given to candidates seeking admission to the Primary Care Pediatric NP path who have RN experience in a pediatric setting. Before receiving an offer of admission, you must interview with program faculty.
MSN-to-DNP (for APRNs) Program Details: The MSN-to-DNP program for APRNs is designed for nurses who hold a current advanced practice nursing certification and wish to expand upon their role by obtaining academic preparation and clinical training. You may choose a Primary or Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner focus. Students are admitted in the fall each year. It typically takes two years for students with a current APRN to complete the program.
The post-Master's DNP Pediatric NP program requires a minimum of 29 credit hours. A GAP analysis will be performed upon admission, and an individualized plan of study will be developed based on your previous graduate education and clinical experiences. All DNP students complete at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate practicum, DNP Specialty Practicum, and Immersion hours. The GAP analysis will involve a review of any graduate-level clinicals you have completed.
MSN-to-DNP (for APRNs) Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN-to-DNP program for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, you need a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or university, a current, unencumbered RN license, and evidence of current APRN certification and active practice within the past two years.
You must submit three letters of professional recommendation, a resume or curriculum vitae, answers to personal essay questions, and official transcripts reflecting a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. A personal interview with program faculty is also required.
The required prerequisites must either be completed before admission to the MSN-to-DNP program, or they will be added to your plan of study.
MSN-to-DNP (non-APRNs) Program Details: The MSN-to-DNP pathway for non-APRNs is an excellent option for nurses with a master’s degree who want to add a specialty certification in acute or primary pediatric care. The program is offered part-time and takes an average of three years to complete. Admission occurs each fall semester.
The majority of coursework is delivered online asynchronously. You will make periodic visits to campus for the proposal presentation and final presentation of your DNP project. Both the Acute Care and Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner pathways feature 56-credit study plans that include 1,008 practicum and immersion hours. Additional courses or clinical hours may be added to your study plan after reviewing your academic portfolio.
MSN-to-DNP (non-APRNs) Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the MSN-to-DNP program for non APRNs must have a master’s degree in nursing and an active, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the U.S. As with the other DNP programs, you must provide a resume or CV that reflects any community service, educational, leadership, and professional organization memberships and activities, scholarly activities, and work experience. You also need to submit three professional letters of recommendation and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you attended and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. A personal interview with the faculty is also required.
Post Graduate Certificate Program Details: Rush University also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate option for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who wish to expand their knowledge and skills by becoming a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The program is offered on a part-time basis and follows a cohort model. The program admits students three times per year in the summer, fall, and spring semesters. Most classes are online.
If you are a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner or Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, you can anticipate completing the program in eight months. Students with other advanced practice degrees may take longer, as additional prerequisite coursework may be required.
A minimum of 12 credits is required to complete the Post Graduate Certificate. Upon admission, your advisor will conduct a GAP analysis to determine a personal plan of study. Clinical practicum hours are required as well as two campus visits. Campus visits last for one week and occur during each pediatric acute care management course.
Post Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Candidates for the Post-Graduate Certificate program must have a graduate degree in nursing that qualifies them to sit for APRN certification and a United States RN license. You will be required to submit substantive answers to personal essay questions, a curriculum vitae or resume, three letters of recommendation from individuals in leadership positions who can speak to your clinical abilities, and official transcripts. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required. Additionally, you must have at least two years of recent acute care pediatric nursing experience before the application deadline. After meeting all other admission requirements, you will be asked to participate in an admission interview with program faculty.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• One of the most crucial components of your Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program is the clinical practicum and immersion experiences. As a nurse educator, I appreciate the collaborative approach Rush University offers when it comes to arranging clinical experiences for students in its PNP programs. Local and distance learning students work with faculty and the Clinical Site Project Coordinator to identify and secure clinical practicum sites with qualified preceptors. Having support from program leaders allows you to focus on studies and clinicals without worrying about whether you will have clinical sites when it comes time to begin these important rotations.• Rush University is committed to helping students succeed, and providing excellent support services is part of that commitment. Upon admission, you will be assigned a program-specific advisor who will work closely with you throughout the program. Your advisor will be the go-to person for excellent resources and answers to questions.
