6 Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Illinois (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Are you an RN interested in tackling the mental health crisis Illinois is facing? Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners in the Prairie State offer services as part of a comprehensive care strategy. They work in medical centers, emergency rooms, addiction recovery centers, community health agencies, and many other types of facilities. Demand for their services is projected to increase by 44 percent within the next decade. Graduates of PMHNP programs in Illinois make good money, too: $130,120 annually. Does becoming a PMHNP sound like a good fit for your career goals? Get started by reading about the 6 best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Illinois for 2025.
FOLLOWING ARE THE 6 BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN ILLINOIS (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 6 best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Illinois.)
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP
About the School: Rush University could be an excellent choice if you are searching for the perfect school to pursue a degree and become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The school offers two pathways for students desiring to earn a terminal nursing degree and specialize as psychiatric nurse practitioners: the BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP programs.
The university employs nationally and internationally renowned faculty known for their expertise in nursing practice, research, and education. Rush University is ranked by US News & World Report in its Best Grad Schools category for Doctor of Nursing Practice programs and Online Graduate Nursing Programs.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program at Rush University is one of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Illinois. The program is offered in an online format with part-time and full-time study options, making it a great choice for working nurses or those with busy schedules. Full-time BSN-to-DNP students can complete the program in three years. Part-time students typically graduate in three and a half years.
The BSN-to-DNP PMHNP curriculum consists of 68 term hours of study. Coursework includes graduate nursing, advanced practice, and DNP core courses, and population/role cognate courses. Students study classes such as Applied Epidemiology & Biostatistics in Nursing, Antiracism in Organizational Leadership, Major Psychopathological Disorders, and Psychiatric Assessment Across the Lifespan.
The program also includes four DNP practicum experiences and a DNP immersion residency. By the time you graduate from the BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program, you will have earned at least 1,008 clinical hours.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: Another excellent option for a PMHNP program in Illinois at Rush University is the MSN-to-DNP program. This pathway is designed for the master's-prepared registered nurse who holds an MSN and has a current, unrestricted license to practice as an RN. Rush University offers plans of study for MSN registered nurses with and without APRN certification.
The MSN-to-DNP curriculum for APRNs consists of 30 term hours of coursework earned through population/role cognates and DNP practicum and project completion. Some of the classes in this pathway include Psychopharmacology, Neuropathophysiology: A Lifespan Approach, and Diagnostics & Management: Evidence-Based Treatment.
In addition to population/role cognates and DNP practicum and project completion, non-APRNs complete advanced practice nursing, and DNP core. Non-APRNs complete 56 term hours, including advanced courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment.
MSN-to-DNP students must complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. A GAP analysis of previous clinical practicum hours will determine the number of clinical hours you need in this program.
2. University of Illinois at Chicago - Chicago
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and
Post-DNP Certificate
About the School: The University of Illinois at Chicago offers two excellent options for the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Illinois. The university is ranked by US News as one of the Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice.
The UI-C College of Nursing boasts of top-ranked faculty who are experts in the field, stating the College of Nursing faculty are the
“driving force behind our program’s high rankings.” 29 faculty members are American Academy of Nurses fellows, and eight are international Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame members.
Graduates of the University of Illinois at Chicago DNP-Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program consistently have high pass rates on national certification examinations and excellent job placement ratings following completion of the program.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and want to find a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program in Illinois, the University of Illinois at Chicago has a program worth considering. The BSN-to-DNP program is offered in a hybrid format combining on-site, online, and blended courses, and clinical practicum and culminates with the creation and presentation of a DNP Scholarly Project. The program can be completed in three to five years, depending on whether you choose to enroll as a part-time or full-time student.
This BSN-to-DNP program features an 85-credit hour curriculum including DNP and APRN core courses and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration courses. As a student in the BSN-to-DNP program, you will study Mental Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, Group Dynamics, Behavior & Intervention, Advanced Physiological Principles Across the Lifespan, and Applied Pharmaceutical Intervention Advanced Practice Nursing. All students in the BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program complete at least 1,000 hours of hands-on clinicals in various sites relevant to the concentration.