• As a student in the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program in Illinois at Rush University, you will also have access to the Center for Academic Excellence. The Center offers one-on-one coaching, workshops, writing assistance, and other support to help you build the skills and confidence you need to succeed in the program and beyond.
• Following graduation from the PNP program, the next step in your career is to take the national certification examination to become board-certified. Rush University understands the importance of being prepared for this exam. The school provides certification review, coaching, practice exams, and goal-setting guides to help you further your studies. The support offered by the school is excellent, as evidenced by a 100% pass rate among first-time test takers!
2. University of Illinois Chicago - Chicago
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-DNP Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Post-DNP Certificate Specialties Offered: Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The University of Illinois Chicago is home to another outstanding pediatric nurse practitioner program in Illinois. You have the option of pursuing an Acute Care or Primary Care PNP focus. The BSN-to-DNP program admits new classes each fall. The program can be completed in as few as two years or up to six years. Most students, however, take an average of four years to complete the post-baccalaureate DNP. The time it takes to complete the program is based on whether you enroll part-time or full-time and the courseload you carry.
Admission to the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs occurs in the fall each year. The Acute Care and Primary Care PNP post-bachelor's DNP pathways require 74 and 75 credits, respectively. Curriculum plans include DNP core courses, APRN core courses, Pediatric Primary or Acute Care Concentration courses, and DNP Practicum/Project courses. You will study in classes, including applied Pharmacotherapeutics in Advanced Practice in Nursing, Population Health Across the Healthcare Continuum, and APRN Role Transition & Professional Development. Each pathway has concentration-specific courses based on your chosen pathway.
Clinical practicums are an integral part of the DNP program. To ensure that you have adequate experiences with qualified preceptors, practicum sites and preceptor contracts are arranged by faculty. You will complete at least 1,035 clinical hours, including direct patient care hours and DNP Project hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Illinois, Chicago, you must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a CCNE- or NLN-accredited nursing program or an associate degree in nursing and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. All candidates must hold a valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Illinois or a bordering state.
You are required to complete an application through NursingCAS and complete a UIC Nursing Graduate Supplemental Application. Candidates are required to provide an application essay, a current resume or curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts. A College of Nursing via the Kira platform with NursingCAS is also required.
Post-DNP Certificate Program Details: If you are a doctorally-prepared nurse who wants to broaden your scope of practice by becoming certified as a Pediatric Acute Care or Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, the Post-DNP Certificate program at the University of Illinois Chicago is worth considering. The program is offered in a hybrid learning format, consisting of online, campus-based, and blended courses. Admission occurs in the fall semester annually.
The Primary Care Post-DNP Pediatric NP pathway features a 23-credit curriculum and includes 675 clinical hours. Students pursuing the Acute Care pathway complete a minimum of three pediatric acute care management courses and three practicum courses. The Acute Care PNP Post-DNP Certificate program requires the completion of 750 clinical hours. There are some cases in which a certified Nurse Practitioner who is practicing out of their current scope in the new focus area may have transferable clinical hours. The Department of Nursing will conduct an individual GAP analysis to determine if you have eligible hours to transfer.
Post-DNP Certificate Admission Requirements: Prospective students must have a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from an accredited institution and an active, unencumbered RN license and APRN license, if applicable.
To apply, you must first complete a NursingCAS and UIC Nursing Graduate Supplemental Application. Additionally, you must provide a resume or curriculum vitae, an application essay, contact information for one recommender who can speak to your likelihood of success in the program. You also need to submit all academic credentials/transcripts for review. A minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 is required. All qualified applicants with complete applications will be contacted by the UIC College of Nursing to schedule an admission interview, which is required as part of the application process.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a healthcare educator, I support the concept of simulated learning. Simulated learning experiences offer students an excellent opportunity to develop and hone essential skills in safe, controlled environments. The University of Illinois Chicago is the only nursing program in the state to earn a top endorsement by the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning, which speaks volumes about the quality of the program and learning opportunities students receive.• The University of Illinois Chicago is home to the state-of-the-art Schwartz Simulation Lab. The lab is a $6.1 million facility that spans 15,000 square feet of teaching and learning space. The Simulation Lab consists of a family birthing suite, simulated emergency room, five outpatient exam rooms, a home health apartment, a mental health suite, flex simulation rooms, debriefing rooms, and team-based learning classrooms.
• One of the main concerns for potential students considering going back to college is the financial commitment that is required. The University of Illinois Chicago understands that concern and has several options available. If you are an Illinois resident whose family earns $75,000 or less per year, you may be eligible for zero-cost tuition. Other forms of financial assistance are available, including grants, loans, scholarships, and assistantships.
• At UIC, you will learn from dedicated, renowned faculty who are dedicated to your success and improving healthcare outcomes for patients. For example, Professor Saria Lofton received a $3 million grant for a research program called “Food is Medicine.” Through this study, Professor Lofton and her team study the effects of diet and nutrition on African Americans with hypertension.
HOW MUCH DO PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER GRADUATES MAKE IN ILLINOIS?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN ILLINOIS EXPECT?
| Hourly | $44.08 |
| Weekly | $1,763 |
| Monthly | $7,640 |
| Annual | $91,680 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN ILLINOIS EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $44.08 | $1,763 | $7,640 | $91,680 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $49.87 | $1,995 | $8,640 | $103,730 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $58.87 | $2,355 | $10,200 | $122,450 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $65.56 | $2,622 | $11,360 | $136,360 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $78.35 | $3,134 | $13,580 | $162,960 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ILLINOIS?
| Hourly | $59.91 |
| Weekly | $2,396 |
| Monthly | $10,380 |
| Annual | $124,610 |
HOW MUCH DO PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF ILLINOIS?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Bloomington | $58.95 | $2,358 | $10,220 | $122,620 |
| Carbondale-Marion | $54.70 | $2,188 | $9,480 | $113,770 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $61.15 | $2,446 | $10,600 | $127,200 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $61.03 | $2,441 | $10,580 | $126,940 |
| Decatur | $54.27 | $2,171 | $9,410 | $112,890 |
| Kankakee | $59.06 | $2,362 | $10,240 | $122,840 |
| Peoria | $59.50 | $2,380 | $10,310 | $123,770 |
| Rockford | $58.81 | $2,353 | $10,190 | $122,330 |
| Springfield | $57.59 | $2,303 | $9,980 | $119,780 |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ILLINOIS VS. OTHER SALARIES
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ILLINOIS VS. PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Illinois Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Average National Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $124,610 | $126,175 | -$1,565 | -1.24% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ILLINOIS VS. PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $158,630 | -$34,020 | -21.45% |
| Nevada | $145,990 | -$21,380 | -14.64% |