Post-DNP Certificate Program Details: The post-DNP Certificate program offers Doctoral-prepared nurses desiring to expand their scope of practice the opportunity to do so with minimal disruption to their busy schedules. The program features a hybrid format including online, blended, and campus-based courses and in-person clinicals. Full-time students can complete the program in just three semesters.
The Post-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a 31-semester hour curriculum with classes, including Child & Adult Mental Health Assessment & Intervention, Mental health assessment of Acute and Chronic Illness, and Family Behavioral Care. The program also includes three practicum courses, each with a corresponding clinical practicum. Upon completion of the post-DNP PMHNP program, you will have earned a minimum of 675 clinical hours.
3. Loyola University Chicago - Maywood
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP
About the School: Loyola University Chicago’s Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing strives to transform the health of patients, families, and populations, promote social justice, and advocate for health equity for all people. The university values the Jesuit Catholic tradition and operates under the core values of commitment to excellence, faith in God and the religious tradition, service that promotes justice, values-based leadership, and global awareness.
Loyola supports transformative education by preparing students to fulfill their greatest potential as professional nurses. These values and beliefs are evident in the programs the school offers, which is why individuals seeking psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Illinois turn to Loyola.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The PMHNP program in Illinois at Loyola University is available to registered nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing who have a current, unencumbered license to practice as an RN. The program is offered in a blended format with in-person and online instruction, as well as immersion weekends held at Loyola’s Health Science Campus. The program offers part-time and full-time study plans and can be completed in four to five years.
The BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program features a 72-credit hour curriculum. Students in this program study classes, including Social Justice & Ethics in Healthcare, Psychotherapeutic Modalities for Individuals, Groups, & Families, Psychopharmacology Across the lifespan, and Psychiatric Mental Health Assessment Across the Lifespan.
Loyola University is the first nursing school in the United States to offer a Substance Use and Additions specialty as an add-on to its Psychiatric Mental Health DNP program track. Students in the PMHNP-DNP program may earn the Substance Use & Addictions specialty by taking three courses in addition to the DNP plan of study: Advanced Practice Nursing of Clients with Substance Use & Addictive Disorders Across the Lifespan I & II and Psychiatric Mental Health Substance Use & Addictive Disorders Practicum experiences.
Students in the BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program must complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours.
4. Lewis University - Romeoville
Programs Offered: MSN and
Post-Master’s Certificate
About the School: Lewis University is home to two more options for the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Illinois. The university has a history of more than 40 years of nursing education and partnership with healthcare facilities in Illinois. Lewis University offers state-of-the-art simulation acute care labs and hospital rooms, low student-to-faculty ratios, and expert faculty dedicated to your success. US News & World Report ranks Lewis University as one of the Best Colleges for Online Nursing Programs: Master's, supporting our belief it is an excellent choice for nurses desiring to earn an MSN and become a PMHNP.
MSN Program Details: The MSN-PMHNP program at Lewis University is available to baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses with an active, unrestricted license to practice. The program is offered in multiple formats, including 16-week regular, 8-week accelerated, online, and evening classes. Full-time students can expect to complete the program in two years. Part-time students usually graduate in three and a half to four years.
All students in the Lewis University Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-MSN program complete 49 credit hours. In this pathway, you will take classes like Psychiatric Assessment & Diagnosis Across the Lifespan, Applied Physiology & Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nursing, and Psychopharmacology for Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. The MSN-PMHNP program also includes 540 clinical hours designed to give you firsthand experience caring for people dealing with mental health issues.
Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: If you have a master’s degree and want to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, a post-master's PMHNP program in Illinois, like the one offered at Lewis University could be a great option for you. The program can be completed in three semesters and is offered in a hybrid format, with classes delivered online and clinicals completed in-person.
The Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate program features a 31-credit curriculum designed to help master’s-prepared registered nurses transition to the advanced practice role of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The curriculum consists of classes, including Implementation of Pharmacotherapy for Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Epidemiology, and Introduction to Psychotherapy for Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. You will participate in three practicum experiences, each consisting of 180 clinical hours, earning a minimum of 560 clinical practicum hours.
5. Saint Francis Medical Center - Peoria
Programs Offered: MSN,
BSN-to-DNP, and
Post-Graduate Certificate
About the School: Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing has been a source of high-quality nursing education for more than 100 years. So, it's no surprise it is among our list of top schools where you can pursue a psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Illinois. The college offers low student-to-faculty ratios and renowned faculty, dedicated to your success. Saint Francis Medical Center CON boasts low attrition rates, high student satisfaction rates, and excellent national certification examination pass rates for graduates. Additionally, the College of Nursing is ranked by
US News & World Report as having one of the Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs.
MSN Program Details: The Master of Science in Nursing-PMHNP program in Illinois at Saint Francis Medical Center offers a 49-credit curriculum designed for completion in four years of part-time study. The program features online classes and clinicals in your home area.
The MSN-PMHNP program includes classes such as Advanced Health Assessment, Clinical Reasoning, & Diagnosis Across the Lifespan, Family Mental Health Psychopharmacology, and Advanced Psychiatric Nursing: Diagnosis & Management of Adults & Specialty Populations. The MSN-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program requires students to complete at least 640 clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is designed in an online format. Students can complete the 77-credit curriculum in six years of part-time study. Classes in the BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program include Analysis of Evidence-Based Practice, Principles of Epidemiology & Health Promotion in Advanced Nursing Practice, Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan, and Advanced Psychiatric Nursing: Diagnosis & Management of Adults & Specialty Populations. The program includes 1,152 clinical hours.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you have a Master of Science in Nursing degree and desire a career caring for individuals with mental health needs, the Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate program at Saint Francis Medical Center School of Nursing is an excellent option. This seven-semester online pathway features a 37-credit hour curriculum. Students in the Post-Graduate PMHNP program also earn 640 hours of clinical practice. In this pathway, you will take classes, including Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: Diagnosis & Management of Children & Adolescents, Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan, and Roles & Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing.
6. University of Saint Francis - Joliet
Programs Offered: MSN and
Post-Master’s Certificate
About the School: The University of Saint Francis is a private university founded on the Catholic faith. However, students from all religious and spiritual backgrounds are welcome. The university is home to the Cecily and John Leach College of Nursing.
The Leach College of Nursing is dedicated to preparing highly qualified professional nurses capable of providing excellent nursing care at advanced levels. The university is home to two options for individuals seeking psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Illinois, the MSN and Post-Master's Certificate PMHNP programs.
MSN Program Details: The MSN-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Saint Francis is designed in a hybrid format, with most work completed online. You may be required to visit the campus up to four times during the program. Clinical practicums are completed at approved locations near your home. The MSN-PMHNP program can be completed in as few as two years.
The MSN curriculum includes graduate and advanced practice core courses, practicum courses, and optional education courses. Students complete between 47 and 56 credits, depending on previously earned credits. Some of the classes in this PMHNP pathway include Biostatistics & Research, Pharmacotherapeutics in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing, and Psychiatric Mental Health NP Clinical Management. The program includes three clinical courses, with students earning 675 clinical hours.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Registered nurses with an active, unencumbered license to practice as an RN and desiring a role transition to Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner may find the Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate program a good option. The Post-Master's Certificate PMHNP program in Illinois at the University of Saint Francis features a hybrid format and can be completed in as few as three semesters.
The program consists of a 31 to 43-credit-hour hybrid curriculum. In this pathway, you will complete advanced practice core courses, including Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Health Assessment. Students in this pathway also complete 675 clinical hours.
VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
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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