| Washington | $142,780 | -$18,170 | -12.73% |
| New Jersey | $142,420 | -$17,810 | -12.51% |
| Oregon | $142,340 | -$17,730 | -12.46% |
| Massachusetts | $141,420 | -$16,810 | -11.89% |
| New York | $140,260 | -$15,650 | -11.16% |
| Connecticut | $134,510 | -$9,900 | -7.36% |
| New Mexico | $134,310 | -$9,700 | -7.22% |
| Minnesota | $132,580 | -$7,970 | -6.01% |
| District of Columbia | $132,420 | -$7,810 | -5.90% |
| Rhode Island | $131,060 | -$6,450 | -4.92% |
| Hawaii | $130,220 | -$5,610 | -4.31% |
| Arizona | $130,170 | -$5,560 | -4.27% |
| Delaware | $128,750 | -$4,140 | -3.22% |
| Iowa | $128,460 | -$3,850 | -3.00% |
| New Hampshire | $128,380 | -$3,770 | -2.94% |
| Texas | $127,670 | -$3,060 | -2.40% |
| Wisconsin | $126,020 | -$1,410 | -1.12% |
| Maryland | $125,680 | -$1,070 | -0.85% |
| Utah | $125,520 | -$910 | -0.72% |
| North Dakota | $125,460 | -$850 | -0.68% |
| Pennsylvania | $125,150 | -$540 | -0.43% |
| Illinois | $124,610 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Alaska | $123,900 | +$710 | +0.57% |
| Vermont | $123,830 | +$780 | +0.63% |
| Montana | $122,390 | +$2,220 | +1.81% |
| Idaho | $122,310 | +$2,300 | +1.88% |
| Oklahoma | $122,090 | +$2,520 | +2.06% |
| Wyoming | $121,330 | +$3,280 | +2.70% |
| Indiana | $121,100 | +$3,510 | +2.90% |
| Maine | $120,720 | +$3,890 | +3.22% |
| Ohio | $120,660 | +$3,950 | +3.27% |
| Colorado | $119,790 | +$4,820 | +4.02% |
| Nebraska | $119,490 | +$5,120 | +4.28% |
| North Carolina | $119,400 | +$5,210 | +4.36% |
| Georgia | $118,970 | +$5,640 | +4.74% |
| South Dakota | $118,800 | +$5,810 | +4.89% |
| Virginia | $118,690 | +$5,920 | +4.99% |
| Michigan | $118,510 | +$6,100 | +5.15% |
| Florida | $117,550 | +$7,060 | +6.01% |
| Kansas | $117,120 | +$7,490 | +6.40% |
| Louisiana | $116,530 | +$8,080 | +6.93% |
| Mississippi | $115,370 | +$9,240 | +8.01% |
| South Carolina | $114,830 | +$9,780 | +8.52% |
| Missouri | $114,580 | +$10,030 | +8.75% |
| West Virginia | $111,410 | +$13,200 | +11.85% |
| Arkansas | $111,370 | +$13,240 | +11.89% |
| Kentucky | $108,380 | +$16,230 | +14.98% |
| Alabama | $108,040 | +$16,570 | +15.34% |
| Tennessee | $101,850 | +$22,760 | +22.35% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ILLINOIS VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN ILLINOIS
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $281,240 | -$156,630 | -55.69% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $124,610 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $123,820 | +$790 | +0.64% |
| Registered Nurse | $87,650 | +$36,960 | +42.17% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $81,720 | +$42,890 | +52.48% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $64,630 | +$59,980 | +92.81% |
| Nursing Assistant | $41,300 | +$83,310 | +201.72% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ILLINOIS VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN ILLINOIS
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $165,760 | -$41,150 | -24.83% |
| Pharmacist | $133,050 | -$8,440 | -6.34% |
| Optometrist | $129,440 | -$4,830 | -3.73% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $124,610 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $122,720 | +$1,890 | +1.54% |
| Veterinarian | $118,040 | +$6,570 | +5.57% |
| Physical Therapist | $104,640 | +$19,970 | +19.08% |
| Podiatrist | $99,400 | +$25,210 | +25.36% |
| Occupational Therapist | $96,160 | +$28,450 | +29.59% |
| Radiation Therapist | $95,020 | +$29,590 | +31.14% |
| Audiologist | $89,390 | +$35,220 | +39.40% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $87,910 | +$36,700 | +41.75% |
| Dental Hygienist | $82,470 | +$42,140 | +51.10% |
| Chiropractor | $69,480 | +$55,130 | +79.35% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits Pediatric 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 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Schools Are There In Illinois?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Hour In Illinois?
| $59.91 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Week In Illinois?
| $2,396 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Month In Illinois?
| $10,380 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Year In Illinois?
| $124,610 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For Pediatric Nurse Practitioners In Illinois?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +41.14% |
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